TOUR DESCRIPTION

Join Sacred Sites Journeys
for this initiatory spiritual pilgrimage to the Glastonbury area,
home to some of the most powerful sacred sites on Earth!

SPECIAL OFFERINGS!
1) Private entrance inside the circle at Stonehenge
for Sacred Ceremony and Meditation!

Participation is open to the first 22 people who register.
Reserve your space early to avoid disappointment!

During our Sacred Sites Journey to ancient Avalon
you will be able to access the powerful energies and esoteric significance
of the mysterious stone circles and other power spots.
They will come alive for you, as you walk the ancient pathways
and connect with the rich legacy of the Celtic Goddess Tradition.

You will also have the auspicious opportunity to participate
in meditations, sacred ceremonies and initiations into the Avalonian Mysteries!

** At world-famous Stonehenge, Avebury and Silbury Hill in the Salisbury Plains,
you will experience the powerfully transformative and palpable energies
that have endured here for centuries…ready and waiting to assist you in your spiritual evolution.

** In ancient Avalon, at Glastonbury Tor and the Chalice Well,
you will transcend the veil of time and place and connect with the lingering energies from the past.

** Our journey is during the high season for crop circles.
We'll explore the strange and puzzling mystery of these intricate symbols
that seem to appear out of nowhere in the local fields.
(Admission to fields is subject to permission of the owner, at the time of our request.)

** We'll stay in magical and peaceful Glastonbury.
You'll have plenty of free time to explore its secrets!

NEWS FLASH about STONEHENGE!
On Monday, September 22, 2008 two British archeologists declared that they have uncovered the core reason
behind the construction Stonehenge, one of the world's best known and least understood landmarks.
They said what many spiritual seekers who've visited Stonehenge have intuited for years...
that the stones were built as part of a belief in a healing process.
To read the article posted on CNN, click here.

TOUR PERSONNEL

Tour Director/Featured Speaker: Andrea Mikana-Pinkham
Director of Sacred Sites Journeys

Andrea Mikana-Pinkham is the Founder/Director of Sacred Sites Journeys. She is a Lady Knight Templar and the North American Grand Prioress of The International Order of Gnostic Templars, a modern-day spiritual Templar Order dedicated to the revival of the Goddess Tradition and Gnostic Wisdom. Andrea is an avid practitioner of the Goddess Tradition, a trained shamanic practitioner, Reiki Grand Master of Ichi Sekai (One World) Reiki, and a spiritual counselor. She has been an intuitive channel since 1987, bringing through the energy of the Kumaras, teachers of the Divine Feminine. During a visit to Glastonbury Tor several years ago, Andrea received the message that part of her service to the upliftment of consciousness was to bring pilgrims to holy Avalon, which she has avidly been doing ever since! Recently Andrea received the auspicious initiation as a Sister of Avalon from Koko Newport, Priestess of Avalon during a private entrance and ceremony at the Chalice Well.

Tour Guide/Featured Speaker: Koko Newport
Priestess of Avalon

Koko Newport is a Priestess of Avalon who lives in Glastonbury. Part of our group will be staying at her charming and warm Bed and Breakfast, a few minutes walk from the heart of town. She is also a mother, grandmother, teacher, healer, shaman and manifester of dreams, has studied with many spiritual teachers including Victor Sanchez, Sandra Ingerman and Kathy Jones… in search of balance and wholeness. She says: "When I first came to Glastonbury, many years ago, I had little idea of how transformative it would be for me. I came simply because my heart was often drawn to its mysteries and the unknown secrets of its energy and dynamic healing flows. I was drawn to live here and give to the world by providing a safe and homely place for travelers to experience it by. I opened a Bed and Breakfast. Once at home here, I then integrated into the energies and studied the teachings of the Goddess with inner reflections and outer journeys on the land.  So came many insights and the unfolding of the older ancient secrets and the sense of oneness with the land and the ancestors.  In so doing, I also became a priestess of Avalon and teacher. I am passionate about sharing with you the wonders of the major sites of Stonehenge and Avebury, as well as the secret gentle places of Avalon. As you walk through their transforming landscapes, following the ancestral footpaths, your life's journey may be made more whole and at ease."

Nicholas Mann is a prolific writer, and has been writing about Avalon and the British mysteries for many years. As well, he is an international authority on geomancy, and a practicing Druid. Nicholas's books include The Isle of Avalon: Sacred Mysteries of Arthur and Glastonbury, Energy Secrets Of Glastonbury Tor,  His Story: Masculinity in the Post-Patriarchal World and The Sacred Geometry of Washington, DC.

During the Sacred Sites Journey Nicholas will meet with our group and present a lecture about "The Mysteries of Avalon", which will include exciting material about the nature and function of this ancient sacred site, as well as his latest research about the Sun, Moon and star alignments of the Isle, especially their relevance to the current aeonic shift.

For more information about Nicholas Mann, click here.

BRIEF TOUR ITINERARY
(For a more detailed itinerary, scroll down)

Day 1. Sunday, July 19. Arrive Bristol, Transfer to Glastonbury, Group Meeting, Welcome Dinner (D)

Day 2. Monday, July 20. Silbury Hill, Avebury World Heritage Site, Crop Circles (B)

Day 3. Tuesday, July 21. Sharing Circle, Visit from author Nichols Mann, Free Time (B)

Day 4. Wednesday, July 22. Glastonbury Tor, Chalice Well, Free Time (B)

Day 5. Thursday, July 23. Sharing Circle, Free Time, Private Entrance at the Chalice Well (B)

Day 6. Friday, July 24. Stonehenge Private Entrance, Free Time, Sharing Circle & Closing Ceremony, Farewell Dinner (B/D)

Day 7. Saturday, July 25. Transfer back to aiport in Briston for departure (B)

TOUR ITINERARY
July 19 - 25, 2009
(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Day 1. Sunday, July 19. Arrive Bristol, Transfer to Glastonbury, Group Meeting, Welcome Dinner (D)
This Sacred Sites Journeys tour is LAND ONLY. You are responsible to book your international flights to and from Bristol, England. Please arrive at Bristol Airport by 9:00AM in order to connect with our group transfer to Glastonbury. Upon arrival in Bristol, clear Immigration, claim your bags and exit through customs. Meet our Tour Hostess Andrea Mikana- Pinkham in the Arrivals Hall (full details to be announced in the final tour itinerary).

We board our motor coach for our drive out of London's hustle and bustle through the English countryside to mystical Glastonbury - fabled Avalon! For centuries it has been the gathering place for those following the ancient Druid and Celtic traditions honoring the Divine Feminine. The Goddess is definitely alive in Glastonbury! In the sacred landscape Her body is the soft rounded hills. Her love will whisper to your heart and be your source and inspiration as it enfolds you during your time here. The small town of Glastonbury still preserves its long history and rich traditions, along with a uniquely blended atmosphere of modern times. People are pulled here from all over the world by a special something...just like you have been. We arrive at our charming Bed and Breakfasts and check in.

Introductory Group Meeting/ Sharing Circle: In the later afternoon we meet with Andrea and Koko Newport and the group to get to know each other a bit by sharing our stories of how and why we've come to be here. Koko will offer a short introduction to Glastonbury and her myths and legends, in preparation for our time here during the coming week. Andrea will facilitate a group meditation to assist you to begin to connect with these powerful energies. We then enjoy our Welcome Dinner. Overnight Glastonbury.  

Day 2. Monday, July 20. Silbury Hill, Avebury World Heritage Site, Crop Circles (B)
After breakfast we're off to begin to explore and experience the local sacred sites and ancient mysteries! We begin our exploration of the area at the huge and mysterious Silbury Hill, a grass-covered man-made chalk mound that is the biggest prehistoric artificial mound in Europe. Evidence from radiocarbon dating indicates that Silbury was constructed about 4,400 years ago in the Neolithic period. Its construction is estimated to have involved roughly 4 million hours of work using 500,000 tons of material, mostly chalk that was quarried and cleared from the surrounding terraces and ditches. Some people see the Hill as a symbolic effigy of the ancient Mother Goddess that was associated with fertility rituals which marked the course of the year. The festival of Lammas in August, when it is thought Silbury was founded, celebrates the first fruits of the harvest. Koko and Andrea will lead a short meditation to connect with the Mother Goddess.

We then continue to Avebury World Heritage site, one of the world's largest and most complex monuments of the Megalithic Age, an ancient Druidic initiation site of immense standing stones. Two avenues of about 100 megaliths run out from Avebury. Today its mysteries are still being explored and solved by multi-disciplinary scholars in archaeology, science and ancient religion. As there are lunar and solar ley-lines that cross in this area, we will connect with these powerful energies through ritual facilitated by Koko and Andrea to balance our own masculine and feminine energies. Lunch on your own at Avebury.

Then we're off to explore Crop Circles. These geometric symbols of unknown origin form in fields of grain, and have appeared in this area over the past 20 years. The county of Wiltshire is one of the most active areas for crop circles in the world, particularly around the historical stones of Avebury and Silbury Hill. In this ancient landscape, the grassy whorls take over the fields of rape, barley and wheat like massive installation art. If we are fortunate we may be able to enter one or more of the formations and have private meditation time to connect with and experience the other-dimensional energies that many researchers believe form them. What is the general communication that is being given to us by these circles? What is the particular communication from each circle? Where do they come from? Who/what forms them? Why here? Why now? AND, why have we been lead here to experience them? What does all this mean for our personal and planetary transformation?

Later return to our B and B. Dinner on your own. There are several excellent restaurants in the center of town, just a few minutes walk away, that offer varied ethnic cuisines. Overnight Glastonbury.  

Day 3. Tuesday, July 21. Sharing Circle, Visit from author Nichols Mann, Free Time (B)
Take some time to rest this morning and sleep in a bit. Or, get up early and sit in the garden of your B and B to meditate and reflect upon your time in Avalon so far. After a later breakfast we meet for a Sharing Circle.

This morning we will be blessed by a visit from local resident Nicholas Mann, author of Energy Secrets of Glastonbury Tor and The Isle of Avalon. He will share fascinating information about his research in this powerful area, presenting a lecture and meditation about "The Mysteries of Avalon", which will include exciting material about the nature and function of this ancient sacred site, as well as his latest research about the Sun, Moon and star alignments of the Isle, especially their relevance to the current aeonic shift. Additionally, Nicholas will have copies of his books for you to purchase directly from him, and of course he'll be more than happy to autograph your personal copy.

After lunch on your own, you then have free time to explore! Here are some options:
1. Stop in at the Glastonbury Goddess Temple and meditate at the Flame of Avalon.

2. Visit the St. Margaret's Chapel / Magdalene Almshouses and Garden in Magdalene Close in downtown, for a time of peaceful meditation, prayer and reflection. The original structure was built in the 1070's but burned down in the great Abbey fire of 1184. The present one was re-built in 1444. Today its a sacred space of prayer, sanctuary and spirituality.

3. Take a walk to visit Gog and Magog, two ancient oak trees in Wick Hollow thought by some of the locals to be the root chakra of the area. Others honor them as the last remains of a Druidical avenue leading up to the Tor.

4. Visit Wearyall Hill, an elongated low hill that lies to the southwest of the town, to commune with the Glastonbury Holy Thorn near its summit. One local legend says that it is here that Joseph of Arimathea is said to have placed his staff in the ground when he landed all-weary from his journey from the Holy Land. His staff sprouted and became the Holy Thorn, the descendants of which still blossom today at Christmas. Another legend contends that although this is not the original thorn tree, which was believed to have been planted by Joseph of Arimathea, it is a direct descendant, having been grown from a cutting of the famous original.

5. Go into St. John's Church in the heart of town, dedicated to John the Baptist, one of the original teachers of the Goddess Tradition. Here you can view the beautiful stained glass window depicting Joseph of Arimathea holding two vials of "Holy Grail."

6. Or take in some Retail Therapy as you wander along High Street in the center of town, where shops full of new and used books on every topic you can imagine, Celtic jewelry, clothes, artwork, crystals and gemstone and many more treasures abound!

Dinner on your own. Overnight Glastonbury.  

Day 4. Wednesday, July 22. Glastonbury Tor, Chalice Well, Free Time (B)
After breakfast we make the short walk from downtown to Glastonbury Tor with Nicholas Mann, our Guide for the morning. Rich in legend and mythological associations, the Tor may have been a place of ancient ritual. Today, it is still a destination for spiritual seekers. The terracing on the slopes of the Tor may be the remains of an ancient observatory, a seven-tiered sacred mount, a great three-dimensional labyrinth, a ceremonial way to the Otherworld. At the top of the Tor stands the remains of the Medieval St. Michael's Church, dedicated to Archangel Michael. We take the footpath to the top to enjoy its sweeping view of the Somerset countryside. Take time to gaze at the landscape; you can see for miles. Though the Tor is a majestic hill rising enigmatically above the flat surrounding meadows, it's no ordinary hill!  Some say it's home to the King of the Fairies, Gwyn ap Nudd, a psychopomp who helps those who cross over to the Otherworld. Centuries of legends and folklore about the Tor all arrive at the same conclusion: it is a place where the veil between the worlds is thin. You will have time for individual meditation to connect to these powerful energies.

We return walking to the foot of the Tor and stop in at the Chalice Well, a pilgrimage site for many thousands of years for those seeking physical and emotional healing from its iron-red waters, thought by some to represent the blood of the Goddess. During the Middle Ages and in the 18th Century Glastonbury gained a great reputation as a place of healing, and the Well was one of the centers where pilgrims came to take advantage of its curative powers. Today the waters of both the Red Spring and the adjoining White Spring still have a reputation for their cleansing, healing and transformative qualities. Like pilgrims who have come here since ancient times seeking physical and emotional healing from its iron-red waters blessed by the Goddess, we too may receive our healings! At the bottom of the garden we stop at the pool that has water flowing into it through a series of flowing steps from the body of the Goddess Herself. We then continue to the main well, with its cover in the shape of the Vesica Pisces, one of the most fundamental symbols of sacred geometry, symbolizing the Sacred Marriage, the divine union of the male and female energies. Here at this ancient sacred place, we have time to meditate and reflect on our own Divine Union.

If there is the opportunity, we will also stop in at the well house for the White Spring, replete with altars to various Goddesses, taking time for meditation.

Return walking to town. The afternoon is free for more individual exploration and/or rest and integration. Lunch and dinner on your own. Overnight Glastonbury.  

Day 5. Thursday, July 23. Sharing Circle, Free Time, Private Entrance at the Chalice Well (B)
Join us this morning for our Sharing Circle facilitated by Andrea and Koko, followed by a Goddess ritual.

Lunch on your own. Then you have free time for more individual exploration. Maybe you'd like to visit Glastonbury Abbey. Set in 37 acres of beautifully peaceful parkland in the center of town. Built in the Middle Ages, it's described by some historians as "the holiest place in all of England". St Mary's Chapel marks the site where Joseph of Arimathea established the first above-ground church in all of Christendom. The Celts had a deity named Easus who died and was supposed to come back to life. When they heard about Jesus from Joseph of Arimathea, they saw the return of Easus in the story, and gave Ynys Witrin, or Glastonbury, to him as a site for a church. This was the birthplace of Celtic Christianity, and grew to be a powerful pilgrimage site. Many people believe that the Holy Thorn tree that can be seen in the grounds originated from Joseph of Arimathea's staff. Graves thought to be those of Arthur and Guinevere have been unearthed here. Take time to wander among these ancient ruins and powerful energies, exploring their mysteries through reflection and meditation.

After an early dinner on your own we return walking to the foot of the Tor for our private entrance into the Chalice Well. Koko, in her role as Priestess of Avalon, will offer our group a special initiation into the age-old Goddess Mysteries connected to this area, as she inducts us as Brothers and Sisters of Avalon. We return walking to town. Overnight Glastonbury.  

Day 6. Friday, July 24. Stonehenge Private Entrance, Free Time, Sharing Circle & Closing Ceremony, Farewell Dinner (B/D)
We depart early morning for one of the highlights of our journey: our private entrance inside the circle at Stonehenge for Sacred Ceremony and Meditation. There is much debate as to the age of Stonehenge, as well as who built it.  History says that the site was begun in the agricultural Neolithic Age and was completed in the Early Bronze Age by early Britons known as the Beaker Folk, so called because of beakers, drinking vessels, found in their grave goods. Around 1500 BCE some disaster or systems collapse progressively brought the impressive Megalithic Age to an end, not only here, but throughout the whole of Britain and Ireland. Although we can never know exactly who the architects were who planned Stonehenge, the face sculptured into the side of trilithon stone 54 does give us cause to wonder if he or she was so influential that his/her facial features were placed here to be preserved forever as a representation of the Divine Marriage, the concept of Sacred Marriage between an Earth Mother and Sky Father, that was universal in early or primitive agricultural and Goddess-oriented societies. Those who are sensitive to this massive temple claim that the megalithic blocks are constantly radiating tremendous amounts of energy. Some say it is because the ancient Druids turned themselves into the stones, while others assert that they hold the power of innumerable Druid ceremonies held there in the past. Andrea and Koko will facilitate a Divine Feminine Initiation & Meditation among the magical stones and their powerful energies. What ancient secrets will be revealed to you? What will be your Gift of Spirit that you will receive? Open your heart, mind, and soul…and receive! 

We return to Glastonbury later morning. You have the rest of the morning and early afternoon to explore more in Glastonbury. Lunch on your own. Perhaps visit some of the area's sacred sites and power spots you've not made it to yet. OR revisit those that have you have been particularly drawn to. More gifts of Spirit await you today as you take time to make your lasting connections in Avalon.

In the later afternoon we gather for our final Sharing Circle and Closing Ceremony, facilitated by Andrea and Koko. Then it's time to celebrate and say our fond Good-byes at our Farewell Dinner.
Overnight Glastonbury.

Day 7. Saturday, July 25. Depart England (B)
After an early breakfast we transfer via motorcoach to the airport in Bristol to connect with our international flights.
NOTE: Please book your flight to depart at 10:00AM or later.

Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.

TESTIMONIALS

The spiritual pilgrimage to Glastonbury was excellent! My most meaningful experiences were at Stonehenge, the Chalice Well, and inside the crop circle. Andrea did an excellent job as our Tour Director, and facilitator of the meditations. AND, the food at the welcome dinner was really good! V. Keller - Ohio

The sacred journey was a great introduction to Glastonbury and its many gifts. It had the right amount of scheduled time with ample free time. I found Andrea to be very conscientious of the individuals and the group, without trying to micromanage or force and experiences.
The provided information left room for my own conclusions and perceptions to integrate in the way it was meant to. This was the perfect combination of introduction and detail to help one start the integration process into the Magick and mysteries of our foundations.   The experience was a beautiful and fulfilling experience that opened my eyes to new things. Humorous, fun and intellectual - my mind was fed  and I was left wanting more information, more experience and more time. I thoroughly enjoyed the Nicholas Mann's visit and discussion; his kind, compassionate and integrity of  manner inspired me to think, to feel and most importantly - to remember. J. Krasse - Maine

This Goddess-oriented journey was all I could have dreamed of and more. It was a healing pilgrimage for myself and my soul. The visit to the Chalice Well and the ritual with Koko were very meaningful and moving for me. Stonehenge and the Tor were exceptional! I loved Andrea's perceptions, and also her channeling session. Made a lot of sense!  I felt she was very plugged into all of us and our issues. She was a ray of sunshine! - R. Merrill - Maine

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Your Sacred Sites Journey to ENGLAND Includes:
- Roundtrip transfers between airport and hotels
- Accommodations in First Class Bed & Breakfasts, including daily breakfast
- Lunches & dinners as per final itinerary (vegetarian always available)
- Sightseeing tours as per itinerary, including entrance fees
- Escorted on arrival in Bristol by Andrea Mikana-Pinkham

SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Travel with other spirit-centered people
- Optional ceremonies, initiations & meditations at sacred sites
- Private group entrance at Stonehenge for sacred ceremony and meditation
- Private group entrance into the Chalice Well for Initiation into the Mysteries of Avalon facilitated by Koko Newport,
Priestess of Avalon
- Presentation by Nicholas Mann, author of Energy Secrets of Glastonbury Tor and The Mysteries of Avalon
- Visit to Glastonbury Tor and the Chalice Well with author Nicholas Mann
- Sacred sites of Avebury World Heritage Site, including Avebury and Silbury Hill
- Possible crop circle sightings
- Free time in Glastonbury to explore on your own
- Welcome and Farewell Dinners

NOT INCLUDED:
- Roundtrip international flight to England (Arrive/Depart Bristol Airport)
- Meals not included, as indicated in the itinerary
- Cost to obtain valid passport
- Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any item that is not specifically detailed on the SSJ website, in the tour brochure or final trip itinerary

This tour is LAND ONLY. You are responsible to book your international flights to and from Bristol, England.
ARRIVAL: Please arrive in Bristol on Sunday, July 19th by 9:00AM  in order to connect with our morning group transfer to Glastonbury.
DEPARTURE: For your departure on Saturday, July 25th, please book your international flight to depart at 10:00AM or later.

DISCOUNT! Make ALL of your payments by check or money order and receive a 3% discount! This discount is INCLUDED in the prices below listed for this payment option.

Sacred Journey of Initiation to Avalon (July 19 - 25, 2009) Per Person, double occupancy, land only:
$1,699 for payments via check or money order
OR $1,752 for payments via credit card

Plus:
Pre-paid Gratuities:
$70 for payments via check or money order
OR $72 for payments via credit card

Single Room Supplement:
NOTE:  This is the additional amount you will pay if you choose to have your own private room throughout the tour. The number of single rooms for our group is limited, so book early if you want to reserve this rooming option.
$195 for payments via check or money order
OR $203 for payments via credit card

ROOMMATES: Would you like to meet and make a new friend on your journey? If you're not traveling on the journey with anyone you know, and would like for SSJ to try to match you up with a suitable roommate, we'll be happy to try to do so.
Per our Terms and Conditions, we will hold the registration for the trip open until 30 days before the departure date (or later if possible) in order to try to match you with someone. If by that date we have not been able to do so, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. If you would like to be matched with a roommate, please register early.

To request a registration form for this Sacred Sites Journey to ENGLAND,
email Andrea Mikana-Pinkham
at info@SacredSitesJourneys.com or SSJourneys@aol.com
at 888 501-3853 (Toll free in the US) or 928 284-2384

This is one of our most popular tours, and is already filling!
Participation is open to the first 22 people who register.
We encourage you to reserve your space early!

Registration closes July 3, 2009,
or sooner if the tour fills before that date.

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