Awaken Your True Nature: Explore the Ancient Tradition of Huichol Shamanism

This weekend shamanic retreat at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is an introduction to Huichol shamanism, an indigenous tradition from Mexico. It is led by Brant Secunda, a traditionally trained Huichol shaman, teacher and author, and it marks the turn from winter to spring with practices that deepen a personal connection to Mother Earth and the natural world. No previous shamanic experience is needed. Anyone curious about indigenous wisdom and its practical use in daily life is welcome.

What to Expect

The weekend moves through guided rituals, spiritual discourses and community ceremonies. Participants journey to the four directions to find clarity in the heart, and begin each day with a morning ritual meant to awaken the dreams. Sessions take place amid the sound of the rattle, the drum and sacred chants. The retreat also explores pilgrimage as a way to embody the power of nature, and it closes the days with dancing prayers into the altar of Mother Earth. The aim is to leave with practical tools from an ancient tradition, and with a renewed sense of connection and hope.

The schedule follows the Kripalu rhythm. On the opening day, check-in begins at 2:00 pm, followed by a Kripalu Yoga class, dinner, and an evening program session from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. The full days begin with yoga at 6:30 am and a silent breakfast, then offer a morning session from 8:30 to 11:30, lunch, an afternoon session from 1:45 to 4:45, yoga, dinner, and an evening session from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. On the closing day there is yoga, silent breakfast and a final session until 11:15 am, then lunch and departure. Times may vary, and the schedule given at check-in has the final word.

About Brant Secunda

Brant Secunda is an internationally recognized shaman, healer and teacher in the Huichol tradition of Mexico. At eighteen he traveled from his native New York to the Sierra Madre Mountains to study with the Huichol people, beginning a twelve-year apprenticeship with the shaman Don José Matsuwa. When the training was completed in 1978, Don José publicly announced that Brant would assume his place in the world and certified him as a Huichol shaman and lineage holder.

In 1979 he established the Dance of the Deer Foundation Center for Shamanic Studies in Soquel, California, and has directed it since. The foundation works to preserve Huichol culture and traditions and to support self-sufficiency in the indigenous community, and it sponsors his workshops around the world, including pilgrimages, vision quests and holistic medical conferences.

The Setting

Kripalu is a yoga and health center in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts, and this is an on-campus program, so guests stay on site. Accommodations are intentionally simple, designed to help you unplug. Choices include private rooms for solitude and community-style dorms for those who want closeness with other guests. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room holds bags until then. Check-out on the last day is at 10:00 am, though you may stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.

Before You Go

The program is open to all levels and is taught in English. Your stay includes the sessions with Brant Secunda, more than ten yoga classes over the weekend, three nutritious meals a day, and access to the Kripalu grounds and facilities. Healing Arts sessions, items from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe, and private instruction are not included. If the program is full, a waitlist is available.