Energy Journey to France 2016

In spring 2016, we organized an unforgettable trip to special places in France. During the seven-day journey, we encountered the energies of sacred stewardship, bathed in the light of some magnificent Gothic cathedrals, and contemplated their mandala-like rose windows. We left the bustling cities behind and connected with the feminine principle in some of the world's most important Marian shrines.

Laon and Reims

On the way to Reims, we stopped at Laon Cathedral, situated on a hill overlooking the Picardie region in northern France. In this beautiful early Gothic cathedral, we encountered energies of material might and noetic insight, which need to be balanced in us. Approaching Reims in the Campagne region, we were struck by the magnificent sight of Reims Cathedral – the glorious Coronation church of France. The symbology of Reims Cathedral has to do with the alignment of three major energy centers in the human energy system – the root, heart, and crown centers – for sacred stewardship. The energies that can be felt in specific locations of the church building correspond to this.

Main Portal of Reims Cathedral.

Paris

There are numerous sites of energetic interest in Paris. During this journey, we had to limit ourselves to two of them - Sainte Chapelle and Chapelle Notre Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse in Rue du Bac. Surrounded by the French palace of justice, Sainte Chapelle has a very fine and translucent structure. One of the most exquisite examples of high Gothic art, the former royal court chapel used to house the crown of thorns – the energetic imprint of which is present to this day. Yet, the most outstanding feature of Sainte-Chappelle is its multicolored stained-glass windows. They depict the biblical story from Genesis, Adam and Eve, to Christ, all the way to the Apocalypse. We carefully chose a time slot for our visit to have a chance to see all in their splendor and bathe in the colored light. 

Sainte-Chappelle, Paris.

The next place we visited let us forget all the hustle and bustle of Paris in an instant. As we turned from Rue Du Bac to enter the courtyard of Chapelle Notre Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse, all turbulence was replaced by tranquility. The later Saint Catherine Labouré (1806 - 1876) lived in this convent and had apparitions of the Holy Mother in 1930, during which she was inspired to have miraculous medallions printed – hence the name „Chapelle de la Medaille Miraculeuse“. We experienced sweet peace and deep silence here.

Entrance to Notre Dame de la Medaille Miraculeuse, Rue du Bac, Paris.

Chartres

The next stop on our journey took us to Chartres Cathedral. Located on an ancient hilltop sanctuary in the Beauce region, southwest of Paris, Chartres is the heart of the French Gothic cathedral garden. With its beautiful twelve-part rose windows, it is attuned to the energies of the heart. They are solar symbols of the Logos, the eternal light. As in Sainte Chapelle, we enjoyed bathing in the colorful light of Chartres Cathedral. The famous floor labyrinth reminds us of the fluctuating paths of life – moving toward and away from the center. Chartres Cathedral, with its energetic points and objects (such as the scarf of the Mother of God), allows us to calibrate our inner perceptions – if we know where to look.

Main Portal, Chartres Cathedral.

Rocamadour

Further south, we reached Rocamadour, a medieval Marian pilgrimage site spectacularly perched on a cliff above the Alzou Valley. Over the centuries, it has attracted pilgrims from many countries. 120 steps lead up to the main place of pilgrimage, the Church of Notre Dame, which pilgrims – including kings, bishops, and nobles – climbed on their knees to pay their respects to the Holy Mother. The small church houses the famous black statue of the Madonna – a powerful, energetic object –, which, according to legend, was carved by Saint Amadour. Here we had plenty of time to immerse ourselves in the mystery of the Black Madonna, the feminine principle, and experience the healing it brings.

Rocamadour Sanctuary, perched over the Alzou Valley.

Lourdes

Mary and the feminine principle were also the theme of the last stop on our journey, Lourdes. In the winter of 1858, Bernadette Soubirous, who later became a saint, and her siblings encountered a beautiful young woman in a grotto who showed them a healing spring. Since then, the water from the sanctuary in Lourdes has healed many sick people and continues to attract pilgrims from all over the world. We visited the grotto in a calm period to enjoy the healing waters in peace.

Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.