A Window into Infinity

Transcription

1 EL MUNDO MAGICO VISIONARY JOURNEYS BETWEEN MEDICINE AND MAGIC +44 (0) Inside the inner chamber of the Nuraghe of Santu Antine. Photo: F. S. El Mundo Magico & Sardegna Sacra Present: A Window into Infinity Celebrating the Solstice in the Ancient Sacred Sites of Sardinia A magical journey to the centre of the Mediterranean, in an ancient island of ancestral charm. In Sardinia we will discover the remains of lost civilizations, which left impressive and mysterious remains, ancient sacred sites, thousands of years old, where our ancestors honoured and celebrated the great principles that govern the eternal cycle of life, death and resurrection, in harmony with Mother Earth and the Cosmos... There we shall celebrate the Winter Solstice, saluting the rebirth of light. 1

2 The sky seen from inside the Sacred Well of Santa Cristina. Photo: Francesco Pupillo Sacred Springs and Wells We shall visit Sorgenti Sacre ( Sacred Springs ) and Pozzi Sacri ( Sacred Wells ), well temples where religious rituals and ceremonies were performed to propitiate the divinity to grant fertility, prosperity, healing and purification. Inside the Nuraghe of Santu Antine. Photo: I. Montis The Nuraghi We will visit the Nuraghi awesome megalithic monuments, symbols of Sardinia, dominating the landscape - dating back to more than 3500 years ago and aligned with the most important astronomical events. We shall see the splendid Nuraghe of Santu Antine, one of the most beautiful, impressive and best preserved of Sardinia, whilst inside the Nuraghe Zuras we shall contemplate the phenomenon of the sunlight entering the structure, during the Winter Solstice (marking the shortest day and the darkest time of the year). 2

3 Tomba dei Giganti ( Tomb of the Giants ) in Madau. Photo: Marie Veronique Amellà The Domus de Janas, or Houses of the Faires We will see the mysterious Domus de Janas, portals between the different dimensions of existence, dating back to more than 5000 years ago. Translated in Sardinian language as Houses of the Fairies by some, or Houses of the Witches by others, the term Janas hasn t got a precise equivalent in modern language. The common thread among the different traditions, however, is that the Janas were magical female beings, hauntingly charming and beautiful - and at times terrifying - keepers of an ancient secret knowledge, who dwelled inside these sacred chamber tombs-sanctuaries, carved into rock. The mysterious Rock Altar We will visit one of the most enigmatic and unique ancient sites of the world, the rock altar of Santo Stefano at Oschiri, a highly mysterious sacred place, featuring complex niches with geometric symbols, that has sparked the imagination of researchers... Europe s most ancient Stepped Temple We shall also see the Ziqqurat-shaped truncated pyramid of Monte d Accoddi, the oldest stepped temple in the Western hemisphere and the only one of its kind in both the island and the rest of Europe, place of connection between heaven and earth, built in the Neolithic period, about 5000 years ago. And not only that... The Tombe dei Giganti or Giants Tombs The Tombe dei Giganti ( Giants Tombs ), megalithic monuments where the ancients used to worship their ancestors and practiced healing and vision quest rituals. We shall go to see the villages-sanctuary of the Bronze age... Sacred places where pilgrims once flocked from every part of Sardinia, bringing their gifts to the Gods. We will completely immerse ourselves in the spirit of these places, listening to the message that each one of them has to offer, perceiving the way they resonate inside our body, tuning-in their special energies, in contemplation of their sacred nature. 3

4 Facilitated by: (second from the left). Photo: I. Montis The A Window into Infinity journey to Sardinia s ancestral past will be facilitated by Ilaria and Francesco. Ilaria is a professional archaeologist and Mindfulness teacher, who set-up the "Sacred Sardinia project, guiding people to visit and experience the ancient sacred places of Sardinia with a new approach that combines the knowledge and rigor of archaeological research and modern science to a renewed/renovated sense of the sacred, whilst discovering the eternal message that these ancient sites may still communicate today. Francesco holds an MA in Public Archaeology from UCL (University College of London) and is the founder of El Mundo Magico, offering international guests the experience of sacred plant teachers within the context of shamanic retreats in South America. Alongside a profound fascination for pre- Columbian cultures and the magical places of Peru and Colombia, Francesco hopelessly in love with the Nuraghi and the primordial traditions of Sardinia. He shares with Ilaria the holistic approach to archaeology and ancient sacred sites. 4

5 The Pozzo Sacro (Sacred Well) of Santa Cristina. Photo: I. Montis Programme & Itinerary: December 17 (Day 1) Arrival in Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy), transfer to Hotel Ulivi e Palme, 3 star (1). 21:00: Dinner. Night in Hotel. (D) Nuraghe Zuras, in Abbasanta. Photo: Raffaella Spanedda December 18 (Day 2) 6:50-7:20: Breakfast and briefing with the participants for the journey ahead. 7:30: We leave Cagliari directed to the Nuraghe Santa Barbara. 5

6 Tomba dei Giganti ( Tomb of the Giants ) in Madau. Photo: Marie Veronique Amellà 9:00-10:30: Arrival at the Nuraghe Santa Barbara, in Villanova Truschedu, where we will observe the special phenomenon of the light taking the shape of a bull s head, during the Solstice. Along the way, brief stopover to Fordongianus, to buy some sandwiches and our picnic-lunch. Menhirs of Biru e Concas. Photo: I. Montis 11:30-12:30: Visit to the sacred area of the menhirs of Biru e Concas, in Sorgono. This magical place has the largest concentration of menhirs in Sardinia, with about 200 specimens grouped in two main alignments. 12:30-13:30: Lunch break near the Church of San Mauro (few minutes from Biru e Concas), the Church 6

7 The sacred spring of Su Tempiesu. Photo: I. Montis with the largest rose window of Sardinia. 13:30-14:15: Visit to the Nuraghe Talei. 16:00-17:00: We shall then go to see the Tombe dei Giganti ( Tombs of the Giants ) of Madau, in Fonni. 17:30-18:00: Approximate arrival time to the Hotel Sandalia, in Nuoro. 19:00-20:00: Dinner. Overnight in Nuoro. (B, D) December 19 (Day 3) 7:30-8:20: Breakfast. 8:30: Leaving the Hotel Sandalia, and short break in town to source sandwiches and our picnic lunch. 9:30-11:30: This morning we shall see the sacred spring of Su Tempiesu, in Orune. (2) Nuragic complex of Su Romanzesu. Photo: I. Montis 12:00-13:30: We continue our journey heading to the Nuragic Sanctuary of Su Romanzesu (Bitti). This is a large sanctuary village with a sacred well, an amphitheatre-bath, a labyrinth and several 7

8 The mysterious rock altar of Santo Stefano. Photo: I. Montis megaron temples and ritual huts with a central hearth. 13:30-14:30: Picnic lunch in Romanzesu. 14:30: Departure for Oschiri. 15:30: Arrival in Oschiri, stopover in a café. 16:00-17:00: Visiting the mysterious and enigmatic rock altar of Santo Stefano (Oschiri), until sunset. The mysterios rock altar of Santo Stefano, see from another perspective. Photo: I. Montis 8

9 The Ziqqurat-shaped stepped temple of Monte d Accoddi, only instance in Sardinia and the whole of Europe. Photo: I. Montis 17:30-18:00: We leave the archaeological area to head back to our Agriturismo (Holiday farm) Pedru Caddu, in Tula, where we shall spend the rest of the night. 19:00-20:00: Dinner. (B,D) December 20 (Day 4) 7:30-8:20: Breakfast. 8:30: Leaving the holiday farm in Tula and heading towards the sacred site of Monte d Accoddi (near Sassari), where we shall arrive after about a hour. 9:30-11:00 Visit to the stepped temple of Monte d Accoddi, a unique instance of Ziqqurat-shaped truncated pyramid in Europe. Possibly an astronomical observatory, it was originally built in the Neolithic period, in the 4 th millennia B.C., and is the most ancient temple known in the Western hemisphere. The mysterious omphalos-like sphere near the stepped temple of Monte d Accoddi. Photo: I. Montis 9

10 The main tower of the Nuraghe of Santu Antine. Photo: E. Palmas Stopover to source sandwiches and picnic lunch. 12:30-13:30: Picnic lunch in the restaurant area of the Nuraghe of Santo Antine. 13:30-15:00: Visiting the spectacular Nuraghe of Santu Antine - one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe and in the Mediterranean area and explaining its astronomical alignments. Inside the Nuraghe of Santu Antine. Photo: E. Palmas 15:30-17:00: We shall then go to see the fascinating necropolis of Sant'Andrea Priu, in Bonorva, where we shall observe the sunset in the Tomba del Capo ( The Chieftain Tomb ), aligned with the Winter Solstice. 19:00-20:00: Dinner in Hotel-Restaurant Sa Mola, in Bonarcado, and overnight staying in Hotel. 10

11 Onsite group meditation. Photo: I. Montis December 21, Winter Solstice (Day 5) 7:00-7:50: Breakfast. 8:00: Leaving the Hotel Sa Mola, heading to Abbasanta. 8:30-10:00: Our first stopover today will be the Nuraghe Zuras, in Abbasanta (OR), where we shall contemplate the phenomenon of the light brightening the inner chamber of the Nuraghe, during the Winter Solstice (see YouTube video: in Italian). Short stopover to source sandwiches and picnic lunch. Descent in the Pozzo Sacro ( Sacred Well ) of Santa Cristina. Photo: Francesco Pupillo 11:00-13:00: Visit to the magical Pozzo Sacro ( Sacred Well ) of Santa Cristina. 13:00-14:00: Lunch break (picnic lunch). 11

12 Nuraghe Losa. Photo: F. S. 14:30-17:00: Visiting the Nuraghe Losa, one of the most impressive of the island. The Nuraghe s external wall is aligned along the axis dawn (during the Summer Solstice)-sunset (during the Winter Solstice). Final moments of togetherness with the group. Contemplating the sunset at the Nuraghe Losa. Group gathering in the meeting compound of the sacred well of Santa Cristina. Photo: Manuel Conti 17:00: Traveling back to Cagliari. 18:00-18:30: Arrival in Cagliari, and accommodation in Hotel Ulivi e Palme (3 star). 19:30-20:30: Dinner. Overnight staying in Hotel. (B,D) December 22 (Day 6) 7:00-9:00: Breakfast and transfer back to Cagliari airport (Sardinia, Italy), in care of the Hotel (1). (B) End of our Journey!! 12

13 Group meditation in the meeting compound of the sacred well of Santa Cristina. Photo: Francesco Pupillo Cost 695 GBP Location, airport, airlines, transfers and meeting point Location, Airport and Airlines You need to get a flight to CAGLIARI (capital of Sardinia, in ITALY). The following airlines fly to Cagliari Elmas international airport: RYANAIR: EASYJET: AIR BERLIN: EUROWINGS: VUELING: 13

14 The majestic Nuraghe of Santu Antine. Photo: F. S. Location, Airport and Airlines, ctd. ALITALIA: MERIDIANA: VOLOTEA: SMALL PLANET AIRLINES: ENTER AIR: 14

15 Talk by Ilaria, in Sardinia. Photo: Francesco Pupillo Meeting Point and Hotel in Sardinia Meeting point with Ilaria, Francesco and the rest of the group will be inside the Hotel Ulivi and Palme in the city of Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy) on the night of the 17 th of December 2016, at 9:00 PM, where we shall catch-up for dinner and to get to know each other. Transfers Cagliari airport-hotel-cagliari airport (1) Please co-ordinate directly with the Hotel Ulivi e Palme in Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy) your pick-up and transfers at the airport. Transfers are included in the participation fees. You need to arrive in Cagliari Elmas International Airport on the 17 th of December 2016 either in late morning/early afternoon (you may check-in at anytime after 12:00 hrs), or very early evening (please be on time to attend dinner with us at 21:00 hrs. on our first night there). Should your flight arrive late at night, you may still request the airport pick-up from the Hotel, but you may need to skip dinner if you arrive after 21:00 hrs. In this eventuality you will be joining us at 6:50 hrs of the following morning, on the 18 th, for a short briefing, during breakfast time. Remember to let the Hotel know you want a transfer from the airport to the Hotel Ulivi e Palme on the 17 th of December 2016 and a transfer back to the airport on the morning of the 22 nd of December 2016, after breakfast. Please make sure to pass on to the Hotel the correct details of your arrival and departure times (to/from Cagliari airport), indicating your flight number and the carrier you are flying with. Ask for an confirmation and please copy us in any correspondence with the Hotel regarding your transfers cc-ing: info@elmundomagico.org. Hotel Ulivi e Palme reservation line: Tel (from abroad) Tel (from within Italy and Sardinia) hotelresidence@uliviepalme.it English and Italian spoken. Degree of difficulty (2) Easy. Only exception being a mins steep hike, on Day 3, to see the sacred spring of Su Tempiesu. 15

16 Briefing the group. Photo: Manuela Conti Those who have difficulties in doing this hike may wait at the ticketing area, where there is a small antiquarium with models, pictures and publications in various languages). Includes A) Overnight staying on a double-occupancy basis (single room supplement is an extra, not included), breakfast & dinner (including house wine) in the following Hotels: * Hotel Ulivi e Palme, Cagliari: (Single Room Supplement, per night: + 15, not included) Dinner, 17 th of December 2016 / Breakfast, 18 th of December 2016 * Hotel Sandalia, Nuoro: (Single Room Supplement, per night: + 20, not included) Dinner, 18 th of December 2016 / Breakfast, 19 th of December 2016 * B&B Pedru Caddu, Tula: (Single Room Supplement, per night: + 20, not included) Dinner, 19 th of December 2016 / Breakfast, 20 th of December 2016 * Hotel-Ristorante Sa Mola, Bonacardo: (Single Room Supplement, per night: + 12, not included) Dinner, 20 th of December 2016 / Breakfast, 21 st of December 2016 * Hotel Ulivi e Palme, Cagliari: (Single Room Supplement, per night: + 15, not included) Dinner, 21 th of December 2016 / Breakfast, 22 nd of December 2016 B) Transfers from and to Cagliari Elmas international airport. 16

17 Onsite talk by Ilaria. Photo: Raffaella Spanedda C) Guided excursions in Italian and English - to ALL archaeological sites, as described in the journey programme, led by professional archaeologist Ilaria Montis, and by Francesco Sammarco, of El Mundo Magico. Excludes Single room supplement; lunch on the 17 th and 22 nd of December 2016; picnic lunch during all excursions on days 18 th, 19 th, 20 th and 21 st of December 2016; alcoholic and soft drinks (except house wine, at dinner time, in the Hotels); travel and medical insurance; entry fees to the archaeological sites; tips; domestic & international flight tickets; airport taxes; anything else not specifically mentioned in the journey programme. Deposit, Balance & Payment Deadlines A deposit of 300 GBP must be paid immediately, to secure your place for the journey. Final balance of 395 GBP must be received, at the very latest, by the 3 rd of December 2016, end of the business day. You may also pay the full amount of 695 GBP in one go. Payment must be received in GBP (Great Britain Pound Sterling currency), regardless of the country of origin of the payment. How to Pay Pay securely with your credit or debit card via PayPal sending funds to info@elmundomagico.org mentioning Window into Infinity as reference. If you don t know how to make a payment in GBP using PayPal, please let us know, and we shall you a PayPal link, from where you may easily send your payment, following the simple online instructions. If you don t have a PayPal account and prefer to pay by electronic wire transfer, our full bank details are published at the link: Refunds Deadline & Cancellation fee Refunds - minus a cancellation fee of 300 GBP - are issued for any reason, for cancellations received in writing by the 3 rd of December 2016, at 5:00 PM (GMT time zone). NO refunds after the cut-off date/time. NO refunds for NO-SHOW, voluntary curtailment of the programme, or unused services (submit your refund claim directly to your travel insurance company in these cases). In the unlikely case of a journey cancellation on our side, we shall refund the full amount effectively received from the Participant. Refunds may be issued by PayPal, World Remit, or wire transfer. 17

18 Inside the Tomba dei Giganti (Giants Tomb) of Madau. Photo: I. Montis Travel Insurance Participants are required to have a travel insurance (of their choice) to protect themselves in case of last minute cancellations and unexpected circumstances (including family emergencies, flight delays and cancellations). Minimum Number of Participants Minimum 10 participants. To Bring Comfortable and warm clothes, waterproof gear, hiking boots, flashlight (optional) and...your good spirits! Flexibility Although we have carefully taken care of every minimum detail in the organization of this journey, we reserve the right to modify, alter and/or change the itinerary, at our sole discretion, at any time, should meteorological and/or environmental conditions, Hotel availability, and/or other causes of force majeure, demand it. Participants are required to be flexible and to project a friendly attitude towards the team leaders and fellow participants, at any time. By joining the Window into Infinity journey programme the participant shall automatically be bound by the above terms and conditions of participation. 18