Antique traditions still alive today in Mexico's remote mountains under the care of the Mazatec Nation. Witness the Days of The Dead ritual ceremony, this abstract, surreal and beautiful celebration is a unique happening in the world that you will never forget.
NEXT DATE:
October 28th to November 03rd 2020
Experiential Retreat and Ceremonies:
Mazatec Sierra, Oaxaca. Mexico
Witness the celebrations and rituals of
The Mazatec Days Of The Dead.
Toltec Practices - Mazatec Ceremonies - Sacred Plants.
Registration Deadline:
18 of October
Early Bird Courtesy Discount! 10% OFF
if you register before October 10
Space Limited to: 8 people
As you might know this is one of the important dates for Mexicans, this is celebrated every year in the entire country, more less in the same way, yet in the Mazatec nation this celebration happens in a completely different context. For the Mazatecs these are the most important dates of the year. It is a profound and unique ritual ceremony where the entire Sierra is involved. The graveyards are fully dressed with offerings, color, flowers, incense, candles, food, music, traditional clothing, songs and prayers.
The most fascinating part of this celebration, is a special group of people that carry a huge responsibility rooted in their uses, customs and beliefs, called "Huehuentones" who have to go through many years of special training to be able to do this unique work for their people.
This group of meticulously selected people are carefully prepared for many years before being allowed to carry such responsibility are musicians, dancers, healers and more. Their work consists in going to the graveyard with family members to invite the souls of the deceased ones to come to life through them, as if they would offer their body for the deceased to briefly come back in the world to visit their family and home, to see and dance with their loved ones and friends, to taste their favorite foods and drinks, and walk around their beloved town, visit their friends homes, and favorite places, and after a few days finally be taken back to their graves to rest until next year.
THE HUEHUENTONES
HISTORY
Can you lend me your deceased soul to dance among the living?
It is noon on October 28, in the Sierra Mazateca of Oaxaca, little by little the flower offerings begin to arrive at the graveyards, and those who died are commemorated. The holy fields of the Mazatec Sierra are dressed in the dream world of the dead that opens its doors to the deceased during the faithful holidays who each year leave their abode to reunite with their families.
"Huehue" is Nahual origin word that means "old" or "elder", and is linked to the ancestral fire god "Huehueteotl", in turn this old god is associated with the Sun. A Huehuenton "Chaj tó xo'ó" in the Mazatec language is an old soul that clings to the sun to dance among the living.
Men, women and children arrive at the graveyard as every year, the premise is to leave the soul and invite and keep in the body the soul of a deceased, no matter the name of the one who has died, nor the name of the huehuenton who will be the lent house for the soul of the deceased: the important thing is to commune among equals, open the portal of time and transform the life-death dimension into a single space.
Once the soul of the deceased incarnates in a huehuenton, he annuls his self, he loses his identity as an individual person to become a collective subject that will dance during the holly days in front of the offerings for the holly deceased, he will receive as symbolic payment bread, fruit, coffee and cane brandy.
The ritual music that accompanies the huehuentones is composed of a large number of sounds, whose repetitive melody by guitars and violins creates an ideal atmosphere; No one who hears a Huehuenton melody can be emotionally untouched, even if the Mazatec language is unknown, which is the language in which these repertoires are sung.
The Huehuenton must retain its anonymity, any indication that can betray the identity must be annulled: women dress as men, men as women, they cover their faces with the traditional Huehue mask - "old man" -, the voice must be faked, to be canceled as a subject to exist as a great community that allows the dead to dance in front of the offerings, which families have generously and lovingly prepared to be together again in a spiral ritual time that will be repeated every year in Oaxaca's remote mountains.
It is noon on November 2 and the portal is about to close, it is time to return the holy field and deliver the soul that the Huehuenton incarnated during this sacred time, just when the soul returns to the body, the virtuous ritual circle is complete. It will be until next year when the Huehuenton returns for another soul, so that the deceased faithful dance and sing among the living, since in these blessed lands the extended nuclear family encompasses the living and dead in an endless and eternal spiral.
MAZATEC DAY OF THE DEAD
SACRED PLANTS
In parallel with the celebration, while in the family's home we will participate in three healing sacred plants ceremonies.
Powerful and profound experiences that change your life forever, suitable for recovering health, coming out of a depression, deepening in personal path, detaching, or finish digesting a grief, closing and opening cycles in life, quitting an addiction, begin a new project, understand your person in ways you have never seen, or transcending your actual way of being and living, just to mention a few of the many possibilities this amazing plants open.
THE FAMILY
As a special happening, we are opening an invitation to meet
unique humans, and the magical mountains where they live.
Come with us to The Mazatec Sierra, Oaxaca, Mexico, deeper than Huautla, where the real Mazatec traditions are still alive and unpolluted, where civilization has not tainted this amazing indigenous nation.
It´s already more than 35 years of relationship with them, so it´s just like being home.
MAZATECS
The Mazatecs are the second most preserved ethnic group in Mexico, direct descendants of the antique Toltecs, still live based on solid foundations from their ancient knowledge. For centuries they have maintained alive shamanic healing ceremonies and the herbalist knowledge to heal and awaken consciousness
This land has brought to the world amazing shamans and healers like Maria Sabina who awakened all the ones who visited her, like Gordon Wasson, Albert Hofmann, Aldous Huxley, Richard Evans Schultes, Timothy Leary, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, Walt Disney, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Carlos Castaneda, Fernando Benitez, Jacobo Grinberg among many other personalities.
For centuries they have kept alive herbalist knowledge, and shamanic healing ceremonies to awaken consciousness.
Toltequity shows how to act carefully based on energy and strategy, consciousness and creativity, to direct the course of life towards a deep, lucid, and creative experience; this proposal is called: The Path With of The Heart.
MEXICAN INDIGENOUS WORLD
ACTING ON PURPOSE
The Mexican indigenous world opens portals to a profound comprehension that comes from direct experience; knowing in this in depth allows to intentionally behave as a strategic warrior, and though specific purposeful actions, unchain the desired consequences, instead of being run over by them like a victim of an accident not knowing why.
Consciousness is a portal to freedom.
YOUR QUEST
Due to the nature of this extraordinary people, practices and ceremonies, and the inner work tools you will learn and live there, you can tailor fit this journey to your particular situation.
It can be approached for many purposes according to your need in this moment in life; to recover or awaken parts of your consciousness, to heal from a physical, mental or emotional ailment, to detach, forgive or finish digesting a grieve, to close unfinished chapters of your life, to end and begin cycles, to empower for a new project or coming change, to explore further in your being, to strengthen your spiritual connections etc.
HOSTING AND CATERING
We will stay at a Mazatec family's home. Accommodation is in rustic dormitories for three or four people. Bathroom is shared. Meals are homemade by the family, simple, fresh, clean and tasty.
RETREAT ACTIVITIES
THE WORK
During our stay we will explore indigenous practices rooted in the Toltec tradition, to prepare the body and energy for the ceremonies.
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Attention walks on magnificent mountains to visit power places that the Mazatecs visit and honor since centuries.
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We open connections with the "Poderios" (Conscious powers of the place); Mother Earth, Water and Trees. Very especially with "Chicon Nindo" The Sacred Mountain of the Mazatecs that has been honored for centuries. And also with "Puente de Fierro" the Sacred Waterfall.
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Mazatec sweat lodge, one before each ceremony.
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3 Healing Sacred Plants ceremonies (full night)
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Grandfather Fire ceremony, confession, cleansing, offerings, and commitments for the betterment of life.
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Deep cleansing and empowerment work with rivers and waterfalls.
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Peaceful and lucid connections with trees. (Elder brothers as they call them)
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Connection with "chicon Nindo" the sacred mountain and the sacred waterfall at "Puente de Fierro"
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A constant practice will be "stalking" (deep attention and self observation).
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Energy saving and redirecting techniques to healthier uses and possibilities.
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The path of the heart, and the warrior attitude.
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Witness the days of the dead ritual ceremony, rooted in antique traditions from the Mazatec Nation this abstract, surreal and beautiful celebration is a unique happening in the world.
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Within the frame of this celebration we will deepen and explore on the the main foundations of Toltec Knowledge. The Awareness of being Mortal, the powerful consciousness of death.
MAZATEC RETREAT TESTIMONIALS
Katie Bozarth
Texas. USA
August 2019
"I had finally reached a point in my life where it was time to take this journey. It had been shown to me a couple of times over the last few years, however, I always had an excuse. Financial, time off, other responsibilities, and whatever other reasons my ego could come up with. This time was different. I hit such a low, that I had no reason not to go. Once I set the intention, everything else just came together.
On the Saturday that I met Mario, Rocio and the other companions, I felt at “home”. We embarked on a road trip from Mexico City to Mazatec Sierra. The energy was strong with the group and we shared our “whys” for coming on this experience. I had clear intentions from the beginning, to heal my past and open myself up to love. Love of self, love to others, love from others. And quite honestly, just get the heck out of my own way and live my life authentically and with integrity of self.
Arriving at the foot of the mountains, my anticipation grew as we traveled up the mountain road. The energy shifted the further into the mountains we drove. You could feel the magic. You could sense that they had been waiting for us.
Upon arriving at the host family’s home late in the evening, I could immediately feel the love and energy from these beautiful people and I felt very welcomed. The conditions were austere and yet comfortable. It is a simple life they live and exactly where I needed to be.
At this point, I want to shift my thoughts to my experience and not so much what we did on a daily basis. I feel it is important to not reveal too many details of the journey. The description of the workshop tells you all you need to know.
Every day I learned something new about myself and my perspective of the life I live and the world I reside in. I was pushed past my comfort zones, stayed open to “not-doings”, and learned to keep my attention in the moment. When my ego pushed back, I learned how to transmute that energy into a positive perspective that not only benefitted me but others too.
Through the sacred plant ceremonies, I experienced death (metaphorically) and it was beautiful. I was reborn and it was beautiful. I grew wings to fly free and it was beautiful. I saw my soft feminine side and it was beautiful. I saw that I have so much love to give myself and to others and it was beautiful.
The week experience provided so many gifts. The beauty and sacredness of the land etched into soul. My family expanded. I had a new home. My past was healed. I saw life without attachments and expectations. I was open to new possibilities of love.
It has been a month since I have travelled back to Texas and living my “new” life. I approach most situations from a new perspective. I share my experiences openly when asked. I live my life authentically. I smile and love with a heart I never knew possible. Friends and family are consistently commenting on how I have “changed”. I am lighter, both literally and figuratively. I have exercised almost every day since returning. Gaining strength, health and fitness. I am proactive in creating the life as I have always wanted. It is almost automatic without having to “think” about it. I am exploring and experiencing love on a cosmic and transcendental plane. I have changed on a cellular level and my consciousness is expanding. My soul hungers with desire to continue on the path of the strategic warrior. I am returning soon for more workshops and without hesitation, would do this experience again."
- Katie Bozath
Texas. USA
Pending Person
Planet Earth
2019
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"Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt.
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- Pending Person
Planet Earth 2019
Pending Person
Planet Earth
2019
""Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
"Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt.
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- Pending Person
Planet Earth 2019
Elias Siebenborn
Playa del Carmen. Mex.
2019
"If you decide to take this trip you are going into an intense, maybe life changing journey full of insights, beauty and connection with the yet unknown!
I have known Mario and Rocío for many years and worked with them in other occasions. I also know the Sierra Mazateca but have never known about that specific place, and it didn´t take much to convince myself to go. Honestly it surpassed my expectations: The powerful purity of this place keeping itself simple and conscious about the treasure it has and represents, the family to who we were hosts in its loving way showing an incredible hospitality, the impressive nature of mountains and rain forests within the clouds, their powerful healing, secrets and teachings.
Before each sacred plant ceremony we did an intense Temazcal, which is a local, traditional kind of sweat lodge which can be very strong, and in addition we do a fasting. We did several attention walks through mountains to reach cascades, caves, and most important, Chicon Nindo, the power place of the whole Mazatec Sierra, to make offerings and ask for permission.
Those mountains I left with important insights which I got with the help of sacred plants and the conscious focus and work we faced the ceremonies. It has been like a break from every day routine and ego, but not in a way someone would spend just some beautiful vacations, but something much deeper, shifting my own being and trying to push it to another level, transcending the issues one might bring and showing solutions. The way teaching arrives can be quite powerful in occasions, but in its bottom always in a loving way and with unconditional assistance from Mario and Rocío who never act as “teachers” but friends, and also from the indigenous Mazatec family of which every member, even the animals of the house, have an amazing natural, open and friendly energy, and area blessing and teaching by themselves.
The last day is not really an end, because everything is also meant to give continuity to what one has lived there, giving it shape inside everyday life and so transforming it for good, and now with new energy, more consciousness, and tools.
My thanks goes to Mario and Rocío, the family, and those magic mountains!"
- Elias Siebenborn
Playa del Carmen. 2019