Mexico Retreats
SHANTI RETREATS IN TEPOZTLAN, MEXICO - February 2009
Beautiful Tepoztlan is nestled in a lush valley below stunning views of Mexico's sacred volcanoes. This immaculate and charming setting is fertile ground for nurturing body, mind and spirit.
Retreat Activities in Tepoztlan, Mexico
Unwind with daily yoga, body treatments or Temozcal, Mexico's renewing sweat with fresh arnica, lavender and eucalyptus. Deepen your connection with spirit in a ceremonial journey to the volcano, experience an Olmec power spot or join in a healing ceremony.
GODDESS RETREAT AT TEPOZTLAN, MEXICO - Dates Pendingt
Once a year, 14 women retreat to beautiful Tepoztlan, a magical town full of mysticism and tradition, is located 21 km (13 mi) east of Cuernavaca. In this town of rich natural resources you’ll immediately notice the imposing Cerro del Tepozteco (Tepozteco Hill), it is said that this site has a positive energy center drawing hundreds of visitors during the spring equinox. This lush and charming setting is fertile ground for nurturing body, mind and spirit. In a richly-rewarding seven days of relaxation, sacred ceremony, outdoor activities and pampering, you'll reconnect with the divine goddess within.
Unwind with yoga master Cheryl Alexander each morning, body treatments and Temozcal, Mexico's renewing sweat with fresh arnica, lavender and eucalyptus.
It's a time to re-energize by following your inner spirit...do as much or as little and find yourself in the heart and soul of Mexico.
7 Day Retreat – $1500 per person
Includes accommodations, meals, all activities, guided sites and transportation during the retreat.
To Register for this Retreat with a $250 deposit, click here.
“It's the adventure of going way out in the world and way in to ourselves”
- Jenny, Sedona, AZ
Goddess Diaries
(The following excerpts are taken from the journals of Goddess retreat participants at Rancho Tepe.)
Cradled in the Lap of the Sleeping Lady
We piled into two vans heading east to Izta-Popo National Park. We were on our way to meet Mt. Iztaccihuatl, a volcano rising to over 17,000 feet known as the Sleeping Lady. Before embarking on foot, we gathered to ask permisson to enter into communion with her. This simple act, like saying Grace before a meal, creates a channel for a relationship that is rich and honoring. Each of us found “our spot” to be silent…allowing the wisdom of this ancient mountain to speak to us. Later we sang, our voices carried in the air. Each experienced the magic. The Wind came to dance with us and we were one. Filled with the power of the Sleeping Lady, we laid back with our heads in a circle and our arms outstretched…opening more fully, more deeply. Nature is our teacher, we are all connected, with the simple act of asking, all is given.
Journey to Chalcatzingo – The Olmec Site of the Precious Stone
“We start the day with the glorious routine that we are now becoming delightfully accustom to of yoga, Aztec dance class, sumptuous breakfast and herbal tea.
Arriving at the site, we visit their small museum. Through the exhibition of ancient artifacts and Eduardo's exuberant wealth of knowledge, we learn that this was a village of the Olmec people – the first people that predated the Aztec and Mayan peoples. After a brief hike, we came upon a rock face with carvings where the energy of the place was palpable. Amidst the exquisite carvings of jaguars, dragons and goddesses was the ‘Precious Stone' depicting an intricate story of a man, perhaps a King, sitting on a stool with spirals going through his head and body into the heavens. We spent a long time taking in the energy of the stones…”
Inner Journeys and Temozcal (Sweat Lodge)
We came together for yoga and a swim at 9:30 am. After a wonderful breakfast, some went horseback riding and others received readings. The massage therapist did massage and salt treatments by the pool. Today we drank a cleanse tea for the kidneys. Just to make sure we were “in alignment” for the Temozcal ceremony, a chiropractor relieved any blocks through gentle adjustments.
The site of the Temozcal was a power spot. Demetry and Leonarda worked all day to prepare including cooking arnica, eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender for the ceremony. We entered the Temozcal where we were brushed with fragrant herbs and experienced the purifying heat of the hot stones. We left wrapped in blankets to lay down under a sky filled with the moon and stars. The lodge was my opportunity to release stored emotional energies and feelings…truly a day to remember.
A Day for the Heart - Mi Corazón
We traveled to a nearby village where Eduardo, Master Aztec dancer brought us to St. Sacromente Church to meet his dance troupe. Dancers came from great distances dressed in traditional garments with anklets of shells or wood seedpods that sounded the rhythm of the dance. Eduardo taught us some of the steps and asked us to participate as well – a somewhat scary honor. We danced in the plaza of the Church high on the mountainside overlooking the village, the valley and the vista of the grand volcano topped with snow. It all felt sacred.
Tasco Mercado and More
Our journey to Tasco was filled with laughter, stories, a few tears, even a knitting lesson. We spilled onto the colorful Mexican streets in search of “banos and bargains.” We wound our way up, up, up, following shanty and the lure of sliver. The vendors were more than patient with us all…until it was time for siesta, or was it lunch. We gathered briefly, just long enough for me to gaze out over the white walls, brilliant flowers, and general chaos that is Tasco. An everlasting image! I sat for a short time within the ancient walls of the beautiful Iglesia, absorbing the essence of Mexico's Catholic history. Later we stopped to restock vino for the Hacienda and strolled along the Mercado shopping for papaya, watermelon, and other sundries. I do love grocery stores!
Magic Waters
After several days of spectacular sights and experiences, we went to Las Huertas, natural mineral springs surrounded by lots of trees. There were quiet pools amidst the rushing water. As I sat in the water and let its magic flow through me, I washed away pain I had not been aware was stuck in my body, two butterflies were doing a mating dance for me. The water was magnificent where it was skipping over the rocks forming its own massage jets as it rushed on. The most inspirational spot was the source of the springs. It's an ancient spring still pouring forth its healing waters for all to experience. How strong the water was while I sat there in the falls – fluid and strong at the same time. It felt like wearing a fluid cape that protected and washed away sorrow and pain locked in the body and the soul.
Sumptuous Food
Breakfast was served. Deep orange, freshly squeezed, from the bounty of the land and tangerine juice, melon, fruit, eggs, tortillas…YUM. Our bodies, minds and spirits were lovingly nourished.
Breakfast was wonderful, the fresh melons, yogurt from the village, honey from the Ranch and the Amaranth grain, eggs and veggies from the Ranch with fresh corn tortillas.
It was an elegant open air restaurant that displayed beautiful artwork as well. They sat us in beautiful plush sofas and chairs then brought us menus and took our orders while we were comfortable. With wonderful wine, we wandered around gazing at the beautiful paintings and sculptures. The food was delicious as well. What a wonderful way to end this day.
PALENQUE IN CHIAPAS, MEXICO - Spring Equinox 2009
This is a Mayan Archeological Site in the Mexican State of Chiapas. During the Equinox on can observe special lighting effects from the sun on the pyramids. The temples were constructed to inform the people when planting was to start and the seasonal changes. We will be able to see this during our visit.
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