Updated: Jan 28, 2009

 

 

     

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St Andre

 Nyima Dzong Stupa (Soleil)

 

St- Thyrs - Robion

 

St Thyrs - Robion

 

St Thyrs - Altar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RWL - Valcros Fortress

 

 

 Nyima Dzong Chateau Soleil) (C) OKC
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whom Serves the Grail  ? 


Glastonbury Altar


Joseph of Arimathea 

 

William  R. Leon 
Cairn  Webmaster©2001-09


 

 

 

A Keltic vision of  Dharma  with people from the Keltic Realms

 

 

Sacred Journeys  to the  Island of Crystal (R)

14~21 Days Pilgrimages to Keltic & Cathares Powerplaces in South-France,

with  Dr. B. Raven Lee,  Dr. William R. Leon  &  Cairn experts team

 

 

 

from  October 10th  to  October 23rd,  2009

 <+> Valcros (5~7 days)

 

 

     " Welcome  to  Caer  Sidi... ! (R)"

 

Drawing on both the  Celtic and Tibetan Shamanic Healing practices, as well as on the modern Quantum Psycho~Energotherapy, Dr. B. Raven Lee and Dr. William R. Leon  invite you to discover  Caer Sidi,  the sacred Keltic & Templars Mandala in the Verdon area. The next pilgrimage will be organized in the South-of-France, from October 10 to 24, within a choice of Options including a short retreat in Valcros.

In the Celtic, Roman and Templars times, Caer Sidi had been the seat of rituals and initiations for healing and divination practices (Mary Magdalene Holy Waters), amongst which some originated from the Black Sea and the Asian Steppes with the successive arrival of Scythes, Wisigoths and Arianists migrations, which itself led to the Holy Grail Lore, Mary Magadalene legends, and later Cathares and Templars Troubadours allegory.

Beginning in the 1970s, some remote Tibetan monasteries were built in Europe upon selected Celtic powerplaces in France and U.K (scotland).  Several high Tibetan lamas, such as H.H, Dudjom Rimpoche, H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rimpoche, Tarab Tulku Rimpoche and others, had duly recognized the importance for their divination and geomancy practices of such protected powerplaces (including the Verdon Sacred Mandala) for being portals to the Celtic Annwn (the land of  ancestors, or Tibetan Shambala), if and when approached with the right Keys.

After three decades of research and synthesis, the Verdon Sacred Mandala has now been re-activated, thus opening to those who are called to such karmic experience to pursue their Quest and (re-)discover the healing frequencies and consciousness of the alchemical union of the sacred feminine and masculine energy, practices leading to the Body of Light, Protectors, Dakinis and Fairies.

Dr. B. Raven Lee and Dr. William R. Leon (CAIRN Consortium) invite participants to this magical, experiential, healing tour. The heart of the program is the connection to the feminine principle of the Black Madonna and Mary Magdalene, as well as the Grail Quest Lore Spiritual Warrior Paths. It also includes Celtic teachings, shamanic exercises, divination (Chod), meditation, breathwork (pranayama), and Tibetan energy and chakra practices (Tsa~rLung), allowing each participant to enter the Mandala and learn ways to transmute negative patterns,  and connect to the Field of Universal Energy and Divine Love.      

 

gNakpas Rituals

 

A Testimony :                            

                “This pilgrimage was both profound and extremely fun. Amid fantastic scenery we visited very simple places that touched the depths of my being and connected me to my past – my ancestors, my spirituality, my very soul in ways that led me into a future bright with promise. The call to  become body of light in ordinary every-day life is powerfully supported through this experience.” (F. W., Pasadena, CA, USA, participant in 2007 & 08)

 

Caer Sidi  is a unique experiential program which includes introduction to both Tibetan Tsa-rLung and Celtic Shamanic Healing in selected powerplaces and allows participants to find their own Keys to Transmutation, Rejuvenation and (Self~) Healing, through the Body of Light practices...

The Caer Sidi Itinerary is intended to re-awaken and develop a synthesis of our latent roots shamanic abilities. We will learn how to intentionally shift our state of consciousness, link with Protectors and Holy Spirits, as well as how to get more awareness of subtle non-ordinary reality, while opening and cleansing our Higher Chakras.

We will establish connections with Mary Magdalene, as well as with other selected Keltic and Tibetan Sacred Helpers, Who will facilitate personal and communal health and healing. The programme will also be an opportunity to gather further knowledge in Central-Asian Common Ancestral Roots of Keltic and Tibetan Shamanic Healing practices.

Dr. B. Raven Lee, Dr. William R. Leon and other experienced intervenors will guide the target-sites meditation and healing rituals. Participants will concentrate on the compassion emanated from fully enlightened protectors and principal emanations in the Verdon Sacred Mandala and the Cathars Lore retreats.

The stream of transmission of the Compassionate Healing energies will bring the Third Eye (Ajna Chakra) and Compassion (Heart Chakra) in resonance with the Spiritual Heritage of the target-sites visited. This will lead to Initiations taking the form of "Spontaneous Arising Light"  (Tigle), Visions or other subtle transmissions inherited from the lineages, protectors and guardians of these sacred sites.

Experiential spontaneous transmissions of teaching and revelations from Masters, Angels or Fairies, have always been a foundational aspect of spiritual awakening in both the Tibetan Body of Light (Tsa-rLung) lineages and related Arts of Divination, Rejuvenation and Healing in the Grail Quest.

Through the embodiment of the Keltic and Vajrayana Body of Light practices, we will pursue the Never-Ending Human Grail Quest for Spiritual Development...

 

 

Escalibur 

 

  " Caer  Sidi,  The Island of Crystal (R)"

 

Caer Sidi, The Fortress of the Fairies is mentioned in the Book of  Taliesin (Lewis Spence).

That Caer Sidi (Camelot) was the Seat of rituals and initiations for Healing and Divination of an extraordinary vitality and importance to the Celtic psyche is no new thesis . But that it can be re-awakened today,  simply through a comparative experiential study of  Grail Lore and Himalayan Tantric Shamanism is a testimony we want here to share  with you.

One of the Island of Crystal, or Caer Sidi, is the Celtic, Cathares, and Knights Templar sacred archaeological Mandala situated at the entry of the Gorges du Verdon, some 150 km northwest of Nice, South-of-France.

It was the seat of rituals and initiations for healing and divination practices, which originated from the Black Sea (Wisigoths and Scythes Central Europe) and the Asian Steppes (Kelts and Huns), and continued into early Celtic-Roman times and later Holy Grail Mary Magdalene Lore.

The word Sidhe (also spelled Sidi, Sidh, Sid, Sith ...) may be regarded as the standard term for "fairy" in the Gaelic tongue of Scotland , Wales and Ireland. While some reliable authorities further stress that Sithide or Sithde is the genitive of Sithd, a female fairy, Gaelic records Sidhe as also implying "hill" or "mound". Mounds and hills often are both graves and  abodes of the elves.

 

 

Dudjom gNakpa : Namgyel Rpch.

 

  " The Ways of the Ngakpas... "

 

While the great spiritual traditions of Tibet have now become widely known from the extraordinary development of monastic institutions in the West, there still resides, side by side, another equally existent, vital and important path, though less known, that being the Ways of the Ngakpas —the yogi or yogini, man or woman, who lives fully in both the material world and the world of spirit.

For a thousand years these brave spiritual warriors strode directly into life, either as solitary wanderers or integrating their spiritual wisdom with the activity of the community.

Today, the Diaspora from Tibet has created strong and wealthy monastic communities in Nepal and India, often with the direct and contuous generous help of Western donors...

Yet, quite bizarre if one pays any attention to the Western psyche, the less known Ngakpas tradition is somehow more compatible for opening the gates of the joint Shamanic Roots Spirituality linking East and West, since the early times of our Keltic Indo-European Yogic traditions originating from Central Asia, and now only to be found in the symbolic Allegory and  Lore of the Grail Quest...

Today, dwelling on the fringe of Tibetan institutionalized religion and rigid political hierarchies, there is a pool of Healers, Artists, Yogis and Amchis more suited for the integration of Dharma into our modern Western world, while preserving and testing its unique spiritual identity.

The Ngakpa path reflects the deepest aspirations of Vajrayana Buddhism: to relieve the suffering of all beings and bring them towards enlightenment through a variety of skillful means including regular practice and performance of ceremonies and prayers on behalf of supporters and all beings.

 

 

Guardians of the Ark of Alliance - Comps

 

 

  " Whom Does the Grail Serve ? "

 

Caer Sidi, The Keltic Fortress of the Fairies is mentioned in the  Book of  Taliesin (Lewis Spence).

That Caer Sidi (Camelot) was the Seat of rituals, initiations for Healing and Divination of an extraordinary vitality and importance to the Celtic psyche is no new thesis . But that it can be re-awakened today,  simply through a comparative experiential study of  the Grail Lore and Himalayan Tantric Shamanism is a testimony we want here to share , as a research,  with you.

The roots of myths and rituals go down to the subsoil of grave-cult and fear of death.  The word Sidhe (also spelled Sidi, Sidh, Sid, Sith ...) may be regarded as the standard term for "fairy" in the Gaelic tongue of Scotland , Wales and Ireland. While some reliable authorities further stress that Sithide or Sithde is the genitive of Sithd, a female fairy, Gaelic records Sidhe as also implying "hill" or "mound". Mounds and hills often are both graves and  abodes of the elves.

Mythology is social psychology, as much as it is archetypes, history, cosmology or biography. Myth is a picture language, which has to be studied and embodied to be read. And Mythology today is still very much alive ...
 

 

The following commentary is not intended to be the last word or definitive presentation on a rather recent, controversial and evolving subject. Rather, as the title implies, it is intended to provide a basis for some further debate, reflections and synthesis , towards an attempt in nourishing or re-awakening the Celtic archetypes with the present energy and practices of the Himalayan Shamanic Roots or Tibetan Tradition, in those selective Keltic Powerplaces, as Tibetans do ...

The contemporary and somehow successful migration of  Tibetan Gompas rituals into some historical Celtic, Cathares and Knights Templars sites in UK and South of France, such as the strategic Gompas bought in the early 1970-80s in Haute Provence (Verdon) and  Septimania (Aude/Ariège) in the South of France, or Holy Island in Scotland UK, bear testimony that these sacred abodes of earlier Celtic Lore Saints and Fairies have proven to be  useful resources for the Tibetans' own rituals and retreats. 

While, the biography of these Tibetan settlements have not been without their share of controversy, it has become undeniable ( after more than 25 years monitoring these sites ) that in some of them spiritual awareness had been reached, while in some others the hidden political , magical and alchemic impacts are still to be assessed. 

All in all, while quite different results had been reached by the Tibetan theocracy in using Celtic and Templar powerplaces, the question is nowadays if it could not also serve the purpose of preservation and reawakening of the Celtic and Grail Heritage itself, after it had used for the Tibetan agenda. In short, if it worked one way, it could also probably work as well the other way round  ... 

And if not, why not ?

 

Valcros Fortress 

Myths, as they have settled in history and popular tales are the purveyors of a wisdom that was born with the race of Man. The content is metaphysics . The equation between the Celtic Grail Lore  (Healing and Divination practices), the Tibetan Tantric and the  Indo-European Rig-Vedas mythology may as much be approached from a comparative experiential study of the archetypes and rituals, than being discussed from the available references existing in both the holy scriptures of early Christendom and those of the Tibetan Vajrayana and Dharma.

The literature references include the narration of  the first century (AD) exile of  several apostles closed to Jesus the Christ, namely: St. Philip, Simon Zelotes, Mary Magdalene, Joseph of Arimathea (James) and others first  to Septimania (South of France), then to Brittany and Wales. They are sacred Keys in the Grail Lore to pursue...

Testimony  itself  shows the birth of the Arthurian Grail Quest and Celtic legends of Saints and Warriors coming from the historical recollections of  the successive migrations from Central Asia of the Arianists, Scythes, Wisigoths, Huns, Germans, Franks shamanic faith tribes, which led to the end of the Roman Empire (West) and  consolidation of the (Long Hair Sorcerers) Merovingien kings in the previous Septimania , then named the Razes around Rennes le Chateau and Limoux (Aude) .  Originating  from the Black See (Central Europe) and Asian steppes, the Shaman practices of  early Christendom was blended in an intricate mythological  background, where Runes , Animal Spirits , War Protectors , Fairies, Angels or Saints were part of a practical Gnostic Gospel . It is enlightening to find today how much  these early Shamanic concepts and practices have remained comparable, at the symbolic archetypes and rituals level,  to the current Hindu and Buddhist Tantras (ie: protectors, Dakinis,  skulls,  vases, Samsara or Maya , reincarnation or karma, etc) . The early Christendom literature shows that these were beliefs being alive in the practices of Cathares and Knights Templars .

We could consider the references in the Rig Veda of  human interactions (or relations) with the Gandhavaras (Spirits of the Air and of the Waters) and  Apsaras (water nymphs) ,  in charge of the magic Soma and who were skilled in medecine and music. These entities  bear resemblance with the roles played by Celtic Fairies (spirits) or the Grail Lore Ladies of the Lake (Waters, or del Acqs), who as Vivianne del Acqs and Morgane Le Fay , are the Guardians of the Isle of Avallon (Avallach), the invisible Gates to Caer Siddi (Annwn) and to the Grail's vase divination and healing powers.

 

morgan.JPG (208625 bytes)

Morgane le Fay    

As in the Rig- Vedas and the Vajrayana, the earlier version of the  Arthurian Quest and the later Troubadors Lore promote a sophisticated mythology , with archetypal roles perceived in distinct classes of inspirations, being those of Morgane, Perceval, Arthur, Morded,  Merlin,  Fairies , Maids or Celtic Nymphes, conduced in tales known as  Elopments , Wooings  or Arthurian Quest.

The discovery of  hidden truths, embedded in mythology is as much part of an initiation process,  belonging  to the realm of personal catharsis or drama ,  than to  rationality.

Caer Sidi (Annwn) , the Celtic and Grail Lore Abode, which entry gives access to Healing and Divination Powers, requests that one be motivated , as Arthur, Galahad and  Perceval , by a drive for relevant services and compassion for  the community.

The Cathars lived in Septimania (Languedoc, Aude, Ariege regions in South of  France) , between the 10th and 14th century, and were  the holders of the  Tradition of the Holy Grail brought to France by Joseph of Arimathea and Mary Magdalena during the first century AD. 
 

The Aude region also was the recipients of  Gnostic Dualisme (Manicheens) inherited from the Wisigoths, who had settled their kingdom in Toulouse and Rennes le Chateau (4th century AD),  and from the Celto-Iberes and Arianiste Huns, who both had long migrated from Central Asia to Europe.
The long-haired Merovingians kings had ruled the same rehgion of early "France" from 500 AD to 752 AD. Their dynasty suggested links with the lost Tribe of Benjamin, as traced via the Gaul-Celtic migrations from Syria to Acadia, thence to the Pyrenees, after going through the Rhine region.
 

In 1200 AD, the Cathars "Parfaits" (Bonhommes) had been perceived by the powers in Rome as a direct  threat.  They lived , as Saddhus and Nagpas, in poverty and chastity, and had only one sacrament, the Consolament(um). This was an initiatic rite (Bapteme of  Light), provided only to adults, whether as the ordination prior to becoming a Parfait (Bonhommes), or before going to battle (Feudis) or while in the process of dying.  The Holy Grail reflected the spiritual Quest of both the Cathares and the Celtic people. 

The Arthurian Quest led to a Mystical Communion.  As Arthur, the Holy Grail belong to the Land : " He IS the Land ... "

 

Montsegur Pog 

It is the path of the Spiritual Warrior (Shambala) and Shaman. In its hermeneutic (hidden knowledge), the symbol of the Holy Grail Chalice support the ideal of Service, whereas the Blood of Christ therein corresponds  to active Compassion (Boddhicitta), ie: giving and receiving service in the community.

The Holy Grail Lore and Legends are parables on the potential attainment of magical powers described in the Celtic Tradition, being:  Healing, Divination and contacts with Fairies.


As such, both the Holy Grail Lore and the Himalayan Shamans traditions are based on the traditional beliefs on yogas and spiritual practices to contact with the spirits of the Outer World (Annwn or Shambala) and for seeking remedials or powers.
 

Alike Tibetan Vajrayana , the Holy Grail Quest is a enlightened path to awareness, harmony and applied compassion, which  acknowledges the needs and structures of the community and which as such , is in its very  roots, deeply democratic and linked with "real life" ...

 

Bard Taliesin said :

With regard to the Grail, Taliesin (Keltic Bard) , in poem xxx, mentions that :
""  the Cauldron of the Head of Hades (The Grail) had a rim set with pearls adorning it, the fire beneath it came from the breath of nine maidens, it would not boil for a coward. The poem mentions the Cauldon being at CAER SIDI , the Grail Chapel of King Peleur in Camelot . In the Arthurian Quest, the Cauldron is found by Arthur and his knights on their descent to Annwn, the Astral Plane. The prize of the Grail is that it heals the sick and wounded, feed those at the Round Table with whatever they wish, and protects them from plague and old age. Above all, it is the Cauldron of Prophecy, which renews the soul. When Arthur is slain at the battle of Camelon by Modred, he is carried of to the Isles of Avallach or Avallon, where he remains , neither alive nor dead, until fate will require again his Sword  (Excalibur). Caer Sidi (Zodiac), in the land of Fairies, is the door to Annwn... ""
 
 

 

 

 

Jacques de Molay...

 

  " A Mongols ~ Templars  Alliance ? "

 

It remains our humble hypothesis that the early settlement in the 1970s of a few Tibetan Yogis in the Verdon Keltic Powerplace of S-France has been duly facilitated, through the use of Tibetan geomancy divination tools and/or from still existing secret Nyingma lineage scriptures being physical traces of the Crusade 12th century Alliance between the Mongol Ghazan Khan and the last Master of the Templars in Jerusalem, Jacques de Molay... 

Many attempts were made towards forming a Franco-Mongol alliance between the mid-13th and early 14th centuries, starting around the time of the Seventh Crusade.

Historians note that in hindsight an alliance between the Mongols and the "Franks" (European Crusaders) often appears a logical choice.

The Mongols were already very sympathetic to Christianity as many Mongols were Nestorian Christians.

The Europeans were open to the idea of assistance coming from the East, due to the long-running legend of a mythical Prester John, an Eastern king in a magical kingdom who many believed would arrive someday to help with the fight in the Holy Land. The Mongols and the Franks also shared a common enemy in the Muslims.

There were numerous exchanges of letters, gifts and emissaries between the Mongols and the Europeans as well as offers for varying types of cooperation. However, despite many attempts, there was never any long-term successful military collaboration. Modern historians also debate whether or not such an alliance, if it had been successful, would have been effective in shifting the balance of power in the region, and/or whether it would have been a wise choice on the part of the Europeans.

Traditionally, the Mongols tended to see outside parties as either subjects, or enemies, with little room in the middle for something such as an ally.

The closest thing to actual Frankish cooperation with Mongol military actions was the overlord-subject relationship between the Mongols and the Frankish Principality of Antioch. Other Christian vassal states included Georgia, and Cilician Armenia. Once these countries had submitted, they were required to provide military forces to fight under the Mongol banner, and these forces often showed great enthusiasm in attacking Muslim targets.

The most successful points of both collaboration and non-collaboration between the Mongols and the Christians were in 1260, when most of Muslim Syria was briefly conquered by the joint efforts of the Mongols and the Christians of Armenia and Antioch.

The Mongols again invaded Syria several times between 1281 and 1312, sometimes in attempts at joint operations with the Europeans, though there were considerable logistical difficulties involved, which usually resulted in the forces arriving months apart, and being unable to satisfactorily combine their activities.

Ultimately, the attempts at alliance bore little fruit, and ended with the victory of the Egyptian Mamluks, the total eviction of both the Franks and the Mongols from Palestine by 1303, and a treaty of peace between the Mongols and the Mamluks in 1323, the Treaty of Aleppo.

 

 

Mongol Leader Gazan Khan

 

From 1299 to 1303 de Molay promoted cooperation with the Mongols against the Mamluks. The plan was to coordinate actions between the Christian military orders, the King of Cyprus, the aristocracy of Cyprus and Little Armenia and the Mongols of the khanate of Ilkhan (Persia).

In 1298 or 1299, Jacques de Molay halted a further Mamluk invasion with military force in Armenia. However, when the Mongol khan of Persia, Ghâzân, defeated the Mamluks in the Battle of Wadi al-Khazandar in December 1299, the Christian forces were not ready to take full advantage of the situation.

In 1300, Jacques de Molay and other forces from Cyprus put together a fleet of 16 ships which committed raids along the Egyptian and Syrian coasts. The force was commanded by King Henry II of Jerusalem, the king of Cyprus, accompanied by his brother, Amalric, Lord of Tyre the heads of the military orders, and the ambassador of the Mongol leader Ghazan. The ships left Famagusta on July 20, 1300, to raid the coasts of Egypt and Syria: Rosette, Alexandria, Acre, Tortosa, and Maraclea, before returning to Cyprus.[4] The raids along the way were directed by Admiral Baudoin de Picquigny, and when the raids took place at Alexandria, they were able to free Christian prisoners who had been captive since the Fall of Acre in 1291.

 

Ghazan as a child, in the arms of his father Arghun. Besides them is Abaqa on a horse.

Mongol ruler Ghazan Khan (1271 1304), was the seventh ruler of the Mongol empire's Ilkhanate division in Iran from 1295 to 1304. The Mongol Empire, literally meaning Greater Mongol Nation was the largest contiguous land empire in history, covering over 33 million km² (12 million square miles) at its peak, with an estimated population of over 100 million...

Khanates of Mongolian Empire comprized four divisions within the Mongol Empire : the Il-Khanate, the Chagatai Khanate, the Empire of the Great Khan (Yuan Dynasty), and the Golden Horde.

When Mongol leader Ghazan Khan finally converted to Islam, his decision brought the end a line of Mongol Tantric Buddhist leaders.

As the son of Arghun Khan and of a Christian Nestorian mother, Ghazan had been baptized and raised a Christian Nestorian,as well as his brother Oljeitu. During his youth, he also followed Buddhism, which was one of the dominant religions in the Mongol empire at that time.

His principal wife during his lifetime was Kökechin, who had been brought from China by Marco Polo. In 1291 Kubilai khan had entrusted Marco with his last duty, to escort the Mongol princess Koekecin (Cocacin in Il Milione) to her betrothed, the Ilkhan Arghun. The party traveled by sea, departing from the southern port city of Quanzhou and sailing to Sumatra, and then to Persia, via Sri Lanka and India (where his visits included Mylapore, Madurai and Alleppey, which he nicknamed Venice of the East). In 1293 or 1294 the Polos reached the Ilkhanate, ruled by Gaykhatu after the death of Arghun, and left Koekecin with the new Ilkhan. She married Ghazan when he acceded to the throne.

 

Ghazan was a man of high culture who spoke numerous languages, including Chinese, Arabic and "Frank" (probably Latin) as well as his own native language Mongolian.

Numerous Europeans are known to have worked for Ghazan, often in high positions, such as Isol the Pisan or Buscarello de Ghizolfi. Hundreds such Western adventurers entered into the service of Mongol rulers.

He was the khan who had numerous hobbies including linguistics, agro-techniques, painting chemistry and dispension.

In 1292, however, under the advice of the Rashid al-Din, Ghazan converted to Sunni Islam. Along with his conversion, Ghazan changed his first name to the Arab name Mahmud. Rashid al-Din Tabib also Rashid ad-Din Fadhlullah Hamadani (1247 - 1318), was a Persian physician, writer and historian, who wrote an enormous Islamic history volume, the Jami al-Tawarikh, in the Persian language.

Prior to his time, under the harsh reign of the succeeding emperors after Hulegu, the Muslim majority were oppressed under the Buddhist emperors, who encouraged the flourishing of Tibetan Buddhism and Nestorianism.

However, with the conversion of Ghazan, Islam rose once again, and the Buddhist and Christian counterparts were severely harassed.


After annexing power from
Baydu in 1295, Ghazan mercilessly destroyed Buddhist temples and chased Buddhists out of his dominion or converted them to Islam. The Christians were also severely affected. Yet despite his conversion, due to his cultural roots, Ghazan encouraged the original archaic Mongol culture to flourish. Ghazan died in 1304 and was succeeded by his brother Oljeitu, who continued the adoption of Islam, and later by his nephew Abu Sa'id and niece Sati Beg. His principal wife during his lifetime was Kökechin...

 

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  Caer Sidi  : " the  Itinerary... "

Caer Sidi is usually of a 14 days duration, on the traces of the Healing tradition of Mary Magdalene, Wolfram Von Eschenbach Grail Lore and Tibetan Vajrayana in the sacred sites of Verdon and Pyrennees, including pilgrimages to Montsegur, Puivert, Alet, Limoux, St Maximum, Ste Baume, St Victor, les Stes Maries (Ratis) and other Sacred Black Madonna altars.

At the introduction level (First Tryptic), we will visit and scan together the Verdon Mandala target-sites and will focus upon the historical heritage for the envisioned synthesis of the Tsa-rLung, Yogas and Keltic Archetypal Healing practices.

It will include numerous references to the Grail and Keltic Christendom Lore Mythology giving Keys for the practices (Wolfram Von Eschenbach) in relation with the current Tibetan Tsa-rLung Five Elements (Body of Light) teachings from  Khyentse Rimpoche, Dudjom Rimpoche, Tarab Tulku Rimpoche, Tenzin Namdak, Namkhai Norbu, Tenzin Wangyal Rimpoche and John M. Reynolds, amongst others, this always bearing in mind the hermeneutics needed for a synthesis of Roots Shamanic Healing practices.

We will drive in mini-bus and then trek to several megalithic artefacts, ruins, fortress, altars or chapels, following the ancient pilgrimage traces for a renewed Grail Quest.

This will include further discovery and study of the Mary Magdalene Grail Lore history, its relations with the early Pagan and Keltic Christendom altars, as well as with later Irish Culdean monks migration into the Benedictins, Cistercians and Templars, as they are found situated in several South of France regions, such as the Aude, Ariege, Provence and Verdon. We will drive or trek to some of the higher ranges Templars chapels, Keltic and Roman strongholds, as well as sites not reviewed during our previous Verdon Tours&Study (2007-08).

More study and experientials related to the Grail Lore and to Mary Magdalene will include renewed pilgrimages to St- Trophime, Valcros Solar Fortress, as well as possibly a Music Sacred Arts & Rituals retreat at Chateau de Valcros itself.

We will undertake some further meditation and prayers at St- Thyrs, Ste Anne, Ste Maries de la Mer, Ste Baume and at the St Jean Black Madonna, as well as visit the St- Victor Monastery Black Madonna, St- Maximin and St- Remy (Nostradamus).

The Magdalene Pilgrimage can be a special Option focusing on Mary Magdalene South of France Grail Lore, including the Three Maries and Sarah (Kali) pilgrimage at Ste Marie de la Mer, the Ste Baume cave and other various Black Madona(s) altars and scriptures found within the Troubadors, Kabbala and Free-Massons  heritages. This renewed itinerary basically follows the same path as the previous Tours&Studies pursued in October 2008 in the Verdon, Ariege and Aude regions, while being more focused upon divulging the relations between Magdalene practices, symbolism, rituals, history and powerplaces...

The Cathares & Templars programme is basically the same Itinerary as that pursued in October 2008 in the Verdon, Ariege, Aude and Riviera regions, now further focused upon the Cathares and Templars history and powerplaces ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 10th to October 23rd 2009

  ~ CAER~SIDI   Detailed  Itinerary  2009 (R*)

 (*): this itinerary includes Dr. Barbara Raven Lee's personal suggestions & comments for 2009...

 

Day1: Saturday 10 - Welcome at Arrival Nice airport from USA flights. Transfers by taxis and check-in at Hotel Le Royal (Promenade des Anglais, Nice), rest, then short walk around the Promenades des Anglais, before our Welcome evening dinner, with Q&A on all options to each one and the group.

Day2: Sunday 11 - Morning walking tour of the wonderful old city of Nice. Lunch near the Chateau at one Nice old Port and afternoon minivan Sightseeing of the Riviera, including options being Eze, Monaco, Menton, Baulieu... Later drive to the St Jean Cap Ferrat Black Madonna and Hospitalliers Chapel for the Raven Quest opening ceremony.

Day3: Monday 12 - Starts early with a meditation and group exercise, followed with a minivan drive to the Magdalene Grotto at Ste Baume, noon picnic lunch at the St Maximin Basilique, where sacred remains of Mary Magdalene are kept. Afternoon drive to the Pierre de la Fee (Draguignan) and late afternoon arrival in Comps sur Artuby (south entry of Mandala),  check-in at Hotel Bain and superb evening dinner at the hotel (Comps: 1 night).

Day4: Tuesday 13 - Morning meditation at old village church in Comps. Drive to the Valcros Chateau. Personal introduction to Aconcha and Marc (Sacred Arts Musicians and Guardians living in Valcros) as well as to Mme Marcolla (owner of the chateau). First exploration and explanation on the known history of Valcros Chateau area, including the so-called Keltic Solar Fortress and its significance at the center of the Verdon Mandala. Lunch at Paul Amoros Boulangerie de Soleil and afternoon drive to the chateau and village of Trigance, the Templars Commanderie de St- Mayme, Verdon Canyon Point Sublime, Lac de Ste Croix, Moustiers Ste Marie and other west-side of Mandala interesting sites. On the way back, drive to Hotel Bain in Comps for those who stay there...

Day5: Wednesday 14 - Morning meditation followed with an introduction to the Verdon Mandala North side Chapels and Templars, including Castellane chapel, as well as other altars and lake sites situated at the north of the Mandala, such as Chasteuils, St- Jean, Eoulx, Taloire, Palud sur Verdon, St Etienne and other access. (requiring treks). Explanations on the Grail Troubadours Lore (Seven Seals), as well as on the lineages and historical relations between Mary Magdalene, Sarah, the Cistercians, the Templars, Cathares and Tibetans...

Day6: Thursday 15 - Morning meditation followed by a minivan drive to Valcros. Once there, Aconcha Shamanic purification ceremony and trek of the group to the Solar Fortress of Valcros for rituals there. Noon picnic in situ. In the afternoon, further practices and introduction to Aconcha & Marc Sacred Arts, as well as preparations for the next days rituals envisioned at St. Thyrs and St Trophisme. Depending upon the possible arrival of a French group arrival (early, mid or late afternoon), late afternoon drive to Hotel Bain Comps for those who stay there, including the members of the French group... (this day organisation will remain most open and flexible...)

Day7: Friday 16 - Morning meditation followed with drive to Ste Anne, St Thyrs and the Robion area. Trek to the cave of St Trophisme (3-4 hours). Picnic lunch in situ and group exercice working with the Elements, Spirits and Sacred Feminine. End of afternoon, return drive to Valcros and Comps.

Day8: Saturday 17 -  Morning meditation The day will be devoted to group exercises on the sacred land, hike and Working with Elements . Approach of the transformation of consciousness with Alchemical practices.

Day9: Sunday 18 - Morning meditation followed with drive to Valcros for Sacred Arts Shamanic Chanting Rituals, and/or retrieval of fragmented/lost essences. Closing ceremony for the envisioned Healing group. In the evening, the French group ends its participation...  

Day10: Monday 19 - Morning meditation and drive (optional, for those who want it...)  to the Verdon Canyon Western side, to the Lac de Ste Croix, for kayak or peddle boats, as well as for further visit of the wonderful sites at Moustiers Ste Marie, Rougon and Castellane related areas... This is a flexible buffer~day, during which some indepth studies of selected power- sites, reflection, self-exploration, time for contemplation, catharsis or journal remains open, including visits of sites not yet done. Check-out of Valcros for those who stayed there and drive to Comps for one more night, and the next morning early departure to Marseilles...

Day11: Tuesday 20 - Early morning drive to the Marseilles Abbaye St- Victor, visit pilgrimage to the Black Madonna, short break then drive to the Ste Maries (13H00) and lunch there.... Stay in Ste Maries upto late afternoon, then drive to the Logis de France near Le Grau du Roy, where we will stay 1 night in a superb Guesthouse...

Day12: Wednesday 21 - Drive to St Remy (Nostradamus) for the whole day. Then, late afternoon drive back to the Hotel Royal and evening dinner in Nice... 

Day13: Thursday 22 - Free day in Nice. End afternoon Closing Ritual at St- Jean Cap Ferrat Black Madonna (Dragon's tail...) and Farewell dinner in Nice. Possibility of a Chod Rituals Concert with Musicians and Lamas invited...

Day14: Friday 23 - Depart Nice back to USA, (or further Retreat Option at Valcros?)

Day15: Saturday 24 - Possibility of late departure and other flexible Options...

 

 

 

 

    OPTION 5~7 DAYS  RETREAT: Caer Sidi,  Seven Seals...

 

Introduction to Valcros Retreat Practices in " Music, Sacred Arts & Therapy ", including Shamanic Healing and Divination Rituals (chants, prayers, meditation, cleansing and rejuvenation practices: in sacred sites, such as St Trophisme, or the Valcros Solar Fortress. Further details are provided upon request, the final details of such a program being entirely based upon the targets and agenda of the participants (flexible)... 

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  Tour Registration  Caer Sidi 2009 (min. 60 days in advance)

 

- Without Airfare:

- Valcros Caer Sidi 14 Days (Chateau de Valcros) : 2,900 Euros

- Caer Sidi 14 Days (Option Hotel Bain in Comps) : 3,400 Euros

- Valcros Caer Sidi Retreat (5~7 Days Valcros) : ...  

 

 - Deposits  for  Reservation (Planning 2009)  &  Registration

CAER SIDI Tour 2009 Deposits comprise both a Reservation Guarantee for the experts planning purposes and a Registration (Inscription ), per se, namely of Euros: 100 plus 400, for total Deposit = 500/ , as hereunder :

 - Deposit for Reservation 2009 (as soon as possible...): 100 Euros - (*)

 - Deposit for Inscription (min 6 months in advance): 400 Euros - (**)

(*) - This research program requires long-term booking & expert resource-persons planning.

(**) - Deposits are of course fully included in total price, above. With thanks...

 

Deposits may be transferred in one or two instalments, as per convenience.

It is duly expected that participants to CAER SIDI 14 Days Study&Tour, and following Retreat Option, may have accordingly different transport schedules and/or may request for more personalized lodging conditions. We  want to emphasize that this programme is fully flexible and remains based upon each person resources, needs or requirements. All issues will be fully answered to during the Registration process, on a person to person basis.

 

Registration

  Fees Include
- Full Room & Board in Hotel/Guesthouse (***) and/or in the Retreat Center Valcros (**). Lodging is on basis of twin rooms and full board scheme, during 14 or 21 days, as per the Option chosen (double occupancy / full meal dinner 1Xday evening, continental breakfast, plus picnic lunch at noon during drives/treks). Single supplement: Euros 50 per each day of individual room occupancy.                                   
- All minivan transportation in/around the Verdon and Aude Keltic/Templars powerplaces, incl. sightseeing Nice/Riviera, as well as for most logistics.
- Prices also include all meetings, seminars and retreat, and introduction guidance to the Tsa-rLung and Shamanic Sacred Arts Practices.

 
_Fees Do Not Include
- Fees for your European (Schengen) Visa
- Loss of or damage to Luggage/Personal Property.
- Travel and Medical Insurance expenses
- Loss of personal items, passports, etc…
- Any transportation or lodging costs being due after the client’s 14 or 21days chosen option complete duration 
- Other meals other than those provided in the above stated Agenda & Itinerary.

 

Terms of References

Group Size
This Customized Field-study tours is organized for a group of minimum 5 persons (pax), or more at no extra cost in Verdon Canyon Gites/Hotel/GH, Valcros and Nice Hotel (***).  
Local transportation to/from airport & around areas is included, using upto 8 passenger mini-vans/cars; as well as local guides and seminar teachings as quoted above. 

Discount
Discount conditions extended only to relevant cases being researchers, scholars, Dharma practitioners and continuing education courses and does not include approval on all of the tour costs arrangements, to be discussed on a case basis. However CAIRN Tours&Study are open to everyone! 

Deposit and Registration
I. Price of Tour: Send deposits (Reservation + Inscription) of Euros: 100 plus 400 = 500/
The Euros: 500 deposit is to be made namely to R W Leon / CAIRN CEO at a Swift Code Bank Numbers or by Western Union Money Transfer at the address in Nepal, UK or EU, which will be provided to you at the time of your registration. In case of early deposit, would RWL  still be in either UK, Nepal, India or Tibet TAR China (-re: where Euros cash foreign currency exchange are unattainable, as per local regulations), the allocation is to be made using " WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER " simple modalities. Related receipt and registration documents will immediately be provided to you.
Price is same whether transfer is made by check, Western Union, Swift Code or credit card. 
Deposit & Payments Euros : 500 deposit secures your space. 
1/2 of balance of payment due by 60 days before tour. 
Remaining 1/2 of balance (full payment) due by 30 days before tour. 
Total Euros: 50 late payment fee added if payments not made by due dates (Euros: 50 for payment not met). 

Cancellation & Refund
Refund is minus Euros: 100 fee  to be made if cancellation is emailed/postmarked by 30 days prior to departure. If cancellation postmarked between 30-15 days prior to departure Euros : 200 is non-refundable. If cancellation postmarked between 15-03 days prior to departure, Euros: 300 is non-refundable.

If cancellation emailed/postmarked under three (3) days from departure there is no refund.

Insurance
We strongly recommend travel and health insurance, which enables you to recover 
all deposits if you need to cancel the trip due to illness or death. Please contact us 
if you want details on this insurance. No partial refunds will be given under any 
circumstances for unused hotel rooms, meals, or sightseeing trips. 

Remark
The number of places is limited and is offered on a first come first serve basis.
Reservations must be made, complete with payment, by deadline given on registration file. 

  

 

 

     CAIRN  Consortium (EU-NGO)

CAIRN  Consortium  is a cultural immersion and communication gateway for traditional healing practitioners experiential training, development studies academic research, and postgraduate and doctorate student exchange, based in KTM Nepal.

CAIRN  is particularly proud of its 20 years daily experience with Nepalese, Indian and Tibetan NGOs, its reputed academic collaboration in Asia, Europe USA and Canada, as well as of the quality of its Supervision Board, Research Consultants and integrated Cultural Immersion & online learning infrastructure. 

It offers selected online courses and field-research resources focused on the Himalayan region current development priorities, as well as specializes into curriculum development in selected research niches, through practical and theoretical knowledge in building : Applied Psychology to Counselling, HRD/HRM Capacity Building, Humanitarian Intervention, Clinical Anthropology, Prospective Health Anthropology and Tibetan Traditional Healing Psychotherapy.

CAIRN Counselling Services provides advice and counselling on academic matters, including immigration advice and services, useful for Nepalese Mature Students (Postgraduate Personal Project Part-time Options) wishing to study in the EU, Canada or Wales UK. We support all students regardless of nationality, religion, gender, age, sexual preference or status. We operate CAIRN Education Counselling Services administration both by email and face-to-face Interviews appointments. We encourage all prospective students to kindly email us thereupon, at CAIRN EU-NGO HQ address: william_rene@hotmail.com

Advice is offered without discrimination. Our services operate according to the EU, UK and Canada Code of Ethics for those advising international students. Our International Student Advisory Service meets the strict rules and standards of the Immigration Services of Canada, USA, the UK, Belgium and EU Official Visa Sections (Consulates or Embassies) in Nepal.

CAIRN operates as a confidential Education Counselling Service for professional and personal project oriented coaching to any prospective student or trainee, from the start of your project’s first Biodata interview up to its final implementation. This serves the general purpose of both clearing the academic accreditation file and provide necessary International Students advisory board screening information to applicants, including on the difficult issues such as visas, file administration and e-learning support options.

Cairn Counselling Services (EU-NGO) is a personalized projects academic exchange program, with cultural immersion options, e-learning and communication gateway for Asian and Western postgraduate researchers and professional continuous education trainees (mature students). It offers an open menu of options of selected online courses and field-research resources, focused on the one side on Asian LDCs development priorities. Cairn Academic Coaching  is offered one-on-one by appointment only. Cairn Euro-Asian Network increases opportunities for internships, field-research and online studies within an international dimension and selected international experts.

Caer Sidi is a personalized development research program only and is always offered one-on-one by appointment.

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

Copyright©  and  Footnote 

This webpage is the new CAIRN Campus Online  (draft- portal) being designed for the academic year 2003-09. It will be continuously upgraded
for improving its ICT-/ Multimedia elements, aiming to attain a fully interactive wireless platform with forum (chat), video-streaming ,
VLE courses online and multimedia database applications, with a personalized login access and configuration. 

If you found any errors or misconceptions in our webpages, or if you  have any problems loading Cairn Homepage with your browser, 
kindly contact us by email at our address : <william_rene@hotmail.com>

CAIRN : " Center for Advanced Integrated Research in Nepal"  is a Non- Profit Org / High Education and Training Provider, affiliated with 
the St- Xavier's Social Services and St- Xavier's Campus in KTM/Nepal,  UWS/CDS (Swansea U. Wales / Center for Development Studies), 
the UCL/POLS/ANSO/LAAP (Anthropologie Prospective Unit at UCL/LLN), the UCL/FOPES (Adult Education / Development Aid Section at UCL/LLN), 
the ISI-CNV Institute (PNL Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy Training Nice/S-of-France), as well as with selected INGOs, Education NGOs, 
Tibetan and Himalayan Traditional Social/Health Care Units or  CHOWs Training Centers in Nepal, India, Canada, USA and the EU-

All documents, courses layouts and seminars archives are copyright at UCL/ANSO/LAAP under reference :  CAIRN PGR 2001!

Copyright © 1997-2008 by William R. LEON c/o Keltic Trilogy / CAIRN Consortium
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