Sacred Stories - mythopoetic & imaginal pathways
An experiential retreat on the Camino de Santiago
exploring the ancient stories of the land and the stories within
Part 1: May 5 - 13, 2025
Part 2: May 13 - 20, 2025 7 day pilgrimage to the Valley of Silence
In a world of constant noise, distraction and uncertainty, the call to reconnect with beauty, meaning and depth grows louder.
Sacred Stories invites you to answer this call in a circle of companionship where each journey matters.
Join us for an immersive and transformative retreat in a historic village along an old pilgrim's road
“There is a part of us—beyond words and reason—that understands the world through symbols, myths and imagination.”
Mythopoetic and imaginal pathways
Beyond linear thinking, step into the realm of lived experience. Like our ancestors, let symbol and image, myth and nature be your guides.
Return to the stories embedded in the land and the sacred cosmos we once knew and unfold the story that is uniquely yours.
Our journey will take us where heaven and earth meet,
Where mountains, oak groves and rivers speak,
Where timeless names are alive and known,
Petroglyphs and dolmens — reveal stories in stone,
In dawn's first glow and dusk’s embrace,
Ancient rhythms sing a song of beauty and grace.
We'll visit old monasteries alive once with sound,
Where monks chanted patterns - deep and profound.
But most of all, we'll dwell in mystery’s view,
where hands, voice, feet and hearts
discover what's meaningful and true.
What to expect
You will be embraced by the sacred stories of:
Ancient daily rhythms,
Immersive visits and encounters with the land,
Reflection circles, ancient creative & contemplative practices.
Experiential Practices
This won’t be a workshop, nor a seminar.
You won’t be getting your head around it. You will discover and journey deep through embodied experiences and practices.
Daily Rhythm
Our ancestors lived a symbolic life, where the outer and inner worlds were in sacred relationship. Our journey will follow a meaningful daily rhythm, with opportunities to gather at dawn and dusk—for quiet, guided contemplation and holy pausing together.
Always by invitation, like all our activities, you are free to participate in what supports and nourishes your soul.
Reflection Circles
We will support your personal journey in the embrace of communitas.
Within the rhythm of each day, there will be a purposeful time to share your experiences and responses to the land.
These invite you to listen deeply and discover wisdom—both in your own voice and in the voices of others—honoring the practice of learning and growing in relationship with one another.
Immersive visits and encounters with the land
We will visit sacred sites steeped in ancestral presence and myth taking time to connect with these places.
Encounter an ancient chapel embraced by old oak groves secluded in nature, by a boundary river where the mysterious “moura” dwells deep in the earth’s folds.
Sacred stories of sky and earth - discover dolmens aligned with the solstices and watch 5,000-year-old petroglyphs with stunning labyrinth designs come alive at sunrise.
Experience an exquisite 7th-century Visigothic monastery once enlivened by the soulful chants of monks, where nature’s rhythms and sacred proportions breathe timeless beauty and grace.
Chant in the monastery where one of our reflection circles will take place. Listen to or join in simple chants as they resonate through stone and silence, carried by the sanctuary’s harmonious proportions.
Sacred geometry. Journey into the beautiful forms and symbols encountered during our visits. Using the timeless tools of compass and ruler, draw sacred designs.
Earth pigments. Forage for earth pigments in stunning landscapes, prepare them through an outward and symbolic process, and bring ancient designs to life with these stunning colours of the earth.
Ancient crafts - an outward sign of an invisible grace
Ancient crafts tell us a profound story, written in the language of nature. Celebrate the rhythms of the land and the patterns of the cosmos:
Wild Writing & a Book of “Ours”
Inspired by the 8th-century wondrous illuminated Beatus manuscript from the sacred monastery we will visit, you can create your own "wild book" of earth, imagery, and words. This process serves as a pathway to explore and express your unique journey.
Daily Rhythm
Morning
7:45am Optional dawn meditation followed by Silent breakfast 8 - 930am
10am — 1am Guided sessions: ancient crafts, going out into the land.
lunch 1pm
Afternoon
3pm sharing circle followed by silent afternoon, self directed in creativity, walking, resting
Dinner 6:30 pm followed by dusk poem.
Pilgrimage to the Valley of Silence
This will be your opportunity to walk along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Way on a mini pilgrimage to the breathtaking Valley of Silence. Walking is spacious allowing you to set your own pace and amount of walking.
A place of great awe and wonder our alternative pilgrimage ending will be the Valley of Silence. It is nestled within the Tebaida of León mountains named from the Tebaida region in Egypt, where the early Desert Mothers and Fathers lived a life in contemplation. These sacred mountains and this valley in particular has drawn hermits and monks since the 4th century.
What you’ll take home
A deeper connection to a timeless landscape, inspiring you to engage with any place and yourself in a more meaningful way.
A nourishing and strengthening time in community.
Lasting memories, renewed inspiration, and fresh perspectives that continue to unfold long after the retreat to enrich the sacredness of everyday life.
You will be staying in one of the most beautiful villages in all of Spain as voted by National Geographic.
Castrillo de los Polvazares dates back from Celtic time to the 16th century. Enjoy stunning views at every turn. The retreat centre is a lovingly renovated old building with heart and soul.
Location & Accommodation
Enjoy charming ensuite rooms at Flores, or at the nearby hotel we work in partnership with stunning views overlooking the village, church and rural landscape.
What’s included
Accommodation
During your stay at Flores del Camino, all accommodation consists of ensuite bedrooms.
Food
During your stay at Flores del Camino, enjoy 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
When on-site at Flores, we cater for the following dietary requirements: vegetarian, gluten-free, carb-free, dairy-free.
Please get in touch with us if you have concerns.
Sessions
All equipment & material provided.
Outings
Site entries & transport fares for cultural activities.
Private transport between Madrid & the retreat centre
If you prefer to arrive independently to the retreat centre, see how to get here.
What’s not included
Flights
Insurances (travel, health, etc.)
Possibly one meal taken outside during visits (budget ~25€ per meal)
Is this retreat for me?
No prior experience or artistic abilities are required, only a curious and open mind.
If the following describes you, then you are a perfect fit for this retreat:
I appreciate moments of quiet & times of reflection.
I give space to others and can listen.
I value community experiences as well as my own individual journey.
Book this Retreat
8 day Sacred Stories retreat
May 5 - 13, 2025 2,500 €
Retreat + 7 day Camino to the Valley of Silence
May 5 - 20, 2025 4,700 €
To book please note that a new window will open in your browser as you are redirected to our booking platform WeTravel
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