Iona, Scotland Retreat May 2007
Perfect day at Staffa
As indeed it was.
The unbelievably bright calm weather continued. We excitedly made our way down to the quay to board the boat for the island of Staffa, to visit Fingal's Cave.
I am sure we all had our own visions and dreams of how it would be. Some were anticipating and calling the dolphins, some expecting maybe a spiritual connection to this ancient isle. But most happy to be out on an adventure on this most magical of days.
Energy was high as we moved across aquamarine colour with subtle shades of unexplained lightness in pools of light. Then, great excitement, as Christine saw a dolphin- she was ecstatic, such joy! Like a child given a longed for present. Fortunately for me, I was next to her and saw the graceful arcing of its back as it hit the water. I am sure there were more there, but they have their own consciousness and will choose to be seen despite our longing to know they are there with all their joy and love.
The boat journey was not long, but as we approached Staffa I found myself mesmerized by an island to the west. To me, it appeared to be an almost exact replica of the Sphinx. I felt it was very much "on guard" protecting the sacred island of Staffa. It looked solid and firm standing in the Ionian Sea like a sentinel. I was somehow aware that it was guarding a gateway as it had done for millennia- its sacred task.
By now the boat was drawing up to the jetty and people were excitedly preparing to disembark. All except one. This person appeared to be in shock. I later learnt that she felt profoundly moved by a feeling of sadness and that this deepest of emotions was rooted in a resurfaced memory of the subsidence of Atlantis. She felt in her body and soul the grief at the loss of this earthly paradise sunk to the bottom of the sea.
On climbing the steep rail myself to the top of the island, I was also overcome with the sheer beauty around. The sea was literally crystal clear, sparkling with the brightest of lights as the rays of the sun hit it; it seemed like a myriad of sparkling flashing stars.
As usual, I left the others and found myself on a grassy promontory. I was (of course!) facing the sphinx and looked at it from a different perspective. I could see it was indeed a gateway, a portal to another world. I sat where I always love to sit, on the edge, that edge where the land ends and the sea begins. I sat amongst the pink thrift flowers reminding myself of their tenacity, living on the elements, strong, surviving whatever the weather throws at them, despite their apparent fragility.
As I sat there, I became aware of tiny little sea shells scattered like seeds. They had come from the sea bed, blown up perhaps in a storm and were now resting in the soft turf. I was reminded how once before I had been surprised to find sea shells in the middle of the western desert in Egypt. This land of Staffa too must have known cataclysmic upheaval of its lands and oceans.
This little shell reminded me of how small we are compared to the mighty force of nature - we are at her mercy. I asked permission to pick one up in memory of Staffa and its bygone age.
As I looked from my vantage point, I could see indeed that this must have been paradise. There was a peaceful stillness in the air, the nearby islands were the soft browns, reds and greens with a hint of mauve. It was almost too beautiful to behold! A sailing ship slipped the straits, as boats must have come drawn to the holy island with its ethereal air.
But time was short for me and although eternity seemed spread out before me, I had to respond to earthly time, for I still had to see Fingals Cave before the boat returned.
I made my way reluctantly down from the top of the island and followed a path around the bottom edge of the island. I call it a path, but the strangest of paths, because it was made up of hexagonal blocks which appeared just like paving stones. These were in effect the top of the pillars of metamorphic rock which had plummeted beneath the waves- in the volcanic activity of this awesome event these hexagonal shapes had settled together somehow margining to accommodate each other- fascinating!
However, I had to concentrate to make my say safely around the edge of the island to the cave.
On coming around the last bend, the most amazing scene awaited. A huge cave opened up, the crystal clear waters were gently moving into the opening of the cave and moving out, making the swish of the wave echo throughout the cave. The beautiful many coloured pebbles could be seen, clearly also creating sound as they were moved by the current.
But the overwhelming feeling was of entering a God made cathedral.
On either side there were huge pillars made of hexagonal shapes which stretched back into the cave. The roof was hanging with beautiful shaped rocks which had become coated in algae giving them a golden green iridescent appearance as they reflected the moving waves. Spellbound, was all one could be at this awesome spectacle.
The cave seemed to funnel into what can only be described as a sacred space. Quite surprisingly three men appeared in a little dingy boat- also obviously drawn to the magic of the cave. They also must have been surprised to find it occupied by twelve people of our group by this time in full song! They ventured into the recesses of the cave, but didn't dally long, perhaps wanting to leave the space to the echoes of voices now rising in accord to the roof where to me it seemed like a thousand angels singing as the notes vibrated from the ceiling- a seemingly celestial event! Speaking personally, my heart was touched and opened with joy at the convergence, of such sight, sound, colour, mystery and awe together in this cathedral made by a Divine Architect.
Then as must happen on life's peak moments another sound joined the singing- a lone violin playing of all things "o come all ye faithful"! Rather appropriate words but slightly unseasonal in early May! However, the carols continued and we joined in enthusiastically- it seemed anything could happen at this place and frequently did!
It would appear this gentleman had lived on Iona all his life and saying one day he would play his violin in the cave at Staffa.
Well today was the day and the moment was now! There was much laughing and joy at the spontaneous singing and music- I'm sure we saw the angels smile!
Well my tale must end there- we boarded the boat for the return journey, feeling alive, healed and blessed, that in this world there are still those special places that can lift beyond the mundane and the materialism and bring laughter and light into our lives.
Today we found such a place, in our hearts forever, a paradise on earth.
(Written by Carol Miller, a participant)
During the visit to Staffa, another participant, Christine Fowler, made an essence called "Perfect Day on Staffa". It can be obtained from her by either e-mailing christinefowler@yahoo.co.uk, telephoning 0191 284 7615, or going to her website www.transformplus.ltd.uk
Here is what she says about it:
The essence Perfect Day on Staffa captures the energy of the Perfect Day full of sunshine and blue waters when this essence was made by me, perched half way up the cliff at the gateway to the causeway to Fengals cave (Fengals cave is said to be linked to Merlin).
Staffa is an island standing in the remote Atlantic waters of Western Scotland. It is said to be etherically linked to Iona and to act as a transmitter of energy supporting the spiritual presence of Iona.
Staffa standing alone, weathers the worst Atlantic storms, emerging in the summer sunshine, warm, triumphant and serene.
Using this essence brings you the resilience to weather all emotional storms. It gives you the strength to stand alone; emerging triumphant into the warmth of God's unconditional love. Thus leaving you feeling, serene, tranquil and at peace.
"The Ammenite is so like the scene in the beautiful Lemurian crystal - what a joy and honour to work with it - thank you. The workshop was enlightening and so enjoyable - thank you for that also" - Gill
"I was not quite sure what to expect and what I found was more than anything I could have imagined. I found out a lot about myself and met some wonderful people" - Carol D
"The fact that I did it in the first place by myself not knowing the others which I wouldn’t hesitate to do again. You made me feel comfortable at ease and able to share. I felt worth something and it gave me more confidence and insight and made me feel I was getting somewhere in my self-development" - Carol D
"Thank you so much for walking with me. It was just such an amazing journey in more than one way! Thank you for your strong but gentle guidance in re-connecting me to my gift. I have learnt much about me and this has led to a greater understanding and acceptance of lots of “things” in my life”.You are a very special person" - Helen
"I just wanted to write and say thank your for all your hard work that you put into the work you did with us last week. I really felt much lighter, mentally, emotionally and physically. You are a truly kind and generous spirit." - Gillian
"Thank you for the wonderful reading. It’s really helped me see things in a different way." - Julie
"I am only starting to glimpse all that was accomplished. My deepest love to you as you embark on the next venture." - Carol M
"Thank you so much for the experience, I shall never be the same." - Mieke
"To a fantastic mentor- just a little note to say thank you…. I came here a week ago seeking truth and understanding- you have helped to open my eyes to this and assisted me to slot these truths into my present life. I feel such relief at things resolved and more importantly recognised. I admire and celebrate you Elizabeth. Your heart and wisdom are such as I have never come across before. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for your inspiration and guidance." - Fllur
"Thank you so much for your amazing insight and encouragement. I truly feel I have benefitted. - Rachel
"Words cannot express the impact it has had on me and how much it will positively influence the life I lead from now on." - Tom
"I only wish I met you sooner. You really have helped and I will be forever thankful." - Tara
"Thank you so much. You have been a great impact on my life" - Nicky
"What an experience! Thank you so much. Your kindness and wisdom is profound!" - Phyllis
"Thank you for your charm and grace and creating such an amazing space for wonderful events to take place" - Helen
"Thank you for your kindness and lpve and for helping and guiding me in this life and others." - Helen E
"Thank you for the most amazing experience, help, guidance and love you have brought into my life" - Carol
"Thank you for such a fantastic experience- it is something I will never forget" - Rachel D
"I just wanted to thank you for this time we’ve had together. For being “brought here” and meeting you. I know I still have loads to learn, but we’ve started bounding off the walls." - Julie
"Before I started work with Elizabeth, I hoped someone was watching over me and guarding me, now after all the insight I have developed, I now know I have divine/astral guidance and will trust my intuition more often. I have more contentment with my surroundings, and when out I notice more and images are sharper and more vivid." - Julie W
"I did not go into this with any expectations, but have come out of it feeling a lot more focused and energised. It facilitated a shift in my way of being, and helped me connect with part of me I had forgotten. Thank you for the new me!" - Polly