Palenque: Merging with the Mayan Underworld March 18-23rd, 2009 Led by: Dr. Sheri Rosenthal Author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Toltec Wisdom & WITH Forgiveness - Are You Ready?

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There are many beautiful and magical sacred sites in Mexico, but few hold the energy of the underworld like Palenque. From the moment you arrive into this area you will feel like you have descended into the depths of your inner being. It is this spiritual energy that forms the basis for our week of heart-felt transformation and personal expansion.

We will travel in time from the remains of the Olmecs at La Venta to the incredible structures of the Maya experiencing many shifts of landscape reflecting our own internal processes. The most striking aspect of this set of ruins is their connection with the underworld. Death and the underworld had a very profound significance to the Mayans. For example, the location of Palenque was significant as an observer standing on top of the watchtower of the palace during the winter solstice would see the sun plunge down straight into the earth, leading the way to the underworld. Pacal, the most powerful of all the rulers of Palenque had his tomb constructed at that very location. His pyramid tomb thus appears as a direct gateway to the underworld.

More than 500 buildings in Palenque are known, but more than 80% of the city is covered by rain-forest. The outside walls of Palenque's buildings were not finished in the usual Mayan limestone face but were plastered to show a smooth finish. Beautiful carvings decorated the interiors. Stucco and terra-cotta were also employed. Some buildings, particularly the "Temple of the Inscriptions," show extensive writing, not all of which have been deciphered.

Tonina is believed to have conquered Palenque and led to its eventual collapse. In the 7th century a dynasty change occurred from the long standing "Lord of the Lineage of the Underworld" to the "Snake Skull-Jaguar Claw." Some of the most powerful carvings can be found at Tonina along with an unusual tunneling passageway.

The Olmec-Mayan ruins at Comalcalco, are more than a small mystery to archaeologists and other researchers who are studying the unique architectural style of the ancient city. For one, all other Mayan ruins were built using limestone blocks and stones - not bricks. Further complicating the issue, the bricks have Roman-like architectural measurements and the building structures sport Roman-like architectural features. Further deepening the mystery is the discovery of what may well be a Roman figurine, leading some to speculate that there may have been a Roman-Christian presence in the Americas a thousand years before the arrival of Columbus.

During this week we will immerse ourselves in the mythology of the underworld exploring the aspects of ourselves long abandoned or forgotten, leading to the rebirth of our integrity and oneness. We will utilize the energy and intent of these structures to delve into our own underworld and then merge with the sun. As is typical for a Journeys of the Spirit retreat, you will experience class time daily, time for sharing with the group, reflection and meditation time, and one-on-one personal time with your group leader (along with fun and shopping time too of course!). It is our intent that you return home with an open heart and mind along with the tools you need to make the changes in your life you desire.

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Day 1 March 18th - ARRIVAL (-/-/d) We leave the US today and meet in Mexico City and transfer to our flight to Villahermosa. Enjoy a welcome dinner and after dinner we gather together as a group and get to know each other and share our intent for our week.

Day 2 March 19th - LA VENTA – COMALCALCO - PALENQUE (b/l/-) Breakfast and then we visit the site of La Venta park, known for the colossal Olmec heads. Enjoy the jaguar as we walk through the outdoor museum-zoo. Board our bus with box lunches for a short drive to the site of Comalcalco. The only known Maya site made with brick. Marvel at the artwork of the individual bricks over 1400 years old. After our visits to the Maya sites we will be driven to Palenque (about 1 1/2 hours). There you will settle in at the Hotel Nututun, a beautiful hotel just on the outside of Palenque set in it’s own private tropical setting next to a lovely river.

Day 3 March 20th - PALENQUE (b/l/-) All day to discover the spectacular ruins of Palenque. In the morning we will explore the great palaces and temples and tomb of this famed site. Today we will be working on our connection with the energies of the underworld. We'll have time to explore and connect this with amazing site. Lunch and afternoon for visiting the modern museum. Return to Nututun in time for dinner.

Day 4 March 21st - PALENQUE / MISOL HA (b/l/-) After breakfast, take the morning to further explore Palenque and its wonderful energy. Lunch en route to the waterfalls of Misol Ha. Enjoy the afternoon, basking in the sun and swimming in the pool of the falls. Return to Nitutun in time for dinner.

Day 5 March 22nd - TONINA (b/l/-) After breakfast, transfer to the Ocosingo where we will visit the Maya Site of Tonina. Enjoy a box lunch to take advantage of the entire day visiting the site and the museum. The center of Tonina is built on the side of a large hill in seven terraces producing the overall effect of a stepped pyramid. Numerous chambers and passageways exist and there are several fascinating buildings located in front of the main complex which may have been used in conjunction with structures on the main buildings. Return to hotel in time for diner.

Day 6 March 23rd - VILLAHERMOSA - DEPART (b/-/-) After breakfast, we leave our beautiful hotel and make our way back to the airport and get ready for our flights home. We say our last goodbyes, hugs and kisses as we prepare to take our new dream of heaven back to our lives!

Many meals are included in this itinerary (as indicated on the itinerary in brackets). All spiritual teachings are included. All tips for the drivers, guides, and bell-boys are included. The spiritual teachings are included. All excursions are included and entrance fees are included for our sites. All transportation/hotel transfers upon your arrival in Villahermosa are included.

Non-included items would be: phone calls, laundering services and souvenir shopping! Tips for the maids are not-included (we suggest planning on leaving $1.00 per day). Your round-trip air flight to and from Mexico is not-included. Please fly into Villahermosa (VSA) on the 18th arriving no later than 4pm. Going home on the 23rd please do not schedule your flight to leave before 12-1pm from Villahermosa (VSA). Most folks will be flying into Mexico City or Cancun on an international flight and then transferring to a national flight to our destination. If you run a multi-city search on most travel sites you will be able to book this ticket without a problem - for example Expedia can do this for you at a great price.

The actual schedule of spiritual teachings and what we will be doing day to day is not definite. This is because we teach by channeling spirit which comes in the moment. Every day will be a magical experience for all of us, teachers included! Keep your heart and mind open to the experience life brings us.

The 2009 trip cost is: $1595.00 per person, double occupancy if 15-24 people join us and $1395.00 per person, double occupancy if more than 25 people join us. If you need a single, please let us know asap, as the cost differential is $295.00 for this journey.

A deposit of $500.00 is needed by: January 1st, 2009. Final payment is due: February 1st, 2009. Any cancellation made in writing before: January 1st, 2008 will result in a cancellation fee of $0.00. Any cancellation made between: January 1st, 2009 and February 1st, 2009 will result in a loss of deposit of $500.00. Any cancellation made between: February 1st, 2009 and the trip departure will result in total loss of deposit ($500.00) plus any other non-refundable payments from our Mexico operator. Trip cancellation insurance is recommended to cover such issues. Please know that I am happy to create a monthly payment plan for you - but do note that you must have paid the trip in full by the departure date. Just email me and we can charge a specific amount monthly to your credit card.

You may print each form separately, or download all 7 forms at the same time and then print them from your computer. All the documents are in Adobe PDF format. If you don't have Acrobat Reader in your computer (most people do), please go to CLICK HERE to download it. You will find that these forms contain all the information you could possibly want regarding this journey. Enjoy!

Dear Spiritual Traveler
Don't Forget Me List!
Statement of Health
Trip Application
Limitation of Liability
Release of Liability
Terms & Conditions
Download ALL forms

These are a few books that I feel will help you prepare for your upcoming journey. Please enjoy these recommendations. If you have any of your own, let me know and I will consider posting them! If you click on the book itself it will link you to Amazon.com.

Having experienced many Spiritual Journeys, it is nice to have all the information you might need before you go! I have included a list of online resources that will prove to be useful as you plan and prepare for your next Spiritual Journey. Simply choose a link from the drop down menu below and the corresponding website will open in its own window making it easy for you to return to this site and continue your exploration.