Embark on a soul-stirring midsummer journey to the Island of Gotland, Sweden, with Valarie Budayr and Lars Howlett, where the ancient whispers of labyrinths, sacred symbols, and ancestral wisdom beckon you to explore timeless teachings amidst the island’s stunning landscapes. 

This retreat will guide you through the mystical labyrinths and sacred sites of Gotland, rich in mythic energy and spiritual history, offering reflective walks, transformative ceremonies, and creative SoulCollage® sessions to ignite your symbolic imagination.

We will deepen our exploration by engaging with Nordic and Ancestral Mother Runes, unlocking their profound energies as gateways to insight and connection. Additionally, we’ll weave in the mysteries of Sacred Geometry, including the flower of life symbol, creating a powerful synergy between the ancient and the eternal.

Set in the heart of the medieval UNESCO city of Visby, you’ll stay in a top-rated 12th-century charming hotel, with the retreat’s gatherings taking place in an ethereal Gothic cathedral ruin. Surrounded by the island’s wild beauty and deep-rooted heritage, this retreat invites you to connect with nature, creativity, and the ancient stories that have shaped Gotland’s magical spirit.

Highlights of the Journey

• Explore Mythic Sites
  Immerse yourself in the energy of Gotland’s sacred places. Walk where myths were born and stories carved into the ancient stones.
• Ancient Labyrinths
  Step into powerful, meditative journeys as we walk age-old labyrinths that have guided seekers for generations.
• Creative Art & SoulCollage® Sessions
  Create meaningful, personal art to reflect your inner wisdom in a practice that nurtures both self-expression and self-discovery.
• Labyrinth Soul Songs
  Labyrinth soul songs are deeply emotive and reflective melodies, intertwined with traditional music from Gotland and the Baltics. Drawing from the rich heritage of these regions, they blend meditative rhythms and introspective tones, creating a soundscape that resonates with spiritual journeys and personal transformation. 
• A Historic Setting
  Stay in a beautiful 12th-century hotel with breathtaking charm. Nearby stands an ethereal cathedral ruin, where our classroom for the week will blend history with inspiration.

Transformative Experiences Await You on Gotland

This retreat offers a profound opportunity for personal transformation, guiding you on a path of emotional, spiritual, and creative growth. Each element of the experience is thoughtfully designed to awaken a deeper connection to self, community, and the ancient wisdom woven into the fabric of Gotland's sacred landscapes.

Inner Peace and Reflection through the Labyrinths

Walking the labyrinths of Gotland is a sacred act that connects you to centuries of spiritual tradition. Spanning 5 labyrinth periods, many of these ancient pathways have been used in ceremonies and traditional practices for generations, serving as portals to introspection and transformation. Stepping into the labyrinth is to step into ritual—a deliberate and meditative practice that allows you to quiet the outside world and turn inward.

Awaken Your Symbolic Imagination

Guided by the ancient symbols of Nordic and Ancestral Mother Runes, you will encounter a gateway to your inner wisdom. These sacred symbols are steeped in myth and history, offering a potent way to tap into deep ancestral energies. As you engage with these runes, you may uncover hidden aspects of your personal story, gain clarity on life’s challenges, and expand your intuitive awareness. The exploration of Sacred Geometry, including the flower of life, will further deepen these insights, revealing the universal patterns that connect all life.

Creative Alchemy through SoulCollage®

The creative SoulCollage® sessions are a catalyst for transformation. This unique practice of crafting personal, insightful collage cards invites you to dialogue with your inner world. By combining images, symbols, and intuition, you’ll create tangible representations of your inner wisdom. Expect moments of revelation as your creativity becomes a mirror, reflecting truths about your passions, fears, and aspirations. The process is nurturing, empowering, and often profoundly healing.

Connection to Ancestral and Nature’s Wisdom

The myths, labyrinths, and sacred symbols you engage with on this retreat will connect you to lands and stories far older than yourself. Gotland’s rich spiritual history will awaken a sense of belonging—not just to the land but to the lineage of those who walked these paths before you. Through this connection, many participants discover a new appreciation for their roots and a deeper relationship with nature's rhythms.

A Renewed Sense of Purpose

Surrounded by the wild beauty of Gotland, the medieval charm of Visby, and the powerful energy of sacred sites, you’ll find space to reflect on your life’s path. This retreat invites you to step outside your normal routine and reimagine what is possible. The stories, songs, and symbols that you experience will inspire a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Whether you arrive yearning for change or simply seeking inspiration, you may leave with clearly defined intentions for the next stage of your life.

Cultivating Community and Connection

Transformation is magnified in the presence of others on the same path. This retreat fosters a sense of belonging and community as you engage in practices that are both personal and collective. Through shared reflections, heartfelt conversations, and group ceremonies, you will form bonds with like-minded seekers, creating an environment that supports and inspires growth.

Feel the Emotional and Spiritual Power of Music & Dance

Labyrinth Soul Songs will move through you, resonating in a way that goes beyond words. These reflective melodies are a form of spiritual connection, blending meditative tones and traditional Baltic rhythms to tell stories of journeys, challenges, and triumphs. By listening to, and perhaps participating in, this sacred music, you’ll feel the emotional depth of shared human experiences.

We will also learn dances on the labyrinth and around the maypole in celebration of Swedish Midsummer. Explore new ways of experiencing the labyrinth journey and participate in local traditions and celebrations honoring the Summer Solstice.

Why Attend?

Whether you are drawn to the labyrinth’s mysteries, looking to connect with sacred spaces, or seeking a deeper creative practice, this retreat will offer an unforgettable midsummer experience, rich with wonder, reflection, and connection. Step into the magic of Gotland and join us on this soulful journey!

Each evening, we will gather in a nurturing circle to reflect and create. On selected nights, these circles will include engaging SoulCollage sessions, a powerful process to explore your inner landscape through the art of collage. Together, these moments of connection and creativity will deepen your retreat experience.

Whether you are drawn to the labyrinth’s mysteries, looking to connect with sacred spaces, or seeking a deeper creative practice, this retreat will offer an unforgettable midsummer experience, rich with wonder, reflection, and connection. Step into the magic of Gotland and join us on this soulful journey!

 "The Gotland Labyrinth Pilgrimage was one of the best experiences I have had. I enjoyed the immersion into the Gotlander culture with the focus of labyrinths and then balanced with spiritual practices and connection to the group. Thank you!" ~ DB

Integration and Transformation

By the end of the retreat, find yourself enriched by Gotland’s stunning beauty and deep heritage, along with a sense of inner transformation. Participants often describe feeling a renewed sense of peace, clarity, and connection to their true selves. This time away offers the opportunity to deepen your relationship with nature, community, and the wisdom of ancient traditions.

The retreat can serve as a meaningful catalyst, opening doors to new insights and perspectives that might influence how you approach your daily life. Whether it provides moments of reflection or sparks significant changes, this sacred experience has the potential to nurture growth in body, mind, and spirit. Stepping into this space invites the possibility of profound personal discovery.

Valarie Budayr / Mongata

Through her diverse expertise and heartfelt dedication, Valarie creates empowering experiences that support personal growth, self-discovery, and the honoring of sacred traditions. Whether leading labyrinth journeys, facilitating breathwork sessions, or curating retreats, she invites others to step into deeper alignment with their true selves and the world’s cherished stories.

Valarie’s ancestral roots run deep in Gotland, her family’s homeland, where she spends nearly every summer immersed in the island’s stunning beauty and timeless traditions. It is here that she finds inspiration, sharing and preserving Gotland’s unique customs and heritage. Her deep love for cultural traditions extends beyond Gotland to include the songs and stories of Karelia and the Baltic Region, which she has studied extensively.

Fluent in nine languages, Valarie embodies a global perspective that informs her work and her teachings. Since 2012, she has had the privilege of guiding Sacred Site Retreats in Scotland, France, Spain, Iceland, Norway, New Mexico, Alaska, and many other destinations in the United States, helping participants connect with the living landscape, the spiritual, and historical significance of these extraordinary places.

Valarie Budayr is a dedicated Teacher/Guide, celebrated Author, Board Certified Sound Therapist, Clinical Musician, Trauma-Certified Breathwork Facilitator, Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator, SoulCollage® Facilitator, Transformational Human Design Coach, and Labyrinth Builder. With a deep passion for weaving together ancient wisdom and modern practices, she helps others explore transformation, healing, and connection to self and the world around them.

Lars Howlett / Discover Labyrinths

Lars Howlett is a leading expert in the design and creation of sacred space for walking meditation, centering prayer, personal healing, conflict resolution and community building. Lars is a practitioner of mindfulness and student of sacred geometry since 2003, experimenting with a wide variety of designs, materials, intentions and settings in his personal and professional projects. Universities, churches, health centers, retirement communities, mental health centers, retreats, and individuals find Lars for inspiration and insight in creating exact replicas of historical patterns or one-of-a-kind artistic installations. 

Lars was a three year apprentice to Robert Ferré, inheriting the tools, techniques, and teaching curriculum of a master builder. Lars is a Veriditas Faculty Member and Certified Advanced Labyrinth Facilitator trained by the Reverend Dr. Lauren Artress at Grace and Chartres Cathedrals. He was the Chairperson of World Labyrinth Day from 2013-18.

Lars is an inspiring teacher and passionate speaker on the history, spirituality, and practice of walking labyrinths, leading workshops to cultivate inner wisdom for personal transformation with slideshows of personal projects and visits to sacred sites on four continents. 

Our retreat will be hosted in the charming inner city of Visby, Gotland, at the beautiful and family-owned, Hotel St. Clemens. Nestled within the historic city walls, this unique hotel is comprised of five historical buildings located beside the lush Botanical Garden and the stunning cathedral. The 12th-century Gothic cathedral ruin attached to the hotel will serve as our inspiring classroom and gathering space, adding a touch of timeless magic to our sessions. As Gotland’s first environmentally labeled hotel, it offers three-star accommodations that blend sustainability with comfort, providing the perfect setting for our soulful midsummer gathering.

Hotel St. Clemens is the number one rated hotel in Visby on Trip Advisor and has won it's Travellers' Choice Award for nine consecutive years.

Sacred Sites & Symbols: A Swedish Midsummer Retreat

June 15th-June 22nd 2025

Please take the time to read and understand the Terms & Conditions detailed below prior to booking your trip. If you decide to book the trip and pay your non-refundable deposit you are providing consent and agreement to these Terms & Conditions. You will be required to acknowledge certain aspects of the Terms & Conditions during the registration process.

1. Your Payment or Deposit is Your Contract

When you register for Sacred Sites & Symbols: A Swedish Midsummer Retreat in Gotland Sweden via either payment in full or a $300 per person deposit, you will be deemed to have agreed to these Terms & Conditions. Your booking deposit, together with (a) these Terms & Conditions and (b) the trip details regarding the Sacred Sites & Symbols: A Swedish Midsummer Retreat in Gotland Sweden   listed on the WeTravel website will constitute a legally binding contract between you and Mongata Healing Center & Discover Labyrinths (herein collectively referred to as Retreat Leaders). (Note: If you book a trip for multiple people traveling together, then all travelers in that booking will be deemed to have read and agreed to the Terms & Conditions, and to be parties to this Agreement.)

2. Payment

In order to confirm your booking with us, you may choose to either pay in full with $300 per person of your payment non-refundable as outlined in Section 8 Cancellation by Traveler, or pay via a payment plan, starting with a $300 non-refundable per person deposit toward the total price of your trip. Early bird prices are in effect until February 15th, when prices return to Standard Rates.

3. Payment Plan

If you select a payment plan when you register for the trip, the balance due (package price minus the first payment of a $300 per person non-refundable deposit) will be billed in three (3) remaining installments. The payment schedule shall be as follows: 

1st payment: February 17th 2025

 2nd payment: due by March 16th 2025

 Final payment: due by April 16th 2025

If you choose to pay for your retreat package via a payment plan and book the trip between any of the payment dates above, your down payment (deposit) will be $300 PLUS any amounts due for payment dates that have occurred before your registration date. You must pay the remaining balance based on the payment schedule above. 

If any payment is not paid on or before the due date, we reserve the right to treat your booking as canceled, especially if you have not proactively communicated about your payment needs. All bookings must be paid in full by April 16th 2025.

Cancellation by Traveler

If you wish to cancel your booking, you may be entitled to a full or partial refund EXCEPT for the initial $300 non-refundable per person deposit. Refer to the 'cancel by' guidelines below.

-  If you cancel your trip on or before February 17th, 2025 you will receive 100% of monies paid MINUS $300 per person on your reservation 

-  If you cancel your trip on or before March 17th, 2025, you will receive 50% of monies paid MINUS $300 per person on your reservation 

-  If you cancel your trip on or after April 16th 2025, you will forfeit ALL monies paid

Failure to show up for any reason or departure from a trip prior to its completion for any reason are not entitled to any refund. Ensure you have travel insurance. 

Bookings may be transferable only in certain circumstances and only with prior written communication. Please contact Retreat Leaders to see if your situation qualifies. As outlined below, the purchase of travel insurance is highly recommended and can help protect you in the event of retreat cancellation. Due to the exclusive property and location, Retreat Leaders must strictly adhere to the cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of retreat. 

Full Terms & Conditions available at check-out.

Tips for Travelling to/from Gotland, Sweden

International Flights to Stockholm

Delta, United, SAS (Swedish Airlines) nonstop flights from NYC to Stockholm

Icelandic, Norwegian, PLAY (budget airlines) pay ala carte for seats, meals, etc

British, Swiss, Brussels, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Austrian, Air France (Other Airlines with US partners)

Airports

Arlanda Airport (ARN) – Primary, Major, InternaGonal Airport 30 miles North of Stockholm

• Take the Train (Arlanda Express – 20 minutes), Bus or Taxi/Rideshare to center (45 min)

Bromma Airport (BMA)—Domestic Airport (plus some flights from Europe) closer to downtown

• Take Bus (most popular), Subway or taxi/rideshare to city center (4 miles)

Hotels in Stockholm for Layover

Clarion Hotel Arlanda Airport Terminal – In airport hotel (walk to terminal!)

• good for late night / early morning arrivals and departures Hilton Hotel Slussen—Centrally located hotel near old town

Backstage Hotel Stockholm – Across the street from Skansen (open air history museum)

• also near Vasa Museum, Abba Museum, and Hedge Labyrinth near Rosendal’s Café .  Its walkable but under restoration and regrowth.
• Click for TripAdvisor’s Highest Rated Hotels for the Best Value in Stockholm

Domestic Flights between Stockholm & Gotland: 

www.swedavia.com/visby

SAS, Norwegian, Ryan, Finn (to/from Arlanda) – also flights in from Malmo, Gothenberg, Oslo, Helsinki BRA (Braathens Regional to/from Bromma) – most flights daily but not to/from int’l airport (ARN)

Ferry between Stockholm (Nynäshamn) & Gotland

Destination Gotland ~3 hours plus 1hr Bus Transfer from Stockholm or 1h45m from Arlanda

Our retreat begins with a heartfelt early evening gathering in the enchanting medieval city of Visby, setting the tone for our time together. Surrounded by the historic city walls and the whispers of ancient stories, we will open our retreat circle in the Gothic cathedral ruin—a place imbued with timeless spiritual energy. This sacred ceremony invites us to connect as a community, grounding ourselves in intention, reflection, and creativity. Together, we will honor the unique heritage of Visby, its deep-rooted magic, and the shared journeys that have brought us here. This opening circle will weave bonds and prepare us for the transformative days ahead.

Our first full day in Visby begins with engaging classes centered on labyrinths and myths, where immersive activities spark your imagination and connection to ancient wisdom. After a reflective morning, we’ll spend the afternoon uncovering the charm of Visby on a guided tour, exploring its cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and vibrant history. The day culminates in our Evening Circle, a sacred gathering where we create meaningful SoulCollage® cards, weaving personal stories and inspirations into art. 

Our northern Gotland adventure invites you into a day of discovery and quiet reflection. We’ll visit St. Olafsholm, a site steeped in history and legend, where the serene landscapes evoke a sense of timeless spirituality. At the Bunge Museet, we’ll explore signs and symbols of Gotland's rich cultural heritage, immersing ourselves in stories carved into history. Amid these enriching stops, we’ll traverse our first field labyrinth, creating moments for reflection and deep personal connection. The day blends exploration with introspection, offering a deeper connection to the land, its mysteries, and your own inner journey. We will conclude our day with an evening circle.

Fröjel’s ancient labyrinth, the oldest on Gotland, awaits as a place of deep history and spiritual connection. Here, we will step into the stories and traditions that have shaped this remarkable site. Together, we’ll uncover the mysteries of the resurrection eggs, exploring their ties to renewal and life cycles, along with the creation myth of the region—a tale where a woman shapes the world from an egg, weaving life into existence. These traditions echo with the wisdom and creativity of the past, connecting us to the essence of this land. The experience will culminate in a sacred labyrinth ceremony, walking the same pathway that have been used for reflection and transformation through the ages. At Fröjel, history and myth blend seamlessly, offering a profound and enriching exploration of Gotland’s heritage. Along our journey, we will be visiting the Ganarve Ship Grave, the ancient Frojel port, and a stop a Lila Bjers organic farm, which has been a farm since the Bronze Age.

Journey to Gotland's eastern shores and immerse yourself in its rich folklore and history. Discover the enchanting story of the Crane, a symbol deeply rooted in the island’s traditions, as we create a mesmerizing labyrinth Crane Dance. Our travels will lead us to the ancient church of Lye, a treasure trove of spirituality and artistry. Here, we'll explore the intricate Flower of Life motif, ancient labyrinth designs, and mysterious runes etched in time. This unique experience intertwines myth, culture, and heritage, offering a profound connection to the soul of Gotland’s past. Our day concludes with an evening circle.

Celebrate Midsummer in Visby, a day filled with joy and tradition. Begin your morning by gathering wildflowers and weaving fun and simple flower crowns, immersing yourself in nature’s beauty. Learn the melodies and motions of circle dance songs, connecting to centuries-old rituals. At 1 pm, join the vibrant community of Visby as we raise the majestic majstang together, symbolizing life and light. Sing, dance, and revel in the festive spirit, celebrating the longest day of the year. This cherished tradition invites you into a shared moment of culture, connection, and pure Nordic magic. In the evening we will have a SoulCollage® making session.

The final day of our retreat in Visby promises to be both enriching and reflective. A visit to a local museum immerses us in Gotland’s rich cultural history. A thoughtfully designed class offers insights and inspiration as we reflect on our time together. The retreat culminates with a heartfelt closing ceremony at the historic Trojaborg labyrinth, a space of timeless wisdom and connection. Walking in unity, we carry the lessons and memories of our shared journey. This final day encapsulates the essence of our retreat, leaving participants with a sense of fulfillment and renewal.