Mandalas from East & West

Flores del Camino

Fd
Flores del Camino Retreat Centre
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41 reviews
Jul 23 - 30, 2022
Group size: 1 - 12
Mandalas from East & West
Flores del Camino

Flores del Camino Retreat Centre
  • Email address verified
  • Facebook verified
41 reviews

Jul 23 - 30, 2022
Group size: 1 - 12

About this trip

Art & Culture Retreat in the heart of Northwestern Spain along the Camino de Santiago


Experience geometry as a universal language and a meditative and contemplative practice. Throughout the week you will explore geometry in sacred art, mandalas and biomorphic designs from along the Camino and relate it to other traditions from Eastern Asia. Practical art classes will be complemented with visits to local architectural treasures, such as 5,000 year old petroglyphs at sunrise, Roman mosaics, a 10th c. pre-Romanesque monastery and the 13th c. Gothic Cathedral of León. You will collect gorgeous Camino earths, learn how to prepare and paint your mandalas with natural pigments.


This  will  also  be  your  opportunity  to  spend  some  quiet  time  in  nature  on  the  Camino  de  Santiago.  Go  for walks.  Enjoy  home - cooked  healthy meals  under  the  pergola.  Share  with  others  and  enjoy  the  quiet  of  the  starlit  Milky  Way.


A collaboration between Stephanie Ellis & Flores del Camino (Bertrand Gamrowski, Basia Goodwin)

About your tutors

Bertrand Gamrowski (Phd) is co founder of Flores del Camino. His background is in economics & mathematics.  He specialises in the use of geometry in Christian art & architecture & has made a large body of research relating to the use of geometry in art of the Camino de Santiago. He finds joy & fulfilment in teaching & sharing what is not just an intellectual exercise but a “practical philosophy” hands on & embodied practise.


Basia Goodwin (MA) studied at the Princes School of traditional Arts, specialising in the use of geometry in traditional arts, craft & philosophy.  In her creative practice she works with a variety of mediums, ceramics, glass, makes & paints with natural pigments, using local Camino ocher earths.


Stephanie June Ellis is is a professional artist, qualified Colour Therapist specialising in sacred geometry and biomorphic art which span culturally worldwide throughout traditional crafts and architecture. She passionately engages with local and global communities offering wellbeing through the creative process with a focus on geometry.

What’s included

  • Accommodation
    All accommodation consists of individual or double ensuite bedrooms.
  • Food
    Nourishing and healthy meals prepared onsite and served with love in either the dining area or in the courtyard under the pergola. Wine is offered at dinner.
  • Dietary requirements
    We cater for the following dietary requirements: vegetarian, gluten-free, carb-free, dairy-free.
  • Workshops
    All equipment & material provided.
  • Outings
    Site entries & transport fares for cultural activities.

What’s not included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Airport Transfers

Available Packages

Single room
€1,600
Deposit: €300
Twin room

Price per person.


€1,500
Deposit: €300

Available options

Itinerary

Schedule
Mandalas from East & West



Saturday 23rd.     Welcome 

15h-19h Check-in

19h30

Induction tour & Welcome dinner

Bringing the group together


Day 1 ~ Sunday 24th.     Unity

Introductions:

The circle and the Journey of the Soul (pilgrimage) 

One and Six: the Flower of Life (geometry) 

Introduction to Mandalas

+ Fiesta de la Magdalena (traditional village procession and dances)

Evening Intention fire (intention for the week)


Day 2 ~ Monday 25th.     Duality

Morning: Dual patterns 

Visigothic vs Bali Designs 

Afternoon: Colour: Introduction to pigments & colour therapy


Day 3 ~ Tuesday 26th.     Trinity

A full day exploring the perfect number .

Trinity symbolism in world religious traditions.

Theory + practical 


Day 4 ~ Wednesday 27th.     Day Out * Culture visit

Visit of León Cathedral, the Mozarabic church of San Miguel de Escalada,

and Roman mosaics of La Olmeda.


Day 5 ~ Thursday 28th.      The Circle & the Square  

Explore quatrefoils through the Lotus flower, Persian shamsa  and Pamplona Cloister  arched windows.


Day 6 ~ Friday 29th.      Spirals

Early morning visit of Peñafadiel petroglyphs

Exploring Labyrinths. Building a labyrinth 

Afternoon Workshop ~ using spirals for Biomorphic designs

Evening Intention fire (letting go)

The last supper.


Saturday 30th.

Departure after breakfast and before noon



Your Organizer


Fd
Flores del Camino Retreat Centre
41 reviews
A charming retreat centre situated along the Camino de Santiago in the medieval village of Castrillo de los Polvazares, considered one the most beautiful villages in Spain. Throughout the year we collaborate with retreat facilitators, craftsmen & writers weaving together complementary & inspiring offerings.

Reviews

It was a wonderful retreat. The location and hosts were excellent, food and wine fantastic, and the retreat leaders had clearly done their planning. I would definitely recommend both the retreat and Flores del Camino. I’ve enjoyed identifying “sacred architecture” in the past two weeks as my husband and I continued to travel in Spain and France. Thank you!!
By Gayle O for The Fourfold Inner Path ~ A Quadratos Retreat on Oct 19, 2023
This retreat was exceptional in its intentionality, calm, spaciousness, integratedness, and warmth. The retreat leaders were well-prepared, thoughtful, and created a beautiful integrated experience of learning and exploration. Flores was a beautiful, peaceful and comfortable space.
By Sarah H for The Fourfold Inner Path ~ A Quadratos Retreat on Oct 16, 2023
Absolutely fabulous in every way
By Kate M for Mandalas from East & West 2023 on Aug 02, 2023
This trip was a soul enriching experience...Warm and caring hosts, a gorgeous home stay and studio, excellent food. A well planned itinerary of contemplation, sharing, Art , Painting,Geometry, Stone carving and visits to sacred places and architectural beauties. The Retreat is something I will always treasure and I hope to visit again!
By NISHA R for Profound Patterns on May 29, 2023
Basia and Bertrand are so gracious and brimming with hospitality. Their care and thoughtfulness shine through via the setting and decor, and all the special small touches. And the food!!! Wow! We ate so well all week long. Fresh food prepared simply and served with love. Highly recommend Flores del Camino!
By Barbara O for Easter Retreat 2023 on Apr 12, 2023
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References

Flores was the ideal location for our deep coaching training. The beauty of the location, delicious and healthy foods and the spiritual presence of the hosts made it a magical experience for us all. They were completely attentive to every need.
By Christi B on 22 Jun, 2022