31/08/2026
Visiting Quinta da Regaleira in Portugal was one of the highlights of my travels.
The Initiation Well represents the axis mundi, the cosmic axis that connects Spirit, Earth and the Underworld.
The Initiation Well spirals deep into the Earth like an inverted tower and is connected with initiation rituals and the traditions associated with the Knights Templar.
The journey of initiation involved entering the Initiation Well blindfolded, holding a sword close to the heart and descending nine flights of stairs.
The descent into darkness is a symbolic spiritual death and a return to the womb of Mother Earth.
It begins with an entrance into the Earth and the underworld, a descent into the hidden spaces within ourselves.
It is an invitation to navigate and bring awareness to our own internal purgatory of thoughts, memories and emotions.
To journey into the deepest recesses of our mind and pysche.
It is both an ascent and a descent.
A complete cycle of death, rebirth and enlightenment through the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water.
At its centre lies an eight pointed compass Rose featuring a Templar cross which marks the literal centre point of the spiritual axis.
The Well reminded me that transformation and evolution often requires a descent before an ascent.
Journeying into the hidden and dark places within ourselves and confront what has been buried, release what no longer belongs to us and surrender to the unknown.
Only then can we emerge into the light.
This is what solo travelling has gifted me.
A mirroring and a reflection of who I am at my core.
These last few years I lost myself.
I forgot who I was.
Now I remember.