Astrology, Art & Yoga Retreat ~ A Star Is Born! ~ Manitou Springs, Co

Micael Shankara & Katrina Gustafson~ Karma Yoga Center~ The Shaman & The Mermaid~ Astrology
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Astrology, Art & Yoga Retreat ~  A Star Is Born!

Manitou Springs, Co 

Dates: March 7-9, 2025 
Location: Sun Mountain & Rockledge Retreat Center in Manitou Springs, CO
Guides: Katrina Gustafson & Michael Shan kara 
Includes:3-Days & 2-Nights Lodging, Historic Lodge and Retreat Center Stay, Chef Prepared Breakfasts (2), Lunch (2) & Dinner (1), Daily Yoga & Movement Practices, Stunning Views of Tava Mountain, Soaking & Hot Tub, Nature Meditations, Astrology 101 Sessions to Understand Your Chart, Garden of the Gods Walk and Meditation. Free Time to Explore Historic Manitou Springs, Guided Shamanic Journey, Nature Ceremony, Art Sessions and Exploration of Your Astrology Chart, & Option to Visit SunWater Spa

Cost: $711 Roommate ~ $999 Single ~ $1,314 Couple/Friends ~ $2,160 Quad (4 People)

Astrology, Art & Yoga Retreat

A Star is Born! 

Enjoy a 3-Day & 2-Night weekend stay near the sacred springs of Tava Mountain (aka Pike’s Peak). Manitou Springs is a quaint mountain town nestled at the base of one of Colorado’s most revered 14’rs. Long recognized by many indigenous people as one of the more powerful points on our earth, Tava or Star Mountain, offers a deep wisdom to those who are seeking a greater understanding of the cosmic flow of existence. The ancestral people, predominantly the Ute Nation, have long known the magical properties of the spring waters that flow from beneath this imperial mountain and have guarded these sacred waters with earnest vigil. The town of Manitou has worked to preserve the medicine  and spirit of these healing waters, and though complete with modern amenities, one can still tune in to the palpable Spirit that dwells amongst the trees, rocks and waters of this pristine canyon.

During our time we will tap into the profound healing energy of this holy land and look to the stars-literally and figuratively- to discover aspects of ourselves that may have been buried in our unconscious, subconscious, or perhaps hidden in plain sight to our conscious self.

This is a workshop designed to not only teach you how to read and interpret your own astrological chart, but to also provide an intimate look into the purpose and complexity of your soul’s incarnation in this lifetime.

As a way to explore these themes we will use sacred geometry drawing methods, creative writing and storytelling, mixed media art practices, ecstatic dance, and a shamanic journey to explore past lives.

In addition, Michael will bring his high powered telescope, and weather permitting, we will look to the stars and planets to literally see their magic and feel their potency up close and personal. What better place than Star Mountain to look at the stars?

One of the more incredible features of this hallowed land is the nearby Garden of the Gods. We will have a morning walk meditation to invoke our creative energies and to do a ceremony to honor the ancestors. This is a easy hike for all levels and only a short five minute drive from the resort. We will also stop at one of the 11 natural springs to fill our drinking vessels with the healing waters that pour freely from the source! Be sure to bring extra bottles- the water is so delicious!

The resort itself is a historic mansion that sits on the cliff side looking at Tava Mountain. It is nestled on an organic regenerative farm where much of the food for our meals comes from. Complete with chickens, goats, ducks, rabbits and a pot belly big, you can take a tour of the farm from one of the resident farmers, and learn about the variety of plants and growing techniques used on the farm.

During your freetime you can soak in the large hot tub on the property that they supply with spring water from their neighboring sister company SunMountain Spa. Or perhaps book a soak or spa treatment at the spa itself. It’s an experience all in itself.

There is a limited capacity of rooms-with a variety of layouts. Each room has its own bathroom. We expect this to feel up quickly due to the limited space so don’t hesitate to grab your spot. We can only bring at the most 16 people. There is one option for 4 people to share a large double suite- the rest of the rooms are for singletons, pairs, or a roommate option. See pricing options below.

We have hired a highly rated local Chef Brian to prepare 5 of our 6 meals. Included in the weekend package are two breakfasts, two lunches, and a welcome  dinner on Friday night. Saturday night is yours to explore the cozy, eclectic town of Manitou Springs and dine out in one of their many delicious restaurants. All meals are healthy, fresh and seasonal vegan/vegetarian options.

Coffee, tea and fresh water are provided throughout the day.

Participants will walk away with a deepened understanding of who they are and what they are here to do in this life time- as well as a competent ability to read and understand their astrology chart.

In hand will be an artistic depiction of their astrology chart and a written journal of their findings. In addition to all that- they will have had a profound experience while meeting new people and creating memories to return to again and again with a heartfelt smile on their face.

Join us for this uniquely curated soul searching experience in the holy lands of Manitou Springs.

About Sun Mountain & Rockledge Retreat Center 

You’ll stay in stay in beautiful Rockledge Retreat Center situated on six acres of terraced bio-dynamic gardens, complete with walking & meditation trails and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The private retreat center has stunning views of Tava Mountain, cozy gathering spaces, fireplaces, artisan crafted rooms, dinning space, art installations, and a large soaking hot tub on the terraced gardens. Here you’ll enjoy 5 wholesome and nutritious meals prepared by the in-house chef. Each meal is organic, vegetarian, gluten-free and Farm-to-Table.

Rockledge is part of an expansive retreat and agricultural center named Smokebrush Farm that include 3 Historic Lodges and is partnered with SunWater Spa just down the road. These properties are a hub for wellness retreats, concerts, farm-to-table dinners, educational workshops, lodging, and art initiatives. The surrounding acres of terraced mountain fields, greenhouses, and fruit orchards provide a picturesque backdrop for intimate gatherings and guided agricultural tours, while proving the community with organic produce, and sustainable farming education.

Schedule

Friday, March 7

  • 3-4 pm                      Check-In Begins
  • 5-6pm                       Gentle Yoga Practice
  • 6:30-7:30pm           Welcome Dinner (Organic, Vegetarian & Gluten Free)
  • 7:30-8:30pm           Community Circle-up and Opening Talk
  • 8:30pm                    Free Time to Hot-Tub Soak, Stargazing w/ Telescope or Explore Manitou

Saturday, March 8

  • 6am                          Sunrise Coffee & Tea Ready
  • 6:30-8am                Morning Meditation-Gentle Hike & Meditation, Ancestral Ceremony @ Garden of the Gods
  • 8:15-9:30am           Breakfast & Personal Time (Organic, Vegetarian & Gluten Free)
  • 9:30-11am               Unpacking The Houses, Planets, & Signs, and Drawing Our Astrology Wheel
  • 11am-12pm              Yoga For All Levels
  • 12-1pm                     Lunch (Organic, Vegetarian & Gluten Free)
  • 1-4pm                       Learning The Aspects & How They Reveal Our Karmas, Dharma, And Samskaras. Journaling
  • 4-5pm                      Free Time
  • 5-6pm                      Shamanic Journey To Past Life
  • 6pm                          Dinner On Your Own & Free-time For Exploring Or Hot Tub
  • 8pm                         Optional Star Talk With Michael And Telescope Viewing

Sunday, March 8

  • 6:30-7am                Morning Sadhana (Breathwork, Mantra & Meditation) @ The Resort
  • 7-8:30am               Breakfast  & Personal Time (Organic, Vegetarian & Gluten Free)
  • 8:30-9:30am         Yoga For All Levels
  • 9:30am-12pm        Sharing/Shamanic Journey-Relating Past Life To Current Karma/Samskaras. Identifying Soul’s Purpose.
  • 12-1pm                    Lunch (Organic, Vegetarian & Gluten Free)
  • 1-3pm                      Collage/Paint/Decorate Our Wheels.
  • 3-4pm                     Cosmic Soul Dance Party And Closing Ceremony
  • 4-4:30pm               Check Out/Departure

Retreat Includes

  • 3-Days & 2-Nights Lodging
  • Historic Lodge and Retreat Center Stay
  • Farm-to-Table Chef Breakfasts (2), Lunch (2) & Dinner (1)
  • Daily Yoga & Movement Practices
  • Stunning Views of Tava Mountain
  • Soaking & Hot Tub
  • Nature Meditations
  • Astrology 101 Sessions to Understand Your Chart
  • Garden of the Gods Walk and Meditation
  • Free Time to Explore Historic Manitou Springs
  • Guided Journey
  • Nature Ceremony
  • Art Sessions and Exploration of Your Astrology Chart
  • Option to Visit SunWater Spa

Single Bedroom Suites (Singles)

Each Single Bedroom Suite has 1-King Bed and a private ensuite bathroom at the Historic Rockledge Estates. Featuring beautifully designed rooms, elegant common areas, fully-appointed kitchens, with amenities and vintage details around every corner. Each guest can easily step out into nature and access the six acres of terraced gardens, complete with walking & meditation trails and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, with an onsite Hot Tub and mineral soaking pools just a short walk down the road. Also just a short walk or drive to the charming and autistic mountain town of Manitou Springs with 11 Nature Mineral Springs.

Pricing

  • 1 Person ~  $999 (Single)

Double Bedroom Suites (Couples or Friends) 

Each Double Bedroom Suite has 1-King Bed or 2-Twin Beds and a private ensuite bathroom at the Historic Rockledge Estates. Featuring beautifully designed rooms, elegant common areas, fully-appointed kitchens, with amenities and vintage details around every corner. Each guest can easily step out into nature and access the six acres of terraced gardens, complete with walking & meditation trails and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, with an onsite Hot Tub and mineral soaking pools just a short walk down the road. Also just a short walk or drive to the charming and autistic mountain town of Manitou Springs with 11 Nature Mineral Springs.

Pricing

2 People ~  $1,314  ($657/person)

This pricing option is if you already have a Friend or Partner.

Please e-mail “Love@KarmaYogaCenter.com” after you book and let us know who your roommate is and if you need 1-King Bed or 2 Singles.

Double Bedroom Suites (Need a Roommate) 

Each Double Bedroom Suite has 1-King Bed or 2-Twin Beds and a private ensuite bathroom at the Historic Rockledge Estates. This option is for people looking for roommates. Featuring beautifully designed rooms, elegant common areas, fully-appointed kitchens, with amenities and vintage details around every corner. Each guest can easily step out into nature and access the six acres of terraced gardens, complete with walking & meditation trails and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, with an onsite Hot Tub and mineral soaking pools just a short walk down the road. Also just a short walk or drive to the charming and autistic mountain town of Manitou Springs with 11 Nature Mineral Springs.

Pricing

1 Person ~  $711/person

This pricing option is if you need a roommate. We will pair you up with up another attendee.

Quad Bedroom Suites (4 People) 

Each Quad Bedroom Suite has 2 rooms with 4-Twin Beds and a private ensuite bathroom at the Historic Rockledge Estates. This option is for 4-people who are already a group. Featuring beautifully designed rooms, elegant common areas, fully-appointed kitchens, with amenities and vintage details around every corner. Each guest can easily step out into nature and access the six acres of terraced gardens, complete with walking & meditation trails and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, with an onsite Hot Tub and mineral soaking pools just a short walk down the road. Also just a short walk or drive to the charming and autistic mountain town of Manitou Springs with 11 Nature Mineral Springs.

Pricing

4 Persons ~  $2,160 ($540/person)

This option is for 4-people who are already a group. You will book the Quad as one registration.

Please then e-mail “Love@KarmaYogaCenter.com” after you book and let us know who your 3 other roommates are by name, phone number and  email.

About Manitou Springs, Co 

Manitou Springs, an enchanting mountain village nestled at the base of sacred Tava Mountain (Pikes Peak), has drawn spiritual seekers and healers for centuries. The town’s mystical foundation stems from its 11 mineral springs, whose waters bubble up from the sacred base of the mountain, each spring possessing unique healing properties. These sacred waters can be experienced through contemplative walking tours or through deep therapeutic soaking at the transformative SunWater Spa.

The town’s artistic soul manifests in its vibrant galleries showcasing local artisans, craft stores, metaphysical shops, and charming restaurants and cafes lining the town’s nourishing creek. This harmonious blend of natural healing, artistic expression, and spiritual heritage creates an ideal setting for deep inner work and creative exploration.

Just steps from the retreats at Sun Mountain Center and SunWater Spa, the historic downtown invites mindful wandering and discovery. The nearby Pikes Peak Highway leads to the summit of Tava Mountain – a powerful energy vortex where the revered Native American holy man Black Elk received his transformative visions. From this 14,115-foot peak, expansive 360-degree views of the majestic Rocky Mountains inspire awe and connection to the greater cosmic order.

About Garden of the Gods 

Garden of the Gods stands as one of North America’s most potent spiritual sanctuaries, where towering red and white sandstone formations pierce the sky beneath the watchful presence of Tava (Pikes Peak). These ancient rock temples rise dramatically from the earth creating natural cathedral spaces that have drawn spiritual seekers for millennia.

For the Ute, Lakota, and other indigenous peoples, this sacred landscape served as a gathering place for ceremony and communion with the spirit world. The formidable rock formations act as natural amplifiers of Earth’s energy, creating powerful vortexes that facilitate deep meditation and spiritual connection. It was in this energetically charged setting, near Tava Mountain, where the revered Lakota holy man Black Elk received his prophetic visions about humanity’s spiritual evolution.

During our retreat, we’ll engage intimately with this powerful landscape through a guided nature walk, allowing the ancient wisdom held within these stone sentinels to inform our spiritual practice. Through meditation and ceremonial work within these natural temples and tune into the cosmic energies of this world chakra point.

About Katrina & Michael

Katrina and Michael have been journey together on the spiritual path since 2013 and are the co-owner of Karma Yoga Center in Denver, Colorado.

The are also known as the Shaman & The Mermaid and offer 200Hr Teacher Trainings, 300Hr Teacher Training & Mexico Immersion, Local and International Retreats and Immersions, Weekly Sound Healings, Astrology Readings & Workshops, Spiritual Counseling, Studio Yoga Classes, Online Yoga Classes, Spiritual Gatherings & Events, and a warm loving community to all who enter.

Micael Shankara & Katrina Gustafson~ Karma Yoga Center~ The Shaman & The Mermaid~ Astrology
Katrina Marie Gustafson ~ Taos New Mexico Retreat ~ Karma Yoga Center
About Katrina
The mermaid of the mountains, Katrina Gustafson seeks the heights of the peaks and the depths of the oceans in her practice. Through the wisdom of the heart, her purpose is to help guide others to open their own. She has studied in the temples of India, the pyramids of Mexico, and in the crucible of modern life. She finds the sacred in the rhythm of the seasons, the stars, and every second of life.

As the owner and founder of Karma Yoga Center in Denver, she brings the bhakti from all wisdom traditions to her yoga classes- singing, chanting, dancing, and journeys into the heart. Katrina fills every yoga session with love. She weaves in the teachings of her yoga mentor Saul David Raye and the cosmic knowings from the lineage of Evolutionary Astrology.

She shares her life journey with her half-side husband Michael Shankara and her two boys Max & Bo .

MIchael Shankara ~ Karma Yoga Center

About Michael

Michael is a yoga teacher, Mayan shaman/priest, astrologer, Qi Gong practitioner, and sacred geometer. He apprenticed with Dr. Don Miguel Angel Vergara, a revered Mayan Elder, Wisdom Keeper, Mayan Priest, and former cultural director of the sacred Chichen Itza Pyramids. This lineage deeply enriches Michael’s work to understand and share universal and perennial spiritual teachings from many ancient wisdom traditions.

Integrating his shamanic and yogic training, Michael offers transformative experiences through music, sound healing, crystal healing, energy healing, and astrology readings. With over a decade of study in Western, Mayan, Greek, Vedic, Native, and Chinese astrology, he brings deep wisdom to his teachings. Michael also shares the principles of sacred geometry through engaging drawing classes, seminars and workshops. He blends Taoist and Vedic yoga to help students balance Mind, Body and Spirit.

Together with his beloved partner Katrina, they co-own Karma Yoga Center in Denver. As “The Shaman & The Mermaid”, they create a loving community, offering teacher trainings, retreats, spiritual immersions, classes, workshops, events, and insightful teachings, including free Full Moon astrological forecast videos. Their mission is to create community, share the spiritual teachings, and inspire others to embark on their own transformative journeys of self-discovery, empowerment, healing, self-realization and spiritual growth.