Relic Seekers

RENNES LE CHATEAU’S TIES TO HOLY BLOOD, HOLY GRAIL AND THE DA VINCI CODE.
For the traveler who loves roaming the gorgeous French countryside (who wouldn’t) and it’s many medieval historic sites, it is definitely a plus to know that you can incorporate the “Indiana Jones” style of excitement and discovery to your holiday and/or vacation. Those mysteries you have read about in many a book, such as the 1982 and still kicking, prominently interesting and controversial Holy Blood, Holy Grail, (Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoln – 1982) and/or the similarly controversial and just-can’t- put-down: (The DaVinci Code, Dan Brown – 2003) just to name a couple since there are so many older ones and newer spinoffs whose titles I am sorry I cannot list because they are so numerous.

All of them touch such lore either lightly or in great detail and whether they are novels, truths or not, (I will not debate anything, as this is not my purpose here), if you take notes about your main interests and have a game plan, said material can help turn an already glorious trip, into a marvelous, movie like adventure. I for one, would love to go back to France and do some research on these hypotheses while enjoying the sights, smells and taste of the South of France.

Some years ago, I visited a beautiful place in the French Riviera’s Cote D’Azur called Saintes Maries Sur la Mer (it reminded me somewhat of the setting for the movie “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” w/ Sir Michael Caine and Steve Martin) and I do remember hearing our very knowledgeable tour guide’s narrative of the legend of three women, a man and a girl arriving at that shore on a boat without oars. She told us about Saint Sarah, patron of the gypsies and how the local legends identify the arrivals as Mary Magdalene, Saint Sarah, two more Marys and Joseph of Arimathea.

To my regret and embarasement, I will admit to not paying much attention to this tale, I was very young and on my first trip to Europe and genuinely eager to visit all the castles and historical places I possibly could. I had researched my upcoming trip extensively and wanted to go to every site I had read about. I think back now and wish I had really listened to her, asked more questions and maybe done a little bit of investigating of my own.

One may think these legends exagerated or far fetched, but there is always some underlying truth behind them. The romantic in me wants to believe in this and I admit my imagination and sense of adventure were captured as I’m sure it will also happen for many people. Just think of how this will turn an already delightful and enjoyable trip into an adventure that will satisfy and indulge the archeaologist and historian within us.

LODGINGS – MARKET VILLAGE OF ESPERAZA, LANGUEDOC-ROUSILLON AREA, CARCASSONNE, ETC.

If you can stay in the Languedoc – Rousillon area, you will find it very convenient because you will be deep in Cathar country, at the foothills of the Pyrenees, an area where you will find many historic medieval castles and abbeys, thermal spas and grotoes. The market Village of Esperaza seems to be close to so many of these places. About 50 kms. or a short drive, will take you to the medieval walled City of Carcassonne, which was recently refurbished. Nearby you will find vineyards and it is very likely that if they are like other ones in France, you might have a chance to sample their wines. Hot springs abound in the area and did I say spas? – yes, you can treat yourself to some serious pampering after an active day.

RENNES LE CHATEAU, MAGDALA TOWER, VILLA BETHANIA.

Approximately a two hour walk (or a much shorter drive) takes you to the jewel of the area, the hilltop mystery Village of Rennes le Chateau, where father Berenger Sauniere is said to have found a treasure in the chapel, under a stone by the altar. What was that treasure and where is it now? Did it really have anything to do with the Merovingian Dynasty and its direct relation to Jesus’ blood line? Ingenious hoax or not, we will probably never now.

Once you are at Rennes Le Chateau, when you visit the chapel you will be greeted by the demonic face of Asmodeus, I understand you see it just as you come into the church. You can also visit the Magdala Tower which father Sauniere had built in honour of Mary Magdalene and enjoy the scenery from the crenels (gaps) and merlons (walls between crenels). Also, be sure to tour the Villa Bethania, a house he wanted to use as a place for retired priests and also where he lived and mysteriously died in. By the way, when he died, he was penniless, so where did all the money for so much building come from? You will be able to visit the cemetery where cure Sauniere is buried.

The Village of Esperaza has everything you will need: great restaurants where you can enjoy delicious local foods and wines, all kinds of stores, a post office, bakeries where you can get your baguettes and lovely, delicious French pastries, (mmh, I can almost taste them). The village even has a two museums: one for dinosaurs and one for hats. You can rent an affordable gite (cottage) by the week. If you have an automobile, you can venture even farther, you can go to Toulouse, Lourdes, Andorra, Puiver Castle, even Barcelona. Rent a bike and take a ride to the Aude river – so close – or walk to the surrounding countryside, beautiful anytime of the year. Don’t forget to bring a basket lunch and snacks and be sure to drink plenty of fluids, I think you will easily find Evian water there. Wish I could go back, soon. Bon voyage et bon appetit mes amies!!!
Check out this websites for more information:

www.renneslechateau.com
www.esperaza.info

ROSSLYN CHAPEL, VILLAGE OF ROSLINE IN MIDLOTHAN, SCOTLAND

Rosslyn is a 15th century medieval chapel in the Village of Rosline in Midlothian, Scotland, near the beautiful city of Edinburgh and it has been the subject of many a different cable television show and a gloat of books and written articles. It’s implied association to Free Masonry,The Holy Grail, The KnightsTemplar and other apparitions; like the black knight on horseback, a lady in white, a ghost hound; legends, myths and mysteries, makes it very interesting for the romantics among us drawn to
these topics and we feel strongly compelled to read or watch anything and everything regarding Rosslyn.

ROSSLYN – THE BEGINNING.

The chapel was founded in 1446 by Sir William St. Clair, third and last St.Clair Prince of Orkney. This chapel is only the choir of what was intended to be a larger cruciform shaped building with a tower at it’s centre. He was getting older when he decided to give something back as a thank you for the many blessings received, by building a house for God. In doing so, he brought abundant workers from other regions and foreign kingdoms such as masons , carpenters, smiths, quarriers and barrowmen.

He had the plans carved by carpenters on boards of imported Baltic timber and then they were given to masons so they would in turn carve them in stone. Since all his workers did not have a place to live, he had them build the town of Rosline and gave everyone a house and lands. The masons were paid in accordance to their degree. The master got 40 pounds a year and the rest got 10 pounds.

Sir William Sinclair died in 1484 and was buried in the unfinished chapel and the larger building he planned was never completed. The foundations of the nave are said to have been excavated in the 19th century and have been found to extend 91 feet beyond the chapel’s original west door, just under the current baptistery and churchyard. His legacy to the Sinclair family, Scotland and the world, is a priceless gem.

ROSSLYN, PRESENT TIME AND OLD MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Rosslyn is the fully working Episcopalian Chapel of St. Matthew’s Collegiate Church and it is a beautiful and extraordinarily different church. The multiple icons carved in it’s interior’s walls can jog one’s imagination and make you wonder about the reasons behind these engravings. For instance, were the depictions of corn (maiz) and the agave (aloe vera) some sort of clue? These plants were native to Mexico and still unknown in Europe. It is like someone was trying to say: guess where we have been!! Although there are some who have said they are strawberries and wheat. Oh well, I chose to believe otherwise,it is more interesting..

THE FREEMASONS, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR CONNECTIONS

Another engraving is one that appears to be of two poor Knights Templar riding a horse, just as they are represented in their seal. How about the faces of the apprentice, his grieving mother and the master mason – these three associated with the apprentice’s pillar. The figure of a man on his knees, holding his hand to his chest, in what appears to be a Masonic ritual gesture. Numerous angels and so many more wonderful carvings.

No wonder this chapel is called “The cathedral of clues”. The above details and many more, are mentioned in the engrossing and fascinating book “The Hiram Key” (1996) by Christopher Knight and Robert Lomas. (Love their books). Did the Templars travel to the new world as the Vikings did, long before it’s discovery by Columbus? And did the St. Clairs have in their hands, proof of said travels? Maybe Prince Henry St. Clair wanted to visit these lands? We are talking about a 90 year difference in time, who knows, maybe more.

In Westford, Massachussets, there is a monument marking the ground carving of a medieval knight in armor whom the locals have named “The Westford Knight” and it dates back to around 1398. The Scotish Knight Sir James Gunn of the Clan Gunn who died while they were in Westford, was a member of Prince Henry St. Clair‘s expedition accross the Atlantic to a mystical land beneath the star  “Merica”, along with the Zeno brothers Nicolo and Antonio who were venetian sailors. The engraving was a tribute by Prince Henry and his men to this loyal friend.

There is also mention that with him, went 300 men and 12 ships and that the journey was documented as the Zeno Narratives. Apparently the Zeno brothers wrote to their friend Carlo “The Lion” in Venice, who kept the letters and passed them on to the Zeno family. It is also said that Prince Henry had in his possession the secret scrolls the Templars had found during the first nine years of lodging under Herod’s Temple, which is speculated that the Nasoreans, forefathers of the Mandeans who along with the Qumranians had buried their secret under Herod’s Temple and that he also had an old map the Templars had used to sail accross the Atlantic and that one of the Zeno brothers was updating it for him. It There are also legends amongst the Micmac native of Nova Scotia and the beathuks, native of Newfoundland, whom the Vikings called “Skraeings” where they talk about a white, bearded man who lived with them for a while.

I love this, it is so enormously exciting!!!   How I would describe Rosslyn, its mysteries and any and all connections thereto would be: “amazing, beautiful, fascinating, odd, incredible, puzzling, unique and definitely very inspiring and controversial. Or just plain “WOW”!!!

Rosslyn is open year round and you can visit their website www.rosslynchapel.org.uk for more details like where you can find lodgings, etc. You can even get married there. And… since you are already in Bonnie Scotland, visiting this awesome place, why not continue exploring in many other nearby, interesting and historic locations, where you are very likely to become involved in the discovery of more myths, hauntings and legends this beautiful land has to offer. On May 12, there was a Medieval Fair in the chapel grounds. I hope somebody took pictures and posts them here, it will be a nice addition to the site.

A lot of the information in this subject, I gathered from the following websites. I thank you. Check them out, they are great! I also read a lot about Rosslyn, I am kind of passionate about it.

www.rosslynchapel.org.uk
www.mysteriousbritain.co.uk
www.heritage.scotsman.com
www.thetruthseeker.co.uk
geocities.com/sconemac/wknight.html by Nancy MacCorkill of the Clan Gunn and she said:
“Vikings Guh Brath”. Sounds nice.

I am so looking forward to the upcoming premiere of The Da Vinci Code movie, hopefully I can take in a morning show. This past Friday, I went to the local Cinemark theatres to check out showtimes but they know nothing yet, they said to comeback on Wednesday (May 17).
Like other great movies; such as Star Wars Episodes I, II and III; that have premiered on May 19, this movie seems destined to be a blockbuster. There must be a special charm to the opening date first chosen by George Lucas and now picked by Ron Howard that promises a very successful run at the box office. My best wishes go out to Director Ron Howard, I am a fan of his work. His movies always have an upbeat feel about them, he is true to the happy child within him and he is a great story teller.
I have been reading in the local newspaper about church groups throughout the world worried about what The Da Vinci Code might do to their faithful. If anything; from my point of view; it will awaken more interest in the Catholic church and other religious denominations and gather new followers. In this day and age, Religion is so important for so many people and rather than an afront, I believe it will have a positive effect and will re-strengthen the faithful. Faith is unseeing, yet believing.

After devouring the book The Da Vinci Code by Author Dan Brown in one and a half days after Xmas of December ’04, (I just couldn’t put it down, hardly slept), I am re-reading it to be able to remember all the details when I go see the movie on May 19th. I do hope the theatres have early shows so my hubby and I can go see it while our children are at school. So, needless to say, I cannot wait for the Da Vinci Code movie to begin showing at theatres.

I hear comments from people who think their faith will be diminished if they read the book or God forbid see the movie and all I can say is: It is a book, a very interesting and brilliantly written novel so your faith is safe and I would say reinforced. I love my reading and Mr. Brown has my full attention, I have read his other books and the ones with the character of Robert Langdon who is the main player in The Da V inci Code are the better ones.

There is only one fly in the soup; at least on mine; and that is Tom Hank’s hair. I’ll try to ignore it so I don’t get distracted by it. What was he thinking? What was Ron Howard thinking? But the main thing is, it will be a good movie because it is based on a very interesting NOVEL.