“THE GREATER MYSTERIES”, Lalibela/gondar, ETHIOPIA
An Initiatory Journey into the Hermetic origins
of Christian Mysticism
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 Bwiti 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 two of the most sacred sites of the ancient Christian tradition—Lalibela and Gondar 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.
Level 2 is another 7-day advanced training, held in Gondar, where we will participate in Timkat—the sacred Holy Water festival—and engage in deep purification practices.
About the TRAINING
Every year around Christmas, many Christian mystics and hermits emerge from seclusion to honor the birth 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.
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*
Level 1: Seven-Day Program in Lalibela
January 6-12
Introduction to Christian Mysticism – The Lesser Mysteries
Lalibela temples meditations.
Participation in the Celebration of Ethiopian Orthodox Christmas on January 7.
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
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 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 Bwiti Tradition of Gabon
Level 2: Seven-Day Program in Gondar
January 14-20\
Level 2 is an advanced program designed to take students deeper into their practices of applied Hermeticism and Christian Mysticism. 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
Activating inner vision
Working with the Healing Light
Divine Water purification techniques
Sigils and talismans
Practices of Divine Transformation
Powerful manifestation practices.
Secret Name of the Mystic initiatic ritual
Participation in Timkat – Celebration of Epiphany – Holy Water Festival on January 19th
Transcendental Meditation according to the Bwiti Tradition of Gabon
*The program is subject to change based on dynamics.
About the FACILITATOR
Initiated into the hermetic mysteries, Mar (co-founder of “Bwiti Initiations”) is a priest, nganga, and mystic who has spent over 30 years exploring the hidden mystical teachings of masters of spiritual transformation, safeguarded from the uninitiated.
Through decades of studying the Great Art and journeying across the world in pursuit of Knowledge, Mar has received profound mystical and magical teachings and transmissions from Christian, Sufi, Taoist, Hermetic, shamanic, and ancient African lineages.
Walking the Path, Mar guides dedicated seekers in awakening and activating their direct connection with the Divine.
COST
Level 1 in Lalibela
Early Bird (until August 1st, 2025)
African Participants: $950 Euros
International Participants: $1,250 Euros
Standard Rate (from August 1st, 2025)
African Participants: $1,250 Euros
International Participants: $1,550 Euros
Level 2 in Gondar
Early Bird (until July 1st, 2025)
African Participants: $950 Euros
International Participants: $1,250 Euros
Standard Rate (from July 1st, 2025)
African Participants: $1,250 Euros
International Participants: $1,550 Euros
A 100 euros discount applies for those who take Level 1 and 2.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
We advise arriving in Lalibela on January 5th. 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 13th. The departure from Gondar to Addis Ababa - January 21st.
Lalibela and Gondar are highly affordable destinations for budget travelers. In Lalibela, we recommend booking your accommodation at Lalibela Hotel or Blue Nile Guest House. Both of them are located within walking distance from the temples and training space and cost around $20 per night per person (breakfast included). For Gondar, find your accommodation close to the Fasil Ghebbi castle. Lodge Du Chateau is a good option.
booking
The cost includes Training and rituals (5+ hours per day), guide fees during the pilgrimage and Christmas, celebration fees for tourists in Lalibela, and 5-day entry tickets to the Lalibela Temple Area ($200 per person).
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 each 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
Despite the ongoing conflict in North Ethiopia, Lalibela and Gondar are safe and open for international visitors who arrive by domestic flights. Many tourists visit both places in January for Christmas and Timkat celebrations.
Please check the visa requirements and see if you need to do a yellow fever vaccination. It is advised to have an internationlal 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.