International Women's Council Retreat in
Guatemala

MAY 24th - 29th, 2004

International Women's Council and Mayan New Year Spiritual Renewal Ceremonies in Guatemala , May 24- 29, 2004
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Join us for a six-day Council in Guatemala to celebrate the
Mayan New Year (8 B'atz), and the creation of an
international Women's Council. This historic event will bring together 100 Mayan men and women spiritual leaders with people from different countries and cultures to provide an opportunity for council sharing and coming together in ceremony. The 8 B'atz ceremony is the celebration of the completion of the sacred cycle of the Cholq'ij (Sacred Mayan Calendar), and the beginning of the new cycle, bringing spiritual renewal
and connection to the web of life.  

The Maya have recently brought forth a prophecy that now is the time that the women of the world need to take leadership once again to bring balance to the earth. The Women's Council is an opportunity for women to speak their hearts, share their arts
and traditions, and build cross-cultural partnerships that
empower women. This is a special, sacred time for us to come together in prayer of all kinds for our Mother Earth, create
alliances with our Mayan brothers and sisters, and
participate in ceremonies guided by traditional
Mayan Aj Q'ijab (spiritual leaders and guides). In our ceremonies, we will maintain the sacred heartbeat of the universe through the drum and a
sacred fire for four days and nights.  

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Through the coming together of the different cultures, we are
able to compare knowledge and ideas of how to navigate
through these challenging times and the process of reclaiming our ceremonies and traditions. This in turn
creates good alliances and sister communities that can
work together, sharing and establishing sustainability within themselves, and collectively creating the space for others to grow and explore
their own creativity.  

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The sacred Mayan teachings search deep within the individual self for its greatest potential; and then to help the individual to develop the incredible manifestation of the
vision they hold. Within the Mayan structure, there is a deep understanding and honoring of the diversity of ways that
spirit can manifest itself. There is also an inclusiveness and equality with men and women that encourages co-creation. The Mayan ceremonies, healing methods, and teachings invite in the conditions for
which growth and expression from the individual can be acknowledged, respected, admired, and encouraged, no
matter what background they come from.  

Details  

Participants will need to fly into Guatemala City on May 23rd
and fly out on May 30th, 2004 . PLEASE contact us before
making arrangements for your flights so we can coordinate transportation to and from the airport. The Council will be
held in Chimaltenango , Guatemala .  

Honorary Loving Donation for participants in the Council will
help to sponsor 100 Mayan spiritual leaders to participate in
the Council, will cover ceremonial materials, will contribute towards building the Patziapa Healing and Ceremonial Center
on Lake Atitlan , as well as will cover the costs for 7 nights lodging, ground transportation, and food for individuals wanting
to attend. $1300.00 (Does not include airfare to or from
Guatemala City ).  

Please reserve your space by sending a deposit of $750.00
by May 1st, 2004. Cashiers check and money orders can be
made out to Mayan Shamanism. The remainder is due
May 10th, 2004 .  

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Sun May 23rd (3 Keme): Fly into Guatemala City , travel to Chimaltenango  

Mon May 24th (4 Kiej): Start fire at noon , welcome and introductions  

Tues May 25th (5 Q'anil): Morning ceremonies and collective sharing, afternoon Women's Council meeting (men will
meet separately)  

Wed May 26th (6 Toj): Morning ceremonies and collective
sharing, afternoon Women's Council meeting (men will
meet separately)  

Thurs May 27th (7 Tzi): Morning ceremonies led by the Mayan women Aj Q'ijab , afternoon Women's Council Meeting (men
will meet separately). Evening sharing between men and
women.  

Fri May 28th (8 Batz): Mayan New Year Spiritual Renewal Ceremony, travel to Lake Atitlan  

Sat May 29th (9 E): Pilgrimage to site of Patziapa Healing
and Ceremonial Center on Lake Atitlan  

Sun May 30th (10 Aj): Travel to airport, fly home  

For more information, contact:  
Heddi Neale at (707) 935-1951 HeddiL@aol.com
or
Marcella Eversole at (415) 595-7984 m@spiralmuse.org

Mayan Shamanism P.O. Box 90 Glen Ellen, CA 95442 www.mayanshamanism.com  

The Patziapa Healing and Ceremonial Center is being created
to bring together holistic, spiritual, self-sustaining communities that focus on sustainable organic methods
and indigenous ways of reconnecting with the Earth, ourselves, and others by being in nature; growing food, medicines, and seeds; and participating in programs that integrate indigenous
teachings, ceremonies, and healing methods to bring
healing to all people and the planet.  

The land that we have secured lies on the fertile skirts of the
San Pedro volcano, where the Tzutujil people settled, and
part of the remains of their ancient kingdom's capital city,
Chuitinamit, can been found on our land. This will be used exclusively as a ceremonial center where Mayan initiates
can be trained as Aj Qijab (spiritual leaders/guides), while the
rest of the land and surrounding properties will be used for living and teaching centers, as well as, gardens. All proceeds from our events goes to support this Center. We have already been able to purchase one parcel of land out of six, build a dock, and buy a boat for travel to the Center, as it can only be reached by boat!