“THE GREATER MYSTERIES”, Lalibela/GONDAR/Lake Tana, ETHIOPIA
An Initiatory Journey into the Hermetic Origins
of Christian Mysticism
Level 1 - January 3-9, 2027 - Lalibela
Level 2 - January 12-19, 2027 - Gondar
Level 3 - January 21-27, 2027 - Bahir Dar (Lake Tana)
3-Day Intensive Initiatic Journey into Christian Gnostic Mysticism - January 28-30, 2027 - Bahir Dar (Lake Tana)
Hermeticism has been an invisible source of sacred knowledge for all religions, operating through the universal principles that animate the universe and every spiritual system.
Inspired by the Engong Mimbara Tradition of Gabon and the esoteric Hermetic teachings of ancient Egypt, this initiatory journey invites twelve selected participants on a pilgrimage and advanced spiritual training to three of the most sacred sites of the ancient Christian tradition—Lalibela, Gondar, and sacred islands of the Lake Tana (Bahir Dar) in Ethiopia, where Christianity is still practiced in one of its most original forms.
INTRODUCTION
“The Greater Mysteries” is a spiritual journey for those mystics who are seeking to understand and integrate Hermetic principles with the practices and teachings of Christian Mysticism (or any other spiritual system). It offers a path toward a deeper embodiment of the Greater Mysteries, or the art of theurgy—wisdom traditionally passed down from masters to chosen students with great care and secrecy.
This is an advanced training and pilgrimage to sacred sites, intended for committed spiritual seekers. It is not a traditional retreat; participants are expected to manage their own accommodation and personal needs independently.
Level 1 is a 7-day training held in Lalibela, an ancient town in northern Ethiopia renowned for its 11 rock-hewn churches. It will be held during Orthodox Christmas, celebrating the birth of Yeshua, one of the greatest adepts to have ever lived on Earth. The purpose of Level 1 is the activation of all subtle bodies, learning the transformation of one subtle energy into another, and accessing the mysteries of the Divine Light.
Level 2 is an intensive 8-day training open to participants who have successfully completed Level 1. It will take place in Gondar, culminating with participation in Timkat, the sacred Holy Water festival. This training is dedicated to the purification of the subtle bodies and the construction of the Inner Temple, preparing participants for advanced spiritual work. The training concludes with the Secret Name of the Mystic—a powerful initiatic ritual marking a deeper stage of inner transformation.
Level 3 is the final 7-day advanced training, open to those who have successfully completed Levels 1 and 2. It will take place in Bahir Dar, on the shores of Lake Tana, the largest lake in Ethiopia, home to sacred islands and ancient monasteries where Christian mystics have practiced in deep seclusion for centuries. This final training is dedicated to spiritual healing, advanced Hermetic transformational work, and the foundations of building the Body of Light.
Upon completion of Level 3, selected candidates will be invited to take part in an additional 3-day intensive initiatic journey into Christian Mysticism, offered free of charge.
ABOUT THE TRAINING
Every year around Christmas and Epiphany, many Christian mystics and hermits emerge from seclusion to honor the birth and baptism of Christianity’s founder.
During these sacred days, we will connect with the energies of this ancient mystical tradition via Hermetic practices. These practices trace their roots to ancient Egypt and beyond, reaching back to humanity’s earliest days.
This training is designed for dedicated seekers.
Level 1 is a prerequisite for Level 2. Levels 1 and 2 are prerequisites for Level 3.
Maximum number of participants: 12 (+ team members).
Student level: Beginner to intermediate
The participants will be selected after the initial interview with the facilitator.
PROGRAM
(subject to change based on group dynamics)
Level 1: Seven-Day Program in Lalibela
January 3-9, 2027
Level 1 is designed to open and activate the subtle bodies of selected spiritual seekers and provide them with keys to accelerated spiritual growth through the practices of applied Hermeticism, Christian Mysticism, and the Engong Mimbara Tradition. On January 7th, participants will take part in the beautiful Christmas celebration in Lalibela—a night-long meditative experience held at one of the most ancient and sacred sites of Christian Orthodox Ethiopia.
Introduction to Christian Mysticism – The Lesser Mysteries
Ethiopian Tradition and the Practices of Transmutation
The Mysteries of the Outer and Inner Eucharist (theory and rituals)
The Sacred Science of Ethiopian Round Temples
The Three Divine Transformations
Lalibela temples meditations
Working with the Elements Through the Lens of Christian Mysticism
Working with the Matrices of the Subtle Bodies
Practices of the Black and White Mirrors of the Soul
Ancient Practices of Activating 9 Energy Centers (Chakras) in Four Dimensions.
The Mystic’s Work with the Egregore of Any Spiritual Tradition
Creating Elementals for Accelerated Spiritual Growth
Akasha Transmissions
Initiation into the Mysteries of Divine Light
Working with the “Light of the Mystic”
Transcendental Meditation according to the Engong Mimbara Tradition of Gabon.
Participation in the Celebration of Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas on January 7.
Morninng energetic workouts,
and more.
Level 2: Eight-Day Program in Gondar
January 12-19, 2027
Level 2 is an advanced program designed to guide students more deeply into the practices of applied Hermeticism and Christian Mysticism, while purifying their subtle bodies in preparation for the initiatory experience—the reception of the Mystic’s True Name. On January 19th, we will take part in the beautiful Timkat Festival at Fasilides’ Bath in Gondar—a sacred and unforgettable celebration of Epiphany and Holy Water.
Deeper training with the Elements
Activation of the senses
Mystic's work with Nature
Practices for the Purification of the Subtle Bodies
Secret Techniques for Rapid Energy Cultivation
Building the Inner Temple
Deeper work with Akasha
Working with the Healing Light
Sigils and talismans
Practices of Divine Transformation
Powerful manifestation practices
Science of creating energetically activated rituals
Forgiveness Ritual in Akasha
The Secret Name of the Mystic initiatic ritual and related practices
Activating inner vision using the Secret Name of the Mystic
Divine Water purification techniques
Participation in Timkat – Celebration of Epiphany – Holy Water Festival on January 19th, with purification ritual
Morning self-healing energetic workouts,
and more.
Level 3: Seven-Day Program in Bahir Dar (Lake Tana)
January 21-27, 2027
Level 3 is designed to teach participants advanced hermetic practices and the foundation of Hermetic and Christian Gnostic Healing. After completion of this training those who want to deeper connect their spiritual path with the Hermetic Christian Gnostic Mystical framework will be invited to join an additional 3-day in depth initiatic training.
Ancient Hermetic meditations on the sacred islands and temples of Lake Tana
The science and practice of temple purification
Prophetic vision practices in Akasha
Hermetic rapport
Hermetic healing practices
Advanced alchemical therapy
Deeper work with Hermetic handseals and rituals
Using spiritually advanced beings for healing and transformation
The Sands of Time
Deeper work with Non-Dual Light
Advanced work with vows and percepts
Foundations of building the Body of Light
Introduction to evocation and kabbalistic sacred sounds
Spirit transitioning practices
Advanced morning elemental energetic workouts,
and more.
An Additional 3-Day Intensive Initiatic Journey into Christian Gnostic Mysticism
January 28–30, 2027 (Bahir Dar, Lake Tana)
This secret initiatic journey is open to selected candidates who completed all three levels and who sincerely wish to dedicate their lives to the Gnostic Christian Hermetic path.
A minimal participation fee will be requested solely to cover organizational expenses; the initiation itself is offered free of charge.
Details of this initiatic journey will be revealed to future participants during the Level 3 training.
COST
Level 1 in Lalibela
Early Bird price (until June 1st, 2026)
African Participants (residing and working in Egypt and Africa): 950 Euros
International Participants: 1,250 Euros
Standard price (from June 1st, 2026)
African Participants (residing and working in Egypt and Africa): 1,250 Euros
International Participants: 1,550 Euros
Return students (repeating): 1000 euros
Level 2 in Gondar
Early Bird price (until June 1st, 2026)
African Participants (residing and working in Egypt and Africa): 950 Euros
International Participants: 1,250 Euros
Standard price (from June 1st, 2026)
African Participants (residing and working in Egypt and Africa): 1,250 Euros
International Participants: 1,550 Euros
Return students (repeating): 1000 euros
Level 3 in Bahir Dar (Lake Tana)
Early Bird price (until June 1st, 2026)
African Participants (residing and working in Egypt and Africa): 950 Euros
International Participants: 1,250 Euros
Standard price (from June 1st, 2026)
African Participants (residing and working in Egypt and Africa): 1,250 Euros
International Participants: 1,550 Euros
A 100 euros discount applies for those who take Level 1 and 2.
A 150 euros discount applies for those who take Level 1, 2, and 3.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
We advise arriving in Lalibela on January 2nd, 2027. Be sure to book your domestic flight well in advance, as this is a busy period with many locals traveling to Lalibela for Christmas.
International travelers arriving in Ethiopia with Ethiopian Airlines are eligible for a 50% discount on all domestic flights.
The departure from Lalibela is scheduled for January 10th, 2027. The departure from Gondar is in the evening on January 19th, from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa on January 28th, 2027, unless you are participating in a 3-day initiatic journey after Level 3.
Lalibela, Gondar and Bahir Dar are affordable destinations for budget travelers. In Lalibela, we recommend booking your accommodation at Hill Top Lodge, Lalibela Homestay or Zan-Seyoum Hotel. Both of them are located within walking distance of the temples and training space. For Gondar, Gondar Hills Resort is a good option. For Bahir Dar, we recommend the Blue Nile Resort Hotel.
booking
The cost includes Training and rituals (5+ hours per day), guide fees during the pilgrimage, a 5-day entry ticket to the Lalibela Temple Area ($100 per person), boat rides on Tana Lake, and all other temple tickets.
All other travel (international and domestic), vaccines (if needed), visas, tips, local transportation, accommodation, meals (lunch, dinner), and any other extra fees are not included in this price.
To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of 400 EUR (per level) is required. We recommend using Wise.com for payments, but PayPal and direct bank transfers are also accepted (additional fees may apply).
To book, contact us, and we will send you more information about the training and how to book.
VISAS, Health, and Safety
Lalibela, Gondar, and Bahir Dar are are very safe and open for international visitors who arrive by domestic flights. Many tourists visit these places in January for Christmas and Timkat celebrations.
Please check the visa requirements and make sure you have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It is advised to have an international health insurance.
E-visas are available for all travellers to Ethiopia. Nationals of African countries can also get a visa on arrival at Addis Ababa airport.
More information
Read our Terms and Conditions.
For more questions, contact us.