Black Madonna Initiation Tour
A Journey into Healing Energies and Ancient Spirituality
May 19 -27, 2025 ~ EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT SAVE $300!
Join us on a transformative journey through the Auvergne region of France, a land of ancient volcanoes, healing springs, and profound spirituality. This tour invites you to explore the energetic qualities of the Black Madonna in sacred churches and cathedrals that have drawn pilgrims and seekers for centuries.
Auvergne is steeped in ancient history and spiritual power, where many Black Madonna sites trace their origins to sacred places dedicated to the Great Mother Goddess of Neolithic times. These timeless sanctuaries have long been revered for their deep connection to healing and renewal.
Le Puy en Velay, is the spiritual heart of France and the historical starting point of the French Compostella Trail in the 10th century. It is a key destination on our journey. This cathedral is a marvel of sacred architecture and a profound, energetic site known for opening and balancing the first chakra, initiating a deep and lasting connection with the body’s energy centers.
Throughout the tour, we’ll visit other Black Madonna sanctuaries, including Thuret and Orcival, places of extraordinary healing that echo with the ancient wisdom of the Neolithic peoples and the Celts of Auvergne. The Arvernes, a powerful Celtic tribe led by the legendary Vercingetorix, once stood fiercely against Roman invasion. Their sacred traditions and connection to the land imbue these sites with a palpable sense of history, resilience, and spiritual depth.
This experience offers more than a glimpse into the past—it is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the healing and transformative energies of the Black Madonna. As you connect with these sacred spaces, you’ll feel the deep spiritual resonance that has inspired countless seekers to embark on similar pilgrimages. By the end of the tour, this energetic connection will leave you grounded, renewed, and profoundly inspired.
Embark on this sacred journey and reconnect with the timeless power of the Great Mother through the Black Madonna's healing presence.
The Black Madonna Initiation Tour is for Special People:
You know who you are.
Our journey is not meant for random travelers but for those who possess an intuitive understanding that reality extends beyond what meets the eye. It is an invitation to explore a deeper, more profound existence.
Prepare to embark on a transformative odyssey that will introduce you to a new paradigm of perceiving sacred places, extending far beyond our conventional five senses. This tour serves as the initiation process, designed specifically for individuals like you who yearn to experience a reality that transcends the limitations of the physical world.
These travels are crafted for those who seek to embrace the ancient initiates' paradigm, individuals who intuitively recognize that there is something beyond, an alternative pathway to spiritual connection.
Our tour goes beyond the surface; it is not merely a documentation of photographs or a recitation of historical facts before moving on to the next destination. If you expect a typical travel agency tour, this may not be the experience for you.
While our journey promises to showcase awe-inspiring sights, tantalize your taste buds with the local gastronomy, and provide you with memorable souvenirs, its true purpose lies in offering an opening—a portal to a new vision of reality and a profound perception of sacred places.
Join us if you are ready to go beyond the superficial, embrace a deeper understanding of existence, and unlock a heightened sense of perception. The Black Madonna Initiation Tour awaits, ready to guide you toward a profound awakening and a sacred connection that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.
Healing Energies
The Black Madonna
The Black Madonna embodies the legacy of the ancient Earth Goddess, representing fertility, vitality, and the grounding life force of the dark earth. Often placed in crypts, she connects deeply to the first chakra and the earth's nurturing energy.
Revered for her miraculous healing powers, the Black Madonna has been venerated for centuries, with her legends passed down through generations.
Associated with the Benedictines, Cistercians, St. Bernard de Clairvaux, and the Templars, she bridges ancient traditions and Christian spirituality.
Found prominently in Auvergne, she symbolizes renewal, transformation, and the sacred connection between humanity and the earth.
Romanesque Churches of Auvergne
The Famous Five Majors
During the 12th and 13th centuries, the five major Romanesque churches of Auvergne in France were built and became renowned for their architectural significance, and were characterized by their unity of style, elegant proportions, and innovative features.
These churches represent the "Auvergnat Romanesque" style and profoundly influence Romanesque architecture across Europe.
The fabulous churches include Issoire, Orcival, Nôtre Dame du Port, Abbey of Mozac, and St Nectaire. Some people add St. Saturnin.
Delights of Auvergne
Cheese and Wine of the Land
Auvergne’s culinary treasures are a testament to its volcanic landscapes and ancient traditions.
The region's wines, crafted from Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay, express the unique minerality of the volcanic terroir. These light and aromatic wines provide a perfect counterpoint to Auvergne's legendary cheeses, which rank among the finest in France. From the creamy tang of Bleu d’Auvergne to the nutty richness of Saint-Nectaire and the bold, rustic flavor of Salers, each cheese offers a sensory journey through the region’s pastoral heritage.
Whether paired with a fruity Côtes d’Auvergne red or a lively Saint-Pourçain white, these local delights celebrate the heart and soul of Auvergne’s gastronomic identity.
Day 1
Arrive via train to the gorgeous town of Le Puy en Velay in Auvergne. Plan your arrival for the afternoon, allowing ample time to ettle in and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
Prepare for a delectable culinary journey for our first dinner together. Your initiation into French cuisine begins here.
Day 2
We begin the day with a visit to one of the oldest shrines dedicated to Mary, the Cathedral of Notre Dame du Puy. A sacred place since Neolithic times, the church was built over a dolmen at the foot of the Rock Corneille.
A climb up to the Chapel of St. Michel d'Aiguilhe and a visit of the Chapel of St. Clair, octagon-shaped, will also be part of adventures of the day.
Day 3
After checkout, we journey to with a visit to the Chateau Lafayette, a beautiful castle. Then we explore the Benedictine Abbey called La Chaise-Dieu, the Seat of God, founded in 1043.
For lunch, we travel to the Romanesque Lavaudieu Cloister, closely aligned to La Chaise-Dieu. The picturesque village is set along the banks of the Senouire River.
Next is a visit to the gorgeous Basilica of Saint Julian de St. Brioude, the largest Romanesque Church in Auvergne.
Day 4
Today, we visit two churches connected to the Black Madonna's healing energies: St. Nicolas of Nonette and Notre Dame de Mailhat.
Look for interesting carvings (mermaids and other creatures) and high vibrational energies. One of the Major Romanesque Churches, Notre Dame de St. Saturnin is part of today's adventures.
If we have time, the menhir of Fohet, with its golden energy, expects our arrival.
Day 5
The Basilica of Saint Nectaire is in a small village famous for making its creamy St. Nectaire cheese for the past 400 years.
We will visit an incredible waterfall and nearby megaliths during this day.
A visit to Auvergne is only complete with tasting the region's excellent local cheeses and wines!
Be prepared for some fun!
Day 6
Notre Dame de Thuret has a wonderful Black Madonna associated with healing cancer.
The Abbey of St. Pierre de Mozac has a long history, and the relics of St. Peter were brought here in the 6th century.
The Basilica of St. Amable and the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Clermont Ferrand are also on the itinerary for the day.
Day 7
Today, we visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Orcival, one of the oldest and most famous Marian shrines. Since before the 10th century, it has been a popular pilgrimage site for those seeking miracles. The Basilica houses a beautiful Black Madonna and a nearby spring.
A visit to another Romanesque church called Ste. Anne de Heume is also on the itinerary for the day.
Day 8
The Abbey Church of Saint Austremoine in Issoire is one of the Five Major Romanesque churches.
As you enter, you will see why, large dimensions, rigorous geometry, harmonious architecture, and simplicity of ornamentation – this is truly the most refined example of Romanesque art in this region of France.
Day 9
It's time to say goodbye. After breakfast, we will help you coordinate drop off to Clermont Ferrand Train Station and an easy train ride back to Paris or wherever your next travels take you!
Our Travel Style
Our tours feature a unique blend of energetic experiences at sacred places and insights into the sacred geometry employed to build them. We share how to work with the energy system to enjoy a more profound experience with the sacred energies found in the places we visit.
Besides the typical architectural understandings of temples and cathedrals, we bring the vast knowledge of the Master Builders into each tour, by sharing a unique perspective into how temples, churches, and other sacred places were built. Solar rhythms, celestial movements, and patterns of the earth were combined by our ancestors to create a geometry, a sacred geometry. This sacred geometry was used worldwide to build places dedicated to the divine.
Quality
Our tours are small, so we can focus on the quality of your experience in the places we visit. We take care of you, your safety and well-being are always top priorities. Our tour guests can expect to be delighted by the local gastronomy and cultural flavors. All meals are provided and we stay in 4-star hotels whenever possible.
Knowledge and experience
We’ve spent over 30 years investigating sacred geometry and the energetic qualities of sacred sites. We understand thoroughly how sacred structures were conceived, designed, and built by the master builders and shamans and have guided small tours to sacred places for over 20 years.
Great value
We provide expert guidance, gastronomy, cultural enrichment, transportation, and comfortable accommodations. You will find our tours offer you an exceptional experience and value.
Fun
We believe in enjoying life, having fun and sharing laughter along the way.
OUR REVIEWS
What People Say
“Now that we are safely back home in Portugal, we’d like to say merci beaucoup to Karen, Dominique, and Nicolas for hosting a wonderful and magical Cathars Cathars Tour. It was an experience to remember for a lifetime. And thank you to all you fellow curious travelers who were respectful and kind to us and others throughout the week in France. Gail and I enjoyed your company and look forward to seeing you on future tours!!"
MILLS AND GAIL - Cathar Castle Tour 2024
“I thoroughly enjoyed the way that Karen and Dominique led the Equinox Initiation Tour in Brittany. As promised, it was not a hurried typical packing, unpacking and constantly-changing locations type of journey.
We were housed on the rural property that the leaders own. Our quarters were clean and comfortable. I could have stayed for weeks in my en-suite bedroom with a view of the large yard and a platform where birds landed every morning.
A well-appointed and modern kitchen was available for us to make breakfast and kind Dominique provided us with fresh croissants from the local bakery each morning.
The daily schedule consisted of visiting 2 or 3 special sacred sites in the morning, a leisurely lunch at nearby restaurants with French ambiance, and then more sites in the afternoon. When we returned to our home away from home, there was time to rest before we were served a delicious home-cooked meal and wonderful organic wines and cheeses. We shared stories and laughter until it was time to head off for a night of sleep.
I really appreciated the relaxed and flexible schedule that we kept to and the peaceful, quiet, and spirit-filled places we visited.
I was attracted to the journey for a much-needed reconnection to the spiritual solace I find in sacred natural spaces. From spending ample time with energetic standing stones, ancient trees, moss-covered forest floors, and views of tidal inlets, I got just what I came for.
Many thanks to this knowledgeable, generous, and humorous couple for my wonderful first introduction to Celtic Brittany!"
CONNIE M. - Equinox Initiation Tour 2024
“Thank you, Karen, Dominique, and Nicolas, for this wonderful Cathar Castles Tour. For me, the experience was a marvelous discovery of a new way to see, not just to see, but to feel the world and the energies surrounding us. Thank you all for making this possible, and from now on, I’m in!!!
JULIAN URQUIZA - Cathar Castles Tour 2024
“It was a wonderful experience visiting Brittany with Dominique and Karen. They took us to many energized places that I never would have found on my own! We visited special trees, including a 1,500 year old oak tree; holy wells; the rock alignments at Carnac; several portal dolmens; many awesome menhirs; and a few special churches. But we did more than just see these places; we learned to experience the energies there and identify the devas of the places.
We had a complete tour of charming Brittany with its vast coastline and villages full of flowers. We were treated to the very best of French cuisine and wine. Dominque and Karen ensured that we stayed healthy and cared for with extra vitamins and lots of fun.
Some nights, we sat around the farmhouse table and had home-cooked meals, which were delicious, completely organic, and served with organic wines and cognac. Then, we had great discussions and lessons. I highly recommend this trip! ”
KRISTINA M. WOOD - Equinox Initiation Tour of Brittany 2024
“When I stood in the center of the Crucuno Solsticial Quadrilateral (there, I said it!), I felt such a sense of balance and integration and belonging and rightness that I can’t adequately convey it with words. My profound thanks to Karen and Dominique for the unique experiences you afforded me. I have all those wonderful and unique experiences downloaded and cataloged within me to call upon (recall) when I wish to re-experience any of the myriad pristine energy frequencies I interacted with.
This truly was a magical mystery tour. And, as a bonus, I have learned a lot about working internally with my main chakras (especially the crown!) and have incorporated that knowledge into my internal energy work. And the food was good too! Thanks for everything. With love…”
CHERIE WOODS - Magical Brittany Tour 2019
Total Tour cost: $3500 - EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT! Save $300 instantly
A non-refundable deposit of $800 secures your spot.
Single room supplement is $500
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- All meals from dinner on May 19 through breakfast on May 27, 2025.
- All transportation during the tour.
- All entrance fees.
- Expert guidance each step of the way.
- Energetic experiences and fun!
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
- Alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee during lunch.
- Flights and other transportation to and from France,
- Travel Insurance - Highly recommended for any unforeseen challenges along the way.
Body Dowsing
WORK WITH ENERGIES
Lean how to sense energies with your body with a technique called body dowsing. Your appreciation and enjoyment of the healing qualities of sacred sites will increase immensely by learning this simple technique.
Raising your vibration is the name of the game here, and don't worry, everyone can learn how to body dowse. We will guide you each step of the way.
Sacred Geometry
THE MASTER BUILDERS
We will introduce you to the amazing geometry used by the European Master Builders to build their beautiful stone masterpieces in the form cathedrals, churches and basilicas, each one dedicated to the divine.
You will discover how they used geometry to strengthen the natural healing vibrations found at the place.
Meet your guides
