Mary Magdalene’s Way of Love
Intensive Teachings of the Magdalene through the Cathars
Hosted by Kathleen McGowan
May 11 – 20, 2024
THIS TOUR IS SOLD OUT
This retreat is designed for those who are ready for a deeper dive into the teachings of Magdalene and the Cathars. It is also appropriate for our friends with limited mobility who prefer a gentler teaching environment without the long walks.
We stay in the gorgeous retreat houses of Alet les Bains, where we are treated not as tourists but as members of a beloved community. Here you will begin to truly experience what it means to participate in a modern community that celebrates the Way of Love as a Way of Life, and as always you will be treated to exquisite local cuisine and wine.
We will work in sessions with Kathleen on the teachings of the 6-petal-rose in our private secret garden temple, we will study from the Gospels of Mary Magdalene and Phillip, the Pistis Sophia, and for the first time ever Kathleen will teach from the Book of Love. We will visit favorite local places, like the Garden in Rennes le Chateau, the Chateau in Arques, meditation and prayer in the ancient site of St Salvayre. We will experience private concerts from exquisite musicians, harpist Ani Williams and pianist Devayani and participate in some beautiful spiritual rituals, including a sound bath, a cacao ceremony, and several meditations opportunities in gorgeous, ancient spaces.
Please note that the workshop and class schedule will be provided in advance, along with a suggested reading list. Zoom calls with Kathleen will take place prior to the retreat as well. We will be using Kathleen’s book, The Source of Miracles, as a primary text – the path to creating a more fulfilling and connected life through the Lord’s Prayer as taught by the Cathars. She will also provide you with some special materials created just for this event.
We are strictly limited to 15 participants in this retreat to ensure personalized experiences and attention.
Your Host on the Journey
Kathleen McGowan
International bestselling author of The Magdalene Line series, including The Expected One and The Book of Love, both inspired by her own adventures and experiences in this region for almost twenty years. An expert on the early Christian traditions of Southwestern France and the legends of Mary Magdalene and her family, Kathleen will take you to many of the locations which have inspired her current and future books.
ITINERARY
Day 1- Saturday, May 11: Arrival in Toulouse. Continue Alet-les-Bains (D)
Please be at the Toulouse Airport Arrivals Area by 1 pm** for our pick up and board our coach for our journey to the magical medieval village of Alet-les-Bains, known to the ancients as “The Chosen Place.” Afternoon to settle in to your beautiful homes for the next week, the grand and gracious “sister” houses known as Les Marguerites and the riverside Villa du Parc. Perhaps go for a relaxing swim in the pool, which is filled with the healing waters for which Alet les Bains has been known for centuries, 
or dip your toes in the magical, story-filled River Aude? Meet at 6 pm for “aperos” – appetizers and drinks – where Kathleen will give an introduction talk about the forthcoming week. This will be followed by a welcome dinner with wine. Please note that you will be assigned your rooms on arrival based on the two stunning properties we are using (which are directly across from each other). However all lunches, dinners and talks will be at Les Marguerites.
** Please note that some prefer, and it is highly recommended, to fly in a day early to ensure there are no issues with late flights. If the pick-up time at 1 pm is missed due to a late flight, the cost of a private transfer to our region is approximately $300. If you prefer to arrive a day early, you will book your own accommodations for that night. We recommend the Toulouse Airport Radisson Blu or the NH Hotel in the airport terminal.
Day 2- Sunday, May 12: In Alet les Bains. (B/L/D)
After breakfast we gather for a special opening ceremony followed by an introduction to the teachings of the Cathars as brought to this land originally by Mary Magdalene, and our first lesson from the rose – the essence of FAITH: what it means to us, how it has evolved in our lives, 
how we experience it as our foundation. Passages from Gospel of MM about her own faith will be part of our process. After lunch a mini walking tour of Alet les Bains, home of ancient ruins and many legends – and discover why its name means “The Chosen Place.” We visit the Medieval Church, with its Book of Love windows which depict the harmony between Jewish and Christian inhabitants, and its important 14th century frescoes. Nazi officers believed the Ark of the Covenant was buried in these hills, one of the reasons they occupied this area, and part of the inspiration for the original Indiana Jones movie The overcoming of darkness by the light is a theme in this landscape which we will explore.
Day 3-Monday, May 13: In Alet les Bains Excursion to Excursion to Saint Salvarye (B/L/D)
After breakfast we continue on our path through the rose with a discussion and then meditation on the meaning and power of SURRENDER, which is the second petal of the rose and additional material from MM. After lunch we will visit the chapel of St Salvayre, an ancient holy place which was once a temple to Mithras in Roman times, for prayer and meditation. The layers of legend in this area are thousands of years deep and those ancient spiritual strata are part of our discussion this evening before we dine together at Les Marguerites.
Day 4-Tuesday, May 14: In Alet les Bains /Limoux(B/L/D)
After breakfast we are back in our magical Temple of the Six Petal Rose at Les Marguerites, today to work through the third and fourth petals, SERVICE and ABUNDANCE! Lunch in Limoux plus a visit to the gorgeous, encoded stained glass windows in the Church of St Martin. Balance of the day is at leisure in Alet for swimming, journaling or relaxing. Dinner this evening at Les Marguerites, with a magical candlelight Cacao ceremony afterwards!
Day 5-Wednesday, May 15: Alet les Bains / Excursion to Chateau d’Arques (B/L/D)
Morning excursion to the stunning Chateau d’Arques, a significant spiritual location which changed Kathleen’s life. Arques means “sacred container” and this place indeed contains some powerful energy but also represents the nature of forgiveness in a way which will lead into our discussions later in the afternoon. We will return to Alet for lunch, and then the afternoon is filled with the deep dive into petal five of the rose: FORGIVENESS. Time to journal and rest before our sound bath meditation and candlelight dinner.
Day 6-Thursday, May 16: : Excursion to Rennes le Chateau- (B/L/D)
After breakfast we depart for the “Village of Mystery” – Rennes le Chateau, dedicated to Mary Magdalene. Although the full time population of this village averages about 20 people, hundreds of thousands of words have been written about it. Kathleen considers this her second home in France and she’ll introduce you to some of its mysteries, with the help of her local friends. Lunch in the beautiful Garden of Marie restaurant, followed by glorious harp music and storytelling by Ani Williams in a privileged location. Return to Alet for a solstice barbecue at Villa du Parc by the riverside.
Day 7-Friday, May 17: In Alet les Bains Private Concert (B/L/D)
After breakfast we jump into an intensive workshop with Kathleen on OVERCOMING OBSTACLES with a focus on the Seven Deadly Sins, or what the Cathars called the Seven Adversarial Thoughts. Lunch in a favorite local restaurant followed by a private concert with magical pianist Devayani, whose music will transport you into the Cathar past. We return with time to rest before dinner.
Day 8-Saturday, May 18: In Alet les Bains (B/L/D)
Full day of workshops as we walk through the entire rose and put the teachings of the last week together. After lunch, Kathleen talks about the Book of Love with some powerful teachings, Very special dinner planned in Alet les Bains!
Day 9- Sunday, May 19: In Alet les Bains (B/D)
After breakfast, we visit the colorful, charming local market in Esperaza, always a favorite with our visitors. Lunch is on our own to sample the amazing offerings there. We will join together to buy local organic ingredients for tonight’s dinner, and those who are inclined can join us in the kitchen to prepare a community style feast! Others can relax for the rest of the day. Farewell Dinner at Les Marguerites followed by our candlelight ceremony in our private Rose Garden Temple.
Day 10-Monday May 20: Tour Ends (B)
Our tour ends after breakfast with a transfer to Toulouse Airport or continuing onto Kathleen’s Sacred Mary Magdalene Tour. For those flying home from Toulouse, be sure to book your flight AFTER 1 pm.
Your Homes for the Journey in Alet les Bains
We have chosen very special locations as our bases for this journey, so you will be immersed in the flavor of the region from the moment you arrive. Additionally, with the new arrangements for Alet les Bains there will be a variety of accommodation options allocated on a “first-come/first served” basis as reservations are received.
Les Marguerites
Les Marguerites is a truly elegant villa on the sunny side of the wide avenue of Nicolas Pavillon, just outside the old city walls of the medieval village of Alet les Bains, and has had the honour of welcoming guests for over 100 years. The property is devotedly restored and tastefully decorated with care and attention that gives you the feeling of both ease and grace, the interiors are bright and crisp, with warm wooden floors and pastel colored walls.
Both properties offer Wi-Fi throughout.
Villa Du Parc
Located directly opposite Les Marguerites you will find Villa Du Parc. She is the sister house of Les Marguerites. Both houses were built by the same architect and share the same magical energy. The house and gardens sit right on the banks of the river Aude. Its rooms offer you every possible comfort and each is equipped with a private bathroom, original features and well-appointed bathrooms. You can also enjoy their hot tub filled with the source waters of Alet les Bains, the perfect place to rest and relax after the days adventures.
NOTE: Above based on twin-bedded or single rooms with private bath or shower or shared en-suite as indicated. You are assigned accommodations as the guest of the facility selected. The tour operator reserves the right to substitute hotels of similar category.
As there is limited room availability for en-suite bathrooms, accommodations will be allotted on a “First Reservation/First Confirmed” basis.
Tour Includes:
- Round-trip scheduled transfers from Toulouse Airport to Alet
- Hotel accommodations as per itinerary
- Daily buffet breakfasts
- Additional lunches and dinners as indicated
- Wine at many meals
- Group transportation within France by coach
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- All activities described in the itinerary
- PLUS Group ceremonies and workshops
Please read the Terms and Conditions for this program.
** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. These discounted prices are noted in red.
*Special No Interest + No Payments for 6 Months Plan Now Available!
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PRICING
ALL INCLUSIVE PRICES (LAND ONLY)
Per Person Single Occupancy with En-Suite bathroom: $5,999 by check, $6,319 credit card
Per Person Single Occupancy with shared bathroom: $5,699 by check, $5,999 credit card
ONLY 4 PLACES AVAILABLE
Per Person Double Occupancy with En-Suite bathroom: $5,249 by check, $5,529 credit card
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS
COUPLES & FAMILY SPECIAL DISCOUNT
Price Per Couple – Please note that this refers to two people sharing ONE bed in en-suite accommodations
Per COUPLE or FAMILY Double Occupancy: $11,698 by check, $12,309 credit card
DEPOSIT NON-REFUNDABLE PAYMENT (Due as soon as possible to ensure a place on the tour, as this tour does have a CAP participation)
Per Person: $1,500 by check or money order, $1,579 by credit card
FINAL PAYMENT Due on or before March 11, 2024
There is a limited number of rooms and configurations available. If you are willing to share a room, please let us know and we will do our best to match you up with a roommate with advanced introductions.
After you register online you will automatically be re-directed for payment by mail-in check or securely online by credit or debit card.
THIS TOUR IS SOLD OUT
If you have already registered and would like access to the Payment Page, please CLICK HERE.
Travel Insurance
As travel professionals, Body Mind Spirit Journeys highly recommends travel insurance. Sometimes unexpected circumstances can arise. A sudden emergency just before or during your trip could spoil your vacation and deplete your resources.
We have recently seen some of our valued travelers lose not only their non-refundable deposits, but also their entire tour payments because they hoped they would not need trip cancellation insurance.
You should protect your trip investment and yourself in regards to health, property and trip payments. That is why we provide you with an easy way to contact BMSJ’s preferred insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance. If you need additional information or have questions, please call Allianz directly at 1-800-284-8300, and refer to code F025323.
BMSJ will be sending you additional details and a brochure with your confirmation on trip cancellation/interruption travel insurance.