If you are a perceptive, curious person with a thirst for knowledge, who is ready to embark on an ancient and universal, hidden-in-plain-sight pathway to purpose, then join Peter Levenda and Marco Visconti in the breathtaking Joshua Tree Desert, and be initiated into the most enduring of all mysteries, finally understanding how you belong in the cosmos!
Stairway to Heaven is a transformative adventure beyond traditional retreats, in a setting of breathtaking scenic beauty, touching the tall night sky.
What our guests are saying…
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I’m so happy with the beautiful and inspiring week we all spent together in Joshua Tree. From the moment I stepped into Nobles Hall I felt I could open myself up to anyone and everyone there. I could feel a connection with each person, and incredibly, I never regretted speaking with anyone there. That’s a rare thing! Usually you try to be friendly with everyone but end up making a list of people to avoid. That never happened at this retreat.
It was Peter Levenda’s presence that pushed me to attend the retreat. I am so glad I did! Peter is one of the few people out there who have a depth of knowledge in subjects that are usually siloed from each other. When most everyone else is pushing a single answer to every question, Peter pushes us to question our assumptions and define our terms. (Peter Levenda’s ) His lectures and Q&A sessions during the retreat covered an astonishing amount of material, yet he did so with a light-hearted charm, a dry wit, and an endless well of personal anecdotes. It’s no wonder I was riveted for hours on end, and each day I felt like the session was just too short. I have several pages of notes, including call-outs on books and terms I need to look up once I got home again. I’m sure this is exactly what Peter would expect! I’m so grateful for his time and his generosity.
Marco Visconti is someone “new” to me. I had no connection with him, except seeing his name a one of the co-lecturers in this retreat. I’m not a serious practitioner of ceremonial magic, and the only things I know about Thelema are from his book, which I read in preparation for this retreat. I absolutely loved (Marco Visconti’s) his lectures. I have a good background in Greek and Latin, and some knowledge of Hermeticism and Neoplatonism and I was impressed by the depth of his understanding. More importantly, he was able to frame his knowledge with an intuitive understanding of how this might be relevant to one’s daily life. He has the expertise of both a scholar and a practitioner. That left a deep impression on me, and although I don’t especially connect with the “popular” image of a Thelemite, I now see that there is something vital and profound at the core of all the pentagrams and black T-shirts. I recognize this for what it is: an initiation, an important connection with a tradition I need to explore. I’m looking forward to Marco’s next book, and I am slowly considering how I might adapt my practice to included the Crowley exercises Marco discussed in his book and lectures.
Overall, this retreat was an important and utterly unique experience for me. I woke up very early each morning, scrambled around Joshua Tree National Park, then raced back to the retreat center.
The early hours and jet lag should have had me falling asleep in my chair, but the exact opposite happened: I was always full of energy, charged by the words of two profound teachers, and fully energized by my brothers and sisters around me.
Congratulations on running such a profoundly powerful event! It displays a level of mastery I’ve never seen in any similar event. I’m impressed, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to all of you.
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I waited a few days before writing about the retreat in case the effects began to diminish, and normal (mundane) life returned. I’m happy to say it hasn’t, and the magic is still quite alive!
It may be premature, yet I must say this really feels like the most important retreat (conference, event, etc.) of my life. Many times, I heard words that shifted my worldview into a place of clarity never experienced before. Yet also, I was left with amazing questions... new questions, questions I’ve never considered before.
Marco’s contributions were provocative. Ascension (spiritual) technology as that relates to the dissolution of the Self has been a challenge for me. I love life and my experience of life as an individual. I have this subject on my list to discuss with Marco in an upcoming Zoom meeting.
The Meditations conducted by our on-site host, Tonelise, were important as she introduced me to controlled breathwork that I had always known about yet never disciplined myself enough to begin this practice. By the end of the retreat, I was convinced to begin this work in earnest. What a job she did making it happen and organizing it all, making sure the group jelled together! It was seamless and I felt very welcome.
Two things mentioned by Peter really hit home. One is that the Sekret Machine is actually ‘the Body.’ Marco emphasized the importance of this as well.
The other thing Peter said was, “The left brain is for knowing and the right brain is for belief.” I was recently with Chris Bledsoe Sr. and Gino Yu. Chris had mentioned, “It’s all about belief.” Gino said, “It’s all about knowledge.” When I heard what Peter said, everything came together for me in an important way – perhaps it’s all about both and balancing the two... at least it seems this way in speaking for myself.
The Sound Bath in the Integratron seems to have had a lasting effect. What an experience.
I could write pages on highlights from the event (and my 20 pages of handwritten notes) but I will close by saying that the overall impact of this event I cannot properly state in words other than saying, “It feels like I’m on the other side of the Veil now.”
So, gratitude to Tonelise, Marco and Peter for a truly life-changing experience.
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I knew the event was going to be a one of a kind and it delivered on every note of its orchestration.
There is a technology in this world that is older than time and stranger than fiction, it is a tool that I wished to understand so that I might shine light on the hidden and better see my world.
Stairway to Heaven provided a chance to learn from 3 people who know about the nature of ceremonial magic and the occult and were able to bring it to the seminars with presentations that were clear and well informed. Marco brought a long history of working with magic and his history of teaching the subject made the information approachable and real. Peter Levenda is a one of a kind in the realm of magic and the occult and there isn’t another person in the world with the personal history and connection to the subject like him. In combination with the knowledge and meditations provided by Tonelise it gave the event a level of magic all to itself.
These Magical Retreats are a must for those who wish to learn and are willing to come to the subject with an open heart and mind.
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I have not had the privilege of being with a circle for quite some time, and I missed the feeling of true community and also true guidance in paths I always wanted to continue.
I am always mindful of who I circle and work with, and after reading Peter’s works I was blown away and impressed and grateful for this opportunity,I feel I finally can find a way to continue to learn and study. I already trusted Marco and have stuck with his teachings for quite some time.
Choosing to attend Stairway to Heaven retreat is one of the best decisions I ever made. I feel I finally found community. I really felt the warmth and care from everyone. I have not felt the potential to build this kind of friendships for a long time.
It is truly an honor to be able to work with all 3 of you and be in the same room. You have all helped change my life! Making this retreat a priority, has also helped me remember to keep better and healthier priorities for myself. I thank you deeply from my heart.
There are already so many benefits and things that came home with me from Stairway to Heaven in my mind ,soul and heart that I can’t begin to describe. I feel now I can always keep moving forward on my path. I am grateful and honored to have been there. I thank the 3 of you for the honor.
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I came for the lectures. I left with Community.
Stairway to Heaven was truly an unforgettable experience. It was truly special to meet everyone and be in the same room as Peter Levenda.
Thank you for all the care and energy you put into creating such a special space.
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It was truly wonderful to meet and spend time with you and everyone. I had an incredible time.
You really did an amazing job orchestrating this unbelievably beautiful event so kudos to you all. That was a big undertaking and you did beautifully.
I made some wonderful life long friends and learned so much from experienced minds who gifted us with their knowledge and shared their experiences.
I released energy that was holding me in its grip for far too long and allowed new and beautiful energy into my well. I am SO happy I made this journey.
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I deeply enjoyed meeting you and am grateful for your kindness and all the help you gave me.
The retreat will likely go down as one of the most impactful and memorable experiences of my life