Condor Eagle Retreat ~ Ceremonial Guide
The Condor Eagle Retreat is a one-week gathering where we unite to pray, to sing, to move and speak our love to the earth. To be guided by the divine spirits of ancestral medicines and cultures, weaving in prayer the energies of the southern Condor, the northern Eagle and the central hummingbird and quetzal of Abya Yala - Anahuac (America).
Temazcal
Harnessing the energy of the four elements, the sweatlodge is a traditional purification ceremony, as a sacred steam bath with chants and prayers. A deep cleanse of mind, body and spirit in the womb of Mother Earth, remembering the origin of life, Atlachinoli, the union of water and fire.
We pray with tabacco and herbal smudge medicines. When we are inside the temazcal, we honor silence. We speak only when it is time to pray, or we use our voice to sing, following the guidance.
For the temazcal, women traditionally wear long dresses or tunics of a thin cotton fabric, as a way of discretion and also protecting the skin from the hot steams. Men use swim shorts, some prefer to bring a t-shirt as well or a bandana for their head and ears.
Grandmother Ceremony
A profound encounter with the medicine of the Amazon Rainforest, guided by the traditional chants of the master plants. We begin in the early evening-sunset and continue past midnight. The ceremony opens with ‘ah’ries’ (healing chants for protection and invocation) and later welcomes musical instruments and medicine music. We also offer the medicine of rapé (hapé) - tobacco, and resin smudges.
This is a ceremony to align with our spirit, to clear and heal our minds and bodies in the subtle dimensions, to be more connected to the invisible world within and around us, fortifying our vision.
When we are going to pray with the Grandmother, we prepare by doing special “dietas” to receive her and honor her inside of our bodies. This is how we present ourselves to her spirit, by taking care of our mind, body and emotions.
Our clear intention in working with this medicine is important, as the power of our purpose and prayer guides us through the ceremony. An intention can be for healing, clarity, lightness, focus, love, expansion, understanding, creativity, vision, learning…
The general food diet begins three days before the session (one week is better!) and ends three days after (you may also extend it for an additional week). It is key to follow the guidelines to support the clarity and balance of the experience, and after the sessions as well to help with the process of integration.
Please bear in mind that this medicine has contraindications that need to be taken seriously, and that people with certain body and mental health conditions may not take this medicine. If you take any medications or have any health issues, it is of most importance that you let us know as soon as possible so we can help you to prepare safely.
PREPARATION - DIET
Recomended foods:
• All types of cereals, such as rice (basmati, yamani, jasmine), couscous, oats, whole grain wheat, quinoa, etc.
• Seeds, such as sunflower, pumpkin, flax, chia.
• Fruits
• Vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, cabbage, greens, tomatoes, etc.
• Cooked potatoes in various forms are recommended, such as mashed, roasted or boiled, yuca, and other roots.
• Soups and salads.
• Eggs.
• Vegan milks with granola / muesli.
• Fish and chicken
• Coconut water
• Stay hydrated and eat healthy!
Contraindicated foods, drinks, and more:
• Alcohol. Stop taking any alcoholic drinks at least 1 week before, better 2 weeks.
• Drugs/medications. Drugs and medications may be severely contraindicated so it is of utmost importance that you inform us if you take any as soon as possible, so we can check if you can participate in the ceremony.
• Some natural medicines and herbs are contraindicated, such as Bufo, changa, St. Johns Wort, Kava, Kratom, Ephedra, Ginseng, Yohimbe, Sinicuichi, Rhodiola Rosea, Kanna, Boswellia, Nutmeg, Scotch Broom, Licorice Root.
• Cannabis. We suggest to stop smoking for the diet. Ingested cannabis for medical reasons is not a problem.
• We suggest to open space for the grandmother by not using medicines from other traditions during the diet. If you do, please let us know.
• Tabacco. Tabacco is used for prayers and healing in the ceremony, smoked traditionally without inhaling to the lungs. If you smoke tabacco in a way that is damaging to your lungs or recreationally, we suggest to stop for the dieta.
• Sugar, syrups, candies and sweet things in general, especially on the day of the ceremony.
• Reduce salt, pepper and hot spices.
• All types of preserved food (canned)
• Preservatives, sweeteners, colorants, etc.
• Dairy products (milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, etc.)
• Red meats, pork, beef, sausages.
• Soft drinks and energy drinks.
• Protein supplements.
Other considerations:
• It is very important and highly recommended to refrain from any kind of sexual activity during the diet.
• Try to sleep and rest well, eat the amount you need to come with enough energy.
The days previous to the ceremony we suggest to be free of all tasks that may give you tension or stress. On the day of the ceremony have breakfast and a light lunch, and stop eating at least 4-5 hours before the ceremony begins.
It is highly recommended to take a break from the phone, television, computers or screens in general before and after the ceremony. It is suggested to meditate and do activities in nature that help to have a calm state of mind. The more calm and connected to nature you can be, the better for your experience.
• Please be mindful of keeping a focus on the ceremony during the day, respecting silence and other’s space, being mindful of words we use.
• Please do not smoke during the ceremony or use strong perfumes.
We do not recommend juice or liquid-only fasts before the ceremony.
It is not permitted to take pictures, record videos or record sound during the ceremony. If you like the music we have a lot of music available online that we can send you.
Things to bring:
• Loose, warm and comfortable clothing, preferably cotton (or any fabric that does not make noise when you move).
• We suggest discreet clothing that covers your body, such as long trousers or skirt, a shirt covering your chest, comfortable shoes and a shawl or poncho. Men usually wear long pants and shirt, and women wear long dresses or skirts.
• Paper and pencil if you want to write or draw after the experience, a musical instrument if you play.
• There will be mats, cushions and blankets in the ceremonial space.
Good vibes.
Post-ceremony Integration
Resting, sleeping well, eating healthy and giving yourself time after the ceremony is very important for your wellbeing and integration of all the information you may have received from the plants. Take a good shower after the ceremony and as much time in nature as you can. Try to stay away from your phone or computer as much as possible, and take time off from work to let your mind rest and integrate.
During the weeks after the ceremony, it is usual that we still receive a lot of clarity and still feel connected to the plants and everything we can learn from them. Sometimes messages come in dreams, or suddenly we remember a vision we had.
We also clean and make a lot of space in our minds with the help of the plants, so its important to be mindful of what you will bring into your field after becoming so open during the ceremony. It is a chance to incorporate new healthy habits and let go of habits that were not benefiting you.
As your guides we are available to help with any doubts you may have, and we always appreciate to know and receive reports of your positive transformations and your journey with the plants.
Hikuri Ceremony
We call this ceremony a Half Moon Ceremony, with prayers with four tobaccos, water, and the sacred fire, in the way of the Teocali Quetzalcoatl altar. The ceremony starts in the evening and goes until sunrise.
These ceremonies are powerful community prayers that aid us in manifesting our good intentions and a beautiful path in life, by holding positive thoughts, transforming and connecting with the elements in gratitude and celebration.
In the morning we hold a flower blessing, connecting us with their vivid beauty and perfume, receiving the new day.
You may prepare by connecting to nature and setting good prayers for the night, by embracing gratitude and the service to be present to pray. We will have breakfast, lunch and a soup in the afternoon before the ceremony, and a community breakfast in the morning after the ceremony. The dress code is the same as for the Grandmother ceremony, bring colors and beauty, and please long skirts/pants and covered chests. We will be by the fire but it can sometimes get chilly in the night.
It is also recommended to bring sunscreen, good walking/hiking shoes or tennis, bathing suit, comfortable clothes for warm weather during the day and something for the nights that can get a bit chilly (like a poncho, shawl or jacket)
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
Blessings and see you soon!
Looking behind, I am filled with gratitude.
Looking forward, I am filled with vision.
Looking upwards, I am filled with strength.
Lookin within, I discover peace.
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