THE 2024 RETREAT
IS SOLD OUT!
Do you have a profound curiosity for magick and the mystical, yearning to unlock your inner potential while relishing in exquisite French gastronomy, discovering mind-expanding sacred sites, and the most exhilarating historical locations in the south of France?
Do you embrace the wonder of the unknown and seek personal growth through ancient wisdom, ready to embark on a transformative journey filled with enchantment and self-discovery?
Are you seeking a transformative adventure that goes beyond traditional retreats and be initiated into the mystical arts?
Towards Heliopolis is an extraordinary retreat designed to awaken the magick within you. Limited to 6 places only!
What our guests are saying…
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The airport transfers were incredibly smooth, and I feel fortunate that my flight times worked out so perfectly. Having a separate driver was an excellent decision on your part—it allowed both you and Marco to stay fresh and fully engaged during the retreat, especially in the evenings when the dinners were such a highlight. It ensured that you could participate fully and contribute to the wonderful atmosphere we all enjoyed.
As for the meals, the breakfast setup was absolutely spot-on. I really appreciated the extra effort you made to get fresh baked goods each morning, making sure we had everything we needed to start our day right. Lunches and dinners were equally well thought out, with fantastic restaurant choices. The Michelin-starred restaurant was truly superb, but I must say, I also enjoyed the meals we shared at the house just as much. The quality and variety of food throughout the retreat were consistently excellent.
Breaking up the first night’s drive with a wine tasting and dinner was a great idea—it helped us bond as a group right from the start.
The morning teachings were another highlight. Marco shared invaluable insights, and although the formal teaching sessions were shorter than I initially expected, they worked perfectly. Since we had such easy access to Marco throughout the day, the learning extended far beyond the structured sessions. His wisdom flowed naturally, and the knowledge we gained from both the teachings and the conversations was fantastic.
The afternoon program was equally well-curated. I deeply appreciated all the effort you put into researching and planning our excursions. Each destination felt special, and the balance of access and activity level was just right for the group. Your attention to detail and the rich information you provided about the places we visited made the experience even more meaningful.
The accommodation at Tonelise’s home was absolutely stunning. I fell in love with the decor and the art, and her house truly has a soul. I was particularly touched to stay in her personal room—the bed was incredibly comfortable, and I slept so peacefully throughout my stay.
In summary, I can’t say enough good things about this retreat. It was a deeply magical experience, and I can still feel the power of the place and the initiation growing within me. Tonelise and Marco make the perfect pair, and I am so grateful for the hard work you both put into making this week so incredible. I would absolutely return and hope our paths cross again in the future.
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On the plane home I recapped our experience of Occitania in my magical diary.
Short answer is everything was amazing.
I can't think of anything I would change or was not happy with. You did a fantastic job putting everything together and wrangling everyone and facilitating their needs. The food was great, the home is wonderful. The locations and the knowledge of them was unreal. Making sure we had time with Marco for class and having semi-private spots for the pathworkings were definitely a highlight as well - it really took the whole experience to the next level.
I think it was the right amount of people too. It was worth the expense for me. I have no regrets whatsoever. Once in a lifetime experience! I think everyone clicked almost immediately and we all gelled pretty well.
So yeah, everything was perfect. No complaints. Life-changing I would say!
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The Towards Heliopolis retreat in the South of France was an unforgettable journey of magical teachings, powerful insights, and pure joy. Organised by the dynamic duo, Marco and Tonelise, it perfectly blended esoteric exploration with genuine fun, set against a stunning, historically rich backdrop.
Our days began with fresh breakfasts and immersive lectures on Thelema and magic, held in Tonelise’s magnificent Art Nouveau home, brimming with artistic charm. Lunches celebrated the local cuisine, and afternoons were spent exploring ancient châteaus, the legendary Rennes-le-Château, sacred springs, and the beautiful Hermitage in the Gorges of Galamus.
Pathworkings guided by Marco added a spiritual depth, connecting us with the archetypal energy of the landscape. Transportation was seamless, thanks to our professional driver who kept everything running smoothly.
The retreat culminated in a transformative group ritual, bringing together all the spiritual insights we had gained. Throughout, there was plenty of time to relax, share stories, and bond over wine. Marco and Tonelise were the heart of the retreat—passionate, knowledgeable, and deeply respectful of both the teachings and the land.
I return home with the beauty of the region and the gift of new friendships, experiences that will resonate within me for years to come.
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My experience at the retreat was truly unforgettable, filled with deep, transformative energy and a profound connection to both the people and the powerful landscape of Occitania. Interacting with other magicians in such a rich, spiritual environment was incredibly rewarding, and the memories from this journey are something I will always cherish. The intensity of the retreat was just right for deep spiritual work, and I found myself deeply immersed in the experience.
The carefully curated excursions to places like Rennes-les-Château, Château de Quéribus, and the Gorges De Galamus Hermitage were standout moments. Each location held both historical and spiritual significance, and performing rituals in these places elevated the experience into something magical. These moments made me feel like a true pilgrim on a sacred journey, deeply connected to the ancient energies of the land.
The food was exceptional—every meal was delicious, so much so that I questioned whether the Michelin-starred restaurant was necessary since everything else was of such high quality. This added to the feeling of being nurtured both physically and spiritually.
While the retreat was wonderful, there are a few areas where future events could be optimized. Shortening the retreat to around five days or offering flexible modules could help maintain its intensity while making it more accessible. Additionally, focusing more on group rituals and fewer excursions would deepen the spiritual journey and allow for more time in sacred practice.
The dining experience could also be streamlined. While the Michelin-starred restaurant was enjoyable, it felt like an indulgence that may not have been necessary. The food throughout the retreat was consistently exceptional, so there’s potential to save on costs without compromising quality, making the experience more accessible to a wider range of participants.
I want to thank everyone involved for creating such an enriching experience, and especially Tonelise for welcoming us into her beautiful home. It was a transformative journey, one I will carry with me for years to come!
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The retreat Towards Heliopolis was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me.
Meeting people in a beautiful, magical place was a real treat. There is something amazing about meeting in person the people who know, celebrate, and discuss topics on subjects that you can't talk to anyone else in the entire world with. Marco is someone I have come to love and respect for what he stands for and the quality of information he delivers. His commitment to the people who take his courses is, in my knowledge, unparalleled.
Tonelise is an international living treasure. This is reflected in her house, which she created from scratch—eclectic and thoughtfully put together—our base camp during our trip to France. Her attention to detail and commitment to making sure we were all taken care of and that all our little needs were met was truly remarkable. Tonelise shares generously, offering knowledge of the area, its myths and legends, and is profoundly supportive in imparting wisdom and insights she has accumulated from her deep spiritual and esoteric pursuits throughout her life. She is also a very gifted tarot reader and healer/shaman. The reading I received from her and the prayers she offered on my behalf will always remain close to my heart, along with the memories of the trip.
We visited many wonderful places daily, but the ones that were most profound to me were Mary Magdalene’s chapel, the cathedral with the Black Madonna, and the Old Chapel where we received the Anointment along with the body of water at the bottom of the hill. Truly sacred, I felt something tangible there—a shift in my energy body—that has stayed with me since.
I’m so grateful that an opportunity like this trip was made available to me and that I took the leap of faith to make it happen. It was truly the trip of a lifetime, and it really was everything I hoped for. Thank you to Tonelise and Marco for organizing it. I'm looking forward to the next trip to California next year.
A phenomenal once-in-a-lifetime experience. Profound gratitude
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I'm more than grateful for having had a wonderful experience with a few beautiful souls. I learned a lot, not only from the fabulous retreat content but also in many other ways. It felt like there was a hidden plan to bring this small group together, as each person came from a different corner of the world with unique cultures, backgrounds, professions, and languages. Yet, we all converged for a very specific reason: to experience the unexperienced, to find and feel something within ourselves.
I'm deeply appreciative of Tonelise for her exceptional hospitality in her unique, soulful house. She took care of everything and everyone, ensuring maximum comfort and joy—from early mornings with fresh, delicious pain au chocolat to late nights, preparing whatever was necessary for the next day.
And Marco... one of the most knowledgeable teachers I've ever encountered, with an outstanding memory for names, dates, and history. Marco dedicated most of his time to being with us, answering our endless questions, and shedding new light on intriguing aspects of magick.
I should mention that Marco was the primary reason I attended this retreat initially. Having known him for several years, I was drawn by his teachings, but being with like-minded people, having deep, meaningful conversations that elevate one's soul, was a privilege I wanted to experience again. Now, I have a few friends from all around the world, and I’m certain we’ll meet again someday, not too far away!
