Butterfly Journeys and Retreats
Pathways of Growth and Transformation

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Pilgrimage of The way of St James, Spain
with Manny and Cristina Muros

May 26 – June 8, 2011 (14 days)

See youtube video

“El Camino de Santiago”

Sometimes we need to leave our homes to know ourselves. We need to step out of the routine of our lives and challenge our norms and beliefs to arrive at a new place of knowing and understanding…

The legendary El Camino de Santiago (The way of St. James), with its magical energy, deep history, fairy tale landscapes and medieval architecture is the perfect place to in which to explore the essence of our being.

History

The Way of St James has existed for over a thousand years. It was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during medieval times.

Pilgrims since the 8th Century have been following the perfect alignment of the stars, the Milky Way, as they journey from Europe into Santiago, Spain. There are also claims that the pre-Christian origin of the Way of St. James was a Celtic death journey, westwards towards the setting sun, terminating at the End of the World (Finisterra) on the "Coast of Death" (Costa da Morte)

Through out history, from Kings and Queens, to John Adams, to contemporary writers like Paulo Coelho and Shirley MacLaine have written about their experiences on El Camino.

During the Middle Ages, the route was highly traveled. However, the Black Plague, the Protestant Reformation and political unrest in 16th-century Europe led to its decline.

By the 1980s, only a few pilgrims arrived in Santiago annually. Since then however the route has attracted a growing number of modern-day pilgrims from around the globe. The route was declared the first European Cultural Route by the Council of Europe in October 1987; it was also named one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

The Camino de Santiago is for everyone, young, old, fit, unfit, religious or otherwise.

The External Journey

We will make our pilgrimage on foot, walking between 11 and 22 miles each day as we travel through magnificent landscapes.

We will enjoy ancient Romanic Castles and bridges, beautiful Muslim architecture, towns dating back to the 10th Century, as well as majestic Cathedrals and Museums.

We will be pilgrims… backpacking and sleeping in the “albergues”, hostels for the pilgrims. We’ll acquire a “pilgrim’s passport” that opens the door to the albergues and eating establishments that for generations have been supporting those on El Camino.

At the end of the journey we’ll have the option of requesting the “compostela” a certificate of accomplishment given to pilgrims on completing the Way.

The Internal Journey

The long days and achy bodies, the meditative walks and celebratory meals, the solidarity of community, and the magical energy of this land, aligned perfectly with the stars, all come together to support the inner journey of our soul.

During this journey we will keep a journal, maintain daily yoga, meditation and pranayama practices as well as explore the yogic philosophies that serve as tools for awakening to our own divine nature.

Guides

Manny & Cristina Muros, a husband and wife team, dedicated to the exploration and teachings of spiritual path that lead to self-realization.

Cristina – A native of Spain and avid mountaineer, alternative medicine and massage therapist … A nature lover. Creator of the “Life Purpose Program”

Manny – Director Yoga Center of Newburyport, Anusara Inspired Yoga Instructor, Creator of several programs of Spiritual practice (Moving into Balance, Love & Intimacy as Spiritual Practice).

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A typical albergues