Tomorrow morning, I set off on pilgrimage to France. For the past two months, I have been a quasi hermit as I almost finished the first draft of my dissertation. I say almost, because it has felt vitally necessary to leave a place in the final chapter for mystery. Part of the "mystery" will be what I learn as I travel to Chartres Cathedral to help facilitate a pilgrimage for Veriditas. I will be lecturing on Medieval Alchemy and Art and what it might mean for us pilgrims, psychologically and symbolically, today. Part of the mystery will emerge from the places that my dear friend Kathy and I will encounter in the Dordogne: Rocamadour, Beynac, La Madeleine, Les Eyzies de Tayac, the prehistoric caves of Le Peche Merle, all sites that have stirred the souls throughout history. I imagine many of the empty pages will be written from within the caves of La Baume, the legendary site of Mary Magdalene's last thirty years and a place of fervent devotion for at least 1600 years ( depicted in the fresco by Giotto above).I confess that I set forth exhausted, in need of spiritual renewal, physical rest, and direction for where to head next in my life. I will light many a candle and chant many a prayer and above all, hope to still my mind enough to listen- really listen- in order to hear the still small voice within.