 Hello: I invite you to join me on Crete to experience the shamanistic foundations of Western consciousness, in the land where these rites began. This trip weaves together many threads, each connected to how reality is perceived. The itinerary is based on my decade of original research about certain prehistoric figurines from Crete that embody a technique which awakens ecstatic trance. I have been leading trance seminars on Crete since 1997, yet I’m still amazed by the profound changes that occur in the awareness of people who experience Crete’s Bronze Age and Neolithic rites at the sacred places where they were originally performed. Members of our groups experience the myth, mystery and magic of Crete’s landscape in ways that conventional tourists can only imagine. If you join us, you’ll begin the trip as a guest of the charming mountain village where I’ve had a home since 1992 and where you’ll be immersed in an ancient culture centered around hospitality, generosity and remarkable ecological sanity. You’ll enjoy enough time to absorb a way of life firmly rooted in the past yet fully present in the future. You’ll visit ruins of a remote, late Bronze Age mountaintop settlement that was one of the last outposts of Crete’s shamanistic culture. The trip’s grande finale is four nights in a 19th century restored villa in Arkhanes, one of Europe’s most beautifully preserved towns, whose excellent wines have been in continual production for over 4,400 years. And that’s just the stage set—places you’ll take off from into the many levels of Crete’s realities. Be assured that, as your experiences begin to re-shape your awareness, you’ll be supported by skilled, yet subtle, facilitation and encouragement that will help you to help clarify and integrate your insights. Since 1975, whenever I am living and working on the island, I am sustained by strong, mutually respectful relationships with people who will greet you as an honored guest. My knowledge of Crete’s customs and language and the distinctive perspectives of two additional tour leaders provide unique opportunities that will carry you beyond typical tourist encounters.  Patricia Kyritsi Howell is a Greek American medical herbalist whose family of origin lives 50 miles from Crete. Patricia’s naturalist’s approach to the island’s traditional cuisine, wild foods and medicinal plants will awaken your senses to the seasonal rhythms and practices that maintain the legendary health and vitality of Crete’s people. (Please visit www.wildcrete.com and www.botanologos.com.)  Yorgos Spiridakis is a native of Crete and one of the island’s most respected archaeological guides. He is a Greek version of a Renaissance man. In addition to his vast knowledge of Minoan ritual, Yorgos is a producer and exporter of organic olive oil. The three of us are continually searching Crete’s back roads, looking for small traditional cafes and taverns that will prepare most of your meals from the season’s freshest, often organic, ingredients. You’ll meet the people in the kitchens and hear the story behind a grandmother’s Turkish sauce for the rabbits her grandson raises; what fishes are looking especially plump; and if a shepherd’s rare aged goat cheeses are ready.  As you can see, our approach to travel is unusual. Unusual, in how we pace the schedule and offer guests respectful ways to participate in, not just observe, daily life in a Cretan village. Unusual, in how we carve out time for daydreaming, naps and reflection. Unusual, in the possibilities to taste, touch, smell and see what it means to live in an ecologically sound way, in a modern culture that still cherishes and savors traditional ways of life. Unusual, in how we meld physical travel and intriguing archaeological seminars with profound visionary experiences. Now, let me tell you what this trip is not. This trip is not likely to fulfill anyone’s romantic fantasies of dancing the night away in a noisy Greek tavern. It’s also not likely that anyone on this tour will encounter a Greek goddess or meet a handsome Greek ship captain (unless Patricia’s cousin Yiannis is in port.) We have a few requirements. We welcome anyone on our trips who enjoys group travel with all its inherent challenges and benefits. Every destination on Crete seems either up or down a steep hill, and most excursions involve walking some distance. Therefore, vigorous physical fitness is a must. If you are culturally flexible and open to enjoy different kinds of foods, people, customs and activities, this trip is for you. We assume that our travelers are willing to respect general guidelines of behavior that local residents consider appropriate. To best prepare for various trance rituals, we request that you join us in making sure that the first seven nights of the trip are free of drugs and alcohol. If this all sounds good to you, and you enjoy safe, meaningful, worry-free travel, we hope you will consider joining us on Crete in June 2008. Further information about the trip is presented on the Itinerary and Details pages. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your questions by emailing info@robinettekennedy.com or calling (001) 706-746-5485. I look forward to sharing with you the beauty and magic of Crete! 
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