A Spirituality Travel Guide

New Age Spirituality is a cosmos of other-worldliness and mysticism. Many people across the globe follow a variety of New Age rituals and beliefs in order to 'find themselves'. What does this really mean? Does this mean escaping the realities of a capitalist 9-5 lifestyle? Getting away from the grappling hooks of Facebook and Twitter? Or even experiencing a greater being, in order to have an epiphany? In this blog, all these questions will be explored - by exploring some significant Spiritualist cities across the world, much like Elizabeth Gilbert's famous story of her global spiritual journey, 'Eat,Pray, Love'. The New Age is described by Religious Tolerance org as: having 'no holy text, central organization, formal membership, ordained clergy, geographic centre, dogma, creed, etc.', in fact it is a 'free-flowing, decentralized, spiritual movement – a network of believers and practitioners who share somewhat similar beliefs and practices'. From shamans in Sedona to witchcraft in Porto-Novo, the New Age can be found in many places, especially these eight.

(http://goldenageofgaia.com/2013/03/27/new-age-spiritual-philosophy/)

As institutionalised religion is in decline in the UK, New Age Spiritualism is becoming more popular, especially among people who want to travel the world. The New Age is a range of spiritual and religious beliefs and practices, these include:

• Channelling

• Spiritual Healing

• Shamanism

• Magic

• Theosophy

• Meditation

• Cosmogony

• Cosmology

• Witchcraft

Don't whip out your dictionaries just yet! Sometimes an insider's view is better than biased articles, one-dimensional scholars, and Wikipedia. So start to save up some money and let us discover true spiritualism, and try to find God, across the world. It is your time to experience New Age Spiritualism, first-hand.

Pack your bags, and clear your mind .... Let's start just down the road, in the nice old town of Glastonbury.

Let's find God

(http://www.missosology.info/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=509511)

Glastonbury - UK

The Spiritual Capital of the UK

When not hosting one of the world’s most famous music festivals Glastonbury has been described as the spiritual capital of the UK, or 'the spiritual Mecca of Great Britain'.

New Age pilgrims visit Glastonbury from across the globe. The Somerset town has been a spiritual landmark since the megalithic (Stone Age) era. With green hills, such as Glastonbury Tor (pictured below), and Goddess Centres, such as the Glastonbury Goddess Temple, you can meditate on the hills, or even 'create your own meaningful ceremonies' with druid high priests and high priestesses. 

The stunning Glastonbury Tor is associated, 'with the mysterious Island of Avalon, a place between the worlds, where (supposedly) King Arthur came to be healed and to await his recall in a time of great need. This is the reason for the legend of his grave being found in the abbey ruins below the hill'. Many visit the Tor to spiritually channel, heal and to search for epiphany.

Glastonbury is home to fertility rituals, and a stone circle (or massive astrological calendar for you spiritual-savvy readers). But don't bring any narcotics or hallucinogens to this sacred place, as they are banned.

Glastonbury Tor
(http://www.chiangraibulletin.com/2013/03/20/the-best-spiritual-places-and-sacred-sites-in-the-world/)

One place you must visit is Chalice Well. The Well's own website reveals its holiness. This is partly due to the myths and legends about the Well:

1. The chalybeate waters represent the blood of Christ, miraculously springing forth from the ground when Joseph of Arimathea buried or washed the cup used at The Last Supper.
2. The waters are the essence of life, a gift from Mother Earth. The continuous spring-like Well is a direct expression of an unbounded life force. Some more specifically attribute the well to the Goddess Gaia.

Chalice Well
(https://www.pinterest.com/pin/359795457706513909/)

One visitor stated:

"While there are many reasons why I have returned to Chalice Well, the one constant theme is peace; a deep inward peace that can carry me through the tides of life. I know of no other place that provides this so perfectly and so deeply as Chalice Well". You could be the next visitor….

Rishikesh - India

The Magnetic City of Spiritualism

Rishikesh is a glorious city with self-enlightenment flowing through its veins. The city is so holy to locals that it is a meat and alcohol-free zone. With many beautiful ashrams across the city, meditation, yoga and even the art of channelling occurs at these spirit-based buildings. So prepare to be spiritually nestled in the foothills of the stunning Himalayas.

You are more than likely to be amongst many others attempting to find a spiritual insight at Rishikesh, as westerners have made it their 'spiritual Disneyland'.

'The Beatles visited Rishikesh back in 1968 in search of what everyone comes to Rishikesh for - enlightenment and Activism'. The Beatles on their trip practised meditation, explored the mountains, and wrote most of the 'White Album'! You music/spiritual lovers out there get yourself to Rishikesh, spend a few weeks in an overnight ashram, and write yourself an album.

Welcome to Rishikesh
(http://astrologer-astrology.com/ashrams_in_rishikesh.htm)

With ashrams all over the spiritual city (including some on the sacred river the Ganges), losing yourself on a spiritual retreat is never far away. Parmarth Niketan is Rishikesh's largest ashram and has over 1,000 rooms. Additionally, with opportunities to attend yoga classes, chat to local gurus, dance, and sing to the spirit you always have the opportunity to practice spiritual rituals in Rishikesh.

'Everywhere you turn in Rishikesh, storefronts, flyers and guides offer tickets to self-awareness and improvement'. But choose wisely as you don't want any old guru. Rishikesh features shamans, wizards and channelling experts. Additionally, amongst Hindu spiritual practices (such as chants in Sanskrit), your spiritual world will be turned upside down with shaman rituals, trance channelling, and spirit-based healing. So prepare to lose yourself in the beauty of Rishikesh. 

(http://www.dreammountain.net/rishikesh/)

Sedona (Arizona) - United States

Incredibly, three million tourists a year visit Sedona, a town of barely 10,000, mainly for its tranquillity and spiritual essence. The Native American mountain range is full of canyons, caves, and a load of spiritual practices, mainly Shamanism.

Sedona Healer and Shaman, Anahata of Shamangelic Healing (pictured below meditating on a mountain – standard) offers spiritual awakening and meditation retreats to enhance one's spiritual connection, among the bronze, peaceful Sedona mountains.

(http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2013/05/30/11760290/anahata%20meditation%20visita.JPG)

Described as the 'spiritual Mecca', Sedona has attracted some of our planet's most amazing healers, initiatives, artists, and spiritual guides. The red rock scenery leads to many yoga, spirit-healing and hypnotherapy retreats taking place.

At Sedona, many spirit experts believe there are Vortex meditation sites. Vortexes are described as locations where the geomagnetic lines of earth cross and form a whirling pool of energy. This proves that Sedona is perfect for a spiritual visit, with no major churches, no relics, no established holy sites. But what it does have are vortexes. I mean you don't get much more spiritual than vortexes!

                   

                                       

Shaman practices are popular at Sedona. For example, Iala and Akal Jaggs, both shamans, are deeply spiritual individuals who have guided thousands of souls into and through their own transformational experiences, in Sedona. You could be next.

Another spiritual practice common in Sedona is alternative healing. The American mountain range is full of evergreen vegetation. Therefore, healing remedies were common in Sedona, and the cathedral without walls can help you grow spiritually and heal you (two benefits for the price of one). So what are you waiting for? Go buy your climbing gear and book a trip to Sedona.

Arenal - Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano National Park is a beautiful place to begin your spiritual journey. You are surrounded by nature and tranquility. Many budding spirituality-focused travellers agree that Costa Rica offers spiritual and physical rejuvenation. 

 Probably warmer than Glastonbury
(http://costaricaexperts.com/location/arenal-volcano-hotels/)

At Arenal, the biggest attraction is everywhere. This is why meditation and yoga are so common here. BookYogaRetreats.com agrees. They organise yoga retreats to the (let's face it) stunning volcano, green landscape. On the description page of the retreat, the company expresses only positivity of going on this spiritual, self-enthusing and awe-inspiring retreat. "On a Costa Rica yoga retreat, you will be able to explore great beaches and other natural eco-touristic spots. It is a wonderful idea to combine nature and yoga into your practice while you're here. There is no better way to enjoy your Costa Rica other than on a yoga retreat!”

The 3,000-year-old Arenal Volcano is considered a youngster amongst the volcanoes of the world. Many believe that it pours out 'awesome energy' which leads to those who visit gaining spiritual insights and healing (physically and spiritually). 

(http://news.co.cr/arenal-volcano-national-park-costa-rica/46666/)

The lush tropical region is a rainbow of plants, colourful toucans and spider monkeys (where else can you be part of a spiritual Jungle Book!). The 20,000 plus acre Arenal Volcano National Park, is home to the shimmering Lake Arenal. However, the spiritual icing on the cake has to be La Fortuna waterfall. The waterfall is described as: 'the La Fortuna waterfall emerges from dense jungle greenery before plummeting some 200 feet (65m) into an emerald pool below' - a perfect place to re-invent yourself, amongst nature.

Some even get married at La Fortuna waterfall
(http://fabianmurillo.com/jessica-hector-fortuna-waterfall-costa-rica-wedding-photographer-fabian-murillo/)

Cassadaga (Florida) - United States

Who Needs a Guide When You Have a Spiritualist Camp?

Welcome to Cassadaga, the Spiritualist Camp of America, Earth, the Universe. This 122-year-old camp organises many retreats, including Healing Meditation, Development Classes, Understanding Spiritual Energy Classes, and (my favourite) Talking Stick Gatherings where the camp invites you to, ‘bring a chair and a dish to share. Drumming, dancing, flute playing, prayers, stories, and customs. This is a family-friendly event. Everyone is welcome!’.

The camp has clear aims for all their eager guests. The camp terms 'Spiritualism' as defined in three ways: a science, a philosophy and a religion:

• a science because it investigates, analyses, and classifies facts and manifestations of Spirit.
• a philosophy because it studies the laws of nature both on the seen and unseen side of life, and bases its conclusions upon present, observed facts.
• a religion because it strives to understand and comply with the physical, mental, and spiritual laws of nature, which are the laws of God.

(https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/inside-cassadaga)

The camp's logo is a sunflower, referencing the camps slogan: 'As the sunflower turns its face to the light of the sun, so Spiritualism turns the face of humanity to the light of truth'.

Many believe Cassadaga is the 'Psychic Capital of the World'. In fact, the camp founder, George P. Colby, was told by his personal spirit guide (Seneca, a Spiritual Native American) to create a spiritual centre somewhere in Florida. Lo and behold the camp is now a 57-acre spiritual land that has been running for over a century. So prepare to meet shamans, healers, pagans, mystics, fortune tellers, and other mystical beings.

Porto-Novo - Benin

In Benin, 'Voodoo remains the state religion'. Porto-Novo is concentrated on one spiritual practice – the mysterious world of voodoo.

I know what you are thinking, Voodoo is not part of the New Age! However, Michael York in The A to Z of New Age Movements argues it is. Voodoo involves an sporadic pick-and-mix that characterizes much of the New Age movement, from magically charged wax dolls to amulets and talismans. Voodoo is a spirit-guided, prophecy telling, magical healing practice and Porto-Novo revels in it. 

Amazingly 40% of Benin's population follow Voodoo – and believe life is driven by spiritual forces of natural phenomena such as water, fire, and air, and that these should be honoured through rituals like animal sacrifices.

In Porto-Novo, you can find Zangbeto (shown below), a Voodoo guardian of the night. This is from the Yoruba religion, a religion who believe in "Ayanmo" which is destiny for your own spiritual well-being. Zangbeto wander around the streets to detect thieves and witches, and to provide law and order to the village people.

You can't find a Zangbeto costume in Primark
(https://www.pinterest.com/pin/513903007459697661/)

Voodoo and witchcraft are dark practices of the New Age. For example, in 2012, Porto-Novo police terrifyingly discovered 100 graves that had been severely desecrated. The corpses were beheaded and left with few organs. Many Voodoo practices use body parts as charms and fetish goods used in magic, witchcraft, and animal sacrifice ceremonies in Benin (shown below). The attackers were planning to sell the body parts as lucky charms.

Voodoo dancers at an Egungun Ceremony

(http://cdn.wanderlust.co.uk/contentimages/wanderlust/Articles-tiny-benin-packs-a-big-punch.jpg?width=620&height=372)

If you visit the Voodoo capital of the world, prepare yourself for a world of constant ritual, curses, lucky charms and also dancing celebrations (such as the Egungun Ceremony, a ritual for the deceased, pictured above). 

A bit different to your local Tesco

(http://cdn.wanderlust.co.uk/contentimages/wanderlust/magazine-415.jpg?width=620)

If you really want to step out of your comfort zone and experience the dark side of spiritualism buy your tickets to Porto-Novo, NOW!

Rila - Bulgaria

Rila is home to the White Brotherhood, who hold 'mass cosmic energy rituals' in Rila's stunning mountain range. Yearly on the 19th August they dance at sunrise to mark the beginning of the new divine year. This entails spiritual singing, the sound of violins, 2000 people, and a series of rhythmic meditation exercises named “paneurhythmy”, a dance-like ritual, in which large concentric circles are made (shown below). 

Amazingly this isn't done to attract aliens to earth (sorry Sc-Fi fans), but to 'channel positive cosmic energy and spread itaround the world'. So if you are keen to change the world and your spirit on the same holiday, Rila is the place to be. The White Brotherhood wear all white (who'd have thought it!) to symbolise the purity of the group and their rituals. The event is anti-modernization, anti-materialist, moves away from the physical, and focuses on the spirit - and positively changing the world.

Where's Spiritual Wally?
(https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2015/aug/27/spiritual-group-white-brotherhood-gathers-in-bulgaria-in-pictures#img-2)

Rila is home to mountains, lakes, forests, and silence (unless the White Brotherhood is in town). Rila is the perfect location for meditation, yoga, and spiritual retreats. Spiritualists enjoy the peacefulness of Rila, one stating they 'cleanse themselves from the mud of everyday big city life'. The mountain range has an altitude of 6,900 feet, and the beautiful views form an incredible landscape. So if you are keen to escape the gunk of the everyday metropolis, then Rila will be a blessing to you.

(https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2015/aug/27/spiritual-group-white-brotherhood-gathers-in-bulgaria-in-pictures#img-8)

Rila, is also popular amongst Spirit royalty. 'One of the greatest spiritual masters of the 20th century – Beinsa Douno chose to transmit wisdom in Rila'. Rila, like Glastonbury, is known for being a New Age town. A common hotspot for spiritual retreats and for finding positive cosmic rays that eternally lie around Rila. Buy some white clothes and go change the world!

(https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2015/aug/27/spiritual-group-white-brotherhood-gathers-in-bulgaria-in-pictures#img-3)

Koya-san - Japan

On one of the world's most sacred mountain ranges (Kii) Koya-san is a beautiful site for pilgrimage, meditation, and experiencing the glory of mother nature. The sacred site 'is a must-hit site for spiritual Japanese'. Let us begin at one of the main spiritual features of Koya-san, the mass cemetery.

(http://evacomics.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/wakayama-trip-koyasan.html
Koya-san has a stunning mix of nature and ruins)

Okunoin mausoleum is one of the main features in Koya-san. Okunoin is the largest graveyard in all of Japan. At Okunoin, each statue (as shown below) has a 'redbib to keep them warm from the cold mountain weather. It seems that afterdeath, families would set-up these small monks or statues to represent the deceased to collect offerings and prayers'. The quietness and sacredness make the trip a journey into the spiritual and unknown world. Channelling the dead occurs at Koya-san.

 (http://evacomics.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/wakayama-trip-koyasan.html)

Although it can be argued that Koya-san is a Buddhist site (with temples, monks, meditation practices), it is certainly at the more esoteric end of Buddhism, and many spiritualists visit. The site is so aesthetically pleasing and sacred that you will free your mind when visiting, just don't get lost because many of the monks have taken binding vows of silence!

(http://edition.cnn.com/2014/06/15/travel/koyasan-japan/)

Koya-san is home to 117 temples. Explore the spiritual side of Buddhism and even spend the night at a temple, like many keen spiritual travellers do. While a stay at a 'Buddhist temple lacks many of the conveniences you would find at a modern hotel, it is the experience of a temple stay on this spiritual mountain that makes it worthwhile'. UNESCO named the mountain range a World Heritage Site in 2014. So if you've decided to choose Koya-san to find yourself, take a cable car up to the spiritual heavens, and lose yourself in its beauty.

(https://www.japanhoppers.com/en/kansai/koyasan/kanko/1079/)

Final Post

Not a bad list, right! Granted, you might need to win the lottery to actually experience all of these mystical places. But the practices can also be achieved at your local park, or even during a rainy day in your bedroom.

This should be you by now
(http://www.your24hcoach.com/spirituality-coaching)

However! The natural landscapes on the list, the gurus, the shamans, the yoga, the masters, the magicians are more likely to help you find yourself and spiritual beings (even God if you're lucky). Each city holds a number of spiritual adventures waiting to happen. From hypnosis in Cassadaga to trance channelling in Koya-san. One thing is for sure regarding all eight of these locations, your Instagram following would go up if you visited. The beauty of each place is apparent prior to the practices that locals partake in. The volcano of Arenal, the ashrams of Rishikesh and the mighty hills of Glastonbury will put you in the spiritual mood the moment you get out of the plane.

(http://www.theeventchronicle.com/metaphysics/spiritual/top-20-articles-of-2015-for-spirituality/)

For those not keen on long descriptions, spiritual pabulum, or even sentences, here is a One Word Description of each city. I hope it will help you decide your favourite location for the poll (below).

One Word Description:

• Glastonbury: supernatural
• Rishikesh: transcending
• Sedona: tranquil
• Arenal: naturalistic
• Cassadaga: bizarre
• Porto-Novo: witchery
• Rila: ritualistic
• Koya-san: sacred

So quickly renew your passport, leave your city and your traditionalist, mainstream existence and go and find yourself around the world. If not then please vote where you would go in the poll below! And have a nice day. Remember, if you've lost yourself these eight places will help you re-invent a new spirit-guided existence!