Greater Mysteries

AUTUMN EQUINOX

Dream Mysteries Retreat

20 - 27 Sept 2024

Costs:

All private accommodation in our beautiful guest house on the beach

Singles double room: £1770

Couples sharing double or twin room: £2220

Sacred Way Day Only: £222

Prices include:

All transportation within Greece

(this includes pick up and drop off to Athens)

All accommodation (7 nights)

All archaeological site and museum entrance fees

All meals - all local produce and mostly organic

All workshops and tours

22sarahjanes22@gmail.com with all enquiries.

Come and dream with the gods and goddesses of ancient Hellas this September.

The Greater Mysteries Autumn Equinox Dream Mysteries Retreat focusses on the divinities associated with the Mysteries of Elefsina - each day is dedicated to a particular deity and on the 22nd of September (Autumn Equinox) we will be meeting up with our mystagogue Maria Maragkou to travel the Sacred Way from Athens Kerameikos. The Sacred Gate (start of the Sacred Way) is located at this ancient cemetery, and from here will stop at all the shrines the initiates would have visited on their way to the ancient Sanctuary of Demeter and Kore at Elefsis. The Autumn Equinox roughly corresponds with the time of the Greater Mysteries.

Our guide for the Sacred Way, Maria Maragkou is the most incredible, divinely inspired and inspiring guide, a true genius, philosopher and mystic who has written numerous books exploring the spiritual wisdom and ritual in ancient Greece. Maria specialises in deep etymological analysis of the mystery language and has published studies of Dionysos, Homer, and the Mysteries of Elefsina in Greek. Her English translation of the Mysteries of Elefsina is due to be published this September and will hopefully be available for all those joining us on the Sacred Way.

Please note: On the 22nd Sept we have space for 12 extra non-retreat guests for the day. The full day cost is £222 - which includes all transport, site entrance fees, tours and an evening meal)

For more information about this day only and tickets:

https://www.facebook.com/events/826692052547016/

DREAM MYSTERIES RETREAT ITINERARY

Mnemosyne and the Muses

Friday 20th Sept

Athens - Visit the Shrine of the Muses of Philopappos Hill

Our driver Nikos picks us up from Acropolis Car Park

Artemis/Hekate

Saturday 21st Sept

Archaia Epidavros - walking tour with local historian Dimitris Ginis

Temple of Artemis, small ancient theatre, temples and rock-cut shrine on Nisi, tomb of the Intros and more.

Demeter/Kore

Sunday 22nd Sept

Sacred Way - Athens - Elefsina

More info:

https://www.facebook.com/events/826692052547016

Dionysos

Monday 23rd Sept

Archaia Epidavros

Day off to enjoy Epidavros, relax and swim with the turtles over the ‘Sunken City’ - a submerged Roman Villa on our local beach. An opportunity also to go scuba diving or kayaking with our local friends.

Asklepios, Hygieia

Tuesday 24th Sept

Epidavros, Sanctuary of Asklepios Mount Kynortion

Visit the Sanctuary of Asklepios and Apollo at Epidavros, where we can sleep in the ancient Enkoimeterion. With Dimitris Gini’s visit the shrine of Apollo Maleatus above the great sanctuary’s theatre on Mount Kynortion. The original healing shrine - once dedicated to a nature goddess and source of the sacred springs.

Afroditi

Wednesday 25th Sept

Archaia Epidavros and Mykines

Optional dawn/Eos adoring on the beach and swimming in the sea. Morning meditation in the Panagia chapel on the Nisi (built on top of temple) dedicated to an ancient Goddess. Visit to ancient Mycenae.

Poseidon

Thursday 26th Sept

Methana Volcanic Peninsula - hosted by Cavo Petra

All day exploring volcanic Methana. Ancient Greek massages (optional extra for a 1.5 hour traditional ancient Greek massage - as practiced in the Asklepions the cost is 90€, please bring cash to pay Ioanna) and bathing in the famous Baths of Pausanius. We will be hosted by Cavo Petra for the day.

Apollo

Friday 27th Sept

Check out of guesthouse, Ancient Corinth, return to Athens

A visit to ancient Corinth and Museum on the way back to Athens where our driver will drop you off at Syntagma Square for connections throughout the city.