In Part I of this special series, Bryana is joined by her dear friend Leah — co-facilitator of the 2026 Egypt pilgrimage — for a raw, funny, deeply honest conversation originally recorded on Instagram Live.

This isn’t a polished “here’s what traveling to Egypt means” episode. It’s two priestesses thinking out loud in real time: sharing how they met, how traveling to Egypt has opened up new pathways and initiations that they couldn't have posisbly planned for, what sacred travel actually demands, and why “pilgrimage” is a responsibility — not a vibe.

Together, Bryana and Leah open the door to the questions most people avoid:

What does it mean to enter Kemet with reverence?

Can an American ever do pilgrimage “ethically”?

How do we lead spiritual journeys without guru-ing, bypassing, or reenacting colonial power dynamics in sacred spaces?

This episode is an invitation to the table they wished existed before now — where nothing is off the table when it’s rooted in integrity, curiosity, and collective care.

In this episode, we explore:

1. How Bryana + Leah first met in Egypt (and how Spirit was quietly weaving the thread)
2. Two very different entry points into pilgrimage: Leah’s intentional spiritual seeking after quarantine; Bryana’s “now or never” leap after miscarriage — and the mystery of timing
3. What it means to create an ethical spiritual container (beyond good intentions)
4. Pilgrimage as a surrender: why Egypt doesn’t respond well to expectation, entitlement, or “I need a takeaway”
5. The Western/colonial pattern of “What does this place have to offer me?” — and the shift into right relationship
6. Why spiritual spaces are not immune to patriarchy, capitalism, white supremacy, and “love & light” bypass
7. A key truth for leaders: ethics isn’t perfection — it’s devotion to repair
8. A key truth for all of us devoted to life as a journey of continual learning: discernment is part of sovereignty — don’t give your power away
9. The edge question that ends Part I: “Is an ethical pilgrimage to Egypt even possible as an American?”

Resources + Mentions

Applications are open for the 2026 Egypt pilgrimage with Bryana + Leah!!

Learn more and apply 👉🏽 https://www.bryanaclover.com/egypt-pilgrimage

Connect with Bryana on Instagram: @BryanaClover

Connect with Leah on Instagram: @leatrox

Reflection Questions for Edgewalkers

1. Where am I still approaching sacred spaces with “What can I get?” instead of “How can I be in right relationship?”
2. What does “ethical” mean in my leadership — and how do I practice repair when harm happens?
3. Where have I outsourced my sovereignty to a teacher, facilitator, or group — and what would it look like to come home to myself?
4. What expectations am I willing to surrender so the real initiation can arrive?

Closing Blessing

May you be the kind of pilgrim who doesn’t just seek magic — but chooses responsibility.

May you ask the hard questions without collapsing into shame.

May you stay sovereign, stay tender, stay awake.

And may your edge be your altar. ✨

Asé