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Hastings Dream Pilgrimage
Incubate your dreams on this unique pilgrimage into nature and reverie with Sarah Janes
As participant in this unique event, you are invited to contribute to the first in a series of dream studies commissioned by biologist Rupert Sheldrake, co-designed and coordinated by Pascal Michael - a researcher at the University of Greenwich, to scientifically analyse the effect of set, setting and suggestion on dream content, and to explore the nature of spontaneous healing events and epiphanies within the dream state.
Intentional dream practices can enhance decision making skills, boost energy and cognitive dexterity, as well as provide insight and inspiration. Sarah is passionate about bringing dreams and sleep back into a holistic and sustainable approach to healing and recognises the dreamstate as a perfect place to activate magic and materialize desires.
Sarah is passionate about local history and Hastings Country Park is an area rich with tales of smugglers, star-crossed lovers, hermits and pre-Raphaelites. You will walk through time in three ancient ferny ghylls, learning about some of the rare plants and species that thrive in these wonderfully biodiverse and ancient ravines and connecting with the nature spirits.
The steeply sloping ghylls, springs, streams and waterfalls of the nature reserve, having never been worked as farmland, have a long history and tradition of being Common Land, providing shade, shelter, sustenance and sublimity to the people of Hastings since the Stone Age.
You will enjoy gorgeous, sweeping clifftop sea views and your exertions walking up and down the many steps in and out of the ghylls will significantly improve your ability to fall into deep reverie when you come to incubate at a specially selected sleeping site amongst the bracken, gorse and wild flowers.
Participants will receive, included with the ticket, an audio recording to practice dream incubation at home (normally £10) and some dream tea made by Sarah Janes and inspired by her studies of ancient dream herbals (£20).
For more information about dream incubation, the dream study project and Sarah Janes visit her website.
About your guide, Sarah Janes
Author, researcher, curator, retreat host, workshop facilitator and public speaker, Sarah Janes specialises in the ancient history, culture and practical application of intentional dreaming
A lucid dreamer since childhood, she has always been passionate about the alchemical potential of dreaming.
Sarah now has decades of experience hosting all sorts of dream-themed events, leading groups and educating all ages both on and offline.
Sarah is passionate about the potential of dreaming for physical, emotional, creative and spiritual upliftment, not just for individuals, but for culture and society as a whole.
She's interested in how good dream and sleep quality can improve physical, mental and spiritual well being.
Sarah Janes is the co-director and curator of Dream Palace Athens, a symposium and residency project in Athens, Greece.
Sarah hosts her own Egyptology lecture series - Explorers Egyptology and was co-host for author Anthony Peake for his YouTube series - Consciousness Hour.
She has also collaborated with Rupert Sheldrake and the British Pilgrimage Trust to bring dream incubation practices back into sacred sites around the United Kingdom.
She has also led courses and classes with the Last Tuesday Society, Mindvalley, Psychedelic Society, Burning Man, RAMA and many more.
Sarah’s book Initiation into Dream Mysteries: Drinking from the Pool of Mnemosyne (pub. Inner Traditions 2022) explores the history and culture of divine dreams from ancient Anatolia, through the Near East, Egypt and Greece.
Sarah lives and hosts her dream retreats in Archaia Epidavros in the Peloponnese, Greece - home to the holistic sanctuary and sacred sleep temple of the divine physician Asklepios - who was famed for his ability to cure pilgrims in dreams.
Open to All (bring your own beliefs)
This Pilgrimage will include:
- New ways of meeting the land (bring your own beliefs...) - dream with purpose on the path - Opportunities for silence and nature rapture
What to bring
Appropriate clothes for lying down and resting outdoors. Sensible shoes for muddy, uneven banks; Waterproofs or Umbrella; Waterbottle and snacks.
FAQ’s
Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).
Is this religious? All and no-faiths are equally welcome. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy. We ask that all participating pilgrims tolerate one another, whatever their beliefs.
Are there fitness limitations? Pilgrimage is moderately intense. If you struggle to walk all day, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. There are always plenty of escape points en route. But we will walk slowly, and start early, and six miles is a very manageable distance for the majority of people. Unfortunately this pilgrimage is not suited for mobility-impaired people or those requiring wheelchair access, or those who are not sure-footed on steep banks. If you have different access needs please contact us to discuss.
Can I bring my dog? Sadly not - we can’t accommodate dogs on our guided pilgrimages. However, if you have a registered assistance dog, they are welcome.
If it rains will it be cancelled? In the event of wet weather the sleeping site will be moved indoors.
What does my money go? What's this all for? It's a fundraising event for registered charity British Pilgrimage Trust, which has limited resources, but which spends its time creating materials for people to use for free, and facilitating the grass roots growth of pilgrimage in Britain by engaging with local communities. 50% of funds raised will support the work of the British Pilgrimage Trust.
We hope to see you on the path.
Date and time
About this event
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East Hill Lift Upper Station, Hastings, TN34 3DF
More events
This was my first pilgrimage walk but won't be the last. Dawn was an inspiring guide in so many ways - teaching us, entertaining us and caring for us. It was wonderful to get to know new people as we trod in the footsteps of so many unknown walkers who had gone before us. I had a sense of awe at so many points - for the coastal scenery, the birdlife, the ancient trees and for the buildings that had witnessed so much history. And it was such a lovely surprise to be welcomed with tea in Apuldram Church - so very kind. I am very grateful that I could be part of this day.
Heather
Pilgrim
The Avebury Pilgrimage was a joyful experience. Guy brought wonder and deep connection to the group experience. The other pilgrims were warm, fun and willing to surrender to this rich experience of movement, landscape, the past and the unseen world all around us. Thank you Guy!
Laura
My favourite part was walking in silence and being able to just concentrate on the purpose of my pilgrimage without the noise and baggage of life getting in the way. Abigail was a wonderful guide. She was thoughtful and brought a calm and sense of spiritual purpose to the day. I absolutely loved the walk.
Tamsin
Many good moments but two things stand out: Chalice Well and the impromptu singing of a wassail song on the way up Glastonbury Tor, by an apple orchard. It was cold yet rather lovely to do a pilgrimage in the frost. Informed and engaging guide. Friendly and supportive fellow pilgrims. Such a good ethos.
Susan
I loved walking through the countryside and the fascinating sights such as the church mill and barrow. The lanterns were lovely too and the Wassail singing and cake were a lovely touch. The arrival at Canterbury was spectacular. It was a lovely day and Dawn is a terrific guide.
Sally
Sally
Dawn was absolutely brilliant. Brought the group together and was so knowledgeable . Really warm individual and so caring. Just an amazing experience all round. Can't thank you enough for the experience.
Stuart
Pilgrim
My favourite part was Dawn singing to us by Kits Coty - sublime when the sun came out for us at the end of the song. Dawn has a lovely sincerity and her singing was wonderful. Also the Canon’s pilgrim’s blessing In Winchester Cathedral was an unexpected and perfect end to the day
Alexandra
I enjoyed listening to Guy's singing in the different settings - enhanced the experience and linked us to the past. The whole day was beautifully facilitated with a perfect balance of history overview, time for reflection and walking. It was very special - thank you so much!
Jo
I signed up on a whim without really knowing what I had signed up to, and it turned out to be the most extraordinary, magical day - starting with Guy's singing in the Chapel and culminating at those fabulous springs. The information, songs, chat and group experience were all wonderful. I can't recommend this pilgrimage highly enough - and I also hugely appreciate all the references in the follow up email. Brilliant. Thank you Guy!!
Amanda
Pilgrim
I loved the whole pilgrimage. A day of great connection with people, nature, sacred places, past and present. Also particularly enjoyed Guy's singing which added something special and his commentary. Also the friendliness of fellow pilgrims in the group which was partly enabled by having a buddy and introductory exercise.
Jonathan
Pilgrim
Very grateful for the work that’s being done by all who are mapping the routes and sharing their knowledge. All this while I’m still mobile and can join in with day walks ... I asked for the book for my birthday and it has much in it. The Green King though was more my thing, lower key with lots in nature. I am very keen on sacred water sites (following the work of Veda Austin) so would enjoy more of those if possible. One day walks are really fab. Thank you everyone.
Catherine
Pilgrim
A fabulous enlightening day. The people, places and fascinating insights - I felt very privileged and grateful.
David
Pilgrim
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What our pilgrims say
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