Mindful Walking and Meditation at Lough Gur | Communing with the Ancestors

On Sunday 1st of November we ventured out into the ancient landscape of Lough Gur for a day of deep connection to the land and ourselves. The day was a rare one for November in Ireland with a warm glowing sun that gave the area a luminescence that truly filled the soul. November 1st is known as Day of the Dead in many cultures so we focused on the value and importance of remembering and listening to the wisdom of our ancestors. Lough Gur has been inhabited for 6000 years or more so tuning in to the footsteps of these ancient people, envisioning their lives, and listening to their wisdom set the energy in a direction of deep communion.

We gathered in Carraig Aille to begin our circle of intention for the day, each of us sharing a bit which revealed a common thread - embracing and integrating our shadow for a new beginning. We passed a bottle of water from a holy
well around the group and blessed it with our love and intention for healing. The water was then dispensed at each site we visited as an offering and blessing and finally emptied at the last site to conclude the day. We enjoyed mindful walking, meditating and writing at the two cashels and then shared our inspiration. It was amazing to hear the insights that came through for each person.  Loved ones in spirit were making their presence known and reaching out so that we could do our own healing that would help them too. Ancestral healing works in a circular way, the present affects both the past and future. It has such powerful resonance throughout time and space for those who choose to find awareness in the inherited issues and wake up to how to heal them in this life time. 

Lough Gur Wedge Tomb

When we arrived at the wedge tomb there was a group of women already there meditating. We nearly skipped the visit so as not to disturb them but were so glad we didn't! The energy they were creating had such a heart opening for all of us. I felt they were anchoring in the love of the ancestors and regenerating the power of devotion that has existed there for thousands of years. The wedge tomb was a sacred place to the Bronze age people where they repeatedly deposited votive offerings to honor and communicate with their ancestors. So we stood there with the sun drenched tomb, thousands of years later with the same intention and love as if connected to a time that was eternally present.  

                                                                      

Our  final stop was at the spectacular Grange stone circle. I had first visited this incredible place on Halloween night four years ago in the dark. The magical energy of the place had such an impact on me I was compelled to come back some day.I knew I had to return here during this time of year and watch the sun set between the entrance stones. And sure enough it didn't disappoint. The sun was just setting in perfect alignment with the two massive entrance stones. We all stood in awe of the symphony of light and felt the mysterious magic that compelled our ancestors to build such a place in honor of the sacred cycle of seasons.

Grange Stone Circle ~ Sunset November 1st

After sunset Mary and I concluded the retreat by offering an energy activation to each person amplified by the energy of Grange circle. This information came to me during a meditation there on the Solstice where I was guided to bring people back and offer this blessing.  This activation helps to balance the masculine and feminine energy,  open the heart and expand the light within. It was so beautiful to see the cows so sensitive to the energy, one wandered over and gave Mary a nibble on her back while doing the healing!

Wandering around an ancient landscape with mindful presence invites people into a deeper experience, a sacred place of interconnected communion with self/nature and past/present. These retreats offer an opportunity to share "time out of time" with others and connect in a meaningful way that we are all craving. Ireland has hundreds of ancient sites that were places of worship and sanctity where we can still find a deeper connection to ourselves, our ancestors and heal the great divide between. Our separation is only an illusion. Going deeper into present moment awareness in these places can offer great healing. We hope you will join us on our next retreat. Many blessings, Cara
http://caracounseling.vpweb.ie/