Marsilio Ficino

Contemplation is a beautiful word, not only in its sound but also in its construction.

At its root lies the Latin word ‘templum’ – literally a temple. The prefix ‘con’- suggests bringing a temple together and the meaning of the verb ‘contemplari’ is ‘to mark out a quarter or enclosure for a temple’. This had to be done with precision and care so it comes to mean ‘to look at attentively, survey, regard, contemplate’.

For us, it suggests prolonged thought on something, revealing more than appears at surface level, so it will be particularly interesting to hear what Marsilio Ficino, the Renaissance philosopher, has to say about it.

We study in the mornings, leaving the afternoons to enjoy the the house and beautiful grounds of Waterperry, before evenings of presentations and entertainment.

Retreat Leader, Nicholas de Mattos, has taught Latin and Greek for 41 years and has found reading, translating and presenting Ficino to be a continual inspiration in his own wider esoteric search.

‘Thanks to all for making an unforgettable retreat possible’ said a guest last year.

‘Shame to leave – could have done more of the same – excellent topic’ said another.