Of all the grand colonial cities in Mexico, Oaxaca is certainly the shining jewel. On this amazing week long journey, we’ll celebrate one of the most beloved Mexican holidays – The Day of the Dead – in Mexico’s most beautiful culinary and artisan center. Here we will practice the old shamanistic technique of Dreaming, using the energies here to stir the flow of creative juices within us!

Downloadable trip summary!

Artists of the Spirit

It’s commonly thought that the greatest fear humans experience is that of death. The way that Mexico embraces both life and death reminds us of the truth: the biggest fear humans possess is the fear of living life boldly and audaciously, free of judgment and pain. During our week together we’ll learn how to enjoy life as it is – to cultivate our joy and vitality and explore our manifestation as true “Artists of the Spirit.”

Indeed, becoming a supreme artist of the spirit involves creating from the heart, not from a mind filled with fear-based beliefs about what we can and cannot do. Here we learn how to connect with the feeling of joy deep in our souls and to use that feeling to guide us in our lives. By the end of this spiritual journey with Sheri Rosenthal you’ll have the tools to re-create your reality and to face your greatest fear – expressing your life with integrity, honesty, fearlessness and joy.

El Día de los Muertos

We are truly blessed to have lodging in Oaxaca for the very special holiday of The Day of the Dead (El Día de los Muertos or All Souls’ Day). The city buzzes with energy as family and friends together to pray for and remember those beloved friends and family members who have passed away. For the Mexicans this is a time of great celebration and joy. On Day of the Dead, families build private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, along with a festive visit to their graves!

Build your Altar

Fun and sacred ceremony are the order of the day on this journey! This week we’ll have the opportunity to join a local family, celebrate in the Xoxocotlan graveyard and create your own altar to those you love (or even an old version of yourself, a relationship that has ended, or to someone you would like to forgive). For many people the process of building their altar is a profound, deeply moving experience. And – we’ll also visit the sacred ruins of Monte Alban and much, much more! Many of the power places of the Zapotec and Mixtec peoples were built over by the Spanish who were attempting to eliminate old traditions, but you can still feel the energy of old in these beautiful churches and sacred sites!

Want to join us?

If you’re interested in knowing more about the trip pricing, itinerary, inclusions and more – please use the navigation under “TELL ME MORE!” on the left side of the page. Questions? Give us a ring at 727-421-0849 – we can’t wait to hear from you!

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”
~ Henry Miller

Este ha sido un año de muchos retos para muchos de nosotros en muchos aspectos. Cuando las circunstancias son difíciles, la tendencia es cuestionar La Vida y preguntar, “¿por qué yo? ¿por qué a mí?” Pero esta pregunta solamente viene cuando no tenemos la conciencia de quien en realidad somos y como co-creamos nuestras vidas. La pregunta no es, “¿qué nos ha hecho la vida?” si no “cómo hemos co-creado con esto que llamamos La Vida?” Terminemos el año con una jornada del corazón y hagámonos ver con nuevos ojos, a entregarnos a la vida con fe y certeza, a dejar ir todo lo que nos limite a vivir una vida plena, a amar inmensamente y a perdonar—a nosotros mismos y a los demás.

Reclamando Nuestro Poder y Nuestra Fe

Acompaña Millie Muñoz por seis días celebrando a la Virgen de Guadalupe (cuyo día es el 12 de diciembre) en el sagrado sitio de Teotihuacán, México. Ella es la Patrona de todos los Mexicanos y de todo América, y la protectora de todos los niños que sufren. Ella es proclamada por muchos milagros, por confortar muchas almas, proteger a los pobres y nos guarda a todos bajo su gracia. Honremos a la eterna madre y como nos inspira y nos anima a co-crear un Nuevo Sueño de Amor Incondicional y Aceptación. Dejemos que este sea nuestro tiempo de sanación para que podamos vivir nuestras vidas con nuestros corazones abiertos—usando nuestro poder interno para crear un año 2011 magnífico y pleno.

Reclaiming Our Power and Faith

This has been a year of challenges for all people on so many levels and in so many directions. When circumstances are difficult, so many of us question Life and ask: WHY ME? But this question can only be asked when we do not have the awareness of who we truly are and how we co-create our Lives. It’s not about “What has Life done to me?” but “How have I danced with this thing called Life?” Let’s end the year with a journey of the heart and challenge ourselves to see with new eyes, to surrender, let go, love boldly and forgive – ourselves and others.

Honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe

Join Millie Muñoz for 6 days honoring the day of Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12) at the sacred site of Teotihuacan, Mexico. She is the mother of all Mexicans, and the protector of suffering children. She performs miracles, comforts souls, watches over the poor, and holds each of us in her protective grace. We honor the eternal mother as she inspires and encourages us to co-create a new Dream of Unconditional Love and Acceptance. Let this be our time of healing so that we can live our lives with our hearts wide open – empowered to create a fulfilling and amazing 2011!

Want to join us?

If you’re interested in knowing more about the trip pricing, itinerary, inclusions and more – please use the navigation under “TELL ME MORE!” on the left side of the page. Questions? Give us a ring at 727-421-0849 – we can’t wait to hear from you!

O Mary, whose Immaculate Heart was pierced by seven swords of grief, help me to walk valiantly amid the sharp thorns strewn across my pathway. Obtain for me the strength to be a true imitator of you.
This I ask you, my dear Mother.

Photo of the Procession of the Virgin of Guadalupe by Pablo Aburto
Photo of the Cape of Virgin of Guadalupe by Joaquín Martínez
Photo of the Virgin of Guadalupe by Lety
Photo of the Basilica in Mexico City by Omar Bárcena

Relax, affirm, and awaken with Rev. Dr. Charlene M. Proctor! Join her for daily deeksha/oneness blessings, meditations, and oneness teachings in the some of the most sacred sites in Mexico. Many of us are looking for ways to get to know the Divine and feel the joy of being alive and connected with every being. For spiritual seekers, opening the mystical door through practices, such as breath awareness, meditation, yoga, dancing, prayer, and being with nature helps create a sense of openness to the unity, or oneness of all humanity, no matter our wisdom traditions. To fully realize unity with the Divine, we must look within for our truth, a truth that respects our individuality but recognizes that the same divine light lives in everyone.

Experience the Blessing

Most people desire to be free from conflict and their over-active minds, and experience reality as it is, with joy, clarity and the perfect spontaneity that arises from an awakened heart. When we are at peace with ourselves, with others, and with nature, we begin to develop a sense of connectedness with all forms of life, which paves the way for a spiritual awakening.

Ancient cultures believed that a spiritual awakening is also initiated by a neuro-biological change in the brain. Given to a recipient’s head or by the power of intention, this energy transfer will help you deepen your experience of Divine Grace. The blessing, sometimes known as deeksha, is a hands-on transfer of sacred energy which helps you grow in consciousness. It is a non-denominational experience designed to awaken your connection to the unity of all creation and to the Divine Presence within. Since the blessing is interfaith anyone can receive it no matter what spiritual path they have chosen. A blessing always commences with an invocation of the Divine Presence and takes place in an area where a sacred atmosphere has been created. It is a beautiful and thoughtful experience.

Sacred Space, Centering Place

In addition to visiting the amazing sites of the Mayan Yucatan, Charlene M. Proctor invites you to a series of teachings and blessings that will help you deepen your experience of Divine Grace. You’ll enjoy many blessings throughout the week, relax deeply, and enjoy quiet contemplation and nourishing food at the Akal-ki Holistic Spa (plus their spa services if you like!). Ancient meditation practices will be given throughout the week to help you open, balance and clear your energy centers (chakras), your energy channels (nadis), and activate your kundalini, which can lead you to a higher state of awareness.  We’ll also have the opportunity to each create a prayer mala and bless it at the pyramids here – and visit the beautiful sacred sites of the southern Yucatan! You’ll return home feeling rested, centered, and more at peace with your inner and outer world.

Want to Join Us?

If you’re interested in knowing more about the trip pricing, itinerary, inclusions and more – please use the navigation under “TELL ME MORE!” on the left side of the page. Questions? Give us a ring at 727-421-0849 – we can’t wait to hear from you!

“We are entering an unprecedented period in human history which offers a unique possibility for a rapid evolution in consciousness. It is our vision in Oneness to actively and consciously participate in these transformative energies and to take full advantage of the opportunity that is being offered. 2012 is not a date, but rather a very specific phenomena that humanity is called to take part in.”
~Sri Amma and Sri Bhagavan

Grey Whales are amazing creatures living 50-60 years, growing to over 50 feet, and weighing around 36 tons! It is with great respect and concern for their conservation and protection that we embark on this whale watching journey of the heart. Each year in October the Grey Whales make a 2-3 month journey of 5,000–6,800 miles (8,000–11,000 km) from the Bering Sea down to the western coast of Baja Mexico to give birth to their calves (perfect for whale watching). By late March they are ready to make their way back north with their young children – well fed for the long journey north.

Printable quick trip summary!

Connecting with the Whales

On this spiritual journey with author Susan Gregg, we will get close-up and personal with the Grey Whales, sending them energy and love. Just for a moment, imagine touching and connecting to one of these majestic mammals – running your hand over her bumpy back, looking deeply into her eye as she rolls over in the waters. There is something amazingly magical and transformational that happens when you look into the eyes of one of these creatures. There’s no description for the feeling of meeting a Grey Whale and her babies up-close – witnessing this beauty is a special experience. Do take a moment to watch the video on the right! –>

Magdalena Bay Habitat

We’ll be staying on Magdalena Bay in comfortable walk-in tents along the beach, with special showers, and yummy Mexican food. Magdalena Bay is ranked by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the nine most important coastal habitats in all of Mexico. Each evening our local guide will chat about the whales and wildlife of the area giving us a deeper appreciation of this delicate ecologic balance. Water activities feature whale watching from skiffs and paddling kayaks through tangled mangrove estuaries rich with wildlife. On land, you’ll have fun walking on – or tumbling down – towering sand dunes, along miles of unspoiled beaches.

Want to join us?

If you’re interested in knowing more about the trip pricing, itinerary, inclusions and more – please use the navigation under “TELL ME MORE!” on the left side of the page. Questions? Give us a ring at 727-421-0849 – we can’t wait to hear from you!

Sand Dunes Photo © Tom Isgar
Both Whale Tale Photos © Tom Isgar
Bird Photo © Neil Ever Osborn
Whale on her side Photo © Neil Ever Osborn
Folks Kayaking Photo © Neil Ever Osborn
Petting the Whale Photo © Marc Uhlig

Join author Susan Gregg for a truly transformational spiritual journey to the ancient home of Quetzalcoatl – The Feathered Serpent God. Tepoztlán is about 1,700 meters (5,500 ft) above sea level and at a distance of some 18 kilometers from Cuernavaca. Tepoztlán has become a meeting ground for different religions and practices such as New Age, Hare Krishna, traditional local shamanic healing practices, and Catholicism. It’s also well known for being a spiritual center where energy and mysticism converge. Because of this, the energy here is perfect to support our personal work and transformation.

Printable quick trip summary!

Pyramids & Pulque!

Our home base in Tepoztlán is the very romantic Posada De Tepozteco. From here we’ll visit the sacred sites of the Tepozteco and Xochicalco Pyramids. To the north of Tepoztlán, is Tepozteco mountain and on this mountain is the pyramid of the same name. The pyramid is named after Tepoztecatl, the principal god of Pulque (an alcoholic beverage made from the sap of the agave) and important ceremonial drink.

A Sacred Pilgrimage

Tepozteco Pyramid has always been a sacred place with pilgrims traveling from as far as Chiapas and Guatemala. The pyramid can only be reached by a long and narrow flight of steps located on the south side of the temple. Tepozteco is about a five hour round-trip climb from town, but is a powerful pilgrimage and hike. (You climb around 1,300 feet in 1.2 miles!) But once you reach the summit, you will be glad you did since the views from the top are simply breathtaking.

Culture, Caves & Ruins

In addition we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Cavernas de Cacahamilpa which contain fascinating natural formations and have wonderful energy. Taking advantage of the cultural events: exploring the local market, enjoying the town’s incredible gourmet food, and dining at one of the oldest Haciendas in Mexico – are highlights of this magical spiritual journey!

Want to join us?

If you’re interested in knowing more about the trip pricing, itinerary, inclusions and more – please use the navigation under “TELL ME MORE!” on the left side of the page. Questions? Give us a ring at 727-421-0849 – we can’t wait to hear from you!

“We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.”
~Hilaire Belloc

Go back in time

Here we’ll explore the remains of the Olmecs at La Venta and the incredible pyramids of the Maya at Palenque and Tonina. The most striking aspect of these ruins are their connection with the underworld which had a profound significance to the Mayans. During our week together we’ll be preparing for the 2012 Mayan prophecies by using these sacred underworld sites to birth a new dream of world peace and abundance into the light.

San Juan Chamula

One of the special highlights of this week will be a visit to San Juan Chamula. This town is home to an amazing church which the people took back from the clergy and converted to a place of traditional shamanism and prayer. The energy here is very powerful and we will participate in a prayer circle for healing, compassion and unconditional love for the time leading up to 2012.  In addition, we’ll have the opportunity to meet with a Mayan elder to talk more about what the 2012 prophecies hold for them.

Mythology of the Underworld

We’ll immerse ourselves in the mythology of the underworld exploring the aspects of ourselves long abandoned or forgotten, leading to the rebirth of our integrity and oneness for ourselves and for the world.  Utilizing the energy and intent of these structures we’ll delve into our own underworld and then burst forth to merge with the sun and the light that we are.

Want to join us?

If you’re interested in knowing more about the trip pricing, itinerary, inclusions and more – please use the navigation under “TELL ME MORE!” on the left side of the page. Questions? Give us a ring at 727-421-0849 – we can’t wait to hear from you!

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.”
~ Maya Angelou

So many of us are looking to ground ourselves spiritually in this mechanized world – to remind ourselves that we are spiritual beings in a world of duality. Prayer beads and personal altars are two powerful ways of committing to ourselves to our spiritual growth and divine expression. Personal altars transform our homes into sacred space where we can rejuvenate and nourish ourselves. Prayer beads allow us to take our “altar on the road” so to speak – reminding us that the divine is everywhere we are.

Sacred Traditions

For thousands of years humans have been been beading for both adornment and spiritual purposes. Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians have been using prayer beads to ground themselves in their devotion to Spirit – approximately 2/3 of our world prays using beads. In the African and American Indian cultures, beads are an important part of of their creative expression and their complex patterns and designs are firm evidence of Spirit expressing through them. And even more common than beads, altars used worldwide to create sacred space connecting us with infinite consciousness.

The Art of Prayer Beads and Altars

Sheri Rosenthal and master beader Kathy Benson invite you on this powerful spiritual retreat to explore the art of prayer beads and altar making. No experience is necessary, only an open heart and mind, and a desire for more more peace and centeredness in your life. This trip is not about the religious use of altars and prayer beads per se, but about finding a positive ways to create time and space in our lives for deeper contemplation and inner meditation. Using ceremony and ritual, we’ll bless our beads on the altars at the sacred sites of Kohunlich, Dzbanche, Chacchoben and Oxtankah creating objects filled with our deepest intent and love.

Akal•ki Holistic Spa

We’ll be staying at the Akal•ki Holistic Spa where you’ll experience the pristine quietude and sweet energy of the southern Yucatan. At Akal•Ki (take a moment to watch the video on the right –>), we’ll enjoy cabins at the edge of Lake Bacalar – a crystal clear sand bottom lake. It’s just a short walk out your door to the lake for a swim! Have a healing massage, or treat yourself to the deluxe spa treatments knowing you’ll be coming home rested and rejuvenated.

Want to join us?

If you’re interested in knowing more about the trip pricing, itinerary, inclusions and more – please use the navigation under “TELL ME MORE!” on the left side of the page. Questions? Give us a ring at 727-421-0849 – we can’t wait to hear from you!

All night she spent in bidding of her bedes
And all the day in doing good and godly deeds.
~Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queen

Truly the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon are two of the most amazing sacred structures in the world – pyramids designed to focus and transform energy and light. Using the layout of the city as a model for transcendence, we spend four days changing our dream of frustration and suffering, to a dream of inner peace and heaven. The energy here is perfect to support our personal growth and development. Discover all the things that have been preventing you from expressing yourself fully and authentically in this lifetime.

Learning the Medicine Bag

On this journey we’ll be focusing our attention on “The Medicine Bag” – a powerful process that allows you to see your mental map and its limiting aspects (designed by my teacher don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements®). You’ll need to bring a couple of specific items with you on this journey to create your medicine bag – but you can bring your magical creation home with you so that you can continue your process there. Just as the ancient Toltecs did here at Teotihuacán, we too will practice the three masteries for personal freedom: Awareness, Transformation and Intent.

The Dreaming House

This magical city is located approximately one hour northeast of Mexico City. We stay at the The Dreaming House, behind a gated wall in the village of San Sebastian Xolopan, adjacent to the ancient city of Teotihuacán. Within its spacious compound are a dozen rooms decorated with the art of Mexico’s past, both recent and distant. The rooms have modern conveniences, but no modern annoyances.

Be Part of our Warrior’s Party

The atmosphere is reminiscent of the home of don Juan’s warrior’s party, as described in the books of Carlos Castaneda. One expects time to stretch and space to bend. Miracles seem normal, and are. Meals in the spacious and gracious dining hall are miraculous in themselves, country Mexican food prepared with skill and love. It’s a magical place for a magical time. Join us for this adventure to one of the most energetically powerful places.

Want to join us?

If you’re interested in knowing more about the trip pricing, itinerary, inclusions and more – please use the navigation under “TELL ME MORE!” on the left side of the page. Questions? Give us a ring at 727-421-0849 – we can’t wait to hear from you! This is a profound and heartfelt trip – meant to connect you with your inner divine consciousness. Our intention is for you to become the highest expression of Spirit and light that you can be!

“The journey not the arrival matters.”
~ T. S. Eliot

Join us for an amazing adventure to the remote jungles of the south-eastern aspect of the Mayan Yucatan. We’ll be exploring newly opened and recently uncovered ruins in this mysterious and rarely visited part of the Yucatan. It’s not unusual to spot howler and spider monkeys here or large cats – like jaguars! Visitors to this area of the jungle are far and few and we’ll have the opportunity to explore places that are lost in time as this area is still pristine.

Akal•ki Holistic Spa

You will experience the quietude of this area and have the opportunity to merge with the jungle and the sweet energy here. At Akal•Ki Holistic Spa in Bacalar, we’ll spend our time in cabins at the edge of a crystal clear sand bottom lake. We can walk out of our rooms and go directly in the lake for a swim, have a healing massage, or treat ourselves to the deluxe spa treatments. Weather permitting, we may spend one night on the grounds of the ruins atop the pyramid for a very powerful all night meditation ceremony.

Into the Jungle

Exploring the undiscovered places in the jungle of our own minds allows us to live our truth and make our life choices with clarity and grace. Journeying inward using ceremony and ritual, we’ll illuminate the world we’ve created from the beliefs in our own minds. Engaging the Toltec-Mayan practices of Dreaming and Mastery of Awareness training, we’ll learn to recover our personal power and how to set boundaries in life with kindness and love.

Rarely Visited Sacred Sites

Calakmul, Kohunlich, Dzbanche, Xpujil, Chicanna and Becan are the sacred sites that we’ll be visiting. We would be honored if you would join on this unusual journey!

Want to join us?

If you’re interested in knowing more about the trip pricing, itinerary, inclusions and more – please use the navigation under “TELL ME MORE!” on the left side of the page. Questions? Give us a ring at 727-421-0849 – we can’t wait to hear from you!

“To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.”
~ Bill Bryson

Stirring our Creative Juices!

Becoming the supreme artist of our lives involves learning to create from the heart, not from a mind filled with fear-based beliefs about what we can and cannot do. Here we learn how to connect with the feeling of joy deep in our souls and to use that feeling to guide us in our lives. Fun and ceremony are the order of the day on this journey! We’ll visit and shop in the local food markets and learn how to make some local dishes (and eat them too!). We’ll have the opportunity to experience a Temazcal or traditional sweat lodge, horseback riding, hiking, journaling, writing, and even salsa dancing lessons.

Fantastic Food & Inspiration

There are so many sacred sites and artist enclaves to experience here and we’re so excited to share them all with you. We’ll do our best to have you explore as many of these power places as possible along with enjoying the food and art in this #1 rated culinary city! Your heart will surely melt and open in this fabulous place, totally fed by the magic and energy of this land.

Exploring the Zapotec Culture

The state of Oaxaca is located in the south of Mexico and straddles the Sierre Madre mountain ranges. Deep valleys and majestic peaks characterize this geographically challenging state. Ranging from tropical beaches to alpine mountains, Oaxaca’s micro-climates are unique among the world’s ecosystems. Oaxaca is culturally fascinating with many diverse native ethnic groups and rich craft traditions. The city of Oaxaca has been declared a Cultural Patrimony of the World by UNESCO. The Zapotec village of Teotitlan where our retreat Casa Sagrada is located is world famous for its hand loomed rug weaving!

Want to join us?

If you’re interested in knowing more about the trip pricing, itinerary, inclusions and more – please use the navigation under “TELL ME MORE!” on the left side of the page. Questions? Give us a ring at 727-421-0849 – we can’t wait to hear from you!

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.”
~ Lao Tzu