Since October 2012, the centre has a new identity. Within the Amida community over the past couple of years has emerged a group called Ancient Ways Sacred Places and building on this theme we are redeveloping the centre around a generic and inclusive approach to spirituality - love, compassion, wisdom, joy and peace - drawing on western as well as eastern sources.
If you would like to be involved do join our Eleusis Network
The original Eleusis was (with Delphi) one of the two main centres of ancient Greek polytheistic religion devoted primarily to the goddess Demeter and to the ancient mysteries whose practice reaches back through Egypt into the mists of time. Our new Eleusis will be a location for the exploration of sacred space, open to a pluralistic vision of spiritual peace and transformation. We shall also have our mysteries.
This development is inspired by the spirit of Irene Brazier who lived the last years of her life in the Amida community and died in 2004. Her inclusivist attitude to spirituality and her belief in the intimate connection between gardens and peace of mind will be embodied here. We shall create sacred spaces that honour the celestial spirits and celebrate the mysteries that have lain at the heart of the human spiritual quest since time immemorial.
Eleusis is set in 30 acres of beautiful French countryside. It is in the heart of France in an area which you have 
probably never heard of because it is off the main tourist routes. Beautiful and undiscovered it is a good place to practice the secret ways, to unwind, to encounter nature, to heal, to find creativity, deepen practice, and recapture and be captured by a deeper spiritual awareness.
At present the place needs some attention. Our first priority will be to do some general improvements to the facilities, though the generally rustic atmosphere will be preserved.
In the past this has been a friendly place where there is often lively discussion over meals or shared time working on building or arts projects. This will continue. It is also a place for discovering silence in the woods and fields. You can visit as a volunteer, helping on the land, in the gardens or on the buildings. You can visit local places of interest as the area is full of medieval villages. You can attend retreats and events. You can have informal contact with the visiting teachers and other practitioners.
A major feature of Eleusis is space. We shall be dedicating the different spaces to different aspects of the sacred life, drawing on both Eastern and Western traditions. We shall also be developing the gardens both for food production and for ornament.
The new developments will be made in conjunction with the Irene Brazier Memorial Fund which was set up on Irene's death in 2004 for the purpose of creating and maintaining sacred spaces, places of religious peace and transformation.
There will also be space for individual retreat. We shall have retreat huts in solitary locations where you will be able to do personal retreats with or without spiritual guidance
The Amida Centre is in the middle of France in the Berry region, which is an unsploilt region of lakes and forests. The villages in the area mostly go back to medieval times and there are many eleventh century churches and other buildings. Troncais forest 
lies to the south and the pretty village of Apremont to the East. The cathedral cities of Bourges and Nevers are within an hour's drive.
These pictures from the past convey something of its unspoilt beauty.Set in rolling rural countryside which has not changed for centuries, it is a place to forget the hurly burly for a while, to relax. Appreciate the timeless qualities of friendship and nature with us in this magical place.
You will find more details about our events this year, current news, and of practicalities such as how to get to us and the cost of your stay by clicking on the links on the side bar. Alternatively, do email us on eleusis@fastmail.net or telephone the centre on +33 (0)2 48 60 70 19.
The address is Eleusis, La Ville au Roi, 18210 Bessais le Fromental, Cher, France
If you prefer to phone us in the UK you can text 00447786328916.
To view pictures please go to: Photos
