Scotland Blue Moon Vision Quest

A Quest of any kind is a heroic journey. It is a rite of passage that carries you to an inner place of silence and majesty and encourages you to live life more courageously and genuinely. -Denise Linn

When: Wednesday, August 29th to end Sunday, Sept 2nd, 2012 (5 days and 4 nights),P. Where: Central Scotland (1 hr from Edinburgh and Glasgow) on the banks of Loch Voil near Trossachs National Park

Fulfills Part of the Vision Quest Training Program

More Information & To Sign Up: www.naturalpathfinder.com - Catriona.MacGregor@comcast.net

Spiritual journeys into nature can provide greater life direction and harmony. These archetypal passages, or quests into nature, are powerful acts that can change a person’s life profoundly. This is why so many myths and stories around the world have the hero’s quest as a central theme. For centuries, people have embarked on rites of passage taking them deep into nature’s realm.

Today, a modern day quest into nature can be a powerful experience. While this term is often linked to a Native American practice, every culture on Earth has nature-based rituals, sometimes referred to as pilgrimages, walkabouts, sacred groves, or retreats. For many beleaguered and busy people, a quest may simply present an opportunity to spend contemplative time alone in nature as a salve for the stresses of modern life. In other cases, people partake in a quest as a way of soul seeking, and others embark on a quest as a way to deal with important life passages, such as death, divorce, or changes of career and find greater understanding about their life path.

I believe that everything in the universe is infused with a compassionate, intelligent spirit. Every person, every animal, and every tree has the capacity to express this intelligence. Humankind communicates with the Creator through interaction with the animals, the birds, and the trees. It is through these messengers that humankind can connect with the sacred and be one with all creation.

The Scotland Blue Moon Vision Quest is going to be held in a beautiful part of Scotland, renowned for its natural beauty and spiritual significance. Near Loch Katrine, made famous as the site of Lady of the Lake, and referred to in Sir Walter Scott’s romantic poem which paints a dramatic picture of the region: “Each purple peak, each flinty spire_Was bathed in floods of living fire”

I am especially happy to be able to share this lovely area that was also once the homeland region of famous MacGregor ancestor Rob Roy. I first visited this place when I was just 13 years old and when my Grandmother, Ella MacGregor and my mother Irene brought me to Rob Roys gravesite in Balquhidder – (just a short drive from our Quest site. St Angus an early Christian came to Balquhidder Glen in the 8th or 9th century and recognized what the Celts called a "thin place" where the boundary between Earth and Heaven became faint. Because of this – he built a stone oratory in the area and spent the rest of his life here. )

The scenic natural beauty of this region is filled with wildlife including red and roe deer, otters, red squirrels, osprey, and one of the largest Grouse in the world – the Capercaillie. For those wary of large predators, like wolves and bears – there are none here. Forests are filled with Sitka and Norway spruce, Birch, and Oak trees abound. There are also many cleared areas and hills to climb for beautiful views of the many lakes (lochs in Gaelic).

During our Quest, participants will experience nature and wildlife with walks interspersed with practices that include: becoming familiar with the four directions/elements Earth, Air, Fire and Water and how they impact your life, creating a sacred circle, meditating in nature, past life journeys and spirit animal journeys and shape shifting practices, as well as developing greater energy sensitivity (“tree energy surfing”). In our time together – participants will be able to relax and deepen their connection to nature and their own souls. In many cases people experience profound insights about themselves and their lives.

For those interested in learning how to lead Vision Quests, this is an excellent introduction to the process and will fulfill one of the three Quest requirements to certification. My Quest Training Program helps people to work with the underlying unities on the Earth to provide themselves and others with transformative experiences in nature.

The training covers everything from very concrete matters such as safety, supplies, and to the esoteric practices in meditation, working with energy in the land and animals and trees.

Vision Quest Testimonial - My deep wish going into the Vision Quest was to experience myself in nature free of the distractions of daily life. I discovered a reservoir of inner strength, clarity and fearlessness that I can now easily access in my day-to-day life. Catriona's attunement to each person's unique process created an atmosphere of trust and allowed me to surrender to each unfolding moment with an increasing sense of inner peace. There is no doubt that the Vision Quest is one of the most daring, rejuvenating and transformative practices I've ever done and I am profoundly grateful for the experience. " L.T., Psychotherapist, CA

QUEST SPECIFICS ¸ You do not need to have previous camping or outdoor experience to participate in a Vision Quest or Nature Quest.

¸ Quests are open to those aged 16 and up

¸ Group quests in California, New Zealand and Scotland are offered as well as a Vision Quest Training Program. I also occasionally offer solo quests.

¸ All Quests are held at inspiring places in nature, and all participants sleep out under the stars.

¸ Pre-Quest preparation is required and provided for free.

Cost - The cost for the five day quest, and the 40 day pre-quest practices is $649 dollars (approximately $400 british pounds). A down-payment of $300 US dollars is required to hold your place.

To Secure Your Place with a Down payment Click here

May 2012 Full Moon Vision Quest

Full Moon VISION QUEST A Quest of any kind is a heroic journey. It is a rite of passage that carries you to an inner place of silence and majesty and encourages you to live life more courageously and genuinely. -Denise Linn Friday, May 4th to Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
The Northern California Quest will be held in the largest remaining protected area of wilderness in California, with over 87,000 acres of beautiful wild open spaces.
The terrain of the park is rugged, varied, and beautiful, with lofty ridges and steep canyons. Once the home of Ohlone Indians, the park is now home to a fascinating variety of plants and animals. WHEN: Friday, May 4th to 8th WHERE: Largest protected wilderness area in Northern California - just 1.5 hours from San Francisco DURATION: Four nights and five days
Spiritual journeys into nature can provide greater life direction and harmony. These archetypal passages, or quests into nature, are powerful acts that can change a person’s life profoundly. This is why so many myths and stories around the world have the hero’s quest as a central theme. For centuries, people have embarked on rites of passage taking them deep into nature’s realm. Today, a modern day quest into nature can be a powerful experience. While this term is often linked to a Native American practice, every culture on Earth has nature-based rituals, sometimes referred to as pilgrimages, walkabouts, sacred groves, or retreats. For many beleaguered and busy people, a quest may simply present an opportunity to spend contemplative time alone in nature as a salve for the stresses of modern life. In other cases, people partake in a quest as a way of soul seeking, and others embark on a quest as a way to deal with important life passages, such as death, divorce, or changes of career and find greater understanding about their life path. I believe that everything in the universe is infused with a compassionate, intelligent spirit. Every person, every animal, and every tree has the capacity to express this intelligence. Humankind communicates with the Creator through interaction with the animals, the birds, and the trees. It is through these messengers that humankind can connect with the sacred and be one with all creation.
During our Quest, participants will experience nature and wildlife with walks interspersed with practices that include: becoming familiar with the four directions/elements Earth, Air, Fire and Water and how they impact your life, creating a sacred circle, meditating in nature, past life journeys and spirit animal journeys and shape shifting practices, as well as developing greater energy sensitivity (“tree energy surfing”). In our time together – participants will be able to relax and deepen their connection to nature and their own souls. In many cases people experience profound insights about themselves and their lives.
For those interested in learning how to lead Vision Quests, this is an excellent introduction to the process and will fulfill one of the three Quest requirements to certification. My Quest Training Program helps people to work with the underlying unities on the Earth to provide themselves and others with transformative experiences in nature. The training covers everything from very concrete matters such as safety, supplies, and to the esoteric practices in meditation, working with energy in the land and animals and trees.
Vision Quest Testimonial - My deep wish going into the Vision Quest was to experience myself in nature free of the distractions of daily life. I discovered a reservoir of inner strength, clarity and fearlessness that I can now easily access in my day-to-day life. Catriona's attunement to each person's unique process created an atmosphere of trust and allowed me to surrender to each unfolding moment with an increasing sense of inner peace. There is no doubt that the Vision Quest is one of the most daring, rejuvenating and transformative practices I've ever done and I am profoundly grateful for the experience. " L.T., Psychotherapist, CA
QUEST SPECIFICS ¸ You do not need to have previous camping or outdoor experience to participate in a Vision Quest or Nature Quest. ¸ Quests are open to those aged 16 and up ¸ Group quests in California, New Zealand and Scotland are offered as well as a Vision Quest Training Program. I also occasionally offer solo quests. ¸ All Quests are held at inspiring places in nature, and all participants sleep out under the stars. ¸ Pre-Quest preparation is required and provided for free.
Schedule: Arrive at Location on Friday by 2:00 - and meet Catriona at Quest Location Make Short Easy Hike to Base Camp

2:30-3:30 Welcome & Light Refreshments

3:30-5:00 Program - Learning to Read the Land, and Understand Local Animals and Plants

5:00-6:30 Solo Hike

6:30-7:30 group dinner & Set Up

7:30-8:30 Program: About Spirit Animals and Dreams
Saturday Group Breakfast 7:30-8:30 am

8:30-11 - Program - Working with Energy in the Land and Trees 11-1:00 hike and explore on own - medicine wheel 1:00-2:00 lunch with group 2:00-4:00- Sacred Circle and Four Directions - 4:00-5:30 - Free 5:30-7:00 Dinner 7:30-8:30 - Shamanic Journey
Sunday - Group Breakfast 7:30-8:30 am 8:30-11 - Program - Earth Air, Fire and Water 11-1:00 hike and explore on own - sacred circle 1:00-2:00 Begin - Solo in Nature -
Monday - Solo in Nature Tuesday- End Solo at 9 am - return to Base camp 9-11:30 Late Breakfast with Group and Sharing of Solo Experiences - & Follow Up Practices Provided 11:30-12:00 Walk back to HQ
COST: $495 By February 15, 2012 - $545 Thereafter - (Down payment of $295 required to Reserve Your Place: Quests Include Pre and Post Clearing practices.

To Secure Your Place with a Down payment Click here

Womens Nature & Spirit Retreat: April 2012

Womens New Moon: Nature & Spirit Quest Retreat
Join Catriona MacGregor, Vision Quest Leader, Nature Guide, Animal Whisperer, and award winning author of "Partnering with Nature: The Wild Path to ReConnecting with the Earth" on this three day two night Nature & Spirit Retreat held in beautiful Northern California. (1.5 hours from Sacramento, CA).
This retreat is being held during the New Moon, and is an auspicious time to : Find peace, experience beauty and nurture your soul and inner calling on this mystical journey into nature. Come connect mind, body and soul in this wonderful outdoor adventure in a beautiful, peaceful place in nature. Meditate (or learn to meditate), do yoga, hike, take a natural history tour, and share your dreams with like-minded supportive women. Learn techniques to help you de-stress and bring greater balance into your life. Get renewed, revitalized and passionate about life again!
Healthy nutritious organic food will be prepared and provided:)
Hiking, meditation in nature, past life journeys and working with energy in the plants, animals, (to increase your own energy awareness) are just a few of the powerful practices that you will discover and participate in during your retreat.
Your destination, aptly called Gaia House Retreat, is a magical place, that provides an uplifting atmosphere that promotes inspiration and focus. The center is located in Northern California in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and ringed by deep green hillsides and bordering the Tahoe National Forest, just minutes from sparkling Sierra lakes and rivers and forested trail systems perfect for hiking and biking. The serene house's walls are made of rammed earth.
The house and grounds provide plenty of places for quiet time so individuals leave feeling renewed and inspired.

The tulip garden will also be in full bloom and we will be able to visit an exquisite garden filled with thousands of tulips!
Schedule Friday 20th Arrive at Gaia House by 2:00 on Friday the 20th to check in and get settled in your lovely room, explore the grounds. Welcome Reception & Program 3:30 -5:30 6:00 - 7:00 Dinner 7:00-9:00 - Program at Gaia House
Saturday 21st 6 am morning meditation & stretches optional 7- 8 Breakfast 9:00-12:00 Program 12:00-2:00 Lunch on Own and Free Time 2:00-4:00 Program 6:00-7:00- Dinner with Group at Gaia House 7:00-9:00 Program
Sunday 22nd 6 am morning meditation & stretches optional 7-8 Breakfast 9:00-11:30 Program 12:00-1:00 Lunch 2:00 Nature & Spirit Quest Ends
Cost: Nature & Spirit Retreat $295 - Payable to Catriona MacGregor
Accommodation Costs for Gaia House: NOTE All Meals are Included!! Available at: $110 per night Double Occupancy $190 per night Single Occupancy (Includes Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch & Dinner, Sunday breakfast and Lunch) Payable to Expanding Light

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