Mayan Trips

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Entering the Maya Mysteries

January 11 to 23, 2008
CHECK BACK FOR FEBRUARY 2009 DATES AND ITINERARY — AVAILABLE SOON.

The roots of all things are connected.
When a tree is cut in the forest,
a star falls in the sky.

— Chan K'in Viejo
Spirit holder of the Lacandones

Photos from Previous Maya Trips
Travelers' Stories: Testimonials from Previous Trips

Few traditions have lived their spiritual mythologies in so graphic a manner and left behind such abundant clues of the great leap to life beyond this one, and the places in-between, in their magnificent temples and symbols just now being decoded.

Palenque Codices

How can we find meaning in the Ancient Maya world that we may translate into our own lives? What Maya rituals and stories survive — connecting the filaments from long ago? In a present-day Western culture bereft of such richness, how might we take a cue from this age-old culture and develop metaphoric pathways to enliven our own being? These are the questions that will frame our experiences and journey into timelessness.

Palenque Temple Join us as we enter the Maya Mysteries through travel to temple ruins, some deep in the jungle, explored by few. Learn about Ancient Maya cosmology, or world view, and how it manifested at these locations. Experience the very rare opportunity of engaging in Lacandón Maya ceremonies and storytelling, that are all but extinct, through the last elder faithfully practicing his indigenous rituals. He has graciously consented to share his traditions that they may be witnessed and live on.

We will begin against the dramatic backdrop of Palenque and move into the Lacandón Rainforest village of Najá where we will meet our Lacandón host, participate in the sacred Balché Ceremony, soak in the mystical energy of Lake Najá and more. Skirting Guatemala we transition from jungle to pine and oak forests, the home of Lagos Montebellos, a series of exquisite lakes with such names translating to "Dream", "Emerald", or "Blue Forest", and the partially excavated Maya ceremonial center Chincultik with its cenote, said to be a repository for offerings to the gods. Here we also have a panoramic view of the lake district.

After a dramatic climb in elevation, we arrive in the colonial town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, surrounded by high mountains, with its stately architecture and narrow streets. Nearby, we visit the Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya villages of San Juan Chamula, Zinacantán and Tenejapa, whose inhabitants dress in traditional colorful embroidered clothing. And because we're there at just the right time, we'll attend some of the annual festivals and leave the door open to what else may show up.

Throughout, we will be focused on the space between these moments where the intent of our travels takes shape...

In places like Palenque... life slows down. The humidity and the soft energy of these rainforest spaces won't allow you to move too fast. In that lessening and more languid movement, distracting internal voices gradually hush. When silence is given space, elements of living that you keep at bay are allowed to be freely present. Things we believe unreal or mystical begin to emerge.

— Carla Woody
Standing Stark

Read an article on Chiapas and the Lacandón Maya.

GROUP SIZE LIMITED. RESERVE YOUR SPACE!

Carla Woody photo Carla Woody, MA, CHT... author of Standing Stark and Calling Our Spirits Home... is the founder of Kenosis LLC, an organization based in Prescott, Arizona, supporting human potential through workshops and spiritual travel opportunities. She leads retreats internationally sharing an integration of NLP, subtle energy work and world sacred traditions, with a special emphasis on the mysticism of the Andes. Carla is the developer of "The Re-Membering Process", a model for spiritual growth, and works with individuals and groups in areas of transition, relationships, spirituality and whole health. She first came to Palenque in 1995 and has been drawn back again and again by the resident mysteries of the region.

Alonso Mendez photo Alonso Mendez, born in the highlands of Chiapas and raised in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, is of Tzeltal Maya heritage. Alonso grew up amongst anthropologists, botanists and ethnographers, including famed photographer of the Lacandón, Trudi Blom. This childhood influence translated to later work as an archaeologist, surveyor and guide to Maya sites that continues today. His reproductions of Maya ceramics and reconstructive drawings of the ruins have gained him respect. This recognition was taken to an even greater level when, in studying sacred geometry, he discovered previously unknown solar alignments in the temples at Palenque in 2002.

The Lacandón Indians live deep in the rainforest now known as the Lacandón Biosphere. Some anthropologists claim they are the direct descendants of the Ancient Maya who built Palenque, while others conjecture they came from the Yucatan to escape the conquistadors. Wherever their origins, the Lacandones have been rooted in the jungle for hundreds of years in relative isolation. Their appearance and native practices, which closely parallel the Classic Maya mythologies, set them apart from the Maya in other areas of Mexico. Their numbers are growing fewer, merely a few hundred, and since their t'o'ohil, or great one, Chan K'in Viejo passed in the late 1990s their spiritual traditions are nearly lost.

Cost:	Early registration discount to $2395 by November 10. After November 10: $2495. Tuition includes all group work with Carla Woody, instruction in Maya cosmology by Alonso Mendez, traditional ceremonies and storytelling with a Lancandón spirit keeper, simple lodging in double rooms or other shared arrangements depending on location, all breakfasts, meals in Najá, any entrance fees, pre and post-trip interface with Carla Woody regarding intent and re-entry, transport in Mexico during formal group time. Tuition does not include airfare to/from Mexico and transportation between the airport and the starting/ending points (Palenque/San Cristóbal). For complete details, contact us. MC/Visa accepted. Registration deadline December 8, 2007. Important note: A percentage of proceeds from tuitions for this Spiritual Travel Program will be donated to Kenosis Spirit Keepers, a nonprofit, that seeks to honor and preserve indigenous wisdom and sacred cultural practices. Their scholarship programs provide cross-cultural exchange, education and community-building opportunities for indigenous peoples, young adults and others. When you register for our programs you are also helping to sponsor others.
Deposit:	Non-refundable deposit of $500 to hold your place. Remainder due in full by December 1, 2007. Send payment by check or money order to: Kenosis, PO Box 10441, Prescott, AZ 86304. For credit card payment call 928-778-1058 or email info@kenosis.net.
Cancellation:	45 days or more prior to the start of the trip, full refund (less $500 deposit). Within 45 days of the trip, full amount (less deposit) is transferable to any Kenosis offering within two years.

Kenosis LLC - PO Box 10441 - Prescott, AZ 86304 - 928.778.1058 - www.kenosis.net
info@kenosis.net