Calakmul is an incredible Mayan site and home to a protected biosphere reserve in the Southern Yucatan area. It is estimated that this city reached its peak between 600 and 800 AD. This area is filled with important ruins and extends not only through the southern corridor of the Yucatan, but also through Guatemala and Belize. There is a magnificent main square which was a magical space for ceremony and ritual. It is said that the square represents the primordial sea and the surrounding pyramids represent the sacred mountains of the Mayan Gods. The tallest pyramidal structure towers approximately 55 meters in height. We will participate in our own ritual and ceremony in this area.

Also of great significance is the ball court. Here played out a battle of life and death between two men representing opposing Gods. The game was played similarly to soccer where, a rubber-like ball scored points by shooting it into a hoop that was aligned sideways. This ceremony had great religious meaning for those who lived here.

In Kohunlich we find ruins that were possibly built beginning in around 500 AD and then abandoned around 1100 AD. What is beautiful here are the beautiful stucco masks especially seen in one particular building. The architecture is typical Rio Bec style which is the ornate design type that you will see throughout the region. While we are here we will also visit other wonderful sites like Becan and Dzbanche. Each site has its own unusual features making it a unique experience. If we can, we will look forward to an all night ceremony at Dzbanche under the moon.

The beautiful part of these sites is the undisturbed nature of the reserve. You can see and hear howler monkeys, birds and big cats. Last time I was there we witnessed a jaguar crossing our path. It was a wonderful experience.

The energy in this area was just delightful and so peaceful, like a part of time still lost and forgotten. Our hotel, Rancho Encantado is directly on a lake, outside of Chetumal. You can walk out your door and take a refreshing morning swim or have a lomi-lomi massage upon your return. Malina, the wonderful resident massage specialist, was trained in Hawaii in this most amazing technique.

Blessings, Dr. Sheri Rosenthal

You are welcome to reprint this article with the following information at the conclusion of the text:
Sheri Rosenthal DPM is a master Toltec teacher and author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Toltec Wisdom.
Having trained with don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements®, she currently takes students on spiritual journeys through her company - Journeys of the Spirit®, works with personal apprentices and enjoys being extremely happy.
You can reach her at journeys@journeysofthespirit.com or http://www.journeysofthespirit.com.