The Seven Human Archetypes: Wisdom, Breathwork and Yoga

The Seven Human Archetypes is a five-day wellness retreat at Mandali Retreat Center in Piedmont, Italy, that combines archetype teachings, breathwork and yoga. It is for anyone curious about their own nature and the nature of the people close to them, and no experience is needed. The retreat is led by Sevanti Martìnez, Yoran Hensel and Silvia Eriksson, and is held in English.

The teaching draws on an old stream of wisdom about human nature, traced through Hermetic thought, the Desert Fathers, the symbolism of the seven deadly sins, Sufi traditions, Dante Alighieri and the work associated with George Gurdjieff. The seven types are the Solitaire, the Sensitive, the Sharp, the Energetic, the Structured, the Expansive and the Charismatic. The retreat treats them as a living, experiential exploration rather than as fixed labels.

What to Expect

The central idea is that each person has a learned personality and an innate archetype, and that much of our energy is lost when we try to become someone we are not. Over the five days, you look at your own strengths, tendencies and struggles from a different angle, and begin to recognize the types in a partner, parent, child, friend or the person who drives you crazy. The aim is more compassion and healthier ways of relating, not a new label.

Each day follows a steady rhythm:

- 07:15 to 08:30: Morning yoga with Silvia, shaped around that day's type
- 08:30 to 09:30: Breakfast
- 10:00 to 11:15: Breathwork with Yoran, woven with music
- 13:00 to 14:00: Lunch
- 15:00 to 17:00: The Seven Types workshop with Sevanti
- 17:00 to 17:30: Tea break
- 17:30 to 19:00: Open session of dance, self-inquiry and movement
- 19:00 to 20:00: Dinner

Evenings are open for the sauna and reflection, with a fire ceremony one night, a sound journey another, and perhaps a surprise. Arrival day begins with a welcoming meeting at 16:30, yin yoga for settling in, dinner and an evening meditation. Departure day has morning yoga, breakfast, a closing meeting and reflection, and lunch, with departure at 14:00.

The workshops present one or two archetypes at a time and leave room for the group to find which feels most like home. Expect them to be playful and interactive, with plenty of laughter, and with moments of recognition, emotional release and self-acceptance.

Your Teachers

Sevanti Martìnez received the Seven Human Archetypes teaching in Mexico and has been creating a contemporary translation of it, sharing the wisdom in a way that is light, playful, experiential and profound.

Yoran Hensel leads breathwork journeys with music, offering a chance to release what has been held tight: old sadness, old performance, and the parts of yourself set aside to meet other people's expectations.

Silvia Eriksson opens each morning with yoga inspired by that day's type, a way to feel your shape from the inside and to inhabit yourself with pleasure instead of effort.

The Setting

Mandali Retreat Center is in Piedmont, in northern Italy. The centre has peaceful practice rooms, welcoming and cosy rooms, yoga and meditation props, scenic hiking trails, contemplative outdoor nooks and permaculture gardens. Its Body Care Centre has a sauna, steam room, pool and jacuzzi. Meals are vegetarian, three a day, with tea and fruit available throughout the day. The nearest international airport is Malpensa.

Before You Go

No prior experience with yoga, breathwork or any typing system is needed, only curiosity about yourself. The retreat is held in English.

Included are five nights of accommodation, three vegetarian meals a day plus tea time and snacks, the daily sessions on the Seven Types, daily morning yoga, breathwork journeys, welcoming and closing meetings, and use of the Body Care Centre facilities.

Not included are flights to and from Malpensa International Airport, transfers to and from the retreat centre, and massage and therapies at the Body Care Centre.