Desert Initiation
EGYPT
10-17 November 2024
If you are an adventurous soul with a yearning for deep connection to your true feminine essence, ready to remember the power of your womb and experience the vastness, stillness and wisdom of the desert, this alchemical healing & transformation retreat is for you!
Picture This:
You are watching the sun rise on the horizon as you sit on a sand dune, surrounded by nothing but the vastness and stillness of the desert.
As the tears of gratitude start to flow, you can feel - at a deeper level than ever before - the interconnectedness of it all.
You spent the night sleeping under the stars, lulled into a healing slumber by the crackling of the camp fire and the still vivid memories of the Shamanic Womb Journey of the evening before.
You know that you have discovered something new - yet ancient - about yourself, and that you will never be the same again.
Welcome to the Magic of the Western Desert!
There is something so very magical about the womb-like energy of the desert.
You feel completely held by the Great Mother in all her gentle, all-encompassing power.
The golden sand between your toes is the very sand that used to make up the primordial ocean floor....
And the protective, life-affirming feminine energy that radiates from the primeval rock formations around you reminds you of the time you were inside your mother's womb.
This is time out of time. This is your time.
Can you feel it?
The Initiation
The Desert Initiation is a journey into yourself.
Through powerful cleansing ceremonies, shamanic journeys and guided womb meditations, you will remember who you truly are.
You will be reminded of your infinite power, your connection to ancient Egypt, your star origins and your divine mission on Earth.
The silence of the desert is an invitation to surrender, to spiral deeper than ever before into the sacred feminine wisdom and potential of your womb, and allow the beauty of your soul to shine through.
Here, the nothingness contains everything. And everything is nothing.
What's Possible for You Here
- A deep sense of inner calm and peace;
- Knowing how to be fully present with yourself;
- Increased reverence for all of life and to the interconnectedness of it all;
- Direct connection to the vast wisdom and power of your womb;
- Rekindling of your sacred mission and purpose on Earth;
- A re-remembering of your own Divinity;
- A relaxed, rejuvenated and re-inspired body, mind and spirit;
- Sacred sisterhood and friendships for life.
Highlights of Our Time Together
- Sunrise visit to the Great Pyramid on the 11:11 portal
- Anointing Ceremony at Djara Cave
- Blue Lotus Tea Ceremony
- Fire Release Ceremony
- Shamanic Womb Journey
- An evening with a local astronomer at eco-lodge
- One on one healing sessions at eco-lodge
- Taking in the silence, vastness and stillness of the primordial desert energies
Itinerary
Arrival Day, Saturday 9 November: You can arrive at any time on this day.
Day 1, Sunday 10 November: Early morning departure to the Saqqara Pyramid complex. We will do an opening circle with intentions and a womb activation at a quiet spot in Saqqara.
Day 2, Monday 11 November; Sunrise visit to the Giza Pyramid complex, including the King’s Chamber and the Sphinx. Lunch in Giza. Travel to the Western Desert and set up camp at our first location. Fireside sharing and tuning into the energy of the desert. Blue lotus tea ceremony.
Day 3, Tuesday 12 November; Opening circle followed by a guided womb journey. Lunch. Drive to our next location and set up camp. Silent afternoon. Evening: Fireside sharing and tuning into the energy of the desert.
Day 4, Wednesday 13 November; Opening circle followed by a group healing process. Drive to our next location. Anointing ceremony at the Djara Cave. Evening: Fireside sharing and tuning into the energy of the desert.
Day 5, Thursday 14 November; Opening circle followed by a guided womb journey. Tuning into the energy of the desert. Lunch. Travel to Al-Haiz eco-lodge. Fireside sharing and connecting with the energy of the desert.
Day 6, Friday 15 November; Day of relaxing and integration, massages, 1:1 healing session with Emmi. Possible group process work (depends on how everyone is feeling and what the group needs). Evening spent with a local astronomer.
Day 7, Saturday 16 November; day of relaxing and integration, massages, 1:1 healing sessions with Emmi continued. Possible group process work (depends on how everyone is feeling and what the group needs). Evening: Fire release ceremony.
Day 8, Sunday 17 November; breakfast at Al-Haiz. Return to Cairo. Depending on your flight time, possible excursions to a bazaar, an essential oils shop, the newly opened Cairo Museum, or a visit to the stunningly beautiful Coptic Orthodox Hanging Church.
Please, note: the itinerary may shift slightly during the retreat depending on the energy of the group and what is being called for.
Accommodation
Photo credit: Mahmoud Marai
Whilst in Cairo, we will stay in a comfortable, villa-style Airbnb, close to cafes and restaurants.
In the desert, we will set up camp sites and sleep in sleeping bags in one-person tents on comfortable sleeping mattresses.
You also have the option of sleeping by the fire under the starts (highly recommended!).
For the last three nights, we will stay at the Al Haiz Eco-Lodge on the Baharya Oasis in a beautifully and thoughtfully constructed home away from home.
Getting Around the Desert
We will be driven in comfortable Land Cruisers by local Bedouins who know the desert inside out, and who are also experienced mechanics.
Personal Hygiene in the Desert
We will have sufficient water to take care our daily hygiene - please, be aware that water is a precious resource here, and use it sparingly.
Toilet-wise, we will be using so called desert toilets: we will allocate a specific, secluded spot in the area where we are camping as the spot where we relieve ourselves. This area will be screened off for privacy.
Please, note: there are no flushing toilets in the desert.
Nourishment
You will enjoy three wholesome, nourishing meals per day, each featuring Egyptian delicacies with a Bedouin twist (and even oasis-grown strawberries!), accompanied by delicious Egyptian coffee or tea.
All meals will be vegetarian.
Your Investment
Euro 3,500
SPECIAL OFFER: Euro 3,000
Payable in 1-6 instalments (to be agreed with Emmi on an individual basis).
You can secure your spot with a Euro 500 deposit.
Included in the Cost
- 3 nights of shared accommodation in Cairo (9, 10 and 17 November).
- 3 nights of accommodation in the desert.
- 3 nights of shared accommodation at Al Haiz Eco Lodge.
- 3 meals per day (starting on 10 November).
- Camping gear, including tents, mattresses, sleeping bags and blankets.
- Transportation to, in, and from the desert.
- Visit to the Saqqara and Giza Pyramid complexes, including entry to the King's Chamber in the Great Pyramid.
- Transportation from and to Cairo International airport.
- Powerful ceremonies and group healing & transformation processes.
- 1:1 healing session with Emmi at eco-lodge
- A massage treatment at eco-lodge.
Bonuses
- A Telegram group in which you can get to know your fellow travelers, receive up to date info, get tips on how to prepare and make the most of our time together.
- Two pre-retreat online calls so that you can build a deeper connection with everyone before our adventure, get directions on how to set your intention for the retreat, and allow the vibration of the journey to start to envelope you.
- One post-retreat online call to ease your re-entry home, to re-connect with everyone, and to solidify the memories made during the retreat.
- An evening with a local astronomer at eco-lodge so that you gain a deeper understanding of our starry skies and receive local wisdom of the constellations.
Not Included in the Cost
- Your flights to Cairo International and back.
- Your visa to enter Egypt.
- Any souvenirs or keepsakes you may wish to purchase.
- Extra days or nights you may wish to spend in Egypt (and in this case your transport to and from the airport).
- Laundry.
- Extra snacks.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Tips for our local tour guides (have USD 100 ready in cash, please).
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Any cancellation will result in a total loss of the Euro 500 deposit.
Cancellations made between 15 April and 20 August will result in a loss of 50% of the retreat price.
Any cancellation made after 20 August will result in a total loss of funds.
We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it is not meeting the trip minimum (if we do so, you will be refunded in full).
Should the exchange rate vary more than 5%, the price will be subject to change. Trip cancellation insurance is always recommended whenever making travel plans. You can check out Travel Guard Insurance as an option for you.
If we find that the trip is not a good fit for you, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation, in which case you will be fully refunded.
FAQ
Is this retreat for me?
YES!
Especially if you are an adventurous soul ready for deep inner exploration, who rejoices in silence and stillness, and is happy to camp under the stars with sand between your toes for part of the retreat.
What if I cannot afford this?
This is not just a vacation in a pretty place. It is an investment in YOU.
The healing and transformation work available to you at this retreat is invaluable - not to mention the activating energy of Egypt and specially the desert.
Payment plans are available, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
How can I take time for this?
This retreat is an opportunity to reset your body, mind and soul by taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Your cup will be filled to the brim, and you will return home feeling renewed and whole.
Can I bring my kids or my partner?
No. This is a women's retreat - consider it your 'ME-time' in a big way!
In the primordial energies of the desert, you will be enveloped in time away from time, focusing on your inner transformation and growth, and the healing of the collective.
Note: if you are a woman in relationship with a woman, you are both welcome to join us.
I'm concerned about traveling with people I don't know
Your personal journey starts as soon as you register, and you’ll get to know everyone through the private Telegram group.
There, you will have plenty of time to connect with others, start building relationships, and share dreams and excitement about the upcoming trip!
On top of that, there will be two in-person meet-and-greet sessions via Zoom to allow you time to break the ice and meet the ones who will be joining you.
The group and the venue are intimate, and the space is private.
This is a safe space for you to be YOU.
Do I have to participate in everything?
You do not. You are always in control of your own choices and master of your own journey.
That being said, every aspect of this journey has been selected and arranged with a greater purpose and mission in mind. It is intended to assist you in the transformation you desire, and you won’t want to miss even a step along the way.
Plus, this is purposefully a small retreat, limited to 7 women, because we will be going deep.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. This retreat is 100% vegetarian, but if you have dietary restrictions (for example gluten- or dairy intolerance or you follow a vegan diet), please, let us know.
Do I need a VISA?
Yes you do. You can purchase your visa upon arrival at the Cairo International Airport for around USD 20.
Will I have access to the internet?
In Cairo, yes. In the desert, no.
Consider this an opportunity to unplug from your electronic devices and immerse fully in the retreat experience.
Where do I fly into?
You will fly into Cairo International Airport (CAI).
You are expected to arrive anytime on 9 November.
At the airport, you will be greeted by a local guide who will make sure you begin your Egyptian adventure safely and with ease and grace.
What is the weather like?
In November, Egypt’s weather starts to mellow a little, with temperatures dropping throughout the country.
In the desert, day time temperatures are expected to reach 25-29 degrees Celsius, whilst at
night, it gets considerably cooler.
You will have a good quality sleeping bag as well as warm blankets to cuddle in, but if you are prone to feeling cold, we recommend you bring thermal underwear, warm socks and
perhaps a warm hat for the nights.
Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend that you organise travel insurance that allows you to cancel the journey for any reason.
Whilst we do not expect any issues at the time of running the retreat, with the world being in the state of flux that it is in, you never know.
Any other questions? Email Emmi at emmi@femininerevered.com
Meet Your Hosts
Emmi Mutale, MA
Emmi is an intuitive healer, energy medicine practitioner and a shamanic Womb Priestess and teacher, dedicated to re-awakening ancient feminine wisdom. She works with women one on one and in groups, both face to face, online and in retreat settings with the intention of raising the frequency of our planet and fostering healing one womb at a time.
Trained in various healing modalities, Emmi creates sacred, safe, and non-judgmental spaces for deep transformation and facilitates the emergence of authentic connection, profound knowing and inner power for women of all ages around the world.
Founder of Feminine Revered, Emmi also hosts the Sacred Feminine Power podcast and the Return to. the Mother World speaker series, is a three time best-selling author, and runs House of Gaia, a suburban sanctuary and a centre for healing & transformation in Lusaka, Zambia. With an MA in Human Rights, Emmi is dedicated to women’s and child rights and is an advocate for health freedom.
Emmi is the retreat leader and will be holding sacred space for all of us. She will also guide us into our powerful ceremonies and healing processes, and offer her insightful, often channeled, wisdom and guidance throughout the retreat.
Daphne van den Broeke
Daphne is a Dutch poet who is inspired by Mother Earth, Nature and the transitioning of our planet. She writes to inspire, heal and bring love into the world.
It is her soul mission to bring back into balance the collaboration and communication with all forms of life, bringing the elements of the present moment into everything she does.
Always true to her own inklings, she embraces the insights she receives, integrating her knowledge of the human psyche through 20 years of experience as a psychiatric nurse.
Daphne will be holding space powerfully for all of us, looking after the energetics of our sacred container - and if you need a quick chat or a shoulder to cry on, she is there for you.
Mahmoud Marai, PhD
Mahmoud holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership. As a writer, photographer and explorer, he has been traveling the deserts since 1998.
Mahmoud has led numerous expeditions not only in the Western Desert of Egypt but also in the Great Sahara Desert and the Empty Quarter of Arabia. He is known as one of the last Egyptian desert explorers, with a total desert driving distance of 300,000 km in extreme, harsh desert topographies.
Mahmoud is our local lead tour guide. He will take care of the logistics of the trip, make sure we are comfortable at all times, and share his wealth of wisdom with us.
We look forward to welcoming you to Egypt!