Diary of events for May:

May 7-9: eta Aquariid meteor shower.

May 10: annular eclipse of Sun. A birthday close to this date marks the beginning of a very significant cycle in your life in relation to your identity, sense of self and your purpose in this world.

May 11: Crescent Moon close to Venus.

May 12: Jupiter close to the crescent Moon.

May 23: Moon near Saturn.

May 25: Full moon in Sagittarius.

May 29: Venus, Mercury and Jupiter close again.

Read Anita’s predictions below for specific information for your rising sign. Your rising sign represents the moment of your birth, your first breath: Your reaction of the world outside or the environment in general, your personality, the face others see. The impact you have on others and vice versa. It also represents your primary motivation in life. Book a consultation to answer specific questions and address any issues you are facing at the moment!

The predictions below are set to time of birth not month of birth. The time of your birth gives you your rising sign which gives you an accurate prediction for the month ahead. Contact Busi if you are uncertain of your rising sign, make sure you have your time of birth as accurate as possible.

General

With four planets in the sign of Taurus, most will seek financial stability and creativity for now. The focus in businesses is to secure investments as money and the stock markets wobble. All this improves as the month matures. Keep focus and exercise self control and patience with a conservative outlook regarding business decisions.

Aries


Hunting for money and business opportunities define the month. Smart decisions and slow actions win through for now. Develop creative talents within yourself and others until the end of the month to minimize damage. Big deals loom on the horizon but play for time before you act.

Taurus


Using what you have instead of acquiring anything new brings out the creative juices in you. Partnership issues brings creative solutions especially now. Think out of the box regarding solutions and your charm goes a long way… Stubborn behaviour and relying on your old patterns just don’t work now. Time for change!

Gemini


Much happens behind the scenes as you plot and plan to move forward, Wait until the middle of the month to launch new ideas and concepts. Being recognized for your ideas and smart solutions brings out the best in you, but timing is everything! Meditate and trust your intuition more so now than ever; this is a lucky month if you rely on yourself.

Cancer

Relying on friends and society to guide and inspire you brings renewed opportunities and alliances. The 8th of May on-wards delivers the goods! Stay focused, and allow for help and support from friends. Your abilities will begin to shine through in July as much comes together then.

Leo


International ventures and or studies bring stresses and strains but, allowing the month to unfold allows for deeper insights and energetic actions. Many solutions lie in strong negotiations and communications. Family matters continue to create stresses but love and loving solutions work!

Virgo

The resolve to many parts of your life arrives and practical solutions are found as the month starts. Work diligently and research anything you are not sure of; do not take short cuts but rather labor at finding clever solutions with well backed up facts. Studies and travel are fortuitous for now.

Libra

People seem to escape your scrutiny in this month whilst you regroup and find yourself. Take deep breaths whilst observing partnership and relationship issues. Finances dominate your concerns for the month, consult and find solutions via those in the know. Finding your balance is key as the month begins.

Scorpio

Feeling targeted and challenged comes with the territory for now. Back up your position with facts and well researched information, keeping your cool at all times. Your loyalties and sensitivities play out via partnerships and relationships. Re-examine your past experiences so as to develop inner strength and purity going forward.

Sagittarius


Dividing and ruling might be your initial reaction to fighting wars, eradicating your enemies, but be very careful not to do this with those you love and cherish. Health issues are still as a result of overindulgence, get disciplined. Partnerships/relationship are the source of great influence, choose these carefully going forward.

Capricorn


Time to get less serious as fun and relaxation are needed. Your plans come together and your speculative ventures pan out. Still keeping your fingers on the pulse, allow for hobbies and time with family now. The older you become the better your life pans out; you are good red wine as wisdom sets in!

Aquarius

Life is fairly pressurized at present especially as the month starts but luck and optimism are yours… Stay within a sharp learning curve and dedicate yourself to new ideas and to learning new tools. Strong instincts drive you toward relationships or new partnerships. Perhaps its time… but meditate to find inner knowing.

Pisces


Important projects bring creative skills and your passions back. Stay focused and bring routine to your daily activities, in this way you ground yourself and can deliver in record breaking time. Recognition for what you deliver brings more opportunities and before you know it the month ends without you knowing how you will cope. Get organized.

The Archibald family – Brett, Anita Zara (9) and Jamie (6) posted on Facebook by Katya Kim Santos-Laspatzis.

May 2013: My experience of a miracle.

“My husband is missing. Please can you share this with anyone who may have contacts in Indonesia….”

“Brett Archibald bunked with me as cabin mate on our current surf trip to the Mentawaii islands off Sumatra Indonesia. He was very seasick last night during the huge storm while we were sailing to the islands through the night and we think he must have fallen overboard when getting sick on deck while all of us were sleeping. I only discovered it hours later when we woke up this morning at the surf spot and worked out that he wasn’t in his bunk nor on the top deck. The coast guard boats and planes have searched the ocean all day and so have we…but found nothing yet. Its dark now and we have to stop and start again tomorrow. I’m shattered..we all are. We wont stop searching. We are being inundated with messages but signal is very limited here so please rather not try contact us. I will post to facebook to try relay as much information as I can to as many people as possible. I believe that Archie is strong enough mentally and physically to survive the night in the sea if he hasnt already been picked up a local fisherman in a small boat or something similar. Please say a Prayer for Brett for strength…and for all of us. If he can keep going we WILL find him. Please forward this message to let others know to watch for Facebook posts when I can make them as we cant communicate with everyone Individually. Thank you. Jean-Marc Tostee”

This was the post I saw on Anita´s Facebook page on the 17^th April. I was shocked! I quickly learned that Brett was on a surfing trip with 8 of his old school mates in Indonesia and was now missing overboard. Their trip had really just started after 50 hours of flying time to get there.

I had first met Brett when we both worked for Tourvest in1998 and had kept in touch with him over the years as we share a close mutual friend. Brett is a larger than life kind of guy; incredibly successful businessman; brilliant storyteller with a wicked sense of humour. His wife, Anita, is a beautiful petite elemental, full of love and light. They have 2 children, Zara (9) and Jamie (6) who I had met just once when I stayed with Brett and Anita when they lived in London a few years back.

I couldn’t believe it. Brett had just turned 50 last year and had so much to live for. Was it possible that he would die all alone in foreign waters? Was he even still alive? What must Anita be going through?

I lit a candle for Brett, said a prayer for him and remained glued to Facebook for the rest of the day and evening, searching for any updates. A friend of the Archibald family based in the States had started a Facebook page “Searching for Brett Archibald” and like many others, I checked various pages every few minutes for updates. Going to sleep that night, I tried to imagine what Brett was going through. I knew he was fit, being a cyclist and a surfer; I knew he was a strong willed and determined man although would that be enough to keep him alive as the hours dragged on? The water in Indonesia is warm so he had that in his favour but what about sharks and the storm he was in?

I received an sms around 5h30 the next morning delivering the exceptional news that he had been found and he was alive. Fresh tears were now from joy and gratitude and I spent the next few days reading all the interviews and information available. Even though I was an observer through the whole event (although tried to do all I could energetically), I was so overwhelmed by the efforts of the people involved in Brett’s rescue and especially the outpouring of love, hope and support for the Archibald family from all over the world, from close friends and strangers alike. The whole process really buoyed my faith in mankind and what we can actually achieve when we pull together.

So what happened? Their surfing charter boat had encountered a big storm and Brett had woken up in the early morning feeling queasy after a dodgy Indonesian pizza dinner and had gone up to the top deck for some fresh air. He was vomiting overboard when he passed out and was woken up by the warm water thinking his buddies were splashing him with water to wake him up. He could see the boat ahead of him and no–one could hear his calls. He guessed that it was around 3h15 AM when he fell overboard and knew exactly where he was as he had just asked where they were in their journey. He knew that the boat would turn around when they realised that he was missing (not realising that it would be 10h30 AM before this happened) and when he finally saw the boat, the swells were so big that they passed just 250m from him – he could even see his mates on deck searching the water for him. That was when he knew he was in deep trouble!

Brett had no life jacket and couldn’t find any flotation device at all so he alternated between treading water and swimming. He saw land a few times but the current stopped him from getting closer. He was bumped a number of times (although couldn’t bring himself to look under the water) and then around 6h30 PM, he felt a really big bump. He went under the water and came eyeball to eyeball with a 2m Black Tipped Reef Shark, which circled him about 8 times before moving away. He was also the target of jellyfish stings, fish nibbling at him and a seagull that tried to land on his baldhead and peck his eyes out resulting in a nasty gash on his nose.

Having finally made it through the night, Brett’s hopes lay with a fishing boat that was coming straight for him for an hour or so and then turned left and went off in another direction and it was at this point that he decided to just give up. Having heard that drowning was a good way to go, he sunk under water and took a deep breath but couldn’t go through with it and shot out of the water gasping for breath and it was then that he saw the mast of the boat that rescued him an hour later. I find it so interesting, that just moments after Brett’s true surrender, he was saved.

Can you imagine the elation and relief that every-one must have felt the moment they found him and as the news circulated (and Brett’s of course!) Brett was able to call Anita soon after and then rendezvoused with his boat and mates – “The jubilation of his mates on board, we go back 40 years, grown men jumping around the boat and dancing, hugging, screaming, high-fiving, crying, it was just super emotional and we are just so relieved that we got our friend back,” said Jean-Marc Tostee.

Can you imagine what Brett must have been going through during those 28 hours in the water with no flotation device? Jetlagged, sick to the point of passing out and then 28 hours alone at sea!! Apart from the sheer physical exhaustion, dehydration and hunger, the mental, emotional and spiritual process must have been enormous. I would imagine that that is where the real meat of the story lies…

Brett had been thoroughly checked out by a Doctor onboard the boat that found him and as he was in relatively good shape, decided to complete his trip and was back in the water 2 days later, making his peace with the sea and surfing up a storm. With so much to integrate and at the time being completely unaware of the effect his miracle has had on the world, I believe it was the perfect choice.

When Anita was interviewed on a local radio station, just after Brett was found, she said that she had never given up hope that she knew her husband was alive and he would be found. https://soundcloud.com/567-capetalk/anitaarchibald

Chantal Malherbe, who co-ordinated the rescue from South Africa told her story about the rescue in Wavescape: http://www.wavescape.co.za/news/breaking-news/diary-of-a-sea-rescue.html

I loved the interview of the Australian Captain Tony ”Doris” Eltherington who went beyond the call of duty for a man he had never met http://stabmag.com/as-the-true-world-thunders-by/ and in particular that he believes he was guided to change course by one of his best friends whom he had buried that day.

Listen to this heart-warming account from one of Brett’s best friends and cabin mate, Jean-Marc Tostee, who faced challenges of his own during Brett’s ordeal http://www.ecr.co.za/music/audioembed/the-breakfast-stacks-interview-with-jean-marc-tostee/

Brett believes that his connection with Anita and a higher Being saved him. He acknowledges his experience as a miracle and knows that he was looked after through his ordeal. Listen to one of his first interviews here https://soundcloud.com/567-capetalk/surfer-brett-archibald-spent/

I am certain that Brett was saved for a higher purpose and know that he will fulfil this purpose with integrity, passion and inspiration. I look forward to enjoying his book (and probably the movie too!) and hope to hear the whole saga firsthand at some stage.

Brett – I salute you! You are a legend and a true hero. You have touched and inspired so many people with your strength and tenacity and I cant wait to see what you will do with your miracle!

I have personally been inspired in so many ways through Brett’s experience. In small ways like when holding a yoga position for a few minutes (if Brett can last 27 hours then I can last a few minutes!!) and in more profound ways through remembering not to sweat the small stuff, to release silly day to day fears that hold me back and that my life, and that of those around me, can end at any time so I pledge to make the most of every day in every way with an open heart and in joy.

I would love to hear how you have been touched by Brett’s story.

With love and blessings
Peta
Managing Director, Spiritual Quest Journeys

Since ancient times, sacred sites all over the world have had a mysterious allure for millions of people, drawn to their unexplained power and presence. Sacred sites have the power to heal the body, enlighten the mind and awaken the soul with endless accounts of life-changing and profound experiences as testament. This newsletter feature will endeavour to share interesting information on sacred sites and inspire you to experience them for yourself.

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu (meaning Old Peak) is a 15th-century Inca site located 2,430 metres above sea level, located in the Cusco Region of Peru, South America. It is situated in the middle of a tropical forest on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, 80 kms northwest of Cusco and through which the Urubamba River flows. In its extraordinarily beautiful setting, imbued with mystery and magical charm and a unique testament to man’s interaction with the natural environment.

It is still unknown exactly what role the site played in Incan life, however, many archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate or retreat for the Inca emperor Pachacuti, in and around1440 and that it was inhabited until the Spanish conquest of Peru in 1532. It is estimated that a maximum of 750 people lived in Machu Picchu at any one time, and probably only a small fraction of people lived in the town during the rainy season and when no nobility were visiting.

Often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”, it is perhaps the most familiar icon of Inca civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Being located far up in the mountains, the site is well hidden and protected and was only discovered by the modern world in 1911, when locals led an American archaeologist, Hiram Bingham, there. Bingham made several more trips, conducted excavations and wrote a number of books and articles about Machu Picchu including the best seller “Lost City of the Incas”

The site was probably chosen for its unique location and geological features. It is said that the silhouette of the mountain range behind Machu Picchu represents the face of the Inca looking upward towards the sky, with the largest peak, Waynapicchu, representing his nose.

The Inca believed that the solid rock of the Earth should not be cut, so they built this city from rock quarried from loose boulders found in the area. Some of the stone architecture uses no mortar, but rather relied on extremely precise cutting of blocks. Some of the spaces between the stones are so tight that not even a credit card will pass through them.

The ruins on Machu Picchu consist of a large palace and temples to Incan deities around a courtyard, with residential buildings for support staff. Entrance is at the southern end of the site, where there is a ticket office. From there, visitors are free to wander through the ruins at leisure, beginning with the agricultural precinct on the southern terraces.

A 20-minute walk uphill to the left inside the entrance leads to the House of the Terrace Caretaker and Funeral Rock, which provides the famous and very photogenic view over the ruins of Machu Picchu.

Near the south end of the city is the magnificent Temple of the Sun, whose walls are fine examples of precise Inca masonry. The temple is astronomically aligned. On the winter solstice (June 22 in the southern hemisphere), sunlight streams in a small trapezoidal window and illuminates a flat granite stone that was probably an Inca calendar. At night, the same window provides a view of the constellation Pleiades, an Inca symbol of crop fertility.

The Principal Temple has perhaps the best masonry on Machu Picchu. The stones of its three walls are precisely cut and fitted together without mortar. A small building next to the temple, dubbed the Sacristy, may be where priests prepared themselves for ceremonies.

The Temple of Three Windows is a three-walled building reached via a stone staircase. Its east wall is cut from a single piece of rock and pierced with three trapezoidal windows.

Further on is Intihuatana, the “hitching post of the sun” whose exact purpose remains a mystery. This sacred stone column was a common feature in Inca cities, but the Spanish destroyed most of them as objects of idol worship. This is therefore one of few to survive, since the conquistadors never made it to Machu Picchu. Nearby is a sacred rock that echos the shape of the mountain range behind it.

At the north end of the site, the Temple of the Condor is built in the shape of a condor, the Inca symbol of heaven.

Spectacular views from the north side of Machu Picchu can be had from Wayna Picchu (also spelled Huayna Picchu), a mountain peak that overlooks the ruins. The climb takes 90 minutes although is dangerous after wet weather. Even in good conditions, it is not for the faint of heart when it comes to heights. The path is open 7am-1pm daily and only 400 visitors are allowed to climb each day.

I asked the Journey Leader of our upcoming Peru journey for some input on this magnificent Sacred Site and she sent me the following extract from a book by Maliku Aribalo, an artist and international lecturer and teaches about the Ancient Culture of the Andes, promoting a Shamanic experience as one of the Paths of Liberation for the present generation, which captures the site beautifully. The black and white picture above is from the same book.

Machu Picchu, City of the Initiated and Pilgrims

Machu Picchu is renowned for both its beauty and the energy that emanates from its ground and surrounding mountains. In all parts and aspects, this city speaks of a time of glory and power, a cyclical era in the evolution of the Andean civilization. Like many other great civilizations (the Egyptians, Mayas and the Incas), they left the testimony of their existence and knowledge carved in stone. The mountains of the Andes are the energetic vortex of these latitudes and their influence extends throughout the world. In Machu Picchu we find a mapped ensemble of mountain peaks (natural pyramids), which extend a halo of protection over everything in their presence. The river that runs through these mountains plays an energetic role of great importance with sensitive influence on all those who walk the land. Machu Picchu is the creation of a noble city of stone – a divine inspiration for eternity.  There are several mountains of vital significance that form part of the Sacred Dance of Machu Picchu – Wakaywillka to the East, Pumasillo and Vicachani to the West, Wayna Picchu to the North, Salqantay and Machu Picchu Mountains to the South and Putukusi in the heart of the valley. All of these confirm the array of “Apus” or Mountain Spirits – the supreme guardians and protectors of all and everything that exists on and around them. On Machu Picchu Mountain crowning the entrance of the energy currents from the South are found ceremonial platforms and terraces connected by stairways that seemingly float along the edges of the precipice. I believe that the Masters, when deciding to assign a cultural value and meaning to this mountain, wanted to share with the chosen ones an experience of mystical and dimensional travel. The sensations felt here are of liberty and freedom. They are like the stable power of the Condor who rises to the heights to free itself. – Mallku Aribalo

If you are feeling drawn to Machu Picchu and the surrounding area, please join us on our journey to Peru in Sept. Peru – Matters of the Heart We have changed the itinerary and focus of the journey based on guidance from Linda’s guides and whilst the journey will still include the sacred teachings of the Andean Way, there will be a strong focus on living from the Heart and Heart Activations.

Attention all Women entrepreneurs – If you are looking to take your business and skills to the next level – check out this short video and opt in for free! I have been following Kristin Sweeting Morelli for a few years now and rate her very highly.

Watch the video and opt in by clicking here

Where are you going in 2013?

In a world where we are overwhelmed by the constant bombardment of technology, responsibilities and relentless pursuit of our goals, it is critical that we regularly take some time to step back from our day to day lives and objectively reassess where we are on our life path, who we have become, and more importantly, who we choose to be in the future.

At Spiritual Quest Journeys, we believe that there is no better way to do this, than to explore both our outer and inner worlds. Our spiritual tours explore ancient sacred sites, mystical and magical locations, fascinating places, holistic wellness centers and retreats around the world. Most importantly, we recognize that time away is hard earned vacation time and our tours are imbued with a sense of excitement, adventure and fun.

As spiritual travelers ourselves, we acknowledge the importance of a well balanced tourism offering, and each itinerary is carefully designed to offer a subtle blend of seamless destination management; interconnectedness with the earth, exploration of the area and culture; personal development, relaxation and integration time; ceremonies and meditation; group consciousness support and guidance; and something unique and exclusive. In essence, unique travel experiences that an individual would be hard pressed to create on their own.

So if you are waiting to exhale or looking for an amazing life changing experience, explore our website or contact us for a tailor made spiritual tour.

Life changing spiritual tours to enrich your life

	Desert Sands and Gaia’s Gifts Namibia | Namibia Crystal Journey | 21 – 31 May 2013		Divine Feminine Wisdom France | Sacred Journey through France| 21 – 31 May, 2013
	Magic, Myths and Legends Avalon, England | Women’s Journey to Avalon | 23 – 31 May 2013		Take a walk on the wild side Zambia | Yoga tour including meditation and walking safari in South Luangwa National Park| 28th May – 5th June 2013
	Ancient Mysteries, Modern Messages England | Sacred Sites and crop circles tour in Wiltshire | July 2013		Ireland, Land of leprechauns and celtic magicRetreat to magical Ireland in Aug 2013
	Peru - Heart Matters and the Sacred teachings of the Andean Way Peru | 15 – 25 September 2013		Mythical Scotland, Mystical Journey Scotland | September 2013
	Malta’s Mediterranean Temples Malta | Journey to the Goddess | 6 – 13 Oct 2013		Diversity and Dharma of Spiritual India | India | 27 Oct – 10 Nov 2013
	Spectacular South Africa Miracles, Magic and Manifestation South Africa | 1 – 9 Dec 2013		Ancient Egyptian Wisdom and Mysticism Egypt | January 2014

We are working on a new journey for 2014: It will be for a week on a beautiful wooden boat in the Broughton Islands, near the northern end of Vancouver Island. Visit several sites sacred to native people with native guides. Watch Orca whales aboard a local whale-watching boat, and visit the Orca Lab, the centre of whale research for BC. Visit incredible native museum in Alert Bay containing ancient, energy filled ceremonial objects. Visit Gwa’yi, the ONLY native site in the Northwest never moved by Europeans and the scene of Margaret Craven’s book and movie, I Heard the Owl Call My Name. Visit the site of the “Great Potlatch.” This is easily accessible, although remote territory: rich in ancient and modern spiritual energy.  Please indicate your interest by emailing me at Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

If you would prefer to travel on your own or with friends and family, we can tailor make tours to all of our destinations.

Free Intuitive Coaching Sessions

I am offering 5 people the opportunity for a free intuitive coaching session, which will be booked on a first come, first served basis. The session should last around an hour and will be done over skype. So, if you are looking to remove a block, shift your perspective or manifest something – grab one of those spots today. Please note that this offer is open to subscribers of this newsletter only.

For more information and feedback on the newsletter, please contact Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

If you have received this email from a thoughtful friend and would like to sign up for future newsletters and receive a copy of our free eBook on practical energetic work SIGN ME UP NOW!

Well that’s not entirely true anymore, because over the past few years and in particular the past few months I have witnessed humanity awakening to something far beyond what they read in the news or see on their TV’s.  I see humanity beginning to connect with what they feel, and in so doing beginning to tap into information that supersedes any external intelligence.

Now think about your life, have you not been learning that exact lesson?  That the more you connect with your heart (some call it the inner voice or intuition, a gut feel or inner knowing) the more you know what to do and the more peace you have.  Conversely, the more you analyze, intellectualize and over-think the more chaos you create, with fewer solutions and more spiralling problems that never seem to end in solution.  For too long we have been duped into believing that it is mans intelligence that has made this species superior.  But how intelligent are we when most of our species are in a state of turmoil and destruction and believe that they’re doing just fine, without realizing that it is our potential to live in a state of genuine happiness, harmony, fulfilment and love.

Programmes are on TV for a reason

Allow me to lead you on a tangent for a moment:  I love watching TV, especially Masterchef Australia.  Maybe it’s the accent, the fine tucker or the mind numbing hour I get to spend on my coach but either way I’m not advocating a ban on all telly.  But many of us watch the TV in order to receive information about the world around us, we watch news and public opinion and without breaking it down into conscious realization we become spoon fed a view of reality that we accept as our own. The programmes we are watching land up programming us to accept what we see as fact.  We have become used to what we call the norm without questioning it and without connecting to our own inner truth.  Ooh I didn’t mention that I also love National Geographic specials, I’m not a radical saying that all TV is bad but rather that we need to be very VERY discerning about what we are being fed and how little we land up deciding for ourselves.

Tangent over, but a worthwhile diversion when we consider the impact of humanity taking a leap away from over-thinking towards being a more emotionally intelligent and spiritually connected species,  we need to not be fed the truth but rather feel our own truth.
And when we feel our own truth nothing will be able to keep us from accepting our power and potential as conscious, creative beings on this planet at this time.

Kerry Kronenberg

The picture was take at Angor Wat in Camoboda

April 2013: Enrich your life by cultivating and following your passion and your purpose.

In a world where we are overwhelmed by the constant bombardment of technology, responsibilities and relentless pursuit of our goals, it is critical that we regularly take some time to step back from our day to day lives and objectively reassess our purpose in life and where we are on our life path; who we have become, and more importantly, who we choose to be in the future.

Our purpose is to honor our authentic selves and our passion is what fuels excellence. When life gets tough and exhausting or when the odds seem stacked against us and it seems we will never succeed or achieve, our passion motivates us to continue pursuing our dreams and reaching our full potential.

When we cultivate and follow our passion, we align with our purpose and become more attuned to the higher levels of vibration and wisdom, which is reflected in our experience of life through less fear and struggle.

To illustrate my point, I would like to share my passion and how by firstly cultivating it and then following it, I changed my life into a more authentic expression.

I grew up in South Africa and coming from a tourism family, my love of traveling took hold at a very early age. At the same time my interest in the unexplained mysteries, sacred sites and metaphysics began by borrowing library books in primary school and soon led to a fascination with energy; understanding the spiritual laws; self empowerment and healing; the non physical world and how to enhance my own life by working with energy.

For many years, I believed my light work was in the corporate world and through the 21 years I spent in the Southern African tourism industry, while my career went from strength to strength, I was very proud of how many people I had helped onto and along their spiritual path. Although I didnt have any ambitions in climbing the corporate ladder and didn’t apply for any of the jobs I was offered, synchronistic events and hard work led to me being appointed as Managing Director of two businesses and then CEO of the largest inbound tourism company in Southern Africa, a 5 year role which allowed me to travel the world and have a positive impact on the 450 staff the company employed.

Life was grand until one day in 2007. I was at a trade show in Berlin and had taken a quick break so was sitting away from the crowds looking for a moment of peace and the realisation dawned on me that my job was no longer my passion. A sick feeling washed over me as I realised the implications of this – my whole world was wrapped up in my job. I travelled for more than 200 days in the year, all my friends were tourism people, I enjoyed the financial rewards and industry perks and if I wasn´t going to continue, then what would I do and who would I be?

Of course, I didn’t do anything immediately although over the next year I analyzed what I enjoyed about my life and what I wanted to change. In the meantime, I extended many of my business trips to spend time in sacred sites and spiritual retreats and during the process fell in love with a man from Norway (Kris) that I had become friends with at a High Priestess course and pilgrimage in Glastonbury in 2006. I had done a 3-year Reiki apprenticeship and had been attuned as a Reiki Master and knew that I was passionate about my spiritual work and experiential travel although still unclear how to combine them or what to do.

Kris and I took a 3-month sabbatical early 2009 and travelled around Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia and Fiji and it was on a beach on one of the Gili Islands, off Bali that I declared to the universe that I wanted to change my fast paced corporate lifestyle to one of more authentic living. 2 months after returning to South Africa, I had moved to Europe and despite not knowing exactly what I wanted to do, toyed with the idea of reviving a concept I had at the back of my mind for 15 years and started researching opening a spiritually based tour operator specializing in conscious and life changing travel experiences.  In 2010, I was meditating in a crop circle in Wilshire and I received a strong message that the time was right and Spiritual Quest Journeys was born.

The re-evaluation, transition and rebirth I went through personally before starting the company wasn’t always easy. Even after taking the leap of faith, I still had moments of despair and regret although slowly but surely, I emerged refreshed, stronger and more grounded.  I wouldn’t change a thing and in retrospect know that this was the greatest learning period in my life to date.

I have realized that my passion is helping people become conscious, to take responsibility for their lives and to empower them to create a magical life through using the tools that I have learned and used myself successfully. I have always believed that we lead two journeys – our inner and outer journey and that our outer journey is a reflection of our inner journey. I believe that it is possible to manifest all that you want to experience in life and once you understand how energy works, you are able to co-create with the universe to manifest a magical life. In my experience, one of the best ways of achieving life enhancing breakthroughs and shifts in perspective is by visiting sacred sites with an intention in mind.

Just as our physical bodies have a life force running through them, so does the Earth, and all sacred sites are located on power points (where the Ley lines of the Earth´s energy grid meet) and as there is a vortex of energy at these points, whatever energy is anchored there, is sent out along the Ley Lines – effecting our own energetic field and the mass consciousness on the planet. Once you have physically connected to a sacred site, you carry its energy and sacred geometry within your own energy field. Many people experience a physical, mental and spiritual awakening and return open hearted, enriched, recharged and resonating to a higher vibration. I have found the experience to be even more powerful when you travel to the Sacred Sites with like-minded people and benefit from the shared group consciousness, ceremonies and meditations.

Having followed my passion for light work and travel (combined with the power of the Sacred Sites) I feel that I am realizing my purpose again. Every day brings new opportunities to grow and share and the payoff comes from knowing that I have an impact on more people in a more profound way. I can also look back at all of the doubt, fear and limiting belief systems that I have cleared and marvel at how everything aligned, slowly but surely, once I had identified what I was passionate about.

Now, I am not suggesting that you change your whole life, just that when you realise what your passion is and cultivate it, even if it is just a hobby, you fulfil a part of you that helps you live a more authentic life. We are most effective when we do what we love (and love what we do)

Here are some ways to help you identify and awaken your passion and purpose:

1. Reflect on your past experiences and make a list: When did you felt most alive, peaceful and fully present? How did you made a difference? What gifts and talents are unique to you? Who do you admire and why? What are you doing when you feel “in the flow” and totally focused?  Now look for the common denominator. You may well find that there are a few items on your list that initially don’t seem to add up although the more you work with it, you will start to notice a common thread.
2. Write your personal mission statement. Start by writing down a simple and yet profound question  – “What is my purpose is in this life?” then write down everything that you can think of that could be your purpose until it resonates with you deeply. Ideally, your mission statement should include how you would like to live; what you want to do for others and what you want your legacy to be. Read your mission statement often and evolve it as you see fit until you have aligned your behaviour and your decision making process to your mission statement.
• My personal mission statement is as follows: To live a conscious, healthy, magical life of joy, exploration, love and abundance; inspiring others to find their own magic though my books, courses, counseling and facilitating life changing Spiritual Quest Journeys; to leave this lifetime having lived life to the full and having contributed to humanity and the planet as best I can.
3. Visualise attending your own funeral, as it would be now. Who would be there and what would your eulogy be about? Which achievements and aspects of your personality mentioned would you be most proud?  Then, do the same exercise about your own funeral in the distant future and this time visualise what you would like to see. Take note of where your visualisations are different.

My hope is that you cultivate your passion and purpose by developing your skills, leverage your value and shape your life incorporating your passion and purpose.

With love and blessings,

Peta
Managing Director, Spiritual Quest Journeys

Since ancient times, sacred sites all over the world have had a mysterious allure for millions of people, drawn to their unexplained power and presence. Sacred sites have the power to heal the body, enlighten the mind and awaken the soul with endless accounts of life-changing and profound experiences as testament. This newsletter feature will endeavour to share interesting information on sacred sites and inspire you to experience them for yourself.

Stonehenge

Probably the most famous of all of the Sacred Sites around the world, Stonehenge never fails to enchant and amaze. Despite generations of research, scientists and historians are still unable to come up with a solid theory of why, when, how and by whom the mysterious structure was built.

Stonehenge is a prehistoric, remarkable circle of upright stones on a fairly flat piece of land, close to Salisbury in Southern England. The site and its surroundings were added to the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1986 in a co-listing with Avebury. It is currently owned by the Crown; managed by English Heritage and the surrounding land is owned by the National Trust.

Believed to be over 5000 years old, the massive scale and mysterious purpose of the monument draws over 800 000 visitors per year and thousands gather on the summer solstice to watch the stones align with the sunrise and take part in the Midsummer Day ceremony complete with Bards and Druids. Reasons for why it was built range from human sacrifice to astronomy; healing centre or temple to burial site or perhaps a huge calendar.

Stonehenge was not a single structure but consisted of a series of earth, timber, and stone structures, which were revised and re-modeled over a period of more than 2000 years. It is estimated that the construction would have required more than 30 million hours of labor and Archaeologists believe was done in 3 stages.

In the first stage, Stonehenge was built a circular ditch with an internal bank. The 320 feet in diameter circle had a single entrance, 56 holes around its perimeter (with human cremations remains found in them), and a wooden sanctuary in the middle. The circle was aligned with the midsummer sunrise, the midwinter sunset, and the most southerly rising and northerly setting of the moon. Two parallel stones were erected at the entrance of the circle, one of which (the Slaughter Stone) still survives. It is believed that the two surviving Stallion Stones, positioned across from each other on opposite sides of the circle, may have also been erected during this time.

In the second stage, the wooden sanctuary was replaced with Bluestone Granite Stones, the entrance was widened and an entrance avenue constructed and marked by parallel ditches aligned to the midsummer sunrise. Two 35-ton “Heel Stones” were erected outside the circle, one of which remains today.

It is believed that the Bluestones were brought from Whales, over 200 miles away. The transportation method is unknown although considered possible. The question that begs to be asked is why? What was so important about the site to bring the stones to it and why Bluestone when there were other sources of Stone close-by?

During the third phase, most of the bluestones were taken down and enormous Sandstone Sarsen stones were transported from near the Avebury stone rings twenty miles to the North, pounded smooth with hammers and erected in a circle. Each pair was topped with a horizontal curved stone lintel fastened with dovetail joints. Only 17 of the original 30 upright stones remain.

Within this stone ring, a horseshoe formation using 10 upright stones was erected. Here the trilithons (set of two uprights plus the lintel) stand separated from one another, in 5 pairs. Eight of the original ten stones remain. The horseshoe shape opens directly towards the Slaughter Stone and down the Avenue, aligned with the summer solstice sunrise.

About a century later, about 20 bluestones gathered from the second construction stage were placed in a horseshoe shape inside the Sarsen horseshoe. The Altar Stone is the biggest of the original bluestones that remains.

Walking amongst and touching the stones has been prohibited since 1978 unless special private access has been arranged. If you are interested in visiting the magnificent Stonehenge, private access is featured on two of the upcoming journeys Women´s journey to Avalon in May and Crop Circles and Sacred Sites in July.

In a world where we are overwhelmed by the constant bombardment of technology, responsibilities and relentless pursuit of our goals, it is critical that we regularly take some time to step back from our day to day lives and objectively reassess where we are on our life path, who we have become, and more importantly, who we choose to be in the future.

At Spiritual Quest Journeys, we believe that there is no better way to do this, than to explore both our outer and inner worlds. Our spiritual tours explore ancient sacred sites, mystical and magical locations, fascinating places, holistic wellness centers and retreats around the world. Most importantly, we recognise that time away is hard earned vacation time and our tours are imbued with a sense of excitement, adventure and fun.

As spiritual travelers ourselves, we acknowledge the importance of a well balanced tourism offering, and each itinerary is carefully designed to offer a subtle blend of seamless destination management; interconnectedness with the earth, exploration of the area and culture; personal development, relaxation and integration time; ceremonies and meditation; group consciousness support and guidance; and something unique and exclusive. In essence, unique travel experiences that an individual would be hard pressed to create on their own.

So if you are waiting to exhale or looking for an amazing life changing experience, explore our website or contact us for a tailor made spiritual tour.

Life changing spiritual tours to enrich your life

	Desert Sands and Gaia’s Gifts Namibia | Namibia Crystal Journey | 21 – 31 May 2013		Divine Feminine Wisdom France | Sacred Journey through France| 21 – 31 May, 2013
	Magic, Myths and Legends Avalon, England | Women’s Journey to Avalon | 23 – 31 May 2013		Take a walk on the wild side Zambia | Yoga tour including meditation and walking safari in South Luangwa National Park| 28th May – 5th June 2013
	Ancient Mysteries, Modern Messages England | Sacred Sites and crop circles tour in Wiltshire | July 2013		Ireland, Land of leprechauns and celtic magicRetreat to magical Ireland in Aug 2013
	Peru – The sacred teachings of the Andean Way Peru | 1st – 11th September 2013		Mythical Scotland, Mystical Journey Scotland | September 2013
	Malta’s Mediterranean Temples Malta | Journey to the Goddess | 6 – 13 Oct 2013		Spectacular South Africa Miracles, Magic and Manifestation South Africa | 1 – 9 Dec 2013
	Ancient Egyptian Wisdom and Mysticism Egypt | January 2014

We are also in the process of adding exciting new journeys to India and Norway (Northern Lights) and for 2013. The Nov/Dec Egypt 2023 tour will be available soon.  Please indicate your interest by emailing Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

If you would prefer to travel on your own or with friends and family, we can tailor make tours to all of our destinations.

Forgiveness Sessions

Are you tired of holding onto the past? Isn’t it time to finally let go and allow yourself to move on?

The cornerstone to releasing old limiting issues and beliefs that no longer serve you, is forgiveness. Remember that forgiveness is not condoning some-one’s actions; it is rather that you no longer choose to carry the baggage. When we open our hearts to forgiveness, we are able to heal our broken hearts.

A sincere desire to forgive past hurts and heal pain does not bring an abusive person back into our lives, it does however, clear the residual effect of the hurt and pain deep within us. What we release in love allows us to find peace.

A forgiveness session lasts around an hour and a half and can be done in person or over skype. Take advantage of this opportunity for the month of April on a promotional rate of only US$ 50 per session.

If you would like more information or are looking for Spiritual Mentoring, Please contact: Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

For more information and feedback on the newsletter, please contact Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

If you have received this email from a thoughtful friend and would like to sign up for future newsletters and receive a copy of our free eBook on practical energetic work SIGN ME UP NOW!

Or you notice car number plates with the same letter or number sequence.

My recent episode of synchronicity proved to me that there is no such thing as time.

Back in the year 2000, I became aware of a woman by the name of Arliael-Isa who was doing full-body channelling. The person who came into her body was a male known as “Khar’oum”. He had last incarnated physically around 2,000 years ago in Persia.

His agreement with Arliael-Isa was to come in and teach those who were on the path to higher consciousness and give them the knowledge they needed to attain wisdom. I had enjoyed many evenings sitting in Khar’oum’s energy and listening to his wisdom and his marvellous way of teaching.

In 2008, after 16 years of teaching, their contract together was complete.

Then, in July 2012 I was invited to Arliael-Isa’s home to celebrate Khar’oum’s 20^th anniversary. Unexpectedly, he arrived into her body long enough to join in his own celebrations.

In the ensuing conversation, I invited him to travel with me in December to Egypt, an invitation which he accepted. Knowing he would be watching over our travels was very reassuring.

Then he presented me with one of his strings of Mala’s (Tibetan prayer beads), which were a very elaborate and beautiful set. They were in fact, rutilated quartz and quite large.

I wore them every day while in Egypt. About halfway into my trip we went to the house of our Egyptian guides, Yousef and Patricia. Yousef’s sisters are skilled healers and we were invited to have healings done on us.

The elder sister, Shahrzad noticed the mala’s I was wearing and said they looked like the same crystal her late father, Hakim, was given  when he was invited to the White House in America.

It was the same, and inside her crystal was a sliver of moon rock given to her father by one of the Apollo astronauts.

Now we felt a bond between us, and she said she felt we would be doing work together and that I would be back in Egypt sooner than I thought. I feel she is right about that.

Now, in terms of synchronicity, I have several questions:

1. How did Khar’oum know, way back in July, that I would be in Egypt in December and would meet this woman?
2. How did he know her father had been given the crystal some years before?
3. And knowing that, he just happened to have a set of Mala’s made of the same crystal?

I mean, I know there is no time, but it just boggles the mind…

 April – diary of events

April 10 - New Moon. With no light from the moon, this is the best time of the month to find objects in the sky like as galaxies and star clusters.

April 14 - Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter.

April 20 - Astronomy Day.You can find out about special local events by contacting your local astronomy club or planetarium. You can also find more about Astronomy Day by checking the Web site for the Astronomical League.

April 21, 22 - Lyrids Meteor Shower. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. These meteors can sometimes produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Lyra, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

April 25 - Full Moon in Scorpio. A partial lunar eclipse will take place on April 25, the first of three lunar eclipses in 2013.

General

For most, hard work pays off from the middle of the month on-wards, keep the faith going and push through with determination. Expect delays and frustrations but set clearly defined goals. Bring your leadership skills to the table motivating others to work past difficulties. Industries expected to do well as are travel, creative and medical.

Aries

Mars, your ruling planet has entered Aries and extra energy filters into your being; the flip side of course is that frustration, impatience and anger arrive alongside. A sign of maturity is that you are able to handle the energy without destroying your creativity and that of others. Soothe yourself with steam baths and lots of exercise.

Taurus

Behind the scenes activities slowly become apparent as the month moves forward. The need to change is strong and these urges spur you on. Think through things carefully as change brings upheavals. Find creative solutions for now and take on the changes slowly. Partnership issues continue to create difficulties but strong communications bring insights.

Gemini

Friendship circles and partnerships inspire you to dream big. The middle of the month brings insights and your energy returns. Play for time and meditate to calm your mind as the month starts. Legal matters and official processes consume you for now as you take on responsibilities and work toward a bigger mission. Breathe!

Cancer

April is a stressful period but issues improve after the middle of the month. Keep focus and ask for help, as friends and society are open to your ideas and ideals. Creative projects and emotional family dramas conflict, but your creative life increases through the pressures. Stay calm and bring solutions to the table toward the end of the month.

Leo

Much opens up for you as the month starts, your energies surge and creativity is on your side. Your natural born leadership abilities bring humor and fun to office politics, as much must be resolved before the middle of the month. Family dramas are more difficult to sort out however, focus!

Virgo

Much is hidden from you as the month begins and your intuition is the one thing you can count on. Investigate and be proactive whenever you feel uneasy. Partnerships, other people’s money, taxes and losses are some of the issues you need to deal with right now. Tackle things head on before the month ends and much will be resolved.

Libra

A tug of war exists between you, your partners and the public. Standing by your values and your creative process going forward will bring success but not without strife. Seek professional advice and allow for negotiations and even mediation. The 16th of April onwards brings relief and the tables turn in your favor.

Scorpio

Hidden factors and behind the scene activities are best served in learning and studying. Slipping into any bad behavior trips you up! Your mathematical and medical knowledge brings light in the dark. Research and strong concentrations serve you well in conflict and negotiations. Keep your focus and work through partnerships and allies as the month ends.

Sagittarius

Keep your creative head in the skies and your feet on the ground as you pioneer new ideas and creative solutions in your business world. Your home life requires attention and communications otherwise chaos ensues. Health issues are as a result of overindulgence so curb your needs, brings order to your personal life for the next two months to succeed.

Capricorn

Challenges and conflict bring a change of direction and new beginnings. Plan things carefully and allow for time to unfold before dramatic decisions are made. Ease is assured from the middle of the month on-wards. Study and specialization is recommended during the course of the next two years, as this will improve your abilities and opportunities.

Aquarius

The biggest changes over a long-term period will come through your career and professional endeavors. Taking on new ideas and interests will unfold your potential. Love interests and creative processes bring challenges but clear communications work out most problems.

Pisces

Heavenly bliss has strong potential for you this month as communications peak and your creative energy surges. However caution your enthusiasm as the month starts, everything improves dramatically with insight, patience and planning. Family and home moves are expected to be in a process of flux, keep your focus and make definite decisions mid-month on-wards.

10 March: Comet Pan-STARRS Closest Approach to the Sun. The comet has started being visible in the morning sky in early February in the Southern Hemisphere. It is gradually increasing in brightness until its encounter with the Sun on March 10. By this time it will be visible in the evening sky in the Northern Hemisphere. It can be seen just to the left of the setting sun. It will continue to be visible in the evening sky for the rest of March and into early April.

11 March: New Moon in Pisces

17 March: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter

20 March: Equinox

27 March: Full Moon in Libra

From Anita Noyes Smith – March 2013

 General -
As March kicks off, a tough month, Saturn and Mercury are retrograde, i.e. confusion and dysfunction dominate… Check everything twice; especially documentations, your personal motivations and actions are key to success or failure… The equinox happens on the 21st, expect change, as the seasons are also changing.

Aries -
Subtlety goes a long way at the moment. Go gently and hold back, sleep on things before you action anything, until the 21 of March as the equinox happens, this then is your time to forge forward and initiate your drive and intentions, however, be clear and focused.

Taurus -
A great time to internalize and dream, meditate and come to terms with yourself. A tug of war exists with partnerships in general and at worst health issues plague you. This is a dramatic period in your life lasting for the next two years; plot and plan a way forward and find your inner strength. Nothing touches you then and you shine!

Gemini -
Honest communications save the day, no matter how tough issues seem. This is perhaps the toughest period you face for now, but what does not kill you strengthens you… find spiritual and inspirational courses and move ahead towards the middle of the month. Work/career and home affairs dominate; focus.

Cancer -
Much comes together as those around you seem to fall about, your strength and drive return and you lead with inspirational intuition. Your dreams are predictive and your actions rule. Bosses and authority figures might be your greatest hurdle mid month onwards. Time to stand up and be counted in spite of your self doubt.

Leo -
Your luck strengthens as the month matures. Hold back and play for time. But… its important not to take short cuts and cross boundaries. Be sure to act out at all times with the integrity and honor your personality demands, recognition is inevitable at that point. Most issues clear up as the month moves on.

Virgo -
Bringing logic and communication to the party with no judgment saves the day. Observation and analysis, your strongest gifts, serve your partnerships, legal actions and marketing abilities. Relationships are lost if one does not act or participate, now’s NOT the time to hide in a corner!

Libra -
Life is indeed a-changing for you, partnerships are explosive, decisions must be made, but wait until mid-month onwards before actions and solutions are initiated… Sitting on the fence is your weakest link, but for this rare moment in space, it works to slow things down.

Scorpio -
Slipping into any bad behavior trips you up. The Saturn retrograde affecting you directly can be caustic and destructive but the planet ruling you is working toward discovering the biggest lie told, or you are about to do so… Check! Awakenings and realizations are the gifts now with dollops of creative imagination.

Sagittarius -
Escapism is perhaps foremost on your mind at this time, however time to focus and to work toward constructive partnerships. Things generally manifest in two’s, making choices complex. “Dividing and ruling” also has its perils, perhaps its best to sit back and wait it out until mid year when much turns in your favour…

Capricorn -
Now’s the time for quiet and determined strength, these attitudes operate best to weather the storm of confusion. Specialized knowledge is required to shine and lead. Concentration and strong boundaries drive you to greater heights! Family dramas and moves could distract important deadlines.

Aquarius -
Delays and difficulties create frustrations but your ability to detach makes some issues bearable. Spend time planning and even if you delay decisions until the later part of the month, it maximizes your successes. Travels and communications rank high and drive you to new discoveries and insights.

Pisces -
Your creative skills rank high during the month but aggression and unexpected challenges bring delays to your work and plans. Sometimes difficulties turn into gifts provided one is creative. Use a wand rather than a sword to resolve most issues in your life and expect delays in major projects without self-sacrificing.

Picture shown is Ganesh – taken in the rain (it was what it was) at Crystal Castle, Australia

March 2013: Going with the flow through the law of allowing.

“It is what it is” is probably the most perfect mantra to describe the law of allowing, which can be broken down into 3 aspects of your own reality: the relationship you have with yourself; the relationship you have with those around you and the relationship you have with the universe.

Do you love and accept they way you are right now, just as you are?

How do you interact with friends, family and those around you on a daily basis? Do you want other people to behave differently in order for you to be happy?

Do you trust and allow life to roll out perfectly and in divine timing or do you fight against life with impatience and try to control what, when and how things happen?

If you are not able to accept yourself, others and the way things are, you are in resistance. This constricts the flow of energy around you, slows things down, you suffer, become miserable and eventually get depressed. Clues to recognising when you are in resistance are: judgement; fear; doubt; living in the past; being anxious about the future; pushing against the flow; deciding what will happen before it happens; resentment; anger; controlling behaviour; wanting something to be different to the way it is; using words like “should” and “have to”.

The law of allowing works hand in hand with the law of attraction. We know that everything is energy and like attracts like and when we embrace the law of allowing to fully function in our lives – our hearts open and the energy around us expands. It is in this expanded energy that we are able to manifest and attract all that we want. We are able to connect to ourselves, those around us and to the universe more often and on a deeper level.

In your relationship with yourself, it is important to know and accept who and where you are at right now. Of course, there will always be things and patterns that you are working on or would like to change, although when you fully accept where you are at in the present, you are better poised to make the right choices and create what you want to experience in the future. When you feel that you are in resistance, ground yourself and think about what you are grateful for (it can be the smallest things and it helps to remember a time when you felt great) then connect into that feeling until you it permeates your entire body and energy field. This raises your vibration and moves you out of resistance.

With others, when you accept that every-one is who they are without judgement and that just like you, they exist in their own reality, perceive things in their own way and are entitled to their own opinions and way of life, you are using the law of allowing. This does not mean that you agree with or approve of their beliefs or actions, simply that you accept and respect them.

We all project our inner thoughts and feelings, so when you shift the way you perceive something, people will react to you differently. When you put a boundary in place for yourself from a place of your own truth it is very different to attempting to put a boundary in for some one else (which equates to trying to control them). By the same token, when you try to change a person’s perception about a belief you don’t agree with, it constricts you energetically. This is where the old saying “Live and let live” comes into being. The exception is when others make decisions that affect you, where you do have the choice to stay involved, speak your truth or change your circumstance with that person.

When you are faced with a person or situation that you don’t agree with or approve of, it is natural to immediately go into judgement. This is the moment when you can exercise choice to stay in judgement/disapproval or move into acceptance by realising it is what it is. To assist this process, look for some appreciation that you can find in the situation and then focus on the gratitude you feel. When you stand in your own truth, it doesn’t matter what people say and do (which is their truth) it only matters what you say and do. Acceptance allows you to have compassion for others, to move forward and for any situation to no longer effect what you experience in your reality.

Wishing for you the humility to allow it to be what it is, the courage to surrender and the acceptance that all is as it should be.

With love and blessings,

Peta
Managing Director, Spiritual Quest Journeys

Since ancient times, sacred sites all over the world have had a mysterious allure for millions of people, drawn to their unexplained power and presence. Sacred sites have the power to heal the body, enlighten the mind and awaken the soul with endless accounts of life-changing and profound experiences as testament. This newsletter feature will endeavour to share interesting information on sacred sites and inspire you to experience them for yourself.

Isle of Iona – The Hebrides – Scotland

The Hebrides, pronounced ‘heb-ra-dees’, comprises the Outer Hebrides and the Inner Hebrides. The Hebrides as a whole are sometimes referred to as the Western Isles, although this term more correctly just refers to the Outer Hebrides. Once known as The Long Island, they stretch for 100 miles just off the northwest coast of Scotland.

The islands of Lewis and Harris, North and South Uist and Benbecula are part of the Outer Hebrides. Mull and Iona are part of the Inner Hebrides. The isle of Arran is often associated with the Hebrides although is actually separated from them by the mainland peninsula of Kintyre.

The Western Isles have a long history of human habitation, some sites as old as Stonehenge – c.5000 years old. There is a major ley-line running north/south called the Callanish line with its associated feminine and masculine earth energy currents. These are present at both Callanish and Iona.

Iona is a tiny island (1.5 miles (2.4 kms) wide and 3.5 miles (2.4 kms) long) consisting of rolling hills, rock-strewn meadows, a sheep pasture (that doubles as a golf course), sandy beaches and geological marvels as one of the oldest places on the planet. A highlight is St. Columba’s chair where the saint used to meditate and where the Callanish energy line comes in

The population of permanent residents is around 125 people: many are descendants of families that have been there for centuries and some who came to experience Iona and never left. The small houses; Iona Abbey, chapel and beautiful Nunnery gardens; charming shops and a few meandering roads are the only indications that a community live here.

Known as the birthplace of Celtic Christianity, this sacred island attracts pilgrims and conscious travelers from around the world and from all spiritual traditions and religions due to the historic legacy, spiritual power, tranquility and natural beauty.  Iona is a thin place, where the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is at its thinnest and there are many accounts of profound spiritual awakening and experiences of those who have visited.

If you are interested in visiting the Isle of Iona and other iconic sacred sites in the Hebrides, join Spiritual Quest Journeys on the Mythical Scotland, Mystical Journey

In a world where we are overwhelmed by the constant bombardment of technology, responsibilities and relentless pursuit of our goals, it is critical that we regularly take some time to step back from our day to day lives and objectively reassess where we are on our life path, who we have become, and more importantly, who we choose to be in the future.

At Spiritual Quest Journeys, we believe that there is no better way to do this, than to explore both our outer and inner worlds. Our spiritual tours explore ancient sacred sites, mystical and magical locations, fascinating places, holistic wellness centers and retreats around the world. Most importantly, we recognise that time away is hard earned vacation time and our tours are imbued with a sense of excitement, adventure and fun.

As spiritual travelers ourselves, we acknowledge the importance of a well balanced tourism offering, and each itinerary is carefully designed to offer a subtle blend of seamless destination management; interconnectedness with the earth, exploration of the area and culture; personal development, relaxation and integration time; ceremonies and meditation; group consciousness support and guidance; and something unique and exclusive. In essence, unique travel experiences that an individual would be hard pressed to create on their own.

So if you are waiting to exhale or looking for an amazing life changing experience, explore our website or contact us for a tailor made spiritual tour.

Life changing spiritual tours to enrich your life

	Desert Sands and Gaia’s Gifts Namibia | Namibia Crystal Journey | 21 – 31 May 2013		Divine Feminine Wisdom France | Sacred Journey through France| 21 – 31 May, 2013
	Magic, Myths and Legends Avalon, England | Women’s Journey to Avalon | 23 – 31 May 2013		Take a walk on the wild side Zambia | Yoga tour including meditation and walking safari in South Luangwa National Park| 28th May – 5th June 2013
	Ancient Mysteries, Modern Messages England | Sacred Sites and crop circles tour in Wiltshire | July 2013		Ireland, Land of leprechauns and celtic magic Retreat to magical Ireland in Aug 2013
	Peru – The sacred teachings of the Andean Way Peru | 1st – 11th September 2013		Mythical Scotland, Mystical Journey Scotland | September 2013
	Malta’s Mediterranean Temples Malta | Journey to the Goddess | 6 – 13 Oct 2013		Spectacular South Africa Miracles, Magic and Manifestation South Africa | 1 – 9 Dec 2013
	Ancient Egyptian Wisdom and Mysticism Egypt | January 2014

We are also in the process of adding exciting new journeys to India and Norway (Northern Lights) and for 2013. The Nov/Dec Egypt 2023 tour will be available soon.  Please indicate your interest by emailing Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

If you would prefer to travel on your own or with friends and family, we can tailor make tours to all of our destinations.

Forgiveness Sessions

Are you tired of holding onto the past? Isn’t it time to finally let go and allow yourself to move on?

The cornerstone to releasing old limiting issues and beliefs that no longer serve you, is forgiveness. Remember that forgiveness is not condoning some-one’s actions; it is rather that you no longer choose to carry the baggage. When we open our hearts to forgiveness, we are able to heal our broken hearts.

A sincere desire to forgive past hurts and heal pain does not bring an abusive person back into our lives, it does however, clear the residual effect of the hurt and pain deep within us. What we release in love allows us to find peace.

A forgiveness session lasts around an hour and a half and can be done in person or over skype. Take advantage of this opportunity for the month of March on a promotional rate of only US$ 50 per session.

If you would like more information or are looking for Spiritual Mentoring, Please contact: Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

For more information and feedback on the newsletter, please contact Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

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FROM HUMAN BEING TO LIGHT BEING

it’s month one after the Mayan Calendar end world date and some people have had to overcome the romantic notion that we would be saved, that banks would crash overnight and we’d be in ascension.

Well we are!!!

Not only are we changing our monetary system, we are also in the process of changing the very nature of our bodies, a once dense carbon based form is in the throes of becoming light.  Now that’s a big deal, so big that everything else pales in comparison and we can be certain that it will bring about some hair-raising moments as the physical body loses density and gains radiance.  It may sound good, but in reality the body is under the impression that its survival is being threatened.  For this reason January may have felt a bit difficult as we encountered these issues of survival and struggle.  Struggle and survival fit together, hand in glove, but then so does ease and radiance and that is exactly the direction we are headed in right now.  But back to January and what we’ve been encountering.  Because the physical body perceives this change in density as a threat, we spent some time in January inadvertently blocking our light and thereby sabotaging ourselves.
You see, when survival is not the issue then evolution becomes the next obvious step

When we ponder evolution, we ponder the bigger and deeper questions of life, such as:

• Who am I really?
• What is this all about?
• What am I meant to be doing?

And then the biggest question and the biggest highlight that January brought about was this:

How do I be a light being and a human being at the same time?!
We have moments of epiphany and moments being at peace; immersed in the harmonious beauty of the universe. But then in the blink of an eye someone cuts in front of us in traffic and in an unconscious reflex response the light being is replaced by a finger pointing, anger wielding, being of fury. How can we be both at the same time … well that’s exactly what we ARE doing! So be a little more:

• Patient with yourself
• Understand that you’re in transition
• Acknowledge your behaviour but don’t judge

February

We have to let the old stuff (old paradigm) go effortlessly, that’s why it has to surface in order to be discharged. But due to the nature of the change we have already brought about our way of moving forward is different

• This time we are not trying but allowing
• We are not analyzing but loving
• And we are not holding on to an outcome, just knowingness (that we are leading ourselves into a new way of being on this planet and in these bodies)

And what exactly is it that we are letting go of

• Ego

This is the thing that keeps us locked into the old paradigm, old behavior, survival mode, fear of being wrong, fear of lack, and fear in general. In order to truly release the ego we must know what is beyond the ego, we must face the fear of ridicule, the fear of being wrong and see what lies beyond that place we imprisoned ourselves in. And if you perceive yourself as someone ok with being wrong look at the world we live in, the world we have collectively created. Wars are fought over differences of opinion. Someone always believes they’re right, and in order to be right someone else needs to be wrong. Ego is a sneaky experience we have all had and it robs us of living from our divinity!

Some powerful realizations for February

I say this for me, and each of you can say it for yourselves because it is our collective truth:
I am a being of light, the magnitude of which I don’t yet fully understand but I am remembering and awakening to the vastness of my being; and I am powerful … so very very powerful that I sometimes forget it is safe to be fully me.

Until the next time.

Immerse yourself in the Cosmic vibration of unity
Feel consciously connected
And remember, we are all doing this together

With love
Kerry K

For some Dec 21st 2012 was a bit of an anti-climactic experience, especially those that had hoped for a tsunami of devastation to sweep its vengeance upon humanity. For others it was a breakthrough day of peaceful celebration for the time had finally come for us to begin a new era. As I said so many times last year, it was never about the pin pointed dated December 21st but rather the time to follow, the time we are in right NOW.  This is where it all begins and I cannot describe the feeling of love, exhilaration and excitement that I get every time I ask my guides to show me what’s next …

Before we look at what the new era is about lets define what the old era was made up of.

Old era / old paradigm:

Always, others are in charge; for children that would be parents and for adults that would be the state, social norms, policing by others

The belief that we are not all equal (based on how educated or wealthy one might be)

A deep sense of separation from God/Source, from each other, our planet and our own essence. Separate also from our Cosmic family of star beings

Self criticism that we carry out into the world as judgement of others

Head based (logical, analytical and linear) prizing intellect as a means of establishing superiority

Blind to the world around us, focused on a “me first” mentality

New era/ new paradigm:

We are all equal which essentially means we are all equally powerful thus eradicating judgement and the need to establish superiority

Eradicating judgement which we previously used to keep ourselves separate

Heart based, able to access wisdom that supersedes intellect and able to operate from a state of effortless compassion

Being switched on, tuned in, conscious and aware which leaves us in the infinite NOW and less dominated by linear time

Considering all other human beings (and eventually all other beings) to be an extension of self

Experiencing ourselves as a part of ONE COSMIC FAMILY

If I were asked to sum up the fundamental differences between these two paradigms I would simply say that old paradigm was based on separation and new paradigm is founded on Oneness

Why was the old paradigm necessary and why would we have elected to experience separation when our Truth is Oneness and wholeness?   We elected to come here to help raise the vibration of Planet Earth (Gaia) , the best way to do that is to immerse ourselves in the masses and experience the separation/state of unknowing and emerge back into our original state and light form (which we are in the process of doing).  Humanity hardly ever listens to beings of spirit and when we do we often dismiss their advice by saying things like “yes well here in the real world it doesn’t work like that, we still have to make a living” or be responsible or whatever our excuse might be.  But it’s altogether different when one of our own has emerged into a state of enlightenment.  Someone who has walked a human journey filled with human trials and tribulations and can then reach out to us from a space of love and compassion.  Now that would be someone worth listening to and an amazing teacher, that person would have true impact and be able to raise planetary vibration from the inside.  That is exactly what we light beings are doing!  Disguising ourselves among the masses and raising our frequency into our crystalline/light form so that we can fully relate to those feelings of frustration, separation, etc but not let that hinder us from living in a state of graceful simplicity, compassion and oneness.

Until the next time – Immerse yourself in the Cosmic vibration of unity; Feel consciously connected

And remember, we are all doing this together

With love

Kerry K

 16 February: Mercury at greatest elongation – the best time to try and view Mercury as it is usually too close to the Sun

18 February: Conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter

 25 February: Full Moon in Virgo

General
February brings a renewed optimism as Jupiter rectifies its retrograde, but mixed fortunes play out as Saturn and Mercury’s retrogrades start on the 18th and 23rd of February. Plan the first half of the year ahead carefully; otherwise delusions and deception plague one for months to come…

Aries
The next two months require behind the scenes work and actions. Hidden enemies and agendas mark the month and thus require stealth-like behavior, employing patience and silent observation. Best way to serve your destiny… study and observe quietly… without taking on brash action.

Taurus
Innovative ideas are at the top of your list regarding business development. Being in trouble with the boss is another frustration for now, pressures ease toward the end of the month; plan your year ahead as another financial year ends… Health and partnership bring concerns but much is discovered over the next two months.

Gemini

Confusion and creativity are perhaps the most important attributes this month holds for you. Spend time communicating your ideas and creative concepts, more so than usual, especially as Mercury retrogrades, end month. Trickery and misunderstandings dominate if communication lacks

Cancer
Partnerships and other peoples resources take you to the next level. Negotiations and deal-making hike to the next level but caution yourself as the retrogrades emerge toward the end of the month. Expect delays as issues sort themselves, especially regarding international ventures.

Leo
A tug of war in partnerships get tensions going. Balance is key without reacting into this sea-saw energy. Play for time and bring peace toward end of the month. Innovation and change is required for stimulation and continued growth. Exercise to find calm.

Virgo
New found relationships and partnerships bring renewed energy and interest. Going there slowly without a rush brings insight and careful consideration as the Mercury retrograde starts. A workable solution is found and life improves provided honesty and communications are highlighted.

Libra
Travel and study dominate for now and requires concentration and follow through to conquer goals. Renewed optimism and visions of the future inspire you to tackle immediate problems. Exercise and follow a stick diet to revive your energy levels. Life is a-changing!

Scorpio
Creative ventures bring relief as Saturn retrogrades in your sign, bringing delays and difficulties until mid year. Also a good time for research and development, allowing big and important break-through innovation. Rushing any project only brings disappointments and disasters. Health issues must be carefully monitored.

Sagittarius
Relationship dramas surface and action is required to resolve the past months. Legal action and negotiations work best as the month starts out. Thereafter pull back and find subtle resolve. Practical solutions work best for now; keep your feet on the ground and your head in the clouds.

Capricorn
Research and development, contracts and negotiation are essential now. Stimulate your mind with short but intensive courses and bring knowledge to everything you tackle. Your concentration power improves, otherwise take vitamins to supplement; so much can be sorted in a relatively short period now, the pressure is on!

Aquarius
Developing a sense of specialness as Venus transits your sign brings recognition and financial successes, but not without the delays which Saturn offers at present. Hard work and goal setting gets you ahead. Travel and study are recommended to improve your knowledge now.

Pisces
The month ends up with success, but starting the month seems overwhelming and pressure mounts. Changes in your home environment disrupt routines and sets about a general state of disease. Get organized, set goals and much improves as you manage more than you thought possible.

Picture shown is from Angkor Wat in Cambodia

February 2013: Your perception is your reality.

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one – Albert Einstein

Have you ever noticed that things look different depending on where you are at? In fact, have you ever noticed that YOU look different depending on where you are at?

Imagine a view of the world through rose tinted glasses – where you perceived the highest aspect in every experience and every person, including yourself?  Doesn’t that sound ideal?   - The good news is that it is possible and that you can achieve it.

Consider the well-known saying that you create your own reality and lets take it a step further and consider that your perception IS your reality. It then goes without saying that your perception is the filter that shapes your reality.

In other words, the sum of all of your experiences; lessons that you have learned; what you see, hear and think makes up your world view and belief system and this is the filter or lens you interpret or perceive reality through.

The definition of perception is: The act or faculty of apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind; cognition; understanding.

In terms of the 5 senses, namely vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch, it is easier to see that perceptions are subjective and not necessarily universal: You know what blue is because you have learned what blue is. One assumes that because one has learned to recognise blue it would be the same to every-one although try and agree on blue with some one who is colour blind or explain what blue is to a person blind from birth.

Similarly, one may recognise the smell of cooking onions, which might be an enjoyable experience or an unpleasant one depending on how one perceives it. Is it possible to factually explain the smell to a child that has never smelled onions cooking?

Just as we are limited by words when it comes to our perception through our senses, our understanding or perception in our minds is limited to our past experiences and belief systems. Perception is the basis of our evaluation of our existence and is always active within our minds, physical and energetic body. Our vibration is constantly and continually changing, reacting to our perception of the world around us.

We don’t see things as they are. We see them as we are – Anais Nin.

If two people experienced the same event and met up a year later to discuss the event, their recollections would be different. This is because they perceived the event differently and then stored the memory of the event based on their different filters.

By the same token, you project your interpretation of how things are and this is what is mirrored back to you. It doesn’t matter what people think about you because their thoughts are perceived through their own filter and have very little to do with you, however, what they mirror back to you are the clues on how you perceive yourself.

Our greatest source of suffering comes from assuming that all we feel is factual. When we realise how limiting our beliefs can be, we can fully grasp that what we feel is based on our perception of the facts and we can choose to shift our perception.

Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change – Wayne Dyer

So, once you have noticed you are unhappy with your perception around a situation in your life and would like to change it, the best way is to go within and this will always start with an intention – which can be as simple as setting the intention to shift your perspective.

I would suggest that you put yourself in a different setting to go through the process so take a walk in nature; do some exercise; de-clutter a room or lie in a bubble bath.

As you ground yourself and reflect on the issues and the concerns that hinder you, take an objective step back, refocus your attention and open your mind and heart to look for other ways of viewing the situation. It helps to:

• Take responsibility for how you are feeling about the situation and all perceptions that you have. Whilst you can’t change the event, you can change your perception and feelings about it.
• Try seeing it from another point of view and release the judgment you hold.
• Look for times in your life when you were on the receiving or giving end of a similar situation. Is that past experience clouding your perception of this situation?
• Recognize that your ego’s buttons are being pushed. Examine your thoughts that bring up the negative feelings and look for what is being mirrored back to you about yourself. This is the greatest clue of what aspect needs to be integrated, forgiven or released.
• As all of your perceptions are stored in your chakra system, clearing your chakra’s and releasing stagnant, blocked energy will assist greatly in gaining clarity.

All of the above will facilitate the release of old limited beliefs that no longer serve you and you will start to see that you are not bound by past experiences or outdated perceptions. You should feel lighter, starting to see the choices that lie before you and have the clarity with which to act.

As you spiral back, acknowledge that you have shifted your perceptions, expanded your worldview and have a deeper understanding of self. Your batteries have been recharged and you should be more aware of your purpose.

Once we reach a state of understanding through deep and profound realizations, we find a place of peace and deep acceptance where we are able to be fully present and ready to embrace the unknown without fear.

With love

Peta

Managing Director,Spiritual Quest Journeys

Since ancient times, sacred sites all over the world have had a mysterious allure for millions of people, drawn to their unexplained power and presence. Sacred sites have the power to heal the body, enlighten the mind and awaken the soul with endless accounts of life-changing and profound experiences as testament. This new newsletter feature will endeavour to share interesting information on sacred sites and inspire you to experience them for yourself.

Chalice Well – Glastonbury, England

Chalice Well is one of Britain’s most ancient wells, located in the vale of Avalon between Chalice Hill and the famous Glastonbury Tor in Somerset County, England. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and orchards, Chalice Well is a living sanctuary centered on an ancient spring, whose waters are reputed to have therapeutic and healing properties.

Archaeological evidence confirms that prehistoric people used the spring and the well has been in constant use for over two thousand years. 25 000 gallons of water flow from the spring everyday and it has never dried up, even in times of drought. The ancients believed that wells were gateways to the spiritual realm, where the veils between the physical and spirit worlds were thinner, and often established shrines and conducted ceremonies close by.

The well cover depicts a stylized version of the Vesica Piscis, whereby the two interlocking circles represent the overlapping of the inner and outer worlds. A sword bisects the circles and is a possible reference to Excalibur (King Arthurs sword believed to be buried at Glastonbury Abbey). Today, people continue to gather here to drink the healing waters and find solace, peace and inspiration.

To safeguard and protect this sacred place, the Chalice Well Trust was established in 1959 by Wellesley Tudor Pole to enable visitors and pilgrims to receive inspiration and refreshment from the waters and gardens. The gardens welcome people from all faiths and became a World Peace Garden in 2001.

Many legends are attributed to the iron-rich chalybeate waters, which flow ceaselessly at a steady rate and at a temperature that never varies. The most widespread legend is that the water represents the blood of Christ, miraculously springing forth from the ground when Joseph of Arimathea buried or washed the cup used at the Last Supper here. A local legend claims that the Holy Grail is hidden within the wellhead. For some, the Well is portrayed as a symbol for the female aspect, with Glastonbury Tor representing the male aspect. For others, the waters are acknowledged as the essence of life, a gift from Mother Earth to sustain its living forms and a continuous spring like Chalice Well is a direct expression of a limitless life.

Whatever you believe, to experience the gardens firsthand; to marvel at the beautiful flowers and trees; to luxuriate in the peaceful atmosphere and to drink the water from the wellhead is a deeply inspirational experience. I have been to Chalice Well many times and am always in awe of how balanced and peaceful the energy is there.

If you are interested in visiting Chalice Well and other iconic sacred sites in the area, join Spiritual Quest Journeys on the Sacred Sites and Crop Circles journey in July 2012.

In a world where we are overwhelmed by the constant bombardment of technology, responsibilities and relentless pursuit of our goals, it is critical that we regularly take some time to step back from our day to day lives and objectively reassess where we are on our life path, who we have become, and more importantly, who we choose to be in the future.

At Spiritual Quest Journeys, we believe that there is no better way to do this, than to explore both our outer and inner worlds. Our spiritual tours explore ancient sacred sites, mystical and magical locations, fascinating places, holistic wellness centers and retreats around the world. Most importantly, we recognise that time away is hard earned vacation time and our tours are imbued with a sense of excitement, adventure and fun.

As spiritual travelers ourselves, we acknowledge the importance of a well balanced tourism offering, and each itinerary is carefully designed to offer a subtle blend of seamless destination management; interconnectedness with the earth, exploration of the area and culture; personal development, relaxation and integration time; ceremonies and meditation; group consciousness support and guidance; and something unique and exclusive. In essence, unique travel experiences that an individual would be hard pressed to create on their own.

So if you are waiting to exhale or looking for an amazing life changing experience, explore our website or contact us for a tailor made spiritual tour.

Life changing spiritual tours to enrich your life

	Malta’s Mediterranean Temples Malta | Journey to the Goddess | 5 – 12 May 2013		Desert Sands and Gaia’s Gifts Namibia | Namibia Crystal Journey | 21 – 31 May 2013
	Divine Feminine Wisdom France | Sacred Journey through France| 21 – 31 May, 2013		Take a walk on the wild side  Zambia | Yoga tour including meditation and walking safari in South Luangwa National Park| 28th May – 5th June 2013
	Ancient Mysteries, Modern Messages England | Sacred Sites and crop circles tour in Wiltshire | July 2013		Ireland, Land of leprechauns and celtic magic  Retreat to magical Ireland in Aug 2013
	Spectacular South Africa South Africa | Adventure travel vacation to South Africa | 24th Aug – 1st Sept 2013		Peru – The sacred teachings of the Andean Way Peru | 1st – 11th September 2013
	Mythical Scotland, Mystical Journey Scotland | September 2013		Ancient Egyptian Wisdom and Mysticism Egypt | Spiritual tour to Egypt | Dec 2013

We are also in the process of adding exciting new journeys to India and Norway (Northern Lights) and for 2013. The Nov/Dec Egypt 2013 tour will be available soon.  Please indicate your interest by emailing Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

If you would prefer to travel on your own or with friends and family, we can tailor make tours to all of our destinations.

Manifestation Sessions

Start the New Year off with a manifestation session to identify and attract all that you want in 2013.

A manifestation session lasts around an hour and a half and can be done in person or over skype. Take advantage of this opportunity for the month of January on a promotional rate of only US$ 50 per session.

For more information and feedback on the newsletter, please contact Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

If you have received this email from a thoughtful friend and would like to sign up for future newsletters and receive a copy of our free eBook on practical energetic work SIGN ME UP NOW!

3/4 January: Quadrantids Meteor Shower, emanating from the constellation Bootes

11 January: New Moon in Capricorn

27 January: Full Moon in Leo

From Anita Noyes Smith – Jan 2013

 Happy New Year to you and may this be a blessed and progressive year in which you will find benefit, love and bounty. The festive season has flown by and we find ourselves again facing a new year with all the challenges and opportunities it brings. I sincerely hope that there will be more great opportunities than challenges this year!

We will be open for business and consultations with Anita from 7 January, so contact Busi to book an appointment to know what’s in store for you this year!

Our 2013 intake of students starts in January, so contact us asap if you want to join one of these groups this month. More information on our Medieval Astrology correspondence courses can be found at Virginastrology. Evaluation for all courses is done online via our e-learning portal and learning can be done at your own pace.

Read Anita’s predictions below for specific information for your rising sign. Book a consultation to answer specific questions and address any issues you are facing at the moment!

Please ‘Like’ our Facebook page to stay up to date with news.

Wishing you all the best for 2013

The VirginAstrology Team

Whats up in the Skies?

Remember to read the rising sign! Contact Busi if you are uncertain of your rising sign, this depends on the time of birth.

General
Happy New Year! The events for the month seem bleak to kick off a new year, but much improves as the year matures. General treads for the year focus on technology and innovation both in the business arenas and research and development in medicine. Investments in these areas bring success over a two year period.

Aries
Being the centre of attention amongst new friends and society has its advantages, but hasty actions bring infamy. Set goals and plan the year ahead carefully. Study is best served as the year starts. Business interests with strong new initiatives bring success as the month unfolds.

Taurus
Financial stresses bring innovative ideas and a strong focus to expand internationally. Unfold ideas carefully and allow for patience without panic to take on a new drive for the year. New investments and financial solutions brings success short term. Keep your cool with lots of exercise.

Gemini
Accessing finances allows for a slow but steady process solving immediate difficulties. Feeling overwhelmed has you chasing your tail; take time and find clever and practical solutions that bring you back to demonstrating your agile nature in business, sales and finances.

Cancer
Strong partnerships and alliances bring long term success and innovative business. Financial success depends on the partners you choose. Research and set definable goals for the year ahead. Family matters change and a new horizon beckons, consider all changes carefully.

Leo
Health issue and family matters bring delays to your plans but patience and determination solve any problems. Partnerships in business strengthen but not without a certain amount of conflict starting off the year. Bring innovative ideas to the table and much resolves itself over the next two months.

Virgo
Issues regarding neighbors and siblings bring unexpected challenges and solutions must be found. Keeping a cool but logical mind has long and short term problems solved with unexpected wins along the way. Creative solutions rank high. Love matters challenge you for now but all eases toward the end of the month.

Libra
Travel and study rank high to resolve financial stresses and business difficulties. Strong communications save the day both legally and contractually. Patience must be employed until the end of the month when Jupiter stations direct, and much is revealed. Get ready for change as the month ends.

Scorpio
Strong urges and intuitions must be acted upon. Spend time strategizing and planning short and medium term goals. Careful considerations examining all options bring insightful solutions and a break through in research and investigation. Changes in the home can be expected. Soften your attitudes with fun and hobbies.

Sagittarius
Being loved and appreciated is all part of Venus moving through your sign. Put your best foot forward and make decisions regarding your love interests toward the end of the month as Jupiter your ruling planet stations and moves forward in space. Keep up a strong exercise program for strength and optimism.

Capricorn
Realizing just how much you enjoy your work or profession has you excited as the year starts. Careful planning, long and short term, demonstrates your leadership abilities and strong contractual processes protect your drive going forward. Hold back until the end of the month then move forward stealthily.

Aquarius
Travel and exciting ventures have your interest peaked and much comes to you as the year starts. Challenges in your home with losses and intensive changes can bring you down but keep your focus and continue to initiate innovative processes for two months. Success is assured thereafter as your confidence increases.

Pisces
Hidden agendas and frustrations have you worrying excessively; meditate and involve yourself with personal interest to depressurize. Career and relationship issues can split you into two, but plan the next three months carefully and much can be achieved. Your inner strength grows over the year ahead, focus on yourself.

Picture shown is the view of the Giza Plateau from the Awyans balcony

January 2013: Ancient Egyptian Wisdom and Mysticism journey.

Having recently returned from the 13 day Spiritual Quest Journeys 12/12/12 journey to Egypt, I am in awe of this magical country – filled with sacred sites, ancient knowledge, soulful people and how it touches all that visit.

Spiritual Quest Journeys partners with Mohamed Ibrahim, Yousef and Patricia Awyan for our Egyptian tours and all three of these knowledgeable experts travelled with our group offering the perfect balance between Egyptology and Khemitology. Mohamed has been running spiritual tours through Egypt for over 12 years and is an Egyptologist specialising in Ancient Egyptian writing including Hieroglyphs.

Yousef and Patricia are continuing the work of Dr. Hakim Awyan, (Yousef´s father) well known indigenous wisdom keeper of the Ancient Egyptian mysteries, scholar and exceptional orator of Khemitology, whom before his passing in 2008, shared Egypt’s technically advanced and enlightened ancient past worldwide.  Hakim’s legacy is far reaching including through his 11 children. We had the privilege of spending time at the Awyan family home, located in the village shadowed by the Giza Plateau (and the best view in Cairo) and meeting a few of Yousef´s brothers and sisters. Many of us were blessed with massage and healing sessions with Miriam, Shahrzad and Raba. This warm, welcoming and generous family epitomises the true spirit of authentic Egyptians and one of the many highlights of our journey.

Yousef and Patricia are Co-Directors of a modern Mystery School – the Khemit School of Ancient Mysticism, which is an open forum for all who wish to gather and exchange information and research about Egypt, ancient wisdom & technologies thereby raising our collective levels of awareness and consciousness. Combining the wisdom handed down to them from Hakim with their own continuing research, Yousef and Patricia provide a fresh perspective and vision of Egypt’s heritage, along with holding a sacred space for activating the energies within and outside of ourselves at many of the powerful sites throughout Egypt.

In addition, our intrepid journey leader, Fiona Lee opened our hearts and minds with her understanding of the Ancients and guided us through the five stages of the sun initiations, earth service work, various meditations and the 12/12/12 activations. Fiona’s unwavering commitment to her spiritual path and facilitating the group assisted her to hold the energy for each individual as well as the group and each and every one of us felt profound and exciting shifts.

The group itself was drawn from all corners of the planet including Africa, Canada, USA; Australia; Europe and Scandinavia. All in all, 22 beautiful souls made up the aptly named Khemit group and all of us knew on a deeper level that we had to be there.

Our journey began in Cairo – a bustling city that never sleeps and home to 28 million people. We were based on the Giza Plateau and despite the political unrest in the country whilst we were there, we saw no sign of any conflict. That said, we were well aware of how the people dependant on tourism are suffering from the low tourist numbers and certainly did our part in buying a plethora of souvenirs and Egyptian clothing as we went. Our home base in Cairo at the beginning and end of the tour was the 5 star Mecure Cairo Le Sphinx, an ideally located and very hospitable hotel close to the Plateau.

Our Cairo touring included visits to the ancient site of Dashur; the Red and Bent Pyramids attributed to Senefru (according to the Khemitian indigenous tradition, “Senefru” means “Double Harmony” and refers to the significance of Sound used in these ancient Energy Devices); Saqqara: home of the Step Pyramid – attributed to King Djoser; the Hospital or ancient healing area, the Pyramid of Unas and Titi’s Pyramid; The Cairo Museum and old Coptic Cairo.

My personal highlight in this area was the renovated Serapeum of Saqqara, recently opened after 11 years and a surprise we had included for our group. To see the massive granite boxes in huge subterranean galleries is enough to boggle the mind as to how the ancients built and moved them.

We flew to Luxor where we spent 2 nights at the charming Maritim Jolie Ville Kings Island, a beautiful 5 star deluxe property on a private island right on the banks of the River Nile. We explored the Temple of Hatshepsut (the female Pharaoh famous for importing, trading and introducing many new products to Egypt) at Deir El-Bahri; the tombs at Valley of the Kings; Colossi of Memnon; Karnak and Luxor Temple (the Temple of Man). We also took a day trip from Luxor to visit Dendera – the Temples dedicated to Hathor, Abydos and the Temple of Seti 1. The ancient Osirieon located behind (and underneath) the temple, probably tens of thousands of years old, is similar in design to the Valley Temple by the Sphinx. Ancient depictions of the Flower of Life can be seen etched on the pillars here and many stories have been shared about the miraculous healing properties of the water that has risen to surround the pillars of this lower temple.

My highlight in Luxor was Karnak, the world´s largest temple complex where we were treated to a magnificent sunrise and so much more. To be the only group on site was exhilarating and well worth the early start. We had arranged private access to the Chapel of Sekhmet (the standing Lion headed neter/goddess) and after we had completed our meditation, the entire room was filled with orbs. The powerful sacred geometric design and natural elements of the architecture itself has the ability to transform and raise levels of awareness and consciousness as one walks through this and many other ancient temples in Egypt.

After exploring the open-air museum, we were fascinated to see evidence of energy flow through the stone structures used in the main temple pathway, where over time the structure of the granite had been changed from the inside out and we could literally crumble the stone into powder with our hands.

Making our way towards the exit, a number of synchronistic events led us inside the Temple of the Moon where we were able to conduct a private ceremony and then were guided into chambers that Mohamed and the Aywans hadn’t been into for over 10 years. Whilst these exclusive and special allowances had been happening throughout the journey and continued to happen until the end, our experience at Karnak was particularly thrilling and testament to the collective group energy resonance.

We were sad to leave Luxor although delighted to be embarking on our 4 day Nile Cruise. The River Nile is about 6,670 km (4,160 miles) in length and is the longest river in the world. Although it is generally associated with Egypt, only 22% of the Nile’s course runs through Egypt. Be that as it may, the Nile is the lifeblood of Egypt, a country that receives very little rainfall and it was exceptional to watch the lush riverbanks, unchanged for thousands of years, as we gently make our way from Luxor to Aswan on the luxury cruiser Alyssa. Our island explorations included Edfu, Kom Ombo and from Aswan, Philae for the Temple dedicated to Isis, Elephantine and Kitcheners Islands and the Mausoleum of the Aga Kahn. Some of us took the optional extra to the Nubian Village for an interesting cultural experience – the scenery on the Felucca ride to the village was breathtaking.

We traversed the desert en route to Abu Simbel to explore the magnificent Temples of Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari – two temples carved out of solid rock at a site on the west bank of the Nile. With the construction of the Aswan Dam in the 1960s, the temples were reconstructed on top of a cliff 200 feet above the original site.

In Aswan, we visited the remarkable Aswan Quarry where much of the granite used to create Egypt´s megalithic structures and temples originated and site of the 1 200 ton unfinished Obelisk and if one was in any doubt about the ancients having tools and technology, this site is a smoking gun.

There are numerous theories and sentiments about who and what the ancients were, although as one journeys through Egypt, one realizes that despite the many compelling theories around when, why and who built the pyramids, temples and ancient sites – it remains an unexplained mystery and it is really up to the individual to discern and reach their own conclusions – it is a wonderful subject to ponder and research though and a natural progression for most that visit the sites for themselves

Back in Cairo, we explored the rarely visited sites of Abu Sir and Abu Ghurob. Many objects of interest at these sites point to a superior intelligence and technologies of a very ancient civilization, that the indigenous call Khemit. I was particularly fascinated by the enigmatic white calcite (Egyptian alabaster crystal) basins and gigantic Hotep (meaning peace or food) which Hakim believed to be a landing pad for inter-galactic or inter-dimensional journeying at the very ancient site of Abu Ghurob.

We spent our full final day (12/12/12) on the Giza Plateau itself and marveled at the size and implications of the Pyramids and Sphinx.  Sadly, the Great Pyramid was unexpectedly closed to the public although we were able to enter the 2^nd Pyramid and enjoyed some private time in a chamber close to the Great Pyramid called The Seat of Power.

Overall, Egypt is a fascinating country, filled with contradictions and an exciting mix of old and new ideas, concepts and belief systems. The poverty stands out cold and hard against a backdrop of glitzy modern suburbs and hotels. The hospitality levels are high in restaurants and hotels and we were very grateful to Mohamed and Yousef who kept the incessant hawkers at bay. The keepers at the sites, who answer an inner calling to watch over them despite the low pay, intrigued me and in contrast, the guards and inspectors who are hell bent on enforcing the no meditation/toning rules. There is a strong sense of deactivation from an official perspective and yet one is guided and blessed with many opportunities to privately connect with the sites on an individual and group basis.

There is no doubt that traversing the sacred sites of Egypt is one of the most profound pilgrimages on Earth and I am delighted to confirm that Spiritual Quest Journeys will be offering an annual tour there. Dates for the journey in late November, early December 2013 will be available shortly. Please check out the visual Photo Album of our journey (to protect the anonymity of the group, I haven’t posted any group shots).

Wishing you all a blessed New Year and the courage to live from the heart in 2013.

With love

Peta

Managing Director,Spiritual Quest Journeys

In a world where we are overwhelmed by the constant bombardment of technology, responsibilities and relentless pursuit of our goals, it is critical that we regularly take some time to step back from our day to day lives and objectively reassess where we are on our life path, who we have become, and more importantly, who we choose to be in the future.

At Spiritual Quest Journeys, we believe that there is no better way to do this, than to explore both our outer and inner worlds. Our spiritual tours explore ancient sacred sites, mystical and magical locations, fascinating places, holistic wellness centers and retreats around the world. Most importantly, we recognise that time away is hard earned vacation time and our tours are imbued with a sense of excitement, adventure and fun.

As spiritual travelers ourselves, we acknowledge the importance of a well balanced tourism offering, and each itinerary is carefully designed to offer a subtle blend of seamless destination management; interconnectedness with the earth, exploration of the area and culture; personal development, relaxation and integration time; ceremonies and meditation; group consciousness support and guidance; and something unique and exclusive. In essence, unique travel experiences that an individual would be hard pressed to create on their own.

So if you are waiting to exhale or looking for an amazing life changing experience, explore our website or contact us for a tailor made spiritual tour.

Life changing spiritual tours to enrich your life

	Malta’s Mediterranean TemplesMalta | Journey to the Goddess | 5 – 12 May 2013		Desert Sands and Gaia’s GiftsNamibia | Namibia Crystal Journey | 21 – 31 May 2013
	Divine Feminine WisdomFrance | Sacred Journey through France| 21 – 31 May, 2013		Take a walk on the wild sideZambia | Yoga tour including meditation and walking safari in South Luangwa National Park| 28th May – 5th June 2013
	Ancient Mysteries, Modern MessagesEngland | Sacred Sites and crop circles tour in Wiltshire | July 2013		Ireland, Land of leprechauns and celtic magic Retreat to magical Ireland in Aug 2013
	Spectacular South AfricaSouth Africa | Adventure travel vacation to South Africa | 24th Aug – 1st Sept 2013		Peru – The sacred teachings of the Andean WayPeru | 1st – 11th September 2013
	Mythical Scotland, Mystical JourneyScotland | September 2013		Ancient Egyptian Wisdom and MysticismEgypt | Spiritual tour to Egypt | Dec 2013

We are also in the process of adding exciting new journeys to India and Norway (Northern Lights) and for 2013. The Nov/Dec Egypt 2013 tour will be available soon.  Please indicate your interest by emailing Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

If you would prefer to travel on your own or with friends and family, we can tailor make tours to all of our destinations.

Manifestation Sessions

Start the New Year off with a manifestation session to identify and attract all that you want in 2013.

A manifestation session lasts around an hour and a half and can be done in person or over skype. Take advantage of this opportunity for the month of January on a promotional rate of only US$ 50 per session.

For more information and feedback on the newsletter, please contact Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

If you have received this email from a thoughtful friend and would like to sign up for future newsletters and receive a copy of our free eBook on practical energetic work SIGN ME UP NOW!

The picture is of Tirta Empul, a beautiful Hindu Temple in Bali, famous for its holy water and where Hindu Bali people go for purification.

November 2012:  Spiritual Hygiene – How to clear your energy and why.

We live in an energetic universe and are surrounded by an energy field made up of fine lines running through the entire universe and every living thing. This is the grid that connects up every part of creation and the reason there is a mass consciousness.

By the same token, humans are electromagnetic beings made up of tiny particles of vibrating energy that manifest into the physical body. Quantum Physics show that energy becomes matter, and matter becomes energy according to the change in the frequency of vibration. It is for this reason that it is important to realize that the aura gives off the body as much as the body gives off the aura.

Our auras vibrate at a higher frequency than our physical bodies and continuously interact with other people and living matter including the plant, animal and crystal kingdoms and the earth itself. Our auras vibration therefore changes constantly and is affected by all that it comes into contact with. This is why we are positively effected by spending time in nature and negatively effected when we spend time with draining people or surrounded by electronic equipment. Have you ever noticed that you are feeling great and full of energy, when suddenly you start to feel down or fearful for no reason? Next time this happens, perhaps consider who is wrong with you rather than what is wrong. Very often, the emotions we feel aren’t solely our own, they are layered with what we are picking up from the people around us and from mass consciousness.

Our individual energy field; comprising our physical body, aura, chakra system and meridians, stores information or our blueprint including our memories, perceptions and belief system.

Just as our physical bodies are affected by what we eat and drink, when energy flows through the body easily and without hindrance (going with the flow), we stay healthy and positive although when our energy is blocked, stagnant or toxic emotions have built up, we start to experience lethargy and/or depression and eventually dis-ease. The importance of this point is illustrated in the understanding that illness or dis-ease shows up in the aura before it is manifested in the physical body and why it is critical to include clearing your energy as an important part of your Spiritual Hygiene routine.

Ideally, this should be done daily if possible and your process should cover your aura as well as your physical body. It needn’t take long and can easily be done as you drift off to sleep at night.  There are many ways to do the cleansing and a popular method is using Epsom salts. I prefer energy techniques and this is my favourite process:

Start with deep breathing, close your eyes and ground yourself.

See yourself standing on the earth in front of a gold pyramid shower cubicle, there is another pyramid below the shower (the point is downwards) into the ground which is solid gold (As above, so below)

Step into the Pyramid shower and look up to see the big showerhead in the top of the pyramid above you. Now visualise the showerhead opening and gold/white/love water drops showering your physical and energetic bodies.

Look and see if there are any dark area’s around you and watch the water wash/dissolve them away (you can also see these dark spots being unplugged and watch where/who they go back to – see them dissolve in light and love)

After you have cleared any dark energy and have seen it wash away down the drain, step out of the shower with gratitude, knowing that your energy is cleansed.

Now that you have cleared your aura, it’s important to clear your physical body too, so open your crown chakra (visualise a white flower on the top of your head and see the petals opening), see a pillar of white light come from source into your Crown Chakra and into your spine. Once your entire spine is full of the white energy, see your Crown Chakra closing (the white petals close). Now, expand the white energy from your spine until it fills your entire body.

As the light spreads have a look for any blockages or dark area’s and see the light clearing them. Once your physical body is pulsating with the white light, see it go back into your spine and know that this light is there whenever you need it.

To complete the process, see two big water glasses in front of you and notice if they are full/empty – one represents your spirituality and the other positive abundance. Visualise both glasses being filled to the brim with white/gold/love water.  You can check your glasses at anytime, especially if you are feeling drained, and fill them up any time they need it.

Wishing you a clear and bright month ahead

Love and blessings on your path

Peta

Divine Feminine Wisdom – May 2013

A Sacred Journey through Mary Magdalene’s France 

If tales of the Templars, Cathars and the Holy Grail legacy enthrall you and you are drawn to connecting to the divine feminine embodied by Mary Magdalene, this spiritual adventure to Southern France is not to be missed.

Absorb the energies of this richly historic and traditional European culture with its ancient Celtic roots; Encounter the Black Madonnas; Experience the Festival of St. Sarah and Immerse yourself in legends and myths.

All the locations on this Sacred Journey resonate to a very special frequency that vibrates strongly with the history of the Grail and the presence of Mary Magladene, including:  Les Saintes Maries de la Mer – where Mary Magdalene was believed to have come ashore when she was brought to France by Joseph of Arimathea, where  the festival of St Sarah  (depicted as a black Madonna) is held on 24 May every year and around which this journey was created;Carcassone  – stronghold of the Cathars; Montsegur  – where the Cathars were besieged by the Inquisition and where people are known to experience spontaneous past life memories;  Grotte de la St Baume  – the cave where Mary Magdalene was reputed to have lived and worked;  Mount Bugarach  – an Essene community.

Highlights Include:

Connect to The Divine Feminine as embodied by Mary Magdalene -The “Lost Bride” of Christianity ~ Follow the threads of the Grail Heresy through mystical southern France where legends tell that Mary Magdalene fled to save her life from the persecutors of Jesus ~ Tune into intuitive Goddess wisdom and learn how to bring this energy into everyday life ~ deepen your understanding of the Divine Feminine energy by learning about The Goddess through History & The Grail Heresy of Mary Magdalene ~ Meditate upon the presence of the Divine Feminine in the various energies of the sacred sites we visit ~ enjoy guided meditations for balancing the masculine and feminine within each one of us, as the Great Shift in consciousness moves us away from the imbalance of the patriarchal world and towards the alchemical transformation of the “inner marriage.” ~ deepen your meditation and prayer practice through the simplicity of the Divinely Feminine concept of heart-based focus to remove blocks to inner peace ~ Be present to the question of whether you have been drawn to this area of France by your own past-life resonance.

For detailed information and reservations: France – Divine Feminine Wisdom

Journey Leader: Winnie Durdant-Hollamby

In addition to being a life coach, intuitive counselor, author and past life regression hypnotherapist, Winnie Durdant-Hollamby has been lecturing on the subject of the Divine Feminine for over 6 years as she believes it to be intrinsic to the Great Shift in consciousness that is now beginning to take place. She regularly presents Goddess workshops and gives lectures on this subject, often with a particular focus on Mary Magdalene and the Grail Heresy.

Winnie will be joined by Peta Panos, founder of Spiritual Quest Journeys. Peta’s personal quest has been to live joyously from the heart and has helped many people onto their spiritual paths. As a Reiki Master, spiritual mentor, clairsentient and conscious world traveler with a light fun loving approach, Peta effortlessly empowers and assists people to step into their Goddess energy, to open their hearts to conscious soul living and manifest the life of their dreams.

An experienced tourist guide will also be joining the group for the duration of the tour.

Please visit our: France Photo Album

For detailed information and reservations, please visit Sacred Journey through France

Life changing spiritual tours to enrich your life

	Malta’s Mediterranean Temples Malta | Journey to the Goddess | 5 – 12 May 2013		Desert Sands and Gaia’s Gifts Namibia | Namibia Crystal Journey | 21 – 31 May 2013
	Divine Feminine Wisdom France | Sacred Journey through France| 21 – 31 May, 2013		Take a walk on the wild side Zambia | Yoga tour including meditation and walking safari in South Luangwa National Park| 28th May – 5th June 2013
	Ancient Mysteries, Modern Messages England | Sacred Sites and crop circles tour in Wiltshire | July 2013		Ireland, Land of leprechauns and celtic magic Retreat to magical Ireland in Aug 2013
	Spectacular South Africa South Africa | Adventure travel vacation to South Africa | 24th Aug – 1st Sept 2013		Peru – The sacred teachings of the Andean Way Peru | 1st – 11th September 2013
	Mythical Scotland, Mystical Journey Scotland | September 2013		Ancient Egyptian Wisdom and Mysticism Egypt | Spiritual tour to Egypt | Dec 2013

We are also in the process of adding exciting new journeys to India and Norway (Northern Lights) for 2013 and will again have all of the journeys offered in 2012. Please indicate your interest by emailing Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

If you would prefer to travel on your own or with friends and family, we can tailor make tours to all of our destinations.

Meditation Sessions

For those that are looking for an introduction to meditation or deepening your meditation practice, Peta is available to assist.

A meditation session lasts around an hour and a half and can be done in person or over skype. Take advantage of this opportunity in October on a promotional rate of only US$50.

If you would like more information or are looking for Spiritual Mentoring, Please contact: Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

For more information and feedback on the newsletter, please contact Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

If you have received this email from a thoughtful friend and would like to sign up for future newsletters and receive a copy of our free eBook on practical energetic work SIGN ME UP NOW!

From December onwards the Global Energy Updates will become the Cosmic Energy Updates because we are entering a very exciting period of reconnecting with our cosmic selves. For so long we have known that this year of 2012 would bring undeniable shifts in consciousness and we are slowly seeing this happening around the world.  But what happens after 2012?  That’s the question that I’ve been asking and the answers are coming.

The Separation of Humanity, where it all began
For 9 months we float in the blissful state of oneness inside the deep dark red of our mothers womb, in this water world, gushing sounds are heard against a backdrop of rhythmic drumming as our mothers heart beat reminds us that we are warm and safe.  And then we are born and our once safe world becomes marred with the onset of separation.  It is common practice, particularly in “modern” culture to place babies in their own rooms and to consider a child “good” if they are happy to be alone and without demands.  Parents expect to get on with work and their normal lives after a childs arrival with as little disturbance as possible, leaving little room for these new beings to share their light and their gifts.  You were once a child like that; filled with joy and enthusiasm for your purposeful journey here on planet earth.

But as adults we take little time to listen to babies, little time to connect with them and we don’t consider it appropriate to allow them into our beds where they can absorb warmth and closeness. I used to work with baboons in a rehabilitation environment and I noticed what these primates had that we as humanity have lost.  Closeness.  To a wild primate it is unthinkable to leave a child alone.  They have no routines because the mother’s love is available to the young 24/7, there are no rule books on how to raise their young because they are still in tune with their instincts.  As human beings we are so separate from each other, we suffer from loneliness and isolation and from diseases and unhappiness based on that separation.  What the animal kingdom has that rivals us and threatens to be our undoing is that we cannotconnect with ourselves, let alone each other.  It all begins at birth when we are separated to our own bedroom.  Imagine how ludicrous that is, to be in a state of heavenly oneness for 9 months only to be born in to this crazy earth environment where we are expected to be “good” children and not want to be picked up all the time,  I hear moms say that so often “my child is driving me mad, I can’t put her down” and inside my head I say “then don’t”.  Is it that hard to love another and see to their needs.  Actually YES it is, because for most of us, our needs weren’t met and we have no idea how to see to our own needs, we have no idea how to love ourselves … let alone another.

There are of course childhoods more idyllic than what I’ve described, but to illustrate the “norm” upon which our species is based it’s important to understand what is ingrained in the collective human psyche.

searching for love   
So often babies are born to parents who need them, they choose parents who are chaotic and off-kilter so that they can come in to teach the parents how to love and how to find harmony again.  And in turn, the parents begin to fight the child and a battle of wills ensues to see who will win.  The crying baby at 4am usually does!  But they have to contend with their parents resentment and find it in them to continue trying to wake their parents up.  These children eventually grow up to become us.  Some of us learned to be alone, we learned that we were good if we never asked for help, that we were acknowledged when we were prepared to sleep in a big bed in a big room all by ourselves, but as adults the craving never really leaves us.  We always seek love in some form or another.  It is humanities most desperate plea…. to be loved, to feel that we belong and are a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Separation from God/Love
The journey of a child being born is quite symbolic of the human experience with God/Source.  Imagine, before you were born, before you ever decided to incarnate, you were at One with the great Source itself.  And there you were (much like the child in the mothers womb) interwoven in the fabric of love and Oneness until suddenly … BOOM … there you were … alone and separate from God.  You forgot that you chose that, you forgot that you elected to journey into the illusion of separation into creation.  You began to perceive that you were wrong, inherently floored, why else would you be kicked out of the nest?  The moment we perceived ourselves to be separate from Source everything changed and we knew for the first time what not-good-enough felt like, and the concept of punishment first occured.  Were we being punished for being somehow unworthy?  Of course not!  Our journey back home is about remembering who we are, not who we have come to think of ourselves as, but who we truly are.  The same Source of Light that we have always been.

Cosmic Connections
Once we can connect with firstly our sense of separation and the pain that comes with it  then we can let it go and in it’s place feel the ever present Oneness, acceptance and belonging.  As we connect to ourselves and our human family then we can begin to reach out and connect to our cosmic family, and that dear friends is what 2013 is about.  A year of reaching out to the cosmic family that we are a part of, and be welcomed back home.

I know that many of you will be wondering why you would have elected to separate from Source in the first place.  What was that all about?!  Stay tuned and we’ll talk about it some more in the next COSMIC ENERGY UPDATE

Wishing you love and light, and the wisdom to receive it

Kerry K.

November – diary of events

• 29 October: Full Moon
• 7 November: Mercury stations retrograde in Sagittarius
• 13 November: New Moon
• 13 November: Partial Solar Eclipse, visible in Australia and New Zealand
• 17 & 18 November: Leonids Meteor Shower, look towards the constellation Leo after midnight
• 26 November: Mercury stations direct in Scorpio
• 27 November: Venus and Saturn conjunct in Scorpio
• 28 November: Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse, visible from Europe, East Africa, Asia, Pacific and North America

General
We face the last Mercury retrograde in Nov for the year, once again misunderstandings and a sense of feeling inside out and upside down starts on the 6th until 27th. In business one should be wary of whom one deals with and when one signs documents. On a personal level one should relax, reconsider and not react! Time to wind one’s neck in!

Aries
A smoldering period ends toward the 18th of Nov as action and a strong drive takes over, however the Mercury retrograde hampers actions and it would be wise to hold back any major launch or initiative until a long term plan hatches. The full moon at month end brings relief. Meditate when stressed.

Taurus
Feeling a little burnt out is natural for now, so stock up on vitamins and allow for time out. The Mercury retrograde teams up with Saturn and the pressure builds up until the end of the month. Secrets and politics might get the better of you so go calmly and discover who’s doing what to whom! Much exposes itself to you now especially in relationships generally.

Gemini
The pressure continues under the retrograde Jupiter and Mercury… Stay centered and allow for resolution until the end of the month. Exciting and unexpected moments bring laughter and fun whilst spiritual endeavors bring deep insights. Your intuition is operating at full throttle at presents, listen to it…

Cancer
Much exposes itself to you now, allow the month to unfold and take action toward month end. Bring calm to your soul with family functions and artistic endeavors. Relationships strengthen from mid month onward as partners and allies come to your assistance and fight for a good cause.

Leo
Past friends and acquaintances return to your life unexpectedly and good news brings relief under certain pressures spilling over from last month. This is normally a month of expansion, but for now consolidate. Privately deal with family issues as this is where the pressures originates from under these retrogrades at present.

Virgo
Redoing work is part of this months frustrations, make sure everything you do is backed up and saved safely. Your concentration levels increase and mental burnout is expected if your health and fitness is not put into a routine. Up your vitamin B-complex and rest up with fun loving moments. Stay away from hyperbole.

Libra
Financial stability is perhaps the most important issue for the month. Time for scrutiny and investigation on all levels. Be aware of stock markets and turn your attention to all things that are financial and medical. Making money and running big risks of losing are all possible outcomes for the month, be conservative and centre yourself.

Scorpio
Medical matters dominate and strong resolve and investigation is required for the drive to survive, however this a brilliant time to get your body and mind focused and to transform you health and wealth. Focus on good ideas and spend times in think tanks and discussion groups to be inspired. Sleep on things then… per chance to dream!

Sagittarius
Finding yourself in the midst of drama might well have you finding your inner self, the most important and dependable part of your being. This is not a time to exaggerate or create drama, rather time to pull back and enter your cave to observe and meditate. Travel and foreign horizons spell trouble if you try to escape without a mission, rather stay home and deal with issues.

Capricorn
Huge possibilities exist at present and a break through is close at hand. A fighting spirit is required to take projects to the next level. Your leadership is required without taking much to heart. Knowing what must be done, then tenaciously focusing on the target allows for enormous deal making possibilities. Corruption brings you down in time, do the right thing now.

Aquarius
Buying into false dreams and even outcomes has you depressed and feeling defeated. Pull back this month and allow for observation and contemplation. Career issues are perhaps the most important focus and requires intensive research and discovery, as do your finance and health, these too ranking high in your priorities, lots to sort out this month!

Pisces
Compassion and service with a strong self sacrificial process goes a long way this month and allows for subtle but dynamic shifts and changes, everywhere. Confusion runs high as both retrograde planets play into your fate stressfully. Try not taking everything personally and be guided by your dreams and visions.

September 2012 – Demystifying Spiritual Quest Journeys

Considering the questions that often come up, I have taken this newsletter opportunity to demystify certain aspects of Spiritual Quest Journeys.

What is Spirituality?

Spirituality is one of the most misunderstood concepts of our time – often confused with religion and certainly considered by many as a bit woo woo.

In reality, spirituality is natural, universal and possessed by all humans and I embrace this culture of Spirituality, rather than any specific faith or religion.

The word “spiritual” comes from the Latin word spiritus, which means breath or breathing. To be spiritual is to be aware of the non-physical or energetic realm. Typically, spiritual people explore awareness of self, their connection to the energetic and non-physical world and question the belief system that there were conditioned with as children.

Transformation is the process of profound inner awakening, shifting you from one state of consciousness to another and begins when we start to question.

In order to question, we need to find the courage to move out of our comfort zone and when we ask the big questions (Who created us and why? Why are we here? Who am I? What is my purpose? What should my next step be? How do I find inner peace etc) change is inevitable.

So, if you have ever noticed you have a gut feel (intuition), believe you create your own reality, want more out of life than the average Joe, ponder life’s mysteries or question your place in the world – you too are spiritual.

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

What is a Spiritual Quest?

A Quest is a search or pursuit in order to find or gain something and the root word of question. When we are willing to question during our journey of life, we will always find our way.

I believe we are born with a blueprint (our fate) and as we have free will, with conscious awareness can choose to experience the highest aspect of this life plan (our destiny). So, in one-way or another, to a greater or lesser extent, we are all on a Spiritual Quest.

All Spiritual Quests begin with a desire to find more meaning and fulfillment in our personal lives. We are here to fulfill our destinies (purpose) through the experiences and lessons we create and the relationships we surround ourselves with. What we do with this life is up to us!

As we learn and grow, our worldview (the overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world through values, beliefs about life and the universe) is expanded. There are extreme times that we are so profoundly confronted with the realization that we have limited ourselves through outdated beliefs and blinkered thinking, our worldview is blown open, we lose our place in the world and we have to go through a complete re-evaluation process to reconstruct a new one. This process is often referred to as the Dark night of the soul and the way back to a more enlightened worldview is through a Spiritual Quest.

“When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change” – Wayne Dyer

What is spiritual travel?

In essence, spiritual, conscious and experiential travel is a more meaningful and rewarding travel experience than just taking in the touristy sights and ticking off destinations. It is interesting to note that the world’s oldest form of tourism is pilgrimages and statistics show that spiritual tourism is growing by more than 30% every year, a clear indication that travel needs are returning to a more authentic intention and travelers are wanting holistic experiences during their hard earned vacation time.

Spiritual journeys are undertaken by people who are: searching for meaning and purpose in their lives through self discovery; facing a crossroads; wanting to reconnect with the natural environment through understanding inter-connectivity with the earth and global consciousness on a deeper level or quite simply looking to explore destinations more intensely.

This search cannot be bought or gifted – it can only be experienced and discovered by the individual. When you step out of your comfort zone, away from the pressures of modern living, and consciously explore other lands, cultures and beliefs systems, your spiritual growth is guaranteed.

As always, you should focus on the journey rather than the destination as quite simply – the journey IS the destination. When you travel consciously, with intention, respect, an open mind and are present on the journey – you will always get back richer.

“Travel has a way of stretching the mind. The stretch comes not from travel’s immediate rewards, the inevitable myriad new sights, smells and sounds, but with experiencing firsthand how others do differently what we believed to be the right and only way.” - Ralph Crawshaw 

What are Sacred Sites?

Sacred Sites are places where the physical and spiritual worlds meet. These powerful, unique and often mysterious sites are found all over the world and take many forms including: awe-inspiring natural places; Megalithic structures, monuments and ruins of Ancient civilizations whose origins remain in obscurity; sites connected to a god or saint; places where instant healings and miracles occur; consecrated buildings; temples; Monastries; Ancient pilgrimage routes and locations; world heritage sites; crop circles; henges etc.

Just as our physical bodies have a life force running through them, so does the Earth and all sacred sites are located on power points of the Earths Energy Grid and can be compared to acupuncture points on the body. There is now irrefutable proof that ancient civilizations understood the subtle energies of the Earth and it’s energy grid (Ley lines) and these power points where the Ley lines meet, are marked by stone structures all over the Earth.

These places of beauty and serenity imbue a sense of peace, humility and honor the spiritual in us all. Regardless of the many theories and claims surrounding sacred sites, all that visit them are in agreement about their powerful energy and magnetic pull. Once you have physically connected to a sacred site, you carry its energy and sacred geometry within your own energy field. Many people experience a physical, mental and spiritual awakening and return open hearted, enriched, recharged and resonating to a higher vibration as a result of their time spent at sacred sites.

“Sacred places are physical and geographic anchor points for our psychic and cultural imaginings, the stories we tell about ourselves, the world, and the relations between them.”
Adrian J. Ivakhiv, Claiming Sacred Ground

What is the inner journey?

I have always seen the inner journey as a spiral, which can be equated to how we experience a personal growth cycle in day-to-day life (hence the Spiritual Quest Journeys spiral logo).

We start the inner journey with an intention. As we reflect on the issues and the concerns that hinder us, we take an objective step back, refocus our attention and start to open our minds and our hearts to shift our perception. This facilitates the release of old limited beliefs that no longer serve us.

Once we reach a state of understanding and soul energy through deep and profound realizations (the centre of the spiral) we find a place of peace, being present and deep acceptance. Totally connected to the earth, our higher selves and the world (mass consciousness) and ready to embrace the unknown without fear.

As we spiral back, we notice that we have shifted our perceptions, have expanded our worldview and have a deeper understanding of self. It is easier to live in the present and in soul energy. Our batteries have been recharged and we are more aware of our purpose. We are fulfilled when we are connected to the greater truth and we act in alignment with what is sacred in our own lives.

When you couple this personal growth cycle with taking a break from your day-to-day life; spending time in the energy of the sacred sites; being supported by the journey leader and like minded people, every aspect is enhanced.

“Heroes take journeys, confront dragons, and discover the treasure of their true selves.” – Carol Pearson 

What is a sacred ceremony?

A sacred ceremony helps us to align our whole being with the natural rhythm and flow of life. Personal intent behind the ceremony creates the bridge through the barriers that we have created between our soul and our physical day-to-day existence. Through the creation of ceremony, we allow the free movement of our soul into the mundane and our consciousness into the realm of soul. All sacred ceremonies on our tours are fully explained before the event and guided throughout.

“All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.”
- Martin Buber 

What can I expect when I travel with Spiritual Quest Journeys?

Connect with ancient sacred energies and power spots at sacred sites, magical locations and awe-inspiring places around the world.

Step off the beaten track and experience the culture and essence of a place rather than follow the usual tourist routes.

Embrace the unexpected whilst enjoying the comfort of small groups of like-minded people and an experienced Journey Leader.

Learn about fascinating cultures and develop more understanding and compassion for others.

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary and take time to reflect.

Broaden your horizons and transform your worldview.

Give something back to the people and places visited.

Enjoy daily guided and personal meditation.

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”  -Andre Gide.

I hope this newsletter answers some questions you may have had and I look forward to hearing your feedback.

Love and blessings on your path

Peta

Yoga, meditation and walking safari in Zambia – May 2013

Take a walk on the wild side….

In Zambia’s iconic South Luangwa National Park, The Bushcamp Company operates six exclusive bushcamps in the remote south of the park, as well as the award winning Mfuwe Lodge just inside the main park gate. The secluded, intimate bush camps guaranteed an unrivalled wildlife experience in one of the last unspoilt wilderness regions of Africa – the very place where the African walking safari was pioneered. It is said that `from a vehicle you see Africa. On foot you feel, hear, touch and smell Africa´

Each of the bush camps accommodates a maximum of 8 people, so our group will have exclusive use of the bush camps we visit. The beauty of the journey from a tourism perspective is that once you have arrived at Mfuwe International airport, you spend your time on the ground, easily moving between camps and allowing the raw energy of Africa to permeate your soul.

The magnificent sunsets displayed every night on the open sky; abundant wildlife and colorful birdlife; warm African hospitality are the perfect backdrop for your inner journey so why not take a walk on the wild side with Debs Carter.

For detailed information and reservations: Take a walk on the wild side – Zambia

Journey Leaders:

Debs Carter has been leading yoga safaris in Southern Africa for over 10 years and been involved in the safari industry for over 20. Her yoga practice leans towards a more therapeutic style, helping her students create better body awareness and are perfect for both beginning and experienced students.  Her classes include pranayama (breath work), dyana (meditation), asana (poses), with savasana (relaxation) at the end. As a Reiki practitioner, Debs is also well versed in leading guided meditation including walking, eating and various zen meditations. With a great sense of humour, Debs has a fun and light-hearted approach and is a passionate and inspiring journey leader facilitating the perfect body, mind and spirit balance one would hope for on a soul safari

Please visit our: Zambia Photo Album

For detailed information and reservations, please visit Take a walk on the wild side – Zambia

	Take a walk on the wild side Yoga, meditation and walking safari to Zambia in May – June 2013		Desert Sands and Gaia´s Gifts – Crystal Therapy journey through Namibia in May 2013
	Spectacular South Africa An experiential Journey to South Africa in August 2013		Peru – The Sacred teachings of the Andean Way – through Machu Picchu, Cusco and the Sacred Valley in Sept 2013

We are also in the process of adding exciting new journeys to France and India for 2013 and will again have all journeys offered in 2012. Please indicate your interest by emailing Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

If you would prefer to travel on your own or with friends and family, we can tailor make tours to all of our destinations.

Manifestation sessions

A key aspect to manifesting, using the law of attraction, is to remember that every-thing is energy and already exists. You don’t need to create it – you just need to attract it. For example: Money or the perfect partner for you already exists. Using the law of attraction is about raising your vibration so that it is in alignment with what you want. Desires reside in higher vibration (soul energy) so by raising your vibration through your thoughts, words, feelings and actions, you attract your desires like a magnet (when our vibration increases, so does our magnetism). When you manifest, you step into the experience of what you desire.

If you are wanting to manifest something in your life and would to be facilitated through the process, Peta is happy to help. A manifestation session lasts around an hour and can be done in person or over skype. Take advantage of this opportunity in September on a promotional rate of only US$50.

If you would like more information or are looking for Spiritual Mentoring, Please contact: Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

For more information and feedback on the newsletter, please contact Peta@spiritualquestjourneys.com

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