Carla Harren

Final Review of a Gratitude Journey along the Nile River and Red Sea

Friday, September 30, Saturday, October 1, 2016 along the Nile River and the remaining days in a Serenity Makadi Resort in Hurghada, the Red Sea.

Today, Friday, September 30 the cruise boot went onwards to Luxor. It took all day to anchor there. I slept out and missed breakfast although being in Egypt one of the restaurant holders was kind enough to serve my breakfast in the cabin. This certainly reflects how Egyptian care for each other and are willing to be of service.

It was a beautiful day of relaxation on the top deck and an open space to do some painting, soak in the sun and play with a child in the small pool on the top deck of the cruise boot.

Together the group was communicating their impressions of Egypt so far.

On one of these days I assisted someone who had some intestine problems with Schussler Salts that I had brought with me on the journey. They certainly assisted here as well for me. I noticed if you are a sensitive person the impressions, climate, cold drinks and some of the food does influence you. I also treated one of the ladies with some energy work and massage as she was having problems with her knees.

There were also others who asked but at that moment I needed some space on my own as well. So, I promised I would assist when we would arrive at the Resort.

In the evening, we went with a small group to see the lightshow of Karnak Temple in Luxor. See also https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZZYsdMaFk8 for a further impression.

For me personally this was a journey through gateways or portals.

When we returned, there was a dance demonstration onboard the cruise boot. I only saw partially the Darwish dancer because we returned later than expected but it certainly took me within the swirls of this great dancing art.

A dervish or darvesh (from Persian: درویش‎‎, Darvīsh via Turkish, Somali: Daraawiish, Arabic: درويش‎‎, Darwīš) is someone guiding a Sufi Muslim ascetic down a path or “Tarigah”, known for their extreme poverty and austerity. Their focus is on the universal values of love and service, deserting the illusions of ego to reach God. In most Sufi orders, a dervish is known to practice dhikr through physical exertions or religious practices to attain the ecstatic trance to reach God. Their most common practice is Sama which is associated withRumi.

After this a belly dancer came but I left the room to be on my own to integrate what I had experienced at the Light Show.

Saturday, Thursday, October 1 – New Moon

This day we were leaving the cruise boot “Serenade” and had packed our luggage. The pushers brought the luggage to the touring bus. Guide Ahmed related in the morning where we would all stay at two different resorts in Hurghada. There were some people that would have rather stayed with each other but unfortunately for them they would be separated. Frank was the only one going to the Airport in Hurghada.

Above an Artist impression of Karnak Temple

We went first together as a group to the Karnak Temple in Luxor together with Guide Ahmed. After this Ahmed remained in Luxor to meet another group that would be arriving in the evening.

Karnak Temple

http://discoveringegypt.com/karnak-temple/

See also an impression of this Temple via the link above.

Karnak Temple dates from around 2055 BC to around 100 AD

Cult temple dedicated to Amun, Mut and Khonsu. The largest religious building ever constructed. The temple of Karnak was known as Ipet-isu—or “most select of places”—by the ancient Egyptians. It is a city of temples built over 2,000 years and dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. This derelict place is still capable of overshadowing many wonders of the modern world and in its day must have been awe-inspiring.

An Artist Impression

For the largely uneducated ancient Egyptian population, this could only have been the place of the gods. It is the largest religious building ever made, covering about 200 acres (1.5 km by 0.8 km), and was a place of pilgrimage for nearly 2,000 years. The area of the sacred enclosure of Amun alone is sixty-one acres and could hold ten average European cathedrals. The great temple at the heart of Karnak is so big that St Peter’s, Milan, and Notre Dame Cathedrals would fit within its walls.

The Hypostyle hall, at 54,000 square feet (16,459 meters) and featuring 134 columns, is still the largest room of any religious building in the world. In addition to the main sanctuary there are several smaller temples and a vast sacred lake – 423 feet by 252 feet (129 by 77 meters). The sacred barges of the Theban Triad once floated on the lake during the annual Opet festival. The lake was surrounded by storerooms and living quarters for the priests, along with an aviary for aquatic birds.

Second Pylon entrance intro the hypostyle hall. in the fore ground is the remaining column of the Kiosk of Tahraqa

The Egyptians believed that towards the end of annual agricultural cycle the gods and the earth became exhausted and required a fresh input of energy from the chaotic energy of the cosmos.

To accomplish this magical regeneration the Opet festival was held yearly at Karnak and Luxor. It lasted for twenty-seven days and was also a celebration of the link between pharaoh and the god Amun. The procession began at Karnak and ended at Luxor Temple, one and a half miles (2.4 kilometres) to the south.

The statue of the god Amun was bathed with holy water, dressed in fine linen, and adorned in gold and silver jewellery. The priests then placed the god in a shrine and onto the ceremonial barque supported by poles for carrying. Pharaoh emerged from the temple, his priests carrying the barque on their shoulders, and together they moved into the crowded streets. A troop of Nubian soldiers serving as guards beat their drums, and musicians accompanied the priests in song as incense filled the air.

At Luxor, (right) Pharaoh and his priests entered the temple and ceremonies were performed to regenerate Amun, recreate the cosmos and transfer Amun’s power to Pharaoh. When he finally emerged from the temple sanctuary, the vast crowds cheered him and celebrated the guaranteed fertility of the earth and the expectation of abundant harvests.

During the festival the people were given over 11000 loaves of bread and more than 385 jars of beer, and some were allowed into the temple to ask questions of the god. The priests spoke the answers through a concealed window high up in the wall, or from inside hollow statues.

Karnak Temple First Pylon

The first pylon is the last to be built at Karnak and is the main entrance into the temple today. It was never completed and is undecorated; even the remains of the mud brick ramps, used to build, it can still be seen inside the great court.

The north tower is about 71 feet (21.70m), and the south tower 103 feet (31.65m). If the structure had been completed it would probably reached a height of between 124 feet (38m) to 131 feet (40m).

It was built by Nectanebo I (380-362 BC) who also built the huge enclosure wall surrounding Karnak and some scholars believe that an earlier pylon may have stood on this same spot.

An avenue of sphinxes leads to the pylon. These sphinxes are ram-headed, symbolizing the god Amun and a small effigy of Ramesses II, in the form of Osiris, stands between their front paws.

The Kiosk of Tahraqa

Taharqa was the fourth king of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty and also king of his native Kush; located in Northern Sudan. The remains of this huge kiosk, built by 25th Dynasty pharaoh Taharqa (690-664 B.C.) originally consisted of ten twenty-one meter high papyrus columns linked by a low screening wall. Today there is only one great column still standing. It is believed that it was a barque chapel (or Station) although some Egyptologists think it may have been used in ritual activities to join with the sun

Statue of Ramesses II

Statue of Ramesses II

The statue was usurped by Ramesses VI (1143-1136 BC) and later by Pinedjem a High Priest (1070- 1032).

The king wears the nemes headdress with the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt and his arms are crossed, holding crook and flail; symbols of kingship. At his feet, Princess Bent’anta holds a flower and wears an Uraeus crown of rearing cobras. Her name Bent’anta (Bintanath, Bint-Anath, Bintanat) is Syrian, meaning Daughter of Anath, referring to the Canaanite goddess Anath. Her mother was Isetnofret, one of Ramesses’s most important wives.

The Second Pylon

Before the later Shoshenq court is the second pylon. It was built by Horemheb (1323-1295 B.C.) who filled the interior of the pylon with thousands of stone blocks from demolished monuments built by the Heretic king, Akhenaten. But it was unfinished and only partly decorated at his death. Ramesses I later completed the decoration and replaced all of Horemheb’s cartouches with his own and it was again usurped by his grandson Ramesses II. Today the second pylon’s outer wall is severely damaged and its original height is unknown.

Karnak Temple Barque Chapel of Ramesses III

Ramesses III (1184–1153 BC) built a bark shrine south of the second pylon, which was later enclosed by the court yard constructed by Shoshenq I (943-922 BC). The shrine’s entrance was fronted by a small pylon adorned with scenes of the king smiting his enemies and two six meter statues carved from red sandstone flanked the door way.

Inside, the first court is lined with Osride statues of the king; the west side wear the red crown of the south, while those on the east side wear the white crown of the north.

Beyond the court is a vestibule also fronted by Osiride pillars leading into a small hypostyle hall which in turn leads into three chapels for the barques of Karnak.

Karnak Temple Hypostyle Hall

The massive columns in the hypostyle hall dwarfs the people and there is still some paint surviving on the under side of the capitals.

The hall covers an area of 50,000 sq ft (5,000 sq meters) and filled with 134 gigantic stone columns with 12 larger columns standing 80 feet (24 m) high lining the central aisle.

The hall was built by Seti I who inscribed the northern wing. The outer walls depict Seti’s battles.

The southern wing was completed by Ramesses II but he usurped the decorations of his father along the main processional walk ways. The south wall is inscribed with a record of Ramesses II’s peace treaty with the Hittites which he signed in 21^st year of his reign.

Later pharaohs including Ramesses III, Ramesses IV and Ramesses VI added inscriptions to the walls and the columns.

Thutmose III named it the “Most Splendid of Monuments”. Its entrance was originally flanked by two statues of the king wearing a festival costume. The roof is supported on the outside by thirty-two square pillars, while the inside is supported by tent pole style columns symbolising the military tent that Thutmose would have used on campaign.

On the northeast end is a stairway leading to a room called the “Chamber of the Clepsydras”. Clepsydras were water clocks made from a stone vessel with a tiny hole at the bottom which allowed water to drip at a constant rate. The passage of hours could be measured from marks spaced at different levels. The priests at Karnak temple used them at night to determine the correct hour to perform religious rites.

Karnak Temple Sacred Lake is the largest of its kind and was dug by Tuthmosis III (1473-1458 BC). It measures 393 feet (120m) by 252 feet (77m) and is lined with stone wall and has stairways descending into the water.

The lake was used by the priests for ritual washing and ritual navigation. It was also home to the sacred geese of Amun (the goose being another symbol of Amun) and was a symbol of the primeval waters from which life arose in the ancient Egyptian’s idea of creation.

It was surrounded by storerooms and living quarters for the priests. There was also an aviary for aquatic birds.

The seventh pylon shows Thutmose III wearing the red crown and smiting his enemies with a club. there is also a list of 119 Palestinian towns that were conquered during his first campaigns and a further 240 names cities between Labanon and the Euphrates which he took in year 33rd of his reign during his eighth campaign. Two badly damaged colossi site in front of the pylon. But these statues were carved in hard red Aswan granite and the remaining parts are still well defined.

The first court behind the seventh pylon is called the court of the Cachette because 20,000 statues and stelae were discovered buried there at the beginning of the twentieth century; the largest find of statuary ever made in Egypt

Egyptologists believe these objects were votive offerings given by devout worshipers to the temple. Over time the collection grew so numerous and cluttered the priests, unable to remove such sacred objects from the precinct, had buried them to clear some space.

Before the seventh innermost pylon, is the eighth, ninth and tenth which is the last pylon at Karnak. Horemheb built the Tenth Pylon by reusing stone blocks from a temple built by Akhenaten.

Khonsu was the son of Amun and Mut, with whom he formed the Theban triad. He was a moon god depicted as a man with a falcon-head wearing a crescent moon headdress surmounted by the full lunar disc. Like Thoth, who was also a lunar deity, he is sometimes represented as a baboon.

Khonsu was believed to have the ability to drive out evil spirits. Rameses II sent a statue of Khonsu to a friendly Syrian king in order to cure his daughter of an illness.

Karnak Temple of Khonsu

His temple, within the precincts of Karnak, was built by Ramesses III it consists of a peristyle court which is bordered by a portico of twenty-eight columns. There is also a hypostyle hall which is connected to the sanctuary of the barque with chapels open to the left and right and a staircase leading to the roof.

Temple of Khonsu at Karnak

The whole pylon, built by measures 113 feet (34.5m) in length and 59 feet (18m) high. Four grooves are cut on its facade to house masts with banners.

In front of the pylon are the remnants of a colonnade bordered by a row of sphinxes.

From here we went on our way to Hurghada. It was about a 5-hour drive to the Resort.

A group of 7 people (2 couples, 2 sisters and myself) went to Serenity Makadi Beach Resort in Hurghada from October 1 through October 8.

Personal note:

I had room number 1078 a wonderful suite with a terrace and across there the Salt water swimming pool. The synchronicity resonance of 1 with the 0 along with the 7 a Sacred Number that for me represents the Temple on top of the Pyramid an open space for meditation and silence along with the 8 of infinity or eternal life.

Serenity Makadi is a very luxurious all-inclusive Resort with a standard of good cleanliness, comfort, friendly staff and relaxation.

The food was fantastic such a variety and luxury. For me, being vegetarian, it was a real treat. Warm meals were served three times a day, an international kitchen.

The luxury is nice but for me staying here for 7 days but was a little bit too much of a good thing. I prefer a simple live where everyone has an equal share of good things. It felt for me like I was depriving others. The cleanliness, friendliness and caring for each other of the Egyptians once more touched my heart deeply. If ever I go to a luxurious resort again I would not stay longer than 3 days.

I mostly relaxed at the salt water pool, meditated and shared a dinner with the group of people that we arrived with.

Seeing that my luggage was damaged at the Airport in Hurghada I bought a new trolley at one of the shops in the Resort. I also had some interesting conversations with a clothing shop owner where I had bought some things for myself and grandson. Thank you for the conversation and good tea together.

There was also a Venus Spa on the grounds of the Resort where I had some treatments such as a hand and foot plus silver nail polish. A foot bath using colour therapy. Also, the hair removal was quite a journey, a bit painful, but certainly something to experience for me as I had never taken an open space to pay attention to this. The people who give this are specialist in their field.

I also had a facial treatment twice which was a wonderful journey of visions and relaxation. Along with this my Eyebrow and eye lashes were accentuated with Henna. Amazing how this looks. From this I received the message that the beauty of the inside is now reflected on the outside.

There was also a talented Henna Artist who designed my left hand and left foot. There was quite a deeper significant vibration flowing here. The Henna on my left hand to me signified a marriage of the inner Male and inner Female who are true to each other and in harmony.

The Henna on my right foot are 3 Salamanders. Two of them kiss each other.

Significance of Salamander as a Totem Animal:

Keeper of dreams. Sensitive to low frequencies. Knowledge of inner child.

Can teach subtlety.

Alternatively the appearance of this amphibian heralds transformation.

It also announces assistance with this change from a source somewhere outside of ourselves. This could be either through an unexpected person or unique resource. This assistance is temporary and will only stay as long as needed.

Salamander’s Wisdom Includes:    * Facilitates the connection between earth and water  * Connection to the soul memories of early life on earth  * Change  * Comfort in darkness  * Ability to cloak in the face of adversity    The Salamander    Salamanders most commonly occur in freshwater and damp woodlands, principally in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are generally short bodied, four legged, and moist skinned animals with bold patterns and bright colors. Patterns and colors have different meanings to different people. Examining the patterns and colors of the salamander can help us discover the intricate patterns that govern our lives. Unwanted emotional patterns can be restructured or eliminated by the study of sacred geometry and meridian alignments.    Like other amphibians the salamander absorbs water through their skin and needs a moist habitat in which to live. Those with this medicine need to be around water for their overall health and well being. Breeding often occurs in the water although certain members of this family breed on land.    The word amphibian comes from two words–“amphi” = “double” and “bios” = life. Amphibians divide their life between land and water. From a symbolic aspect, this can reflect much about what has often been taught in lore about its power. Salamanders are often regarded as the keeper of dreams. Their ability to live in water and on land can reflect that lucid dreaming is going to be stimulated.    The salamander hears and responds to low frequency tones rather then high pitched ones. These tones are primal in nature and can help us gain entry into the underworld. To strengthen ones sensitivity to such sounds playing the didgeridoo as well as drumming is helpful.    Typical salamanders undergo a larval stage that can last for a period of a few days to several years. The development of a child with salamander medicine is usually slower than other children their age. Specific periods of major transitions are common and easily pinpointed. Those with this medicine will find themselves continually learning, growing and developing their body, mind and spirit throughout the early part of their life. In their adult years knowledge gained as a child will surface.    Salamander medicine is a subtle teacher, from its patterns and colors, to its connection with the elements. Those with this totem will often find themselves living a double life. Their thoughts and actions can seem odd and unusual which gives them the power to assist others in shape shifting their reality.    The appearance of a Salamander totem heralds transformation, but offers assistance with this change from somewhere outside of ourselves, either through an unexpected person or unique resource. This assistance is temporary and will stay only as long as needed.    Harmony with the environment is very important to people with a Salamander totem. It is key to a successful transformation – answers and solutions will be found in the environment around us.    A fiery element that roams between Earth and Water and those with it as their totem often lead a double life. The salamander signifies all things that are hidden and are often seen as the keepers of dreams. Their ability to live in water and on land can reflect dreaming to be lucid and connected to the Mysteries of the Earth. It can cloak itself in the face of adversity and is a magical talisman that brings comfort in the darkness. The appearance of the salamander heralds that a time of transformation is coming from sources outside of the self. The totem animal of Appalachia. “when all else fails: crawl under a rock”

The salamander animal totem is an amphibian that has close symbolic ties with the element of water. As a water-dwelling creature, it emulates flowing motion, transformation, and sharp intuition. We can easily detect these qualities simply by observing it in nature. These characteristics are intensified during the night, as salamanders are octural animals.

.

Creatures of the night all share attributes symbolic of shadows, secrets, pristine vision, and psychic abilities, as well. As a particularly diverse spiritual totem, the salamander is also representative of a comprehensive list of symbols, such as emotion, renewal, awareness, and spirituality.

Like other amphibians, salamanders undergo an intense period of transformation throughout their lives, making them a concrete representation of the life cycle that all creatures experience. Metamorphosis always involves constant growth and adaptability throughout transitional periods.

.

In fact, it is safe to say that the entirety of life is simply a series of ever-changing states. You can never get too comfortable, as your circumstances will inevitably change. The salamander accepts this and thrives on it.

Salamander Associated Traits

Flowing, Intuitive, Sharp, Adaptable, Secretive, Psychic, Renewal, Spiritual, Emotional

Although they are considered solar animals, salamander animal spirits rely heavily on their nocturnal abilities. They prefer to hunt at night and have keen vision and awareness in the darkness. As such, they prove to be highly dynamic in their qualities, symbolizing the two polar opposite times of the day.

For us, this symbolizes the ever-relevant theme of proper balance in all that we do. We must be able to adapt to all situations and seize opportunities regardless of how or when they choose to present themselves to us. The cold-bloodedness of the salamander is also comparable to the necessity of being able to adapt to our environment.

Salamander symbolism teaches us to perceive impending changes and make adjustments to the best of our abilities rather than fighting inevitable changes. We should strive to evolve throughout our lives rather than fearing and trying to prevent it. Change is inexorable, so it’s best to put a positive twist on it.

When the salamander symbol comes slinking into your life, it is inclining you to ask yourself if you are using your time wisely. We have a very limited time in this life, making it important to use it wisely and make the best of it. As always, this involves a proper balance between all aspects of our existence.

Life is a series of transformations that can sometimes be intimidating, and the salamander assures us that it is here to assist us when we need it, especially during times of change. Likewise, this amphibian announces that we might receive help from another unique source that we did not expect. It is alright to accept this assistance.

However, it is an empowering animal totem and makes it clear that it will only stay as long as we truly need it. The salamander meaning tells us to know that we each possess the ability to make necessary adjustments in our lives and compensate for things that are lost or absent. We should never be afraid to seize the moment and live vibrantly.

Salamanders animal totems have a very close connection with the environment. People who can call upon this animal most easily will share this connection. Maybe you are an environmental activist or are prone to speaking out against mismanagement of resources. The salamander applauds you and your willingness to take action when needed in order to protect the environment.

Along with taking care of the environment, this type of person should be keen to take care of and help others in transforming their lives. Whether with people, animals, or other aspects of the natural world, the salamander and people like it strives to correct imbalances.

When this slimy creature crawls into your subconscious dreams, it is symbolizing this ability in you, along with your capacity for surviving shame, misfortune, and embarrassment. They are strong animals and show you that you can always persevere through adversity.

I also went on a squad ride during sunset in the desert. A wonderful experience that will be remembered for a while. Such laughs and pleasure toning in the desert with the driver.

On Thursday, October 6, I went with a good friend to visit Hurghada city in the afternoon and evening. A quite busy place to be. I was lucky to be able to experience a good vibration with this person and I am thankful for the generosity that was shared.

In between these days there was a man from the group who had lymph problems and had to visit the hospital. Unfortunately, this man and his wife had returned without finding a solution for his problem I had some Schuller Salts that assisted him with this and luckily he was relieved of his pain by an outburst of the infection. A day or two later this same man asked if I could help him with his shoulder pain. I gave him a massage and energetic treatment. The result was that the pain had stopped and he had more freedom in his muscles and bones.

Another lady of the group asked if I could give her sister a massage and energy treatment because of lower back pain. I gave her a treatment on the beach and noticed this pain was caused by age. Unfortunately, this cannot be cured but certainly you can prevent more bone and muscle lose by physical movement, red light sauna, being aware of what you eat and certainly in this case the drinking of alcohol. One of the results was a relaxation and easiness towards herself.

I am in Gratitude for this calling to go on a journey to Egypt with a group of wonderful people from Belgium and Holland. Most of all I feel a love flowing connection with Egypt and its people.