Festivals 2025

The ritual is led by a shaman from the Wixarika tradition, supported by indigenous Mexicans, who will also present dance and traditional songs of the fire dancers. Each direction and element is honoured through sacred gestures, prayers, and songs that call for harmony, guardian spirits, protection, and inspiration for the festival.

The ceremony creates a space of spiritual connection, inviting participants to experience a moment where tradition, nature, and humanity unite in one ritual.

About ceremonies and rituals in the Wixarika tradition:

In a traditional Wixarika ceremony, participants sit around Tatewari, the Grandfather Fire, all night long, listening to the music and songs of Maraakame, and opening themselves to the messages and healing of the Medicine Spirit. And the Ancestor practices maintain the balance between humans and the forces of Nature by honouring the relationship with these forces. The traditional path of Wixárika, being the path of the keeper of Sacred Knowledge, is a deep work with Medicine and seeing it as a teacher and master who guides humanity from personal healing to collective healing, as there are no boundaries between healing oneself and Nature. In this way we can heal the connection between humans and the Earth.

Since we are made up of the Elements of the natural world - Fire, Air, Water and Earth, it is for this reason that each of us is a miniature universe, a mirror for both the natural and spiritual worlds. All the knowledge and secrets of these two worlds are within us, and everything is perfectly arranged. Shamanism teaches us how to tune into these systems in order to gain understanding and live in harmony with the world of Nature and the spiritual world.

There are also ceremonies specific to the four seasons, the intention of which is to bring balance and harmony to each individual, the community and all of creation.

One of the most important ceremonies is the "Deer Dance". This ceremony offers people the opportunity to dance their prayers on the altar of Mother Earth. It is also a way to connect with the Spirit of the Deer, the most important of the power animals of the Wixárika. The deer is seen as an older brother, a guide that the shaman uses to navigate the spirit realm and in healing. In their mythology, the deer was taught by the gods and goddesses in ancient times. It was the first student of shamanism, the first to learn the secrets of the original shaman Tatewari – the Grandfather of Fire. This is why the deer is so highly revered and is an integral part of ceremonial practices.

The medicine of Kauyumari, the Blue Deer, is a spirit that guides the Wixáritari and offers itself as a gift to bring about transformation. In this rite, through which the Wixáritari connect with their Ancestors, receive their blessings, wisdom and guidance, so as to be guardians and protectors of our planet Earth.

Each year, the Wixárika people make a pilgrimage to the sacred Wirikuta Desert, the focal point of their religious rituals, to make offerings at sacred sites, honour their religion, collect sacred waters, celebrate around the fire, and connect with the wisdom they need in their daily lives.

In the Ecuadorian tradition, the cacao ceremony is not just a moment of drinking the drink – it is an entire ritual, in which the intention, connection with the spirit of the plant and community that creates the space for transformation are important. It is a sacred time when we can hear ourselves anew, see our desires with greater clarity and gain insights that can change our lives.

Cacao is a divine plant, chosen to soothe the pain and sadness of the earth. Its bark, pulp and seeds are not only a source of food, but also a powerful medicine that brings joy and pleasure to humanity. Known to science as Theobroma cacao, this plant holds the key to our healing.

The Amazonian cacao we will be sharing comes directly from the heart of the forest at the Iamoe Center, where its ancient roots have flourished for thousands of years, surrounded by the powers of the spirits of the Amazon, the Jaguar and the Anaconda. This cacao is fresh, organic and 100% rich in theobromine, a natural alkaloid that helps transform sadness into happiness. In Ecuador, cacao unites families, holding people together regardless of age.

“If you work with cacao in a sacred space, you will be in your heart. You will be able to meet with the people around you, heart to heart. One of our favourite ways to facilitate this experience is to work with the breath as a catalyst. The cacao really activates the breath, and the breath activates the cacao. These two medicines become even more alive when they dance together.” Roccio Alarcon

“For us, cacao is not a ceremony, it’s our everyday way of connecting with the plant [...] It’s all part of this culture, this heritage. So we don’t have to think, ‘Okay, we have to go and do a ceremony now.’ It’s part of our everyday lives.”

While some of the earliest evidence of human interaction with cacao comes from Mesoamerica, Ecuador’s equatorial climate is also a paradise for cacao trees. Recent genetic studies suggest that the first cacao trees came from a region where the Amazon basin meets the Andes mountain range.

Cacao iconography can be found in 5,000-year-old pottery depicting “goddesses and gods offering black seeds to humanity.”

Cacao can connect us to our highest purpose in life; helping us remember who we really are and how we can reach our highest potential. Cacao enhances the properties of what is already within us, helping us release stagnant emotions, creating space for healing and celebration. It facilitates and strengthens the communication between our three brains, Har (stomach/womb), Heart and Mind, helping to restore our birthright to pleasure and happiness.

What will the ceremony bring you?

• Opening the heart – cacao helps to break emotional blocks and feel greater love for yourself and others
• Deeper connection with yourself – supports insight into our interior, clarity of thought and intuition
• Connection with Nature and the Elements – the ceremony will take place in harmony with Mother Earth, teaching us to respect her gifts
• Healing through music and singing – shamanic songs and sounds will help us open up our energy and strengthen the effects of cacao
• Inner transformation – deep insights, release of emotions and a sense of new quality in life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwF5pBUeiWw

In the Americas and Asia it is used as a medicine, spiritual protection and cleansing agent, but also as a bridge to communicate with the Spirits. It is considered one of the Sacred Plants that not only holds the essence of the 5 Elementals, but can also be experienced and practiced on the five planes of these Elements. It can be consumed raw (directly chewed); as an aqueous extract of tobacco essence (Matter and Water); as a cooked extract (Fire) that is inhaled through the nostrils and finally smoked (Fire and Air).

Rape comes from the native word Hapeh (Amazon), and Rape Medicine has been used by indigenous groups such as the Yawanawa, Noke Koi, and Huni Kuin for spiritual and healing purposes. Rapé connects us with the Spirit World and can be used to heal physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. It opens the Third Eye and scans the body for blockages and energy imbalances. It is beneficial for opening the heart, grounding, and creating clarity – softening the ego and allowing you to listen to your higher self.

Preparing Rapé

Preparing Rape Medicine is a complex and sacred process that involves many steps.

First, the tobacco leaves are harvested and sun-dried. They are then ground into a fine powder and mixed with other ingredients such as ashes from sacred trees, herbs, and spices.

The ingredients and proportions of the mixture can vary depending on the healer and the intentions of the ceremony. Because Sacred Plants carry the energy of those who prepare and administer them, the location of purchase, the ceremony itself, and the person conducting it are all important.

Effects of Taking Sacred Tobacco in the Form of Rape.

When Rape tobacco is administered, it is blown into the nostrils using a bamboo, wooden, or bone pipe called a kuripe. The effects of Rape can vary from person to person and from dose to dose, but typically include a sense of grounding, clarity, and heightened awareness.

Tobacco causes the synapses in our brain to open up new communication pathways between the two hemispheres of our brain. Once initiated, communication between the brain and our physical body occurs in a different way, and the senses are heightened.

Many people feel a solid connection to the Earth and their inner wisdom. Rape is also known to have cleansing properties and can be used to clear sinuses and lungs. The strongest sensation occurs about three minutes after application.

Receiving Rape requires a relaxed but mindful approach. It is recommended that you sit comfortably with your spine straight and your heart open. Relax your face and close your throat with a quick inhale. After receiving Rape, open your mouth to relieve pressure in your ears. Set an intention or say a prayer and look into the eyes of the person serving you.

Your chakras, essence bodies and our conscious states of being can be activated during the session, so it is highly recommended that you sit with your spine straight and open so that the energy can flow from the root to the crown.

Physical Effects of the Rape Ceremony

• Sneezing: The administration of Rapé through the nose can trigger sneezing in some individuals.
• Increased Salivation: Some people may experience increased salivation after using Rapé.
• Nausea: Nausea is a possible side effect and may result in vomiting.
• Eye Irritation: Rapé can cause temporary eye irritation or watering because the fine powder is blown into the nostrils.
• Dizziness: A feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness may occur, mainly in people who are not used to the effects of Rapé.

Psychological effects

Rapé can cause a sense of altered mental states or intense emotions. Some people may experience a release from trauma or mood changes.

Administering Rape

In most cases, the Rape Administerer starts with the left nostril, which is responsible for removing any negativity and energy blockages. Then they blow into the right nostril to open the heart and creativity.

But you can also choose whether you want to work with the left or right side; the first nostril activates the Rape in your body, and the one that actually works will be the second nostril.

It is important to approach Rapé with respect so that we understand its cultural and spiritual significance.

Ceremony and Celebration of Hape

Rapé enables connection with Spirit and helps us tap into our inner strength and sensitivity while softening our ego. Rapé is a Celebration of Life facilitated by sacred plant medicine, allowing us to connect with the Great Spirit.

Imagine entering the mystical Land of Rapé, where each plant is honoured as a sacred messenger, a prayer to the universe. It is like taking a cosmic journey with nature as your guide, and trust me, it is a journey worth taking.

To truly honour this Sacred Medicine, create an atmosphere around you suitable for a sacred adventure. Prepare the space as you see fit: burning incense, sparkling crystals, tribal rhythms filling the space, or Pacha Mama herself as the setting. Set the scene for a meditative and introspective experience of Rapé.

In establishing a cosmic dialogue between the universe, the Elements, the Ancestors, and the guardians, you must set up an altar to have a Sacred Space for the ceremony, and you must also prepare yourself. Find a moment of silence as a canvas for your intention. It could be a search for wisdom, a longing for physical or energetic healing, or a search for clarity amidst the chaos of life. Once you have refined your intention, send it out into the universe or whisper it to the Spirit World for guidance.

Now begins the Rapé Ceremony. Take a deep breath and hold it, like a sacred pause in the cosmic dance. The rapé enters your left nostril, a nod to the cycle of life and death. Then it moves to your right nostril, symbolizing rebirth, a cosmic turning.

Inhale and exhale gently through your mouth, settling into the here and now. Resist the urge to verbalize the ineffable experience; instead, focus on the thoughts and energies swirling within. Avoid drama and suffering—harness the power of knowledge, direct it into your heart, and feel the strength and grounding of a warrior wash over you like a cosmic reset button.

And that is it, Rapé as your cosmic compass, guiding you through the realms of intention, healing and rebirth. This is a journey for the adventurous soul!

Hape Medicine Ceremony: Setting Your Intention

Your mind, like a lush garden, flourishes when you surround it with care, love and dedication. To make it flourish, use the tools of positive affirmations, self-reflection and unwavering focus. Nurture your mental garden daily and you will witness its incredible growth.

You are your own shaman. Shamanism is a world full of the various tools of healing Hape ceremonies and sacred rituals – feathers, drums, sticks, tobacco, chants and more. The purpose of these tools is beautifully simple: to infuse them with your intention, transforming them into tools of empowered healing and manifestation. Imagine lighting incense, reciting a prayer or mantra, directing your intention, or treating Hapé as a creative act of using the present moment. These actions are your homage to the here and now, a deep appreciation of the wisdom of the plant and the journey of your spirit. They are your compass in achieving your goals, guiding you with respect and devotion. Shamanism (remember, it is you) is the art of taking an intention and weaving it into the fabric of being, the dance of the soul and spirit.

This ceremony is used to remove negative energies, emotional blockages and traumas from the body and mind. During the ceremony, fresh aromatic plants, seeds, flowers and the energy of Nature are used to restore inner harmony on all levels. It is then working with the energies within and around us, as well as with the surrounding spirits and Nature.

The Limpia ceremony will be led by Dr. Rocio Alarcon, a specialist in the art of healing with plants. Together with her, we will discover the path of “Limpia” and return to ancient traditions to reconnect with the Kingdom of Plants.

It will be a unique opportunity to meet as a Circle of Light, under the energetic power of Mother Nature, in unity with the Plants. The purpose of this ceremony will be, in addition to cleansing, also to remove the low frequency forces that we generate and absorb when we live in stress and fear. Through a joint ceremony, we will unite into one energetic Source, becoming one spiritual being, full of love and courage. We will be able to move forward, getting rid of the vibrations of fear and its manifestations that disturb our bodies.

A number of rituals were associated with Kupala Night among the Slavs, such as – collecting herbs and flowers and decorating people, animals and houses with them; weaving plant wreaths; bathing and pouring water; sending wreaths on water; lighting bonfires; dancing, singing and jumping over fires. Celebrations were usually held near water, on hills, and most rituals took place at night. Already at sunset, on high ground or near rivers, cleansing bonfires were lit, which usually burned until morning. A procession was held around the fire, people danced, sang Kupala songs, and jumped over the bonfire: whoever jumps higher will be happier. Then, cleansing baths in rivers and lakes were mandatory. Wreaths thrown onto the water were used for fortune telling – if they floated on the water, it meant happiness and long life or marriage. And late at night, people feasted by the fire, exchanged wreaths and looked for the magic fern flower.

Our Kupala Night Ceremony will begin with the lighting of the Living Fire and will be a rite dedicated to the Gods, but also to the Spirits and Ancestors of this place. After performing the rituals by the Fire, the Circle will be dissolved and we will go together, by the light of torches, to the lake. There, we will throw plant wreaths onto the water to foretell the future. Then we will return to the centre to the feasting place, where we will light the Fire brought from the rite. Jumping and dancing around the Fire will serve to purify, but will also provide us with prosperity, protection from evil forces, harvest and fertility. It will also be a time for Slavic fortune telling... not only with flowers. Another element of the holiday will be the "Water Ritual" – purifying, but also directed to the Spirits. And at midnight we will start the Search for the Fern Flower in the forest.

The Temazcal not only involved the worship of a goddess, but it incorporated all the elements of the ancient cosmology, both in the manner of its construction and the way in which it is used; and most of these conceptions have been preserved in traditional thought and practice down to our own day. The Temazcal is a microcosm reproducing in itself the characteristics of the universe, the macrocosm. So we find in the Temazcal all elements of the different eras or cycles (known as suns) throught which, according to Aztec mythology, the world has passed and continues to pass: earth, wind, fire and water (we now live in the fifth 'sun') and through whose constant movement and life is manifest.

More, the Temazcal is oriented according to the cosmic directions: the fire which heats its stones is placed towards the east where our Father, the sun, the god called Tonatiuh, arises; he is the light or masculine element which comes and fertilizes the womb of the mother earth (the chamber of the Temazcal itself), and so life is conceived. The doorway through which the bathers enter and leave is oriented toward the south, "the pathway of the dead", which begins with birth and ends in death, to the right of the path of Sun. In this way, the ever present duality of traditional Mexican thought is manifested. Just as there are mother and father, sun and earth, hot and cold, so we are born and, in being born, we begin our path towards death.

Aztec cosmology presents us with several different levels of the heavens, and these are considered to be present in the different levels of temperatures found inside the Temazcal: the highest in the upper part of the chamber where the temperature is the lowest.

When we enter the Temazcal, according to this ancient doctrine, we return once again to our mother's womb, presided over by the great goddess, Tonantzin or Temazcaltoci, the great mother of both gods and humans. She is our beloved mother, concerned with the health of the children and she receives us into her womb - of which our own mother's womb is but a microcosmic manifestation - to cure us of physical and spiritual ills. The entrance way is low and small, and through it we enter a small, dark, warm and humid space, in this way recreating the uterus, cutting off the outside world and giving us a chance to look inside and find ourselves again. Our re-emergence through this narrow opening represents our rebirth from the darkness and silence of the womb. It is no wonder that the Spaniards were so shocked by what they found!

We will be experiencing from this point on five stages and 4 doors or Caltens to encounter with the writen destiny of each one of us. In each Caltec we will encounter with 4 elementals of the SupraNatura. Each one will give us information to burn out what we do not need or things that we want to transform from all the set time line of our beings in this cosmos.

In every Caltec the Atlachinolli (the sharaman) will facilitate two catlizers (medicine) of mother earth : essential oils and infutions. The caltecs will represent the evolution and the transformation of our cicle:

CE, OME, YEI & NAUI

Until we reach our rebirth on the Mahtlahtli.

Temazcal Ceremony Description:

During a Temazcal ceremony, participants sit inside a lodge and are led by a shaman/"temazcalero" through a series of rituals, chants, and prayers. The ceremony guide pours water onto hot stones inside the Temazcal, creating steam that raises the temperature and humidity inside the lodge. The lodge itself symbolizes the womb of Mother Earth, and participants undergo a transformation and spiritual rebirth.

The ceremony takes place in darkness, in a circular lodge built earlier from branches, covered with blankets, skins, leaves, and earth. The lodge is built according to the principles of the Four Directions, the Four Elements (Earth, Water, Air, and Fire), and the Four Worlds (Humans, Animals, Plants, and Minerals), with respect for all of Nature and Mother Earth. And the Temazcal Ceremony encompasses four levels of Being – the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual worlds.

Outside the lodge, a ceremonial fire is lit to heat stones. They are then moved to the centre of the lodge, symbolizing the Navel of Mother Earth, and water with herbs is poured over it, creating clouds of steam. Participants go through four rounds in the lodge, called Gates.

Cacao has always been consumed ceremonially by the ancient Olmec, Zapotec, Mayan and Aztec peoples. It played a central role in the Mayan Creation Story (Popul Vuh). The purpose of this ancient ceremony is to create a deeper understanding and relationship with the spirit of the plant, Kukulcan (representing the Universal Kundalini Energy of Being) and your own Kunda energy. Kukulkan represents the life force in connection with consciousness. And the Cacao Ceremony awakens the Kunda energy, the primal life force and activates the pineal gland.

Cacao was traditionally used as the Food of the Gods and was considered by the Mayans and Aztecs as a sacred healing plant that aided in inner journeys to the spiritual worlds. They believed that cacao harmonized imbalances between the mind and heart, helped to fully open the heart, feel compassion and unconditional love. The Incas considered cacao to be the “drink of the gods,” hence the scientific name for the cacao tree, “Theobroma Cacao,” from the Greek words theo (god) and Broma (drink).

Cacao is considered a Sacred Medicine – a plant teacher that brings insights, valuable lessons and transformation. During the ceremony, you have control over your experience and can go as deep into yourself as you wish. Cacao is completely legal in every corner of the world.

Raw Cacao has many extremely valuable properties that support mental health and well-being. It reduces stress levels, improves awareness and focus. One of the main active ingredients in cocoa is theobromine, which, together with magnesium, has a soothing effect on the nervous system. It is a substance that stimulates heart activity and dilates blood vessels, relieves stress and depression, is released in the body during emotional euphoria and empathy.

It is also a unique opportunity to stop for a moment, surrender to the sounds and let them lead you to inner balance. The vibrations of the drums will connect you with the original rhythm of Mother Earth, and the subtle voices of ethnic instruments will create a space for purification and transformation.

It is not just a concert – it is a ritual, a meeting with what is ancient and sacred. It is the call of the Spirit, which leads to healing and transformation. Close your eyes, surrender to the sounds and let them guide you to where the whisper of the Cosmos intertwines with the beating of your heart. The world is waiting for you to remember who you are.

During the Sound Ceremony, you will immerse yourself in the vibrations of the powerful Tone of Life gongs and other relaxation instruments. It is a journey through sound, in which the body, mind and soul harmonize, gradually opening up to the subtle vibrations that penetrate every cell of your body, supporting its healing and renewal.

Allow yourself to completely let go. This journey is an invitation to meet yourself – fully, in trust, in harmony.

How does the Sound Ceremony work?

• we open our mind and entire body,
• vibrations penetrate our bodies, releasing tension and stress,
• sounds create a calming atmosphere helping the mind and body achieve a meditative state,
• cosmic sounds support the healing of our cells,
• we connect with Nature and Mother Earth.

LUCID DREAMING

This is a state in which the dreamer is aware that they are in a dream and can influence its course to a greater or lesser extent. This phenomenon has been the subject of scientific research in the fields of psychology, neurobiology and cognitive science for years, and is also used in self-development, therapy and subconscious exploration practices.

Studies on lucid dreaming indicate that this state is associated with increased activity in the areas of the brain responsible for self-awareness and cognitive functions, especially the prefrontal cortex. During normal sleep, these areas are less active, which means that we do not question illogical or unrealistic events. In lucid dreaming, the brain “wakes up” to some extent, allowing us to retain our ability to think critically and make decisions.

Lucid dreaming allows us to interact with the dream world, which can lead to developing creativity, working through fears and traumas, and even improving skills through visualization and mental training. Techniques that support achieving this state include reality checks, keeping a dream journal, and mindfulness meditation.

Lucid dreaming allows us to interact with the dream world, which can lead to developing creativity, working through fears and traumas, and even improving skills through visualization and mental training. Techniques that support achieving this state include reality checks, keeping a dream journal, and mindfulness meditation.

Lucid dreaming is a space of unlimited possibilities for exploring different states of mind and multidimensional realities. By waking up inside a dream, you can gain conscious control over the dream. This allows you to work with emotions, discover yourself, and explore other dimensions.