“Rudiments of the perennial philosophy may be found among the traditional lore of primitive peoples in every region of the world, and in its fully developed forms it has a place in every one of the higher religions.” - Aldous Huxley (The Perennial Philosophy).

This weekend is intended as one of two primer retreats to prepare participants for a subsequent course of eight, one-day workshops spread over the remainder of the year, one day per month.

The course will look into and beyond the history of the various world ideas that Huxley and other writers identified as ‘universal’, to explore the nature of similar descriptions of this ultimate Reality, considering and exploring old and new methods being used to achieve its direct experience.

The exploration will consist of meditation sessions, talks, discussions and practical self exploration techniques and healing practices. All practices can be worked with at home between sessions.

During the weekend Alan will introduce the key ideas and concepts in the Evolution of Consciousness based on the work of Richard Bucke, and others. Hephzibah will then explore the role that words and symbols play in helping shape our consciousness.

COSTS

Residential participant - £215 (includes meals and refreshments plus 2 nights accommodation)

IHS Members £198 with discount

Non-Residential participant £145 (includes meals and refreshments only)

IHS Members £130 with discount.

£50 deposit with booking. Balance one month before the event.

Fees fully refundable in event of new government imposed Covid restrictions.

N.B. This is an IHS event. IHS events are run according to the traditional values and practices of the International Hermeneutic Society, the charity that owns and runs the Hall. Although IHS teachers are very experienced in their subject, they choose not to be paid. This means the events are offered at lower cost than most commercial retreats and all of your payment goes towards supporting the running costs of Tan-y-Garth Hall.

COVID PRECAUTIONS

In order to minimise the risk from Covid 19 we may have a range of policies in place for this event. These can include:

Temperature testing on arrival.

Limitation of numbers to allow for physical distancing.

One person per bedroom unless in same bubble (please contact us on 0300 302 1936 for room sharing request).

Extra ventilation where possible.

Outdoors work when possible.

Depending on prevailing circumstances we may also ask for : -

Current vaccination by all residential participants

Plus, either proof of a negative test within previous 48 hours or negative lateral flow test taken on arrival.

(Please phone 0300 302 1936 for latest details).

ABOUT THE RETREAT LEADERS

Alan Roberts has been involved with Tan-Garth-Hall since its establishment in the early 1970’s. Originally mentored by Eugene Halliday he practises and teaches a range of subjects including yoga, perennial philosophy, art and Sacred Drama (a means to gaining a new understanding of relationships) across the North West. Along with his wife Vidah, he also hosts a spiritual healing group on the Wirral and is a member of the Eugene Halliday Association Committee and a former trustee of Tan-y-Garth Hall Retreat.

Hephzibah Yohannan is Eugene Halliday’s biographer, literary and artistic executor, and publisher. She has a B.A. Hons. degree in Philosophy and a Diploma in Creative Writing, and is editor of the Melchisedec Press. In the 1980s-90s she taught Egyptology and Ancient Egyptian Art for the WEA and the University of Manchester Extra-Mural Department. Hephzibah has been a member of Ishval since its inception in the mid-1960s and is Chair of the Eugene Halliday Association. Ishval, the Institute for the Study of Hierological Values, now known as the Eugene Halliday Association (EHA), is sister organisation to the International Hermeneutic Society (IHS). Both were founded by Eugene Halliday: the IHS with Khen Ratcliffe, and Ishval with Dr Fred Freeman and David Mahlowe.