Not only was this Sunday, but it was also Assumption Day, and the town abbey rang sweet bells that resounded with high overtones. We attended the church of Notre Dame de Marceille, the Black Madonna, where Elizabeth van Buren awaited us in the surrounding gardens. In the gardens was the healing fountain of Mary, with the serpent entwined at her feet.

Because the fountain lay dry, Elizabeth found this to be the cause of much desolation. The serpent with the rose in its mouth, encodes the symbolic power and knowledge of the growth of the earth energies and these must be watered.

In the mid-afternoon, after farewells to Elizabeth, we followed in her well-worn footsteps to the original “Temple of Solomon” at Rennes le Chateau, located in La Val-Dieu (the Valley of the Gods).

According to her years of research, Elizabeth decoded that the legends of “Solomon’s treasure speak of riches so great that they have no end. The gold is Light itself.” I repeat, the gold is Light itself. “The mystery relates to the Science of Light.”

Throughout the graveyard, garden and church of Rennes le Chateau, there are secret teachings of the mystery schools. The church is small, situated on top of a hill that overlooks the Valley of the Gods, where abundant crops and rich soil bask under the golden sun.

It is over this valley that the star of Venus travels for eight years to form the five pointed star defined in the heavens. Inside the church her reflection is painted throughout the earthly ceiling. The twins are depicted at the altar and the Star of David is mysteriously engraved on an outside headstone. Out of Egypt and the holy lands came the mystery school teachings.

The Capt’n spoke about personal power, spiritual growth and the ability to commune directly within ourselves: connecting divinity with matter on earth. After the crusades, the prevailing authorities could destroy you, so the mysteries were kept in churches, hidden in secret knowledge.

“Remember to drop the stone,” he taught. “As the stresses of life are created, you must let them die. Talk to the stone, say your words and don’t judge your wounding. Remember that the little things can be connected to a larger incident.

Forgive on a daily basis. As the sun symbolically dies, let go each day. He spoke on, looking to nature. “She teaches so well. You hardly ever see stones alone. They are usually piled together, layered and all connected.”

After a long day, the night gifted us with angelic voices from the mortal realm. Under a sky of silver stars, voices of liquid gold carried through Alet les Bains, as song traveled high above the concert abbey walls.

Day Ten: Monday, August 16, 1999
(Journey to Carcasonne, France)

The town clock ringing in the morning dispelled sweet dreams. The river lay open to any willing Pilgrims who chose to drop a stone. I heard some splashing.

The Faery Queen presented roses as gifts from Fay. She passed them around the circle on the womb of her sacred drum, empowering them by her words. “These red blossoms symbolize your own flower hearts,” she blessed, “accept them, embrace them and focus on this loving aspect of yourself. Take them with you to Carcasonne, the final destination of our journey.”

Out of all of the fortified medieval cities on the European continent, Carcasonne is known as the most intact. As the stone city came into view with its towering turrets and castle, the impenetrable wall surrounding it duly impressed us. We had left the quiet land of alchemy, which pulsed under the surface, to enter the medieval city, which throbbed in the open air.

Our bedchambers were delightfully cool and calming in the midst of the bustle. The Keepers of the Sacred Secrets (the Capt’n and Queen) offered their wise council in the back garden, which was nestled in-between thick green hedgerows. The atmosphere of the medieval city imbued in the French culture, set the stage for many wonderful events.

Day Eleven: Tuesday, August 17, 1999
(Day of Double Grand Cross)