autumn equinox.
shadow of the feathered serpent
are you ready to embrace your shadow?
An Intimate 3 Day Journey
limited to 5 guests only!
autumn equinox retreat.
shadow of the feathered serpent
september 21-23
Join Laura for 3 days and 2 nights
Yucatan, Mexico!
Embark on a journey into the shadow. During this time of light and dark, this time between times, we will go into the shadow with compassion and self-love. For without understanding your shadow, you cannot fully understand your light.
With the help of the powerful ally, cacao, we will enter the portal of Xibalba, the Underworld.
Xibalba resides in the cenotes, the cave pools of the Yucatan.
Here in the centoe we will face the dark and acknowledge her loveliness.
After descending into the darkness, we will rise into the light to observe the shadow of the feathered serpent, the descending god who comes to be with us.
This powerful journey will lead you into a deep personal cleansing and healing session by a local Maya yerbatero.
You'll also explore the power of Maya ritual in a private, water-filled cave with the local story keeper and our good friend and shaman, Don Francisco.
The shadow is waiting for you.
the real question is, are you ready to meet it?
your itinerary.
magic you'll experience along the way
sacred cenote
We begin our journey with a cleansing soak in a remote and powerful cenote. Set your intentions as you enter into Xibalba, the darkness, the Maya underworld. It is here where we face our darkness and let it go in order that we might walk in our light!
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discover magic
Learn about medicinal plants, energy healing and magic from Don Francisco, a generational healer and my good friend. You will have time to see his medicinal garden, to learn about how energy is used in combination with plants, and you'll get to ask him your questions personally with translation provided. (No Psychedelics)
sacred meditation
Explore the space inside your heart as you participate in guided meditation in this sacred cave. This quiet and supportive time is super healing.
rest well
The Hacienda once belonged to the man who discovered Chichen Itza. It's beautiful gardens, exotic birds, and old stone walls create a dreamy sanctuary to relax and rest in.
chichen itza
The Equinox is a profoundly energetic time when the spirit of the creator god, Kukulkan, the Feathered Serpent descends to be with humankind. Join us as we witness the event on this most sacred of days. The energy has been off the charts every time I have been there!
cacao ceremony
Partake of the sacred cacao as a powerful ally to help you navigate the labyrinth of the shadow. The compounds in cacao have been revered for millennia in the world of the Maya and will help you address your inner self
local food
Enjoy authentic Maya food with the flavors of the Yucatan, hand-made tortillas, hibiscus flower tea, cohinita pibil cooked underground and more!
hacienda chichen
The pool, palms, luxury restaurant, paths, stone walls, and sacred spaces of this Hacienda offer an amazing vibe for our two nights and three days in Chichen Izta. Truely a sanctuary.
yerbatero session
Visit with our yerbatero. Have a personal and powerful cleansing ceremony. You can receive help and healing in any area of your life, physical, emotional, mental, spiritual. Don Francisco's family have been healers for generations. You'll love this powerful and very humble man.
private cave
Enter this private, sparkling white cave dug into an ancient water way by Mayan story keeper Miguel. Soak in the shallow waters and participate in a sacred ceremony with shaman Don Francisco. (No photos allowed)
make connections
Spend time in tiny Maya villages with lovely local Maya families, make authentic connections, and learn about their way of life. This photo is from the kitchen at Don Francisco's home where you will spend a half day!
maya story keeper
Learn about the deep and ancient connection to the supernatural in the Maya cosmovision from artist and story keeper Miguel who dreams the magic of the Maya into being with his art.
all inclusive journey.
autumn equinox retreat
feel the descent of the shadow
Begin with a cleansing soak in the in-between, a remote and stunning cenote where you will face your darkness in the arms of Xibalba, the Maya underworld.
Partake of the sacred cacao ally to facilitate your deep dive into your shadow.
Gather with seekers from all over the world to witness the descent of the god Kukulkan, the Great Feathered Serpent on the pyramid at Chichen Itza. This is the fortuitous time when the god opens the door and comes to be with the people!
Receive a traditional cleansing and healing session including copal incense, herbal sweeping, and the use of the sastun from a humble and powerful herbatero who is the last healer in his village
Learn about medicinal plants, energetic healing, and traditional Mayan magic. You will have the opportunity to ask your own questions and speak with Don Francisco, a generational Mayan healer!
Spend time with Maya story keeper, Don Miguel and see his dreamed art that foretells the unfolding of the story between the energies, the gods and the people of this tiny Mayan village.
Descend into the sacred cave used for ceremony by the villagers and participate in a Maya ceremony.
Stay in the Hacienda that was built by the archeologist who first discovered the ruins of Chichen Itza. Now a world-class wellness center with 200 Hectares Maya Jungle Reserve, dedicated to wildlife conservation and reforestation, Hacienda Chichen is carbon neutral, offers stunning gardens, exotic birds, a gorgeous infinity edge pool with pool side service, a delightful restaurant supported by on-site organic orchards and veggie gardens, bungalow style rooms with gardens just outside your door and sacred spaces throughout the grounds.
Participate in our sacred circle as we learn and share together, delving into the things of heart and processing the life changing experiences you will be having while you are with us.
Savor delicious, authentic Maya food at both fancy restaurants and tiny eateries.
Travel through tiny Maya villages where you will see traditional homes with grass roofs, tropical gardens and fruit trees, people enjoying the outdoors (some in traditional Huipil dresses), coconut and honey stands and so much more!
Spend time with the lovely Maya family of our good friend and shaman, Don Francisco, see how they live, meet their animals, and explore their medicine garden.
All this is here to support you as you explore the shadow, let go, and bring fresh perspective and freedom into your heart.
meet your guides.
we are here to bring you into deep connection
Laura LaBrie
Author, researcher, photographer, and adventurer, Laura LaBrie, has been living in Mexico and Central America for the past 13 years. She spends her time in remote villages and wild places learning as much as she can about Maya culture, life, and connection to the spirit realms, supernatural beings, and other dimensions! She is super excited to share everything she has learned with YOU! There are amazing secrets and ancient wisdom hidden in the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula and Laura is passionate about unearthing them and incorporating them into daily life. She has even been asked by the Maya elders to share their wisdom, their ways, and their connection to spirit with the world and she is excited to make good on her promise to do just that!
Roman Garcia
Veterinarian, massage therapist, and healer, Roman has a deep connection with nature and spirit here in the Yucatan. A native Mexican, Spanish is his first language (of course he speaks English too) and he will help you to understand the culture and intricacies of the Mayalands. He has a big heart for connecting people in community and helping you to see things from a new perspective. Roman is a true healer. In addition, he has a way of getting into the heart of the culture here, discovering hidden places, opening up new paths and uncovering the secrets of the Maya! He will translate for you, bring you into deeper connection with the people and culture here, and help to support you as you walk the path of your adventure!
have questions?
I am super happy to talk with you so we can learn a bit more about each other and so I can answer your questions.
You can schedule a call with me on FB Messenger or Whatsapp
to schedule your call please email me at connect@lauralabrie.com
or use the form on this website by clicking on the cute little envelope here!
register & save your spot.
autumn equinox retreat: descent of the shadow
Make sure to contact us first to confirm we have space!
September 21-23
3 days & 2 nights
$1,475 USD all inclusive
a $500 USD non-refundable deposit is required to hold your space!
Included:
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2 nights in a world class hacienda
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3 days of delving into the beauty of Maya Magic
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Entry to the ruins of Chichen Itza
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Delicious and authentic Maya food
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All transportation
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Maya magic teaching with author and Maya expert, Laura LaBrie
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Personal Yerbatero Cleansing and healing time
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Question and answer session with Don Francisco
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Cenote soak to banish negative energy
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Cacao Ceremony to support you in your journey into shadow
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Connection with Maya Story Keeper Don Miguel.
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Private cave Mayan Ceremony with Don Miguel and Don Francisco
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Guided meditation in the Meditation Cave
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Cultural Connections with healer and local expert Roman Garcia
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Local Spanish Translation whenever you need it
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and, of course more, I am sure I must be missing things! It's going to be awesome!
$500 non-refundable deposit required to save your spot.
OR...you can pay in full
Sign me up for the Autumn Equinox retreat!
a $500 USD non-refundable deposit is required to hold your space!
When you sign up by either sending in your deposit or paying in full, you will automatically receive a welcome packet download filled with lots of great information and some fun things to help you get ready for your adventure with us!
be prepared.
adventurers ascetic
Cool clothing. Think breathable, loose-fitting fabrics.
Bathing suit for a breathtaking cenote soak and relaxing in the pool
Extra spending money for buying goodies to bring home. Also, even though all your food and drinks are included, if you choose to enjoy a cocktail or other alcoholic beverage, you'll need a bit of extra cash for that too. Mexican Pesos are the local currency and you can use your ATM card to get them here.
Adventure shoes will help you on your path. Think cool and comfy!
A backpack to carry all your goodies during your adventures!
An overnight bag with a change of clothing. Think adventure clothes.
A camera or your cell phone with a good camera will help you record the amazing things you are going to see! Small Maya villages, stunning cave cenote, jungle, rituals, and so much more!
A journal to record your thoughts, experiences and revelations
I am thrilled to connect on this mystical adventure with you!
Please be aware, deposits are nonrefundable.
what people are saying.
"a wonderful, totally sublime experience."
. . . we'll never forget!
This past February my friend and I stayed in Puerto Morelos. We went with Laura to visit some of the less touristy Mayan pyramids and swim in some cenotes. Every place we went was amazing. Meeting a Mayan family in their home was an honor we'll never forget. When we return to the Yucatan we will definitely go with Laura to explore even more fantastic sites. She not only was our guide but also became our friend.
Mary Ann
...care deeply about the knowledge they share
I cannot recommend Laura and her retreats enough. She and Max are spectacular people and care deeply about the knowledge they share and experience their guests receive. Laura spends a lot of time and effort researching and planning the retreats - and it shows! Understanding the Maya history and people and language and rituals….is overwhelming and complex. But Laura seems to make it easy. Sign up and have no doubts — You will love it!
Mindy
. . . this is the real deal!
A wonderful, totally sublime experience. Max and Laura’s depth of knowledge about the Mayan people, their innate indigenous worldview and simple lifestyle was shared to our small group in an elegant style. We visited in the village and were able to have individual healings with the village shaman. We swam in cenotes, climbed pyramids at Ek Balam and it was mesmerizing. This is the real deal.
Belle
. . . a surreal experience!
Laura and Max were an absolute pleasure to take an excursion with! Having met Laura before I already knew she was great energy and good people! Laura and Max both took us to some amazing cenotes that offered a very private and surreal experience unlike anything I’ve ever experienced on any excursion before. They both shared with us the history of the Mayan culture and offered a very personal experience unlike any I’ve seen on other excursions in Mexico! I would highly recommend and will be booking with them in the future!
Jonathan
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect from attending a retreat?
This is a time for YOU. It is a private or small group retreat and tailored personally.
What airport should I fly into?
We are located in Puerto Morelos, just 20 minutes south of the CANCUN, MEXICO airport! (Yes, you get to visit us in paradise!)
What's included in the price?
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2 nights at a world class hacienda
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All meals and beverages . . . alcoholic drinks are not included.
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All transportation except airport transfer (We can make recommendations on airport transfers)
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On the go learning with Laura
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Cultural connections with Roman
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Cenote experience
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Cacao ceremony
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Time with Don Francisco, Maya healer (Offering for your healing session is not included)
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Time with Don Miguel, Maya storyteller (Offering/tip for Don Miguel not included)
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Maya cave ceremony
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Chichen Itza Ruins
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A professional English-speaking translator/guide throughout
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All entry fees and taxes to sites included on the itinerary
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Bottled water daily
What is your refund policy?
Your $500 deposit is non-refundable. Click here to see our terms and conditions.
Can I stay at another location?
Because we will be out adventuring and staying in remote locations, it isnt really possible for you to stay at a different location.
How can I find a roommate?
If you are traveling alone and would like us to connect you with a room mate contact Laura at connect@lauralabrie.com.
Can I bring my pet?
As much as we love animals, this is really not the right place for them.
Can I bring my children or spouse?
Yes! We would love for your spouse and/or children to join us, however, the minimum age for children joining our retreat is 18 years-old.
Are there scholarships available? Can I trade my services in exchange for going on the trip?
We don’t have any scholarships available for our retreats at this time, nor are we accepting an exchange of services. The only way to attend is to register.
How can I learn more about Laura's philosophies ahead of time?
Where can I get more information?
If you don’t see the answers to your questions on the website, we’ll be happy to help you! Just send an email to Laura at connect@lauralabrie.com.