IMPORTANT NOTICE! This Journey was completely sold out within 48 hours in a pre-published sale through our private mailing list. Because of the overwhelming response, we have extended the number of participants from 8 to a maximum of 12. At the time of publishing the journey on our website, we now have only three more spaces available!  If you are called to join us on this mythical adventure to Sotland, please register now to avoid disappointment!  – Cynthia

There is absolutely nothing ordinary about Scotland! It is untamed magnificent landscapes of breathtaking beauty; it is royalty, rebels, clans and bagpipes; it is fairytale castles and holy wells and chapels; it is lochs and glens and raging sea; it is stone circles older than Stonehenge, and megaliths and cairns built in alignment to the map of ancient skies.  It is  wild “thin places” (the dimensions in-between where the nature spirits and fairy folk live)! And it is the fierce independence of a people whose roots sink deep within this ancient land, where whiskey is their tea, and their ancestral stories are soaked in the folklore, myths and legends kept very much alive through the telling!  Let’s go!  Cynthia Flores-Signet

As always, this journey is not a “tour” with a strict itinerary, but rather an experience into the folklore, mysteries, and ancient wisdom of  Scotland!  In the heart-warming company of a soul family of kindred spirits we will immerse ourselves in the stories and legends of each special place that we travel, going far beyond the tourist paths to explore magical sites, secluded stone circles, mystical forests and ancient ruins!   The standing circle stones of the windswept Isles have stood as silent sentinels for over 5000 years, holding pre-historic memory from another epoch of time. We will meet with custodians of ancient tradition and connect deeply with the land and civilizations so ancient that they retreated into the mists of legend. We will hold ceremony and sit in the stillness and listen, to call them back and hear their voices from ages past whispering secrets to our soul of this land known as Scotland!  

DUNKELD IN PERTHSHIRE (October 20 -23) 

From the moment you step off the plane in Edinburgh, we leave the ordinary and enter the extraordinary! Our lodging for the first three nights will be in an enchanted and historic Victorian estate just outside of the picturesque village of Dunkeld in Perthshire, “the heart of Scotland'”.  Set on 129 private acres of woodlands, water, walking paths and gardens, it is a perfect base with plenty of tranquil spaces for meditation or to simply step out with your morning coffee and b-r-e-a-t-h-e in the rich autumn colors and the beauty of the Scottish highlands! 

Just some of the adventures we will share during our time in Perthshire –

MAGICAL SITES!

We will travel to Glenlyon, one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland and  the sacred site of the magnificent FORTINGALL YEW TREE, believed to be approximately 5,000 years old and one of the oldest living trees in all of Europe! Imagine it being already 3000 years old when Christ was born!  

 Fortingall is known for its ancient mystery school connected to the Essene Mystery School at Mount Carmel. Standing within the peaceful churchyard of Fortingall Parish Church, this awe-inspiring yew has witnessed and been a living testament of millennia of history and pre-history, and is associated with many Celtic myths and local legends.  The surrounding church, with its serene atmosphere and historic architecture, enhances the site’s spiritual and historical significance, making it a place of quiet reflection and deep connection to the past.

CROFT MORAIG (Field of Mary) is a megalithic double stone circle and one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments on the Scottish mainland. Used as a place of ancient ritual, it was built upon an earth energy alignment (leyline), connecting with other megalithic stone structures.

We will view the The Holy Mountain of SCHIEHALLION,  a cone-shaped mountain made of quartzite crystal!  In Gaelic it is called Sidh Chaillean, meaning “the Fairy Hill of the Caledonians”. Legends of this mountain are very much alive with stories of music in the night, strange lights and entrances into the domain of the Fairy Folk.

THE HERMITAGE is a UNESCO site and an ancient forest of towering Douglas Fir trees, cascading waterfalls and pools.  During the autumn season the fall colors become.a vibrant tapestry of colors – golden yellows, rich oranges and deep reds against the rushing water of Black Limn Falls.

One of The Hermitage’s most iconic structures is Ossian’s Hall of Mirrors. Built in 1757, it was dedicated to the legendary blind bard, Ossian. Mirrored panels create an illusion of endless forest and cascading water. To walk the paths in this ancient forest is stepping into a primeval world of nature, history and mystery!   It is a sanctuary of peace and natural awe-inspiring beauty!

FAIRYTALE CASTLES!

We will visit BLAIR CASTLE,   one of the oldest and continually inhabited castles in Scotland that has stood in the Scottish highlands for over 900 years!  It’s story is steeped in Medieval History, from a visit by Mary Queen of Scots to the Civil War and from the Jacobite cause to the disaster of Culloden.  

We will also visit SCONE PALACE,   reknown as being the crowning place of Scottish Kings of old upon the ancient STONE OF DESTINY (Stone of Scone) with coronations of Scottish monarchs such as Macbeth, Robert the Bruce and Charles II.  Celtic legend also states that the Stone of Destiny was once the pillow upon which the patriarch Jacob rested at Bethel when he had visions of angels. From the Holy Land it reportedly travelled to Egypt, Sicily and Spain, before reaching Ireland and to its final destination in Scotland.  It has been part of the crowning ceremonies of the Scottish kings of Dal Riada up until present day, when it was placed beneath the Coronation Chair in Westminister Abbey.

ORKNEY ISLES (Oct. 23 – 26)

We delve deep into the neolithic heart of Orkney Isles, where THE RING OF BRODGAR and THE STONES OF STENNESS form a ceremonial landscape that rivals Stonehenge!  Here, there are no restrictions, and we are free to walk the area in reverance, touch the living stone and absorb the silent knowledge and ancient energy that they hold!   

The spirit of Orkney is an untamed wild where the wind howls and the North Atlantic sea crashes against the ruins of cliffside fortresses. We will hear stories of the rich folklore of the Isles, like the bittersweet love stories told between humans and the Selkies (seal-like creatures) who shed their skin to become beautiful humans for a time.  Our days of exploring the Isle will transport us to a pre-history over 8,000 years old!  Long before the Vikings and the Norse inhabited the isles, there was already a culture living in peace and harmony during the Age of the Great Goddess of the Neolithic Era!

We will visit SKARA BRAE, a prehistoric village older than the Pyramids! It was uncovered by a storm in 1850, revealing perfectly intact structures, including stone furniture and an intricate drainage system.  It is a preserved time capsule of Neolithic life.

THE MAESHOWE CHAMBERED CAIRN is a well preserved Neolithic “tomb and passage grave”, which in the culture of the Great Goddess represented her womb and birthing canal symbolizing the transition from death to regeneration in the “birth – death – regeneration” cycle of life.

It is built in alignment with the winter solstice, and for three weeks before and after the solstice (around December 21), the setting sun casts a beam of light through the entrance passage, illuminating the central chamber’s back wall. This phenomenon, shared with sites like Newgrange in Ireland,  served as a spiritual symbol of rebirth.  Perhaps its original functions served as a place of ceremony and ritual and the honoring of the ancestors.  After lying undisturbed and sealed for 3000 years, Maeshowe was “rediscovered” by Viking warriors seeking shelter from a blizzard in the 1100’s and looting for treasure.  They carved over 30 runic inscriptions into the walls, creating the largest collection of runes outside of Scandinavia.

THE ISLE OF LEWIS (OCT. 26 – 28)

THE CALLANISH STANDING STONE CIRCLE on the Isle of Lewis is older than Stonehenge and exudes a pure and palpable energy as old as the rituals performed here for over a continuous 2,000 year period of pre-history!  Thirteen towering standing stones erected over 5,000 years ago form a circle around a central monolith.  Over time, the circle stone was used as a ritual site for Druidic worship.  Who was the original race who constructed this sacred site and others like it throughout the planet? How did they have the technology to move these megalithic stones and why? 

Even in modern time, the mysterious Callanish stone circle continues to intrigue the world, especially for fans of the show ‘Outlander’.  The central circle served as inspiration for the stone circle in the show’s first episode and is the catalyst for the time-travel escapades in 18th-century Scotland. As time permits and as Spirit leads and portals open, we may visit other more secluded stone circles and ancient structures during our days on the Isle.

THE ISLE OF SKYE (OCT. 28 – 30)

The Isle of Skye is steeped in myth and legend and famous for its stunning and otherworldly landscapes, its fairy mounds and sacred pools!! The Isle has been inhabited by various clans and people since ancient times and the Picts, the Norse and Scottish Clans, particularly the MacLeods and the MacDonalds have all contributed to the rich folklore and cultural tapestry of Skye.

Our own special clan of kindred spirits will be exploring ancient sites far off the beaten tourist paths to areas that will not be mentioned here, for obvious reasons. Majestic ruins of castles perched high on the cliffs which were places of initiation for the royals of Dial Riata (a gaelic kingdom of Scotland), and Pictish stones and circle stones “at a sight way off from seemingly anywhere, following a line of trees and crossing a stream”!  

PITLOCHRY (OCT. 30)

From Skye we return through incredible landscapes to the beautiful Highlands of Perthshire.  We stay the night in the charming Victorian town of Pitlochry, where the town’s main street is lined with independent specialty shops, restaurants and cafe’s where you can sample Scottish treats like whiskey ice cream!  We may visit sites that we were not able to visit because of time on our first touring day, or simply have a chance to relax, shop and experience the charming and picturesque village of Pitlochry, nestled in the Scottish countryside!

ROSSLYN CHAPEL (OCT. 31)

On our final full day we first visit the HOLY CHAPEL OF ROSSLYN before our final destination of Edinburgh!

Located in the village of Roslin in Midlothian, the Chapel was founded in 1446 by Sir William Sinclair.  Rosslyn has attracted mystics, writers, artists and historians for hundreds of years. For decades, master craftsmen, stone masons and artisans were brought in to contribute to Its unique stone work and mysterious symbolism which is carved on every inch of the stonework.

Rosslyn Chapel received international fame and attention through the movie The Da Vinci Code and its mystical ties with the Knights Templars,  the Free Masons and the legend of the Holy Grail, Mary Magdela and the holy royal bloodline.  

Author Dan Brown wrote, ‘When I decided to write The Da Vinci Code, I knew that its finale would have to take place at the most mysterious and magical chapel on earth – Rosslyn.’

EDINBURGH

Our journey ends in the vibrant and charming capital of Scotland, Edinburgh!  (It is highly recommended to arrive a day early or stay a day late to truly take advantage of seeing all the wonders of Edinburgh’s unique offerings). Our lodging will be just a short walk away from the historic ROYAL MILE, cobbled streets between Edinburgh Castle and Hollyrood House. From the seat of royalty to the seat of Parliament, every step is alive with history!  Marvel at the medieval architecture, stroll the many specialty shops, visit the cathedrals, museums and quaint cafes and pubs where you can treat yourself to the Scottish food and  a whiskey tasting!  

SAMHAIN

 In the evening, we will experience the city’s Samhain Fire Festival! Every All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween), Edinburgh becomes the heart of Scotland’s celebration of fire, music and myth. The city’s Calton Hill transforms back into an ancient time of drummers, dancers, music and  legendary supernatural beings!  Following Celtic folklore, the festival of Samhain is when the veil between worlds is thinnest, and spirits cross into the mortal realm. The festival reflects thiese stories with dramatic performances amidst the glowing fires!  

A perfect ending to a magical and amazing journey through the land of Myth and Legend!

TO APPLY

This sacred pilgrimage is open to those who have journeyed with me before, to the sisters of the Circle of the Ancient Sisterhood and to all my brothers and sisters who have walked with me on the path over these many years. Because all that we know, all that we have held sacred, all the ceremonies, prayers, songs and rituals that we have shared together were but preparation and will be brought forth in this journey and the magic that we will create together!   This journey was completely pre-sold before publishing on-line, and I have opened it to a maximum of 3 more kindred spirits. If you are strongly called, please contact me through email, so that your space can be held by a $500 non-refundable deposit.. As long as there is room on the journey, I will send you deposit and pricing details.   Blessings and much love, Cynthia.     Email: Cynthiafloressignet@protonmail.com

What’s Included

• Lovely and comfortable accomodations (based on double occupancy)
• All domestic travel by private coach
• All breakfasts, delicious and traditional
• Three dinners 
• Entrance fees to all included sites

(Itinerary is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control and unexpected serendipitous detours!) 

What’s Not Included;

• Round trip international airfare
• Taxi service between hotel and airport upon departure from Edinburgh  (Upon arrival there will be designated group pick-up points for transport to our retreat in Dunkeld)
• Personal medical or trip cancellation insurance and anyl passport and visa fees
• Beverages, meals not included, snacks and any personal services

SPECIAL NOTE FROM CYNTHIA:  

Our local guide and host through Scotland is a very special and magical soul with whom I was given the gift of reconnection in preparing for this sacred journey.  She is a true sister of another more ancient time and place and is of the Magdalene order.

She is a Gatekeeper and Earthworker who has devoted years in retrieving the ancient wisdom of Scotland, as well as other sacred earth sites.  She is ‘the one’ who was called to help me open the way as we deeply connect with the memory of the ancient land and with ‘beings’ so old that they are recognized only in legend and myth. Known as the Tuatha de Danaan, the aes sidhe (fairy folk), the blue tatooed Picts, and those of  ancient orders and mystery schools who never left, but retreated into another dimension, waiting for a time when we can once again join them by remembering who we are and claim our own power and the light that we carry as a human family.  It is time!  It is not a question of faith or belief, but of frequency. The veils are thinning now and perhaps they too, have been waiting for our return in this time NOW. Are we ready?    Cynthia