In this five day, four night contemplative retreat, we will be exploring the Archetypes of the Circle, the Spiral and the Labyrinth with paint, paper and pattern. We will be using these archetypes in a visual journal to find our rhythm as we slow down and engage with these patterns.
We will walk both the eleven circuit medieval labyrinth and the five circuit classical labyrinth at the retreat center, and use our creative practices as pathways for integrating our labyrinth walks.
In addition, we will create a set of Spirit Stones using images and words. You could also call these stones Alchemy Stones, Symbol Stones, Vision Stones, Story Stones … They make a beautiful gift for friends and are a meaningful way to bring metaphor and symbols into a labyrinth walk.
“In every culture the circle symbolizes wholeness and the experience of unity.”
Included in the cost of the retreat are all the materials you need to create in your visual journal (collage materials, paints) as well as all the materials to make your Spirit Stones. You will receive a kit containing the following and more:
A 8.1 1 x 8.5 inch mixed media journal
Book of labyrinth patterns
A pack of different sized circle templates and circle stickers
Black and white pens to create patterns
Stencil to lay out a mandala pattern
A set of 20 clear stones to make your Spirit Stones
A page of images sized for the Spirit Stones
Glue stick
Lots of surprises!
The pace of this retreat will be spacious with time to engage in stillness and meditation and embrace the natural surroundings as you walk one of the outdoor labyrinths at the center, or wander along the trails through the woods. You can download a copy of our schedule here.
The retreat center has a beautiful bookstore and we will also have a “pop-up shop” on our last night together so if you make things, bring them along with you to have on display. We all inspire each other!
VENUE
This retreat will be held at the beautiful St Francis Springs Prayer Center. 477 Grogan Road, Stoneville, NC, which is about 30 miles north of Greensboro, NC. The closest airport is Piedmont Triad International Airport (GSO). The Center is situate on 140 acres of peaceful wooded land and has a labyrinth based on the Chartres pattern as well as a five-circuit classical labyrinth in the woods.
You can arrive at the Retreat Center any time after 3pm on Sunday to check-in to your room, and we will officially start after dinner which is served at 6pm. We will end after lunch on the last day. Lunch is served at 12.30pm.
COST
The cost of this five day, four night retreat which includes accommodation in a single room with private bathroom, all meals, snacks and an abundance of art supplies including your own personal art supply kit is $1,395.00 per person. If you would prefer to share a room with a friend, the cost is $1,125.00 per person. Please let Catherine know the name of your roommate.
Payment is as follows:
A non-refundable admin fee/deposit of $145 is required to register for the retreat. REGISTER HERE
A second payment of $550 by January 23rd, 2025 as the Retreat Center requires confirmation and payment for accommodation two months ahead of the retreat start date.
The balance of $700 for a single room or $430 for a shared room is due on or before February 28th, 2025.
There is a discount of $50 available if you pay your second payment and balance by check or by Zelle. You are welcome to make part-payments towards the retreat anytime you wish.
There is also a returning participant discount of $50 for participants who attended a retreat with Catherine in 2024.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Should it be necessary for you to cancel your participation in this retreat you will be refunded the retreat costs less the non-refundable deposit and any accommodation fees already due and paid to the retreat center, provided your cancellation is made more than four weeks prior to the start of the retreat. You are also welcome to find someone to take your place in the retreat. If you do not wish to self-insure, it is highly recommended that you take out a travel insurance policy to cover your cancellation due to unexpected events such as flight cancellations and illness.
Should Catherine need to cancel this retreat for any reason, you will be refunded amounts paid to Catherine for this retreat. Catherine will send registrants a full refund of all monies paid within seven days of notification of cancellation, and accepts no additional liability for travel costs or any other additional costs incurred.