A Pilgrimage of Healing & Love
A Calling to Egypt
I met Lara Maysa at the Beyond Reason Convergence in Kavana in February 2026. After the event, I discovered that she was leading pilgrimages to Egypt. Until then, Egypt had never been part of my travel plans. But after attending Lara’s Light as a Feather online ceremony, I felt such a deep connection with Ma’at that I began to feel called to go. My husband and I had been looking for a special trip to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary in December, and the alchemy of Egypt, a pilgrimage of healing, love, and transformation in October felt just right.
Ma’at, the daughter of Ra, the sun god, is the ancient Egyptian goddess who personifies truth, justice, balance, and cosmic order. Often depicted with an ostrich feather in her head, symbolizing truth, she represents both a deity and a foundational philosophical concept in ancient Egyptian religion. I resonated deeply with her 42 ideals for creating heaven on Earth that I recorded an audio memo of them. Since March, they have become part of my daily morning routine, listening to it every morning as my personal reminders, helping me bring greater awareness and intention into my life.
Looking back, I can see how this connection had already begun preparing me for the journey ahead.
The Temple of Hathor
During our first temple visit, to the Temple of Hathor in Dendera, I received what felt like the first sign that my intuition had been right: I was meant to be in Egypt.
The spectacular Temple of Hathor is remarkably well preserved and filled with extraordinary architectural details, including hidden crypts waiting to be explored. As I crawled through a narrow passage to reach one of the underground crypts, I suddenly remembered an old dream of mine, where I was crawling through an extremely tight entrance before walking along a narrow hallway.
As someone who believes that dreams can carry meaningful messages, I immediately felt the significance of that moment.
Hathor was a major ancient Egyptian goddess associated with motherhood, love, fertility, and the sky. Standing in her magnificent temple, surrounded by such breathtaking beauty and feminine symbolism, I felt deeply connected to the Divine Feminine.
Motherhood is a profound part of who I am. As my dear coach, Zack Bodenweber, often says, “We became what we needed.” I have embraced my motherhood journey fiercely, striving to become the mother I never had.
Perhaps that is why I felt such a strong connection to Hathor and why the temple’s beauty resonated so deeply with me. That’s probably also why I’m so fascinated by the sky.
We meditated in the outdoor sanctuary, taking in the experience before continuing our journey.
A Sunrise Above Luxor
After a two-hour bus ride, we arrived at the beautiful Al Moudira Hotel in Luxor, where we stayed for two nights.
Since the 1980s, the owners have been creating an oasis within the walls of Al Moudira. The property includes lush gardens, a beautiful pool, a farm, and approximately 80% of the food served in its restaurant comes from its own land. I loved the idea staying in a place thoughtfully built and connected to the land and history that sustains it. I walked the farm and visited the animals.
Karnak: Encountering Sekhmet
Very early the next morning we had the privilege of private access to the chamber of Sekhmet while visiting Karnak, one of Egypt’s most iconic and expansive temple complexes, where we enjoyed a breathtaking sunrise by the pond.
Sekhmet, the lioness-headed Egyptian goddess, embodies a powerful duality: the capacity to destroy and the capacity to heal. Being in ceremony inside her chamber was a profound experience. A true invitation for reflection on the opposite forces that shape us and the possibility of transformation that can emerge when we face our shadows consciously.
The following morning brought a dream come true: a magical sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Valley of the Nobles and its archaeological sites.
As we floated above the ancient landscape, the mountain on one side, the Nile on the other, the temples slowly emerged in the morning light. It was one of those experiences that leaves you momentarily speechless, filled with awe and gratitude for the beauty of the sky and the Earth.
The Valley of the Kings
Later that day, we visited the famous royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, surrounded by the history and mystery of ancient Egypt. The vibrant colors still present in those hieroglyphs are unbelievable. Ancient Egyptians believed death was a transition rather than an absolute ending. The deceased needed more than a burial chamber: they needed rituals, offerings, and religious protection to support their continued existence. So, the tomb was designed not only to shelter the dead body but also to participate in the transformation the deceased was believed to undergo. Tombs were therefore decorated with images, inscriptions, and religious texts intended to help the deceased navigate the afterlife.
From Luxor, we boarded a luxurious dahabiya, a traditional African sailing boat, for a four-day cruise down the sacred Nile toward Aswan.
The rhythm of life along the river, the ancient landscapes, and the opportunity to slow down made the journey itself feel like an essential part of the pilgrimage.
Edfu & Kom Ombo
Along the Nile, we stopped at Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus, the falcon-headed god associated with the sky, kingship, and divine protection. A huge falcon sits at the entrance of the enclosed part of the temple. Within the spiritual interpretation shared during our pilgrimage, Horus was also presented as the Divine Child. Another amazing temple full of significance.
We then visited Kom Ombo, a remarkable temple dedicated to two sets of deities. The southern half was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god associated with fertility, while the northern half honored Haroeris, or Horus the Elder, associated with healing.
One of Kom Ombo’s most fascinating features is a series of carvings commonly interpreted as representations of ancient medical instruments. Seeing these details was a reminder of the many layers of knowledge, symbolism, and mystery that make ancient Egypt so captivating.
Unexpected Signs
And then came another moment that felt magical to me.
As I admired the back wall of the temple, where people are believed to have come seeking healing, I noticed a ray of sunshine illuminating my picture of Ma’at’s shrine, what felt like a confirmation of the magical healing potential of the temple.
After months of listening to the 42 ideals of Ma’at each morning, encountering her shrine illuminated by the sun in that way felt deeply personal—as though the mission I had been carrying within me was being validated back, somehow highlighted by the sun.
Real Life by the Nile
On our last day aboard our dahabiya, we had the opportunity to visit a local fishing village on one of the many Nile islands dotted with date palms and banana trees.
The pride with which one of the fishermen introduced us to his entire family, and the warmth and joy with which he welcomed us into his home, were truly touching. Life on the island seemed beautifully simple. The men fish and grow crops, while the women care for their families and prepare meals from scratch. They live in close connection with the land and the sacred waters of the Nile, relying largely on what they produce themselves: bananas, dates, vegetables, and milk and cheese from their own cows, which we had the pleasure of seeing grazing freely along the riverbank.
Several generations of the same extended family live under one roof, helping and supporting one another with their daily chores while sharing meals and enjoying each other’s company.
We were fortunate enough to help place their homemade bread dough into the oven, sip hibiscus tea while the bread baked, and finally savor the delicious, freshly baked sourdough bread.
Witnessing the joy they find in such a simple way of life is a beautiful reminder that we don’t need much to live well. Mother Earth provides so much of what we need when we learn to work together, live in harmony with the natural world, and care for one another. The real abundance lies not in how much we have, but in how deeply we are connected—to the land, to our families, and to each other.
Aswan: The Tree of Life
We debarked in Aswan and checked into the iconic Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie stayed while writing Death on the Nile. We had time to leisure by the beautiful pool facing the desert and the Nile. We then toured around some islands on a small motorboat delighting ourselves with the abundance of wild birds.
We visited a Nubian village and the Osirion Tree of Life, an ancient acacia tree standing on a small island in the Nile. There, we also saw three lotus flowers. Our guide pointed out that lotus flowers are not usually seen in that particular location, making the encounter feel like another beautiful and unexpected magical moment in our journey.
Leaving the tree of life, we were surprised by a friendly camel, who was very comfortable with our presence and even came closer for a picture. Another magical moment.
The Temple of Isis
The following day, we experienced one of the most meaningful parts of the pilgrimage: a private visit and guided ceremony inside the Temple of Isis on Philae Island.
Isis, the Egyptian goddess of magic and healing, is also associated with motherhood, protection, and devotion.
Our ceremony became a portal for manifestation, intention, and prayer. Each of us called in blessings for ourselves, our loved ones, and the collective.
I prayed for the release of all the traumas I have been carrying in my body and subconscious mind, so that I could also free my children from generational trauma. I consciously choose to break the patterns that had been passed down to me, rather than unconsciously passing them on. I am intentionally creating more space for love, emotional safety, and connection in my life.
I also prayed for all parents to find guidance on their parental journeys and to become conscious of the importance of parenting. May they all believe that love is truly the answer. What better place, I thought, to bring that intention than the Temple of Isis, a goddess so closely associated with motherhood and healing?
Moments like that, where we call for collective healing is the first step of creating a better world for the generations that follow us.
The Great Pyramid
From Aswan, we flew back to Cairo and visited the extraordinary Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest museum in the world, home to an immense collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts including the carefully and richly crafted artifacts found in the untouched Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Our pilgrimage ended in Cairo after the two last private visits: to the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the most extraordinary monuments of ancient civilization, and the Sphinx.
Meditating inside the King’s Chamber for two hours was a profound experience. Getting there felt like an initiation in itself. The narrow ascending passage is approximately 128 feet long and only around 4 feet high, requiring us to bend forward as we climbed the 45-degree angle incline confined space.
An Initiation
By the time I entered the King’s Chamber, I was deeply aware of the physical and emotional journey that had brought me there. My main offering to the group was my deep presence. The Great pyramid might be the biggest of the mysteries in the world, its perfect and timeless architecture aligned with the cosmos is beyond our human comprehension. Just one more invitation to be comfortable in the unknown, to accept magic and mystery. And lastly, for me the final proof we are not alone in this universe. More advanced civilizations have incarnated on Earth and left precious messages and evidence, as proof of our littleness.
Our final group meditation took place at the Sphinx at dawn the following day. As the sun rose over the Great Pyramids, I felt that we had reached the perfect ending to an extraordinary pilgrimage.
That last sunrise in Egypt, with the pyramids standing against the morning sky, was an epic end.
The Mysteries of Saqqara
While in Cairo, we also visited Saqqara, an ancient necropolis where thousands of mummified animals were buried in underground catacombs.
The Serapeum, with its enormous granite sarcophagi built for the sacred bull Apis, was another unforgettable stop. The sheer scale of these structures raises fascinating questions about how such massive objects were transported and positioned within the underground chambers.
Standing among these extraordinary monuments, I was once again reminded of how much we don’t know about the ancient world—and like with the invisible world, how much we are not supposed to know, but to trust in something much bigger than ourselves.
The People Who Made the Journey Extraordinary
Like in life, what made this pilgrimage truly unforgettable was not only the extraordinary places we visited. It was also the beautiful group of people with whom we shared the experience.
We were a very special gathering of souls, each devoted in our own way to personal growth and becoming more conscious human beings. Every person brought a unique gift, perspective, and energy to the group. We were all different, and each of us was beautiful in our own way.
Together, those differences created something truly magical: a space for connection, learning, reflection, and growth.
Besides the ceremonies, we shared other very special moments – an incredible breathwork session guided by Zarak Fatah, an angelic restorative sound bath by Rosie Blake, and we listened to the perfect combination of frequencies from Reba‘s crystal glass harp. I also had my first rapéh experience with Blaine Mueller.
Shared Moments
We shared our stories and struggles, allowing ourselves to truly witness one another. Together we danced, laughed, cried, prayed, meditated, swam in the Nile, and reverenced its sacred waters in a beautiful sunrise ceremony. The energy of the group was remarkable.
Each experience brought us closer, reminding me of the beauty that emerges when people come together with open hearts and a shared commitment to growth. Truly an example of how we were supposed to live on Earth, as one humanity.
I feel deeply grateful that our paths crossed and that we had the opportunity to share this journey.
And, of course, we were lovingly guided by our dear Lara Maysa, a half-Egyptian beacon of light and embodied goddess, whose wisdom and presence are impossible to overlook. Her presence brought so much beauty, depth, and meaning to this experience. I feel very fortunate to have been guided by her and to have her in my orbit.
Bringing the Journey Home
Beyond the incredible places, the meaningful connections, and the photographs, this journey gave me greater clarity about my mission: to spread love by becoming more conscious of who I am and how I show up in the world.
And perhaps nowhere is this more important than in motherhood.
Now I have this deep understanding that becoming a more conscious mother means healing the traumas I have carried from childhood and adulthood. It means redefining my unconscious definition of love—from one shaped by abandonment to one grounded in unconditional, genuine love.
It means opening my heart and being willing to look honestly at my story, recognize my triggers, pause before reacting, and choose connection over judgment. Also means understanding and accepting my children’s individual journeys, allowing them to become who they are meant to be while guiding them with love rather than fear.
The more aware I become, the more room I create for patience, compassion, and genuine connection.
I am aware that conscious motherhood is about being willing to keep looking within, taking responsibility for my own healing, and choosing—again and again—to respond with greater awareness and love.
It’s not possible to change what happened before me, but I can work to change what I carry forward.
And that, to me, is one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer our children: the opportunity to grow up in a relationship centered in love, not fear, control, or unmet needs, but presence, understanding, and connection.
The Journey Continues
I returned from Egypt with memories of extraordinary beauty, a heart full of gratitude for the people I met, and a renewed appreciation for the journey of becoming—not someone different, but a more present, intentional, and authentic version of myself.
The temples, the Nile, the ancient wisdom, the ceremonies, and the people I encountered will remain part of my story. But perhaps the greatest gift of this pilgrimage was the reminder that the most meaningful journeys are not only those that take us to extraordinary places but, the ones that invite us to look within, reconsider what we believe, release what no longer serves us, and return home ready to live with greater purpose, compassion, and love.
My connection with Ma’at began long before I set foot in Egypt. But walking among these ancient temples brought her ideals into a new light, reminding me that creating heaven on Earth begins with the choices we make every day—with ourselves, our children, and the people around us.
Because our great legacy is the willingness to keep growing.
The 42 Ideals of Ma’at
And here is the list of statements I believe will create heaven on Earth once every single of one of us embody them. To give it my personal note I end it with 3 personal notes: I am in the right path, I surrender and trust divine timing, I will keep planting my seeds!
- I honor virtue
- I benefit and receive with gratitude
- I am peaceful
- I respect the property of others
- I affirm that all life is sacred
- I give offerings that are genuine
- I live in truth
- I regard all altars with respect
- I speak with sincerity
- I consume only my fair share
- I offer words of good intent
- I relate in peace
- I honor all animals with reverence
- I can be trusted
- I care for the Earth
- I keep my own council
- I speak positively of others
- I remain in balance with my emotions
- I am trustful in my relationships
- I hold purity in high esteem
- I spread joy
- I do the best I can
- I communicate with compassion
- I listen to opposing opinions
- I create harmony
- I invoke laughter
- I am open to love in various forms
- I am forgiving
- I am kind
- I act respectfully of others
- I am accepting
- I follow my inner guidance
- I converse with awareness
- I do good
- I give blessings
- I keep the waters pure
- I speak with good intent
- I praise the Goddess and the God
- I am humble
- I achieve with integrity
- I advance through my own abilities
- I embrace the “all”
And remember, good is what makes you feel well.
P.S.: Visit my Instagram page to see the beautiful pictures taken along this pilgrimage.