by Glenn Broughton

Why do so many people visit ancient sacred sites each year? Why are so many people drawn to England’s Stonehenge, or the Pyramids in Egypt. What is going on?

In my experience as a guide to ancient sacred sites in Britain there are various reasons why people make these journeys. For some it is a quest, such as following the Arthurian legend in a personal search to find the meaning of the Holy Grail. For others it is a modern pilgrimage to walk the paths of our ancestors. Others instinctively know that a healing awaits them at one of these places shrouded in mystery. Whatever prompts the decision to travel, journeys of this kind are almost always transformative.

Reading The Signs
Our ancestors knew the Earth intimately and understood her wisdom. Living in much closer communion with the planet than we do their sense of the natural forces of the Earth was a finely-tuned whole body awareness.

Imagine yourself as a member of a neolithic society living five thousand years ago. You are walking along and suddenly you feel a tingling in your hands or feet or maybe a rush of energy throughout your body. You have just walked over an energy hot spot. This is where you would choose to build a structure in which you could work with the energies present for purposes of healing or spiritual insight.
Today this same sacred site might appear to be just a dead relic of a bygone age. However, myths passed down through the generations tell a different story. For example, it is said of several stone circles that the stones go down to the water to drink at midnight or on a full moon. This folktale speaks of the connection between the stone circle, ever-present underground water and the earth energy that is carried by the water. This varies according to the seasons, the phases of the moon and even day and night. All holy wells have stories of healings attached to them. When we realise that strong Earth energy currents have turned the waters into something akin to a homeopathic remedy, these tales make perfect sense.

Sacred Space

Originally all energy spots were simply in nature – a hilltop, a wooded copse, a spring. The trees were the first to teach us the consequences of enclosing natural energy. The energy can be contained and built up to create a super-charged space. The Druids performed all their ceremonies in sacred groves for this reason. We can all feel these ‘magic’ places still, even if we don’t feel energies; they create in us a sense of silence, of wonder, of gratitude. The stone circle builders developed this theme and used crystalline rocks in order to control the energies. Today we utilize crystal (silicon chips) in all our computers; our ancestors were really using the same technology but for different purposes and on a different scale.
Medieval churches and cathedrals were often built on the sites of stone circles, ensuring that these energy hot spots would empower their Christian ceremonies.

Intent

What makes the crucial difference between a tourist visit and a transformative experience is our intent. Combining this committed intent with the super-charged atmosphere of a sacred site on a spiritual journey opens the door for extraordinary things to happen. On some level we still know what our ancestors knew – that the ancient sacred sites hold power and potential. Yet, our logical thinking often tells us this can’t be true. If we are prepared to quiet the sceptical mind for a while and act as if magic is possible, then magic does indeed become possible. As Albert Einstein once remarked “He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.”

About the Author:
Glenn Broughton has been researching and visiting ancient sacred sites for twenty years and is drawn to explore their energetic properties and how such places of power affect us today. He has been a tour guide for most of this time leading groups exploring the mystery of sacred sites through http://www.journeyswithsoul.com
He also lecturers internationally on sacred sites, earth mysteries and crop circles, and is the co-founder / co-organizer of http://www.earthspiritconferences.com

The iconic Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor was a gift from France, in 1886. But, did its inspiration originate almost 2000 years ago, in Turkey? A recent discovery in the remnants of excavation in one of the country’s most important archaeological sites is cause for speculation.

The history of Perge, situated 18km from Antalya, in the Pamphylion Plain on the Mediterranean coast and one of Turkey’s most popular vacation destinations, dates back to at least 1500 B.C., the end of the Hittite Empire’s period. Alexander the Great, king of Macedonia and one of the great Emperor conquered there in 333 B.C. But the height of the city’s power was during the Roman Empire, in the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D. Since 1946, Perge has been carefully excavated, revealing some of the most complete and largest ancient ruins to be found in a part of the world that tells the entire story of western civilization through newly discovered antiquities, buildings, artworks and even entire towns and cities.

This in itself would be reason enough to visit Perge, and the many other ancient discoveries in Turkey but the added intrigue of Perge’s “Statue of Liberty” makes a trip there irresistible. Carved into a tall column, the three-dimensional figure bears an uncanny resemblance to New York’s own, including a crown and a torch held high and, as same as the American “lady,” a sword instead of a tablet of law. And, the similarities make sense because it turns out that Frederic Bartholdi’s inspiration for American Statue of Liberty was none other than the Roman deity, Libertas, the goddess of freedom. Could it be that Perge’s figure, with her distinctive pose and characteristics, became the model all the “Lady Liberties” down through the ages?

Americans may want to decide for themselves. In addition to a first-hand examination of the newly discovered statue, they will have the opportunity to explore the entirety of Perge’s ancient wonders, which include a large agora, or market place, that served as the center of political and social life; a theatre that held 12,000 spectators; Roman baths; a colonnaded boulevard between Hellenistic gates, the city walls, gymnasium, numerous fountains and statues of Roman gods and the mother goddess Artemis, even a necropolis for the dead. Perge is also of interest because of its connections to early Christianity, having been famously visited by Saint Paul and St. Barnabas.

Adding to the appeal of a trip to Perge, of course, is Antalya itself. Some 500 miles of Mediterranean shoreline offer some of the cleanest beaches in Europe while the surrounding province contains ancient cities, picturesque seaside villages and exceptional natural beauty.

The city is noted for its hotels and resorts, appetizing restaurants, lively nightlife and shopping as well as year-round sporting events. A Cultural Center, opened in 1995, is the focal point for special events, festivals and exhibitions showcasing music, theater and other creative arts.

About Turkey

Turkey is a modern nation with a captivating blend of antiquity and contemporary and of East and West. The cradle of civilization and center of world history today stands as one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the world. Turkey was the site of the first human settlement; the seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman Empires; the birthplace of Homer and the last home of the Virgin Mary, just to name a few. Today Turkey, with its spectacular coastline, majestic mountains, cosmopolitan cities and quaint villages is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

For information call 1-877-FOR-TURKEY or contact the Turkish Culture and Tourist Offices in New York at 212-687-2194 or in Washington, D.C., at 202-612-6800, or in Los Angeles at 323-937-8066 and visit their Web sites at www.goturkey.com or www.tourismturkey.org

By Susan Radcliffe

There are plenty of places in the UK where you can take a break from life.  Every part of the country has spas and country house hotels, but if you want something more out of your trip you could choose a spiritual retreat.  There are properties run by many different religious groups and according to different belief systems, and most are open to visitors of any faith.  Here is a selection from around the UK.

St Cuthman’s

Cowfold Road, Coolham, West Sussex, England RH13 8QL

This retreat offers a place for peace and reflection.  It’s owned by the Catholic Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, but it’s open to all faiths and those of none.  The Edwardian country house has lovely period features like wooden beams and paneling and there’s accommodation for couples or individuals in the bedrooms, which are decorated in a warm and simple way. There’s no programme to follow and you can choose to eat in silence in the dining room, or in conversation with other guests, in the conservatory.  Quiet time can also be had in the chapel or the well-stocked library.  Outside, there’s a lake and 20 acres of gardens, woodlands and meadows, where you can find a secluded spot for contemplation or bird watching, as this is a designated UK nature area.

Seren Retreat

Bryncoch Farm, Gower, Swansea, Wales SA2 7LB

This is a retreat for Ayurveda, yoga and cleansing.  The daily programme includes an Ayurvedic bodywork session, yoga and meditation instruction, healthy Ayurvedic meals and cooking demonstrations, with produce coming from the organic garden.  You can take a walk in the 23 acre grounds or soothe away your stress in the hot tub and sauna.  The accommodation is 4 star bed and breakfast standard.  There are 4 bedrooms, which can be double or twin, and extra beds can be put in to accommodate families.  There’s also a play area for children.

Dhanakosa

Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Scotland FK19 8PQ

This is a Buddhist retreat located within the Trossachs National Park, on the shores of Loch Voil.  You can explore the waterfalls and woodlands in its 16 acres of grounds.  A wide range of programmes are on offer along with introductory meditation teaching, including Yoga, hill walking, Tai Chi, Arts and Alternative therapies.  There are also more advanced meditation courses.  The accommodation in the farmhouse is a little basic, but you would choose this place to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding nature and to concentrate on your inner life.

Launde Abbey

Launde Abbey, East Norton, Leicester, England LE7 9XB

This is an Anglican-run retreat and you can attend the liturgies in the Abbey’s beautiful 12th century chapel.  It is, however, open to anyone who wants to go on a spiritual journey.  The retreat is set in 450 acres of parkland and has a Victorian walled garden where much of the food for guests is grown.  There are 45 bedrooms in the main house, parts of which date back to the 16th century.  It’s filled with historic features, fireplaces and antiques.  There are several different courses to choose from, including individually guided retreats where you take part in personal reflection along with daily sessions with a spiritual guide, or other courses which include activities such as painting, prayer or discussion groups.

Writer Bio

Susan Radcliffe is a British writer and TV researcher, with connections to several towns and cities around the UK.  She has Northern Irish ancestry and was born in Scotland.  She then lived in York and Sheffield before settling in London.  She loves to travel and to explore the many beautiful places around the UK and abroad.  She enjoys sharing her discoveries and being able to recommend hotels and accommodation, sights and attractions to other visitors.  She currently writes for sletoH.com, a price comparison site where you can book UK hotels as well as hotels in several other countries.