JOURNEY TO THE ANCIENT MOTHER GODDESSES OF GOZO + MALTA
June 2-8th 2024
with Tara Cindy Sherman + Mary Bue
Journey to the beautiful Islands of Gozo and Malta to discover and connect with what some consider to be the very heart center and manifestation of the Divine feminine on earth. Explore the Goddess, Her Temples, and the significance of the prehistoric symbolism held in these ancient ruins. Older than the Pyramids, Stonehenge, Newgrange and Machu Picchu, the Maltese temples are some of the oldest temples on earth, second only to the more recently discovered site of Gobekli Tepe in Turkey. Connect to the power of the stones and these ancient temple sites to “re-member”, “re-activate”, “re-calibrate”, and reverberate in reverence with the wise and wondrous ways of the Sacred Feminine.
Join Mary and Tara as they lead you on a sacred journey to explore not only the ancient mysteries of the Goddess and some of Her most potent power spots on earth, but on a personal journey to uncover hidden and multilayered aspects of the Goddess within. With a beautifully balanced schedule of outer and inner exploration we will make the most of our time to discover not only the magic of the ancient mother of Gozo and Malta, but the magic of our own inner Goddess. Through gentle movement, meditation, chanting, drumming, breathwork, ritual, yoga nidra, dreamwork, journaling and sacred sonic blessings we will endeavor into a “soul archeology” of our own while being immersed and held in the powerful vibrations that are stored in the ground and ley lines of mother Gaia.
Just as our bodies have lines of energy and power vortexes so too does the planet. Maltese ex-priest, author and artist Francis Xavier Aloisio says, “Malta is situated on some major pathways of highly charged electromagnetic energy. These nodal points traverse certain parts of the globe and connect to each other like tributaries similar to the arteries and veins in the human body. They are comparable to the invisible acupuncture points-the subtle life force in your body. They carry within them the lifeblood of the planet that literally keeps it alive, healthy and conscious.” Francis believes the Maltese Islands were home of 3rd era Atlantis and that the islands are the remnants of the Atlantean mountain tops.
On our journey to these ancient sites we will not only explore these powerful temples from the lens of the ancient goddess, but we’ll explore their meaning and purpose from the viewpoint of ancient Atlantis according to Francis and others. In our practices we will work with the connection of the ley lines and power vortexes of Malta with those of our physical and energy bodies to both upgrade ourselves and download information from our star ancestors.
We’ll also be regaled by the incredible gourmet cuisine of private Chef Karl Mallia of Cooking Out of the Box. Prepare to all of your senses to be delighted with the sites, experiences, and tastes of this journey.
Our utmost intention for this week is rejuvenation and deep process. Everything is optional, with many opportunities built in for sacred rest and reflection. You are most welcome to opt out of any excursion or practice to sit by the pool, stare at the sea, take a walk, or choose your own adventure.
Our practices will include
- Meditation techniques
- Yoga Nidra (“Sleep of the Yogi”)
- Mantra / Chanting / Sacred Sound practices
- Low-intensity Yoga Asana (postures and flowing practices)
- Dance / Free Movement
- Dream work
- Journaling / Self-Reflection
- Ceremony / Ritual to honor the Sacred Feminine
- And much more!
Everything is optional! You can always choose to rest, join, or find another adventure within this itinerary. This schedule is subject to change. Please note that our excursions include walking (often on ancient, uneven cobblestone streets) and stairs.
Day 1 ~ Arrival ~ Welcome Ceremony, Overview of the Goddess, Gentle Movement, Chanting and Yoga Nidra
Settle into your room and beautiful surroundings for the week. Enjoy a scrumptious vegan / vegetarian dinner followed by an Opening Ceremony and discussion on the Ancient Mother Goddesses with a gentle practice, yoga nidra and chanting to send you off to dreamland.
Day 2 ~ A Day of Sacred Rest & Visit to Victoria City
Enjoy fully arriving home to yourself and to the heart center of mother earth. Soak up the sun and take a dip in the pool as you listen to your body and follow your heart’s desires. We’ll have an evening practice of gentle yoga, chanting, and a discussion on the dreaming goddess of Malta in preparation of our excursion in the coming days.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Victoria, the major city of Gozo to wander the ancient streets, enjoy a coffee or happy hour, perhaps do a little shopping.
Day 3 ~ Triple Goddess Practice & Visit the Ggantija Temples ~ Evening Practice and Discussion in Preparation of Visit to the Hypogeum
Day 4 ~ Ferry to Malta to Visit the Hal Safini Hypogeum, Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Complex, Dinner in Malta
The Hypogeum is a giant underground chamber where, it is believed priestesses served as oracles and practiced the ancient healing art of dream incubation, a personally empowered direct link to the divine source, or the divine knowledge of gnosis. This underground goddess temple is one of the most magnificent and powerful places in the world.
A short walk away is the Tarxien Temples dating some 3600-2500 BCE. The most complex of all temple sites in Malta consists of 4 megalithic structures renowned for the detail of their carvings, which include domestic animals carved in relief, altars and screens decorated with spiral designs and other patterns. Fertility goddess figures discovered in the ruins indicate that the temples were dedicated to the earth mother.
Mnajdra is a colossal edifice tucked away against a hillside in rugged terrain in the cliffs of Malta’s southern coast and is the most atmospheric of all of Malta’s temples. It lies on an isolated stretch of coast overlooking the island of Fifla and is just 500 meters from Hagar Qim which sits proudly and majestically on the hilltop overlooking the beautiful view of the Zurrieq coastal cliffs. Mnajdra comes from the Maltese word nadir which means “observatory” and “observation place” some believe that its main purpose was to observe the movement of certain stars. Hagar Qim is a single temple unit with a decorated pillar altar, 2 table altars and some “fat lady” statues. The “fat lady” statues are thought to represent the dimensional yantras or ley lines of the earth. The remains of one goddess statue stand outside the temple; fully reconstructed, it would stand eighteen feet in height and weigh over two thousand tons.
Day 5 ~ Sacred Rest
Day 6 ~ Calypso Cave Ruins & Red Sand Beaches of Ramla Bay
Day 7 ~ Gentle Venus-Day Practice & Final Farewells Until Next Time…
Stunning villa with wonderful country & city views, a private pool, and cozy meditation spaces. Extremely spacious, airy, and luxurious. We are located a brisk walk to the stunning Ta Cenc Cliffs, with a small grocery store nearby, and fairly close to the ferry port.
Very open floor plan with lots of natural light. Splendid views of Gozo’s capital Victoria.
All rooms have en suite baths and some with lovely balconies.
Fantastic outdoor dining space and wonderful kitchen to enjoy meals from our private chef Karl.
Free wi-fi throughout and laundry available (washing machine, with clothes to line dry in the Mediterranean wind).
- Instruction on Meditation, Mantra, & Sacred Feminine with Tara & Mary
- Transport to-from the airport (at pre-arranged times) + ferry fees
- Lodging (variable rates based on occupancy)
- Transport on excursions
- All meals while at Villa (ala carte breakfast & dinner, some lunches – mostly plant-based / all vegetarian)
- Coffee & tea
- Admission / entrance fees
- Flights
- Food/bevvies outside of the villa
- Travel insurance (Mary highly recommends AIG Travel Guard)
- Medical care
- international phone / internet fees your provider may have
- Passport or visa fees if you plan to stay longer
We will have a few arranged pick up times for your convenience both arriving and departing. We will be in close contact about your arrival and departure plans to coordinate.
To come to the tiny island of Gozo, most will fly to the larger main island of Malta where we will arrange a shuttle to bring you on the ferry and to our gorgeous villa! We do recommend arriving in Malta and taking a night or two to acclimate before adding on the ferry to Gozo as it can be a long journey. (UNLESS you have an overnight layover elsewhere – some people had an overnight in London or Paris last year). We can offer lodging recommendations – St. Julian’s has many lovely hotels and can do often free airport transfer.
We will gladly help coordinate the travel logistics with you so that it will be swift, smooth, and as stress-free as possible.
Flying to Malta
Via USA Today article “How to Travel to Malta”
The quickest way to reach Malta is by plane, from almost anywhere in Europe. Travelers coming directly from the United States need to connect to Malta from a larger European city, like Paris or Rome. Air Malta, the national airline, operates to and from all major airports in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Numerous other airlines, including British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa and Ryanair also service Malta International Airport.
Look online for the cheapest flight options that suit your itinerary at discount websites like Kayak or Expedia. Malta is part of the European Union, so passengers arriving from another EU country don’t have to go through customs and immigration. When taking a taxi, purchase a fixed-rate ticket in the airport’s Welcome Hall to ensure you don’t get overcharged.
Tara Cindy Sherman
My first introduction to the yogic path was in 1970 when at the age of 13 I read Siddartha by Hermann Hesse. The wisdom in that book made such an impression on me that I taught myself to meditate by gazing into the flame of a candle, many years later I learned that this technique is called trataka and is a valid tantric technique for meditation. Though I didn’t continue to practice for very long, being exposed to Eastern teachings at such a young age made a lasting impression on me. The inner knowing that there is more to life than the “seen” world is what drew me to, and keeps me on a yogic path, and is what I strive to bring to all of my classes.
In 1987 I returned to a regular practice of meditation and soon discovered the joy of hatha yoga. In 1993 I received my first 200 Yoga Teacher Certification at Expanding Light in Grass Valley, CA and have been teaching yoga ever since. That same year I was initiated into the tantric form of meditation known as Kriya Yoga as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda.
Since that time here are some of the certifications and trainings that I have taken: DansKinetics from Kirpalu Center in 1999, Atma Yoga from Christopher Baxter in 2001, Ashtanga with Doug Swenson in 2002, Yoga of the Heart Cardiac & Cancer with Nischala Devi in 2004, JAI Prenatal with Jennifer Gray in 2006, Yin yoga with Paulie Zink in 2007, Yogic Mystery School and trip to India with Russill Paul studying Nada yoga in 2008, Vini Yoga with Gary Kraftsow in 2012, and goddess philosophy and meditation with Sally Kempton at Mt. Madonna in 2014.
Over the years I’ve brought together all of my favorite teachings and experiences into what I’ve named Radiant Shakti Flow which incorporates the Hindu Goddesses, ritual, chanting, drumming yogic warms, creative movement and yoga nidra for a full experience of the sacred.
I had the great pleasure to drum for Shakti Chant Band who preformed kirtans around town for 8 years, and now play in Shakti Bhava with my dear friend Coco.
Teaching yoga has brought great blessings to my life. I taught workshops, immersions, and drop-in classes at Yoga Center of Minneapolis (YCM) from 2000-2018. I was also involved with YCM’s 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program and taught in the Advanced 500-hour training there. Currently, I teach at Minneapolis Yoga Training and Wellness. I feel it both an honor and blessing to help train teachers in this ancient art and science so that the full wisdom of yoga is passed on.
Mary Bue
I am a lifelong musician, traveler, poet, journal writer, vegan, Nada Yogi, adventure seeker, retreat guide, former yoga studio owner, and yoga instructor since 2009. I’m based out of Minneapolis, roaming this beautiful world as much as possible. I am grateful to be named “Best Songwriter” of 2020 by City Pages and have been writing music and performing since 1998, with 8 albums out.
Grateful to be Yoga Alliance Certified continuing education provider at the 500-hour level and have had training in Trauma-informed yoga via Firefly Yoga International, as well as continuing education in yoga for anxiety and depression, pranayama, ayurveda, and an additional 200-hour certification in Nada Yoga ~ the Yoga of Sound ~ via Nada Yoga School in Rishikesh India.
I believe deeply in the richness of a creative life that is ever unfolding. One doesn’t have to play an instrument, write a novel, paint like Frida, or write like Mary Oliver to live a creative life. Every moment that unfolds offers opportunities to make something beautiful. While this may seem like a lot of pressure, rest in knowing that potential is ever unfolding, even in the silent and restorative times (like sleeping!). I look forward to sharing this beautiful & inspiring place with you.
Please let me know if you have ANY questions. I am pretty much an open book (most of which can be discovered in this website or listening to my music!). Contact me via the contact link here or at marybue @ gmail.com
Our retreat is intimate and limited to 8 sacred guests.
INVESTMENT:
$3,700 – Single room ~ 1 left!
$3,100 – Shared double room (two twin beds)
$600 Deposit (non-refundable*)
Please note that preferred payment options are check, Apple Pay, or Zelle. A small fee will be added for PayPal or Venmo due to their admin charges.
Half Payment due by December 31st, 2023 // Full payment is due by February 28th, 2024.
HOW TO PAY
Email Mary at marybue @gmail.com (no spaces) to claim your spot and include the following:
- Name
- Preferred room (single or double)
- Name of preferred roommate
- Agreement to pay deposit or in full within 24 hours of email confirmation
ONCE REGISTERED
As the retreat approaches, you will receive an informational email with more information about Goza & Malta, getting there, what to pack, and more about our time together. You’ll also receive a waiver of liability to sign, knowing that you choosing to participate in this experience at your own risk.
Refund policy:
Full refund (minus deposit) before December 31st 2023*
50% refund (minus deposit) between December 31st to February 28th 2024*
No refunds after February 28th 2024*
** Foreign travel may require vaccinations for COVID-19. Please take into consideration before registering for this retreat that there will be no refunds for anyone who doesn’t get the potentially required vaccination for foreign air travel.
*** In case of extreme personal circumstances, we will consider full refunds less small administration fee on a case by case basis if your spot can be filled. Retreat may be transferred to another guest with permission from host, however it is not the responsibility of the host to find a replacement.