One Step after Another

One Step after Another

We are all part of the one collective…and we are collectively awakening to a new spiritual age with a thirst for renewal and connectedness with our self and with others.

For me, I yearned to go for a walk, but… not just any walk; a walk that would open my heart and show me my true self; a walk that would show me the joy of sharing life’s journey with others along the way.

I had done my research, booked my flights and train travel, learnt where to pick up my Pilgrim Passport (credencial), and made the commitment to honour myself – it was time… time out from the familiar of my modern life. The Camino de Santiago was calling. What would unfold as I set off on a journey on foot to the fabled city of Santiago de Compostela and its majestic and historical cathedral?

As I set off towards Santiago de Compostela, I was mindful, as A Course in Miracles suggests; that the true temple is not a physical structure. Its true holiness lies at the inner alter around which the structure is built. And, yet the real beauty of the inner temple cannot be seen with the physical eye.

Walking through the inner landscape temple that is the essence of the camino, and through the many historically significant hamlets, towns and cities spread out along the way, opens you to the wonders within and some of the world’s most outstanding and baroque religious buildings. Sights to behold and many, many moments of reflection to be had. Again an inner voice reminds me to be mindful, and not confuse the messenger with the message, as each step brings one closer to finding the mysterious inner alter: and to open the heart. For when one follows their heart, magical moments and memories are made and an inner knowing of connectedness is ignited.

The route known as the Camino de Santiago is neither a road nor a highway.  It’s a walkway trod by travelers of all kinds since the 9th century. ‘The Way’ as the camino is referred is the finest pilgrimage in Spain, and one of two or three in the world that passes through landscapes of exquisite beauty and significant cultural history. Many Christians are attracted to this remote corner of Europe as legend foretold that Santiago de Compostela is the burial place of the apostle St. James.  As such, it ranks along with Rome and Jerusalem as one of Christendom’s great pilgrim destinations.

Yet, ‘the way’ has its origins in pre-Christian times when people of the Celtic/Iberian tribes made their way from the interior to Finisterra, land’s end on the Atlantic coast of Galicia.  As part of the Roman conquest of Europe, they occupied Iberia by 200 B.C.  They built infrastructure, including a road from Bordeaux in modern France to Astorga in northwest Spain, to mine the area’s gold and silver. Today, sections of ‘the way’ journeys over the remains of pavement laid by the Romans two millennia ago.  By the 12th and 13th centuries, half a million pilgrims had made their way to and across northern Spain and back each year.  Local kings and clergy set about building hospitals, hostels, roads and bridges to accommodate them.  The Knights Templar patrolled ‘the way’, providing protection, places of hospitality, healing and worship, as well as a banking system that became one source of their fabled wealth.

I had read that as I traverse ‘the way’, that I would find myself amongst the company of many who have walked before me, historical figures including Charlemagne, Roldan, Francis of Assisi, Dante Alighieri, Rodrigo Diaz (El Cid, Spain’s great epic hero) and other amazing people like you and I.

Roncevellas - Camino de SantiagoA popular starting point during both historic and modern times – Roncevellas, meaning ‘valley of thorns’. A village that has been receiving pilgrims from all walks of life. The sick and well, Catholics, Jews, pagans, heretics and wanderers since the 12th  century.

The first few days are predominately downhill through a peaceful and picturesque landscape, and can be hard on your knees. I’m being given a taste of personal and physical strength along with rural country life as I pass through a number of small villages and towns before arriving in the vibrant university city of Pamplona.

Continuing to Puente la Reina and walking down Calle Mayor, the narrow road that ‘the way’ has followed for centuries and cross the magnificent Romanesque ‘Queens Bridge’, built to support the movement of an increasing number of medieval pilgrims, you forget about your sore feet, sore knees and other parts of an aching body. Instead, with open eyes and an open heart I take in the surroundings and witness the joy and gift of being in the present.

Puente La Reina (Queen's Bridge) - Camino de SantiagoTime passes as I find my natural rhythm and flow and for me, I found that rising and leaving early each morning added to my enjoyment of being in the moment with natures gifts and the frequent pausing, to admire the intrinsic carvings on many historical buildings that provided time for personal reflection to what was unfolding within the inner landscape.

Rising and leaving early provides stunning sunrises and fresh crisp mornings welcome the day, and leave ample time to enjoy exploring the many outstanding and baroque religious buildings that pepper the outer landscape as one passes through the villages, towns and cities. It’s also quieter during the early afternoons whilst the locals are taking their afternoon siesta.

Gratitude abounds as everywhere there are fountains. Some contain refreshing drinking water to hydrate the body; and others wine to fortify it. The famous Irache wine fountain at the Monasterio de Irache near the village of Ayegui, provides pilgrims an opportunity to sample local free wine.

Whilst stopping to take in the expansive and breathtaking views of the Urbasa Mountain Range, soothes the Soul.

the Urbasa Mountain Range - Camino de SantiagoA 21.5 km walk between Estella to Los Arcos takes you through the native evergreen oak and pine trees as you climb your way up to Monjardin to behold the magnificent view around you. A distinctive backdrop with the ruins of St. Stephen’s Castle. Before the landscape is moulded into remote vineyards and then opens to a lengthy stretch of country with little shade and few water fountains. Arriving in Los Arcos I am greeted with a warm welcome and the promise of a restful sleep at Casa de la Abuela. This delightful premises a short stroll from the square has seen many changes since 1888, and the current family have been the owners and caretakers of the building since 1955.

the church of Santa Maria, Los Arcos - Camino de SantiagoSituated in the square, the church of Santa MariaLos Arcos, is a richly decorated monumental building constructed and renovated during the 12th to 17th centuries with varies styles, from Romanesque and Gothic to baroque and neoclassical.

An enjoyable and relaxing afternoon wandering the narrow streets and soaking up the tranquillity. Before sharing an evening in one of the outdoor cafés in the Plaza de Santa Maria. The authentic heart of the town that provides companionship with other pilgrims to share and exchange experiences and to acknowledge the kindness of strangers who offer practical and useful information about ‘Jacobans’ backpack services.

Days pass with eyes and heart open. There is much to see, much to experience, and much to be grateful for. Expansiveness is present as you pass through open and remote plains and crop fields before meeting with the national road on the outskirts of Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

The town and its network of medieval streets so named after Dominic de la Calzada who lived a long life and died aged 90 in 1109. An important man in the area, responsible for much of the infrastructure at the time.  He built bridges, a pilgrim hospital; now the Parador Hotel, cleared many kms of paths and helped rid the nearby forests of lurking bandits.

Santo Domingo de la Calzada is rich with historically important buildings and the historic town square Plaza del Santo.  The first church was established in 1098, with much of the current building from the 12th centuries.  At the entrance of the town’s cathedral stands three statues of saints presiding overhead the square, one is Santo Domingo de la Calzada. Time well spent inside the cathedral admiring its interior, the Retablos and learning an interesting aspect of the town’s history. Before sitting in quiet contemplation by the lone olive tree outside beside the well, reminisce of a time passed, which still serves today.

For a small fee, ascending the interior stairs within the 18th century Baroque tower – Torre excenta, a freestanding Cathedral Tower provides opportunity to take in the spectacular views across the town and beyond.

Santo Domingo de la Calzada - Camino de SantiagoBefore leaving this rich historic town, I am told to find my way to the bakery, Panadería Sto and purchase some of their mouth-watering pastries, and stock up on a wonderful choice of sweet and sour dried fruit treats.

Sunrise Grañón - Camino de SantiagoDeparting Santo Domingo de la Calzada early, a crisp refreshing morning and a beautiful sunrise looking across the sweeping plains opens the day from the tranquil Jacobean village of Grañón. Once home to two monasteries and a pilgrim hospice, now home to a population of less than 300 habitants.

Sign post leaving La Rioja and entering Castilla-y-Leon - Camino de SantiagoFurther along the path on the hill top between Grañón and Redecilla del Camino stands a stately sign showing that you are passing the border into the autonomous region of Castilla y León.  The largest region ‘the way’ travels through.

It is during the coming days, that became two weeks for me spending considerable time in this region. Traveling through and breathing in the wide open plains of the Meseta approaching Sahagún; the half way point. Stopping to rest and rejuvenate my body in the smaller villages, towns and longer stays in the larger cities. Meandering the quiet narrow lanes and busy city streets and finding myself admiring the beauty and grandeur of two truly magnificent and beautiful Cathedrals in Burgos and León and many other memorable buildings constructed during the 9th – 13th centuries, along with monuments and ruins that grace the outer landscape, that continue to provide offerings of reflection that is awakening the inner landscape.

…the journey continues

This blog is one of a five part series of posts sharing the heart opening joy of walking the Camino de Santiago. Continue reading and learn more about this centuries old hike across Northern Spain here.

Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope you enjoy all that this centuries old pilgrimage has brought to myself and many, many others throughout time.

Leave a comment and let me know, and visit A Soul Awakening to subscribe and receive new blog posts as they become available.

This post is also one of many that I have written sharing the personal journeys that have enriched my life and broadened my knowledge and understanding of the richness and diversity of a shared world. Experiencing the gifts of a new outer landscape in a new country that evokes ones senses in many and varied ways, and provides offerings of reflection that is awakening the inner landscape.

Embracing the lessons and learning’s that a new outer landscape gives is one of life’s inspirational mysteries. Yet our personal horoscope offers valuable insights that guide each of us with acknowledging the lessons and integrating the learning’s through the practice of Astrocartography, Where Location Matters.

Below you’ll find a personal account of how and why Astrocartography is a valuable guide to support the awakening of our inner landscape. See how together with your personal horoscope and Astrocartography you can incorporate the outer and inner landscapes.

Liked the post? Pin it

Signature Marilyn

 

 

 

Camino de Santiago - One Step After the Other Pinterest 2

Astrocartography Where Location MattersAstrocartography Personalised e-Booklet _ Where Location Matters

 

Share the love

21 Comments

  • Gabby 1 April 2019 10:42 am

    Goodness what a mindful choice of a destination! The Camino de Santiago reminds me of a strong neural pathway, enriched by so many souls before you, creating a river of spirituality you wouldn’t be abe to help but absorb as you follow their footsteps. Truly an inspirational travel story!

    • ASoulAwakening 28 April 2019 2:48 pm

      Gabby, thank you for you kind words.A constant awareness is with you every step of ‘the Way’, knowing many, many have travelled the path long before you. 🙂

  • Sharon 29 January 2020 3:12 pm

    The views from the cathedral tower are lovely — worth the climb!

    • ASoulAwakening 29 January 2020 10:04 pm

      Yes, definitely with the climb. As was walking the Camino de Santiago 🙂

  • Jay Artale 27 May 2020 11:08 pm

    I’ve seen sunsets so many times, but more often than not I miss the sunrises. What a great way to start your day’s walking adventure by rising early and enjoying the sunrise. Well done for walking the Way….

    • ASoulAwakening 28 May 2020 9:38 pm

      Thank you. It was a journey that changed the course of my life. 🙂

  • sue 19 December 2021 8:06 pm

    The Camino de Santiago is on my list & you have just cemented the reasons why. It sounds like a really spiritual journey & I hope to walk in your footsteps one day. Thanks for sharing.

    • Marilyn 23 December 2021 5:15 pm

      Walking the Camino de Santiago is certainly a spiritually enriching and heart opening journey; I’m sure you would love it.

  • Sanika 16 February 2023 1:20 am

    The views look incredible! What an inspirational story.

    • Marilyn 17 February 2023 11:15 am

      Thank you Sanika, it really is an enriching and inspirational journey.

  • Nikki 16 February 2023 4:39 am

    What an amazing journey on the Camino de Santiago. I enjoyed reading about your adventure 🙂

    • Marilyn 17 February 2023 11:17 am

      Thank you Nikki, it’s an enriching experience.

  • Linda (LD Holland) 16 February 2023 12:47 pm

    Walking the Camino de Santiago is an amazing feat. I can just imagine the amazing views you got up early and on your way. The solitude would have given me lots of time to contemplate. Especially when filled with local pastries.

    • Marilyn 17 February 2023 9:10 am

      Thank you Linda, it was truly a wonderful and enriching journey. Not so many local pastries.

  • Sierra 16 February 2023 5:33 pm

    Wow what an amazing post…I really hope I can walk the Camino de Santiago one day, it seems like such a great experience. Thanks for sharing your story!

    • Marilyn 17 February 2023 9:12 am

      Thank you Sierra. It’s a truly enriching journey on many levels. I hope the time comes when you can experience taking a 1000 km walk.

  • Agnes 16 February 2023 6:48 pm

    It is a great and very inspiring article. Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain is a real challenge; this trail has an extraordinary history, and it allows the traveler to get to know himself better. It exposes weaknesses and strengths. Beautiful story. I would love to walk part of this trail someday.

    • Marilyn 17 February 2023 9:15 am

      Thank you Agnes. Your comment rings true in the many ways walking a 1000 km journey has on oneself, and experiencing the extraordinary history along “the way”.

  • Isabella 16 February 2023 10:15 pm

    How I admire your strength, tenacity and faith! I’ve ridden my motorcycle along parts of the Camino and all the way to Santiago and I remember thinking, “these people walk separately, but create a bond so special, no one can comprehend. “ I hope that one day, I’ll be able to take the walk as well. Very well done!

    • Marilyn 17 February 2023 12:22 pm

      Thank you Isabella. How wonderful to have ridded a motorbike along part of the way. Yes, you words resonate, I met many people along the way; solo travellers and couples. There is something special when you met with others that dispelled the separation. I hope the time presents when you can go for a 1000km walk, and experience the richness that comes from travelling along “the way”.

  • Leah 20 February 2023 2:31 am

    Oh wow, that sunset looks beautiful! What an experience, thank you for sharing your story, really is inspiring.

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: This content is protected !!