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Unificación Maya 2010 Guide to El Remate, Peten, Northern Guatemala 15th - 21st December Each year until 2012! 2010 &

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Welcome to El Remate and Unificación Maya 2010. Learn all about the ceremonies, the village and the special events planned for this week long Mayan festival. Open to all

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Unificación Maya 2010

Guide to El Remate, Peten, Northern Guatemala

15th - 21st December Each year until 2012!

2010

&

2 Unificación Maya 2010

El Remate is the small, lakeside, village gateway to some of the last untouched natural jungle in the world.

The jungles of Peten - often referred to as the Earth’s Second Lung - provide oxygen and help balance the emissions produced by other coun-tries.

These jungles contain many ancient Mayan ruins of world heritage sig-nificance, as well as a pharmacopoeia of plants and a huge diversity of animals .

From El Remate the jungle can be experienced via hiking, biking, horses and Zip line tours over the jungle canopy.

2010

Welcome to El Remate / Contents Page 2

Coordinated by / Sponsored by Page 3

Purposes of Unificacion Maya Page 4

Dedication to Lindy Morning Star Morris

Page 5

Unificacion Maya Facilitators Page 6, 7

Mayan Fire Ceremony / Ceremony Protocol

Page 8, 9

Day 1: Uaxactun / About Uaxactun Page 10, 11

Day 2: Ixlu / About Ramon Page 12, 13

Day 3: Actun Kan Caves / Flores Page 14, 15

Map of El Remate w/ businesses Page 16, 17

Day 4: Lakeside / Ix-canaan Women’s Center

Page 18, 19

Day 5: Yaxha / About Yaxha Page 20, 21

Day 6: Bird Sacntuary / Pranic Healing / Toltec Ceremony

Page 22, 23

Day 7: Tikal / About Tikal Page 24, 25

Remaining Jungle / A vision for Peten

Page 26

Project Ix-canaan Page 28, 29

Important Notes Page 30

What is Ceremony by Armando Cruz

Page 31

Unificacion Maya Flyer Page 32

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

GETTING HERE:

El Remate is situated on the shores of the beautiful lake Pe-ten-Itza and can be reached via modern, safe, air-conditioned busses to Flores from Guatemala city or Belize City. Or you can fly from either of those cities to Flo-res Airport, a mere 30 km. from El Remate.

Pick ups to El Remate from

Santa Elena and Flores by arrangement:

Contact: [email protected]

or phone (502) 5804-8639

WELCOME To El Remate & Unificacion Maya

Unificación Maya 2010

Anne, her 10-year old son, and the family dog set out from Calgary, Canada in 1994 seeking to fulfill a lifelong dream of a home with palm trees and thatched huts. Their journey eventually led to the

Mayan jungles of Peten, Guatemala, where she co-founded Project Ix-canaan with partner Dr. Enrique Chapeton. Anne is the coordinator for Project Ix-

canaan (www.ixcanaan.com), Mayan for Guardians of the Rainforest, a social development program

that includes a free medical clinic, the coordination of visiting international medical and dental profes-sionals, a computerized library and a Women’s Center. Anne manages Hotel Gringo Perdido

(www.hotelgringoperdido.com), a beautiful lakeside eco-lodge in the heart of a Mayan wildlife preserve. Anne is also the lead organizer for the annual gathering known as Unificación Maya

(www.unificacionmaya.com), and the author of numerous electronic pub-lications describing life in the jungle, including a food blog describing the

creation and modification of recipes using jungle ingredients.

Coordinated by Anne Lossing:

Lose Yourself at Hotel Gringo Perdido

El Remate, Peten, Guatemala

Close to everything, Yet away from it all!

Let our friendly staff organize your transfers, guides, tours, accommoda-tions and home-cooked meals, while

you enjoy the magic of Peten

Specializing in Groups Www.hotelgringoperdido.com

Sponsored by Hotel Gringo Perdido

Since the first year of Unificación Maya, Hotel Gringo Perdido has gener-ously supplied all accommodations w/ dinner & breakfast daily to the group of Mayan Spiritual Guides who facilitate the Mayan Fire Ceremo-nies throughout the week.

4 Unificación Maya 2010

Purposes of Unificación Maya By Lennie Martin There are three purposes for our gathering and the ceremonies we are doing for Unificación Maya, which began during Winter Solstice 2005: Activation, Balance and Dispersal of Light. Activation: Our gathering is to reactivate, enhance and expand the energies already awakened during the past decade in many sacred Maya sites. The symbol of activation is the serpent-foot lightning god Ka’wil, bringer of the power of manifestation into the world. Ka’wil represents states of transformation. Our ceremonies bring forth this activation and transformation energy through dance, song, rituals and meditation. In every sacred site we feel this energy, remembering the Maya ancestors and drawing forth their wisdom. Balance: We are seeking balance of the masculine and feminine, as embodied in the Maya symbol G, called “Ge”. Pictured as a spiral galaxy or yin-yang G, it represents the original unified sacred essence of all being. This balance is very important for the world now. When we blend masculine and feminine and share the harmonies of our energies with open hearts, in the beautiful natural settings of the Maya, we bring the world into greater balance. All of us have male and female sides, for in truth we are all one being with many different faces and shapes. As our own male-female sides harmonize, we create bal-ance in our families, communities and the entire world. Light Dispersal: Our gathering is intended to disperse the light to the world. As the light rises in each of us, it is like the Maya symbol of expanded consciousness, the Celes-tial Bird Itzam Ye. Itzam Ye flies forth from our consciousness, dispersing light around the world. Then we can live in harmony as brothers and sisters, all members of the same planetary family. Our ceremonies at Unificación Maya bring that expanded consciousness to life, and awaken the Divine in each one of us, making us all carriers of the light throughout the world, wherever we are. We come from many countries and different cultures, are of various ages and both sexes. Together we form a group of companions and friends, and in this group our energies blend and harmonize. We feel our oneness, our unity with all beings and the planet. Now we are in the final years of the Maya Great Cycle, the countdown to 2012. Unificacion Maya 2005, the first gathering, initiated the process of com-ing together every Winter Solstice to honor and prepare for this momentous time. As our international group gathers and enlarges each year, together we will continue to activate Maya wisdom, bring masculine and feminine into bal-ance, and disperse the light to surround our entire planet.

Unificación Maya 2010

Dedicated to Lindy Morning Star Morris

This year, the Unificación Booklet is dedicated to our beautiful Aussie sister Lindy Morning-star, who was with us in celebration of Unifica-ción last year and had the vision and momen-tum to create the “Unificación Booklet”. Lindy lived with us, loved with us, cried with us, sang with us, danced with us and laughed with us. She is a pure soul, who loved all, cared for all living beings, was fun, tender and full of joy. She was loved by so many hearts across the world and may she now fully take her " Wings across the World."

WE LOVE YOU MORNINGSTAR!

6 Unificación Maya 2010

Tikal

Unificación Maya Nanas & Tatas

Tata Pedro Cruz Garcia

Nana Louise Rothwell Tata Chus Ixim Toj Tata Ruperto

Pedro Caueche

Marcelino Sacol

Feliciana Cortes

Maria Marcelina Chen

Unificación Maya 2010

Musicians & Guides Guide Danilo Rodriguez

Musician Pablo Collado

Terry Rubin

Danny Diaz

Jenifer Monteroso

Tatas Ermelindo, Domingo & Domingo Tata Armando Cruz

Ayah Buonaugurio

8 Unificación Maya 2010

Mayan Fire Ceremony By Mayan Elder Chus

People need to come to these ceremonies with respect and open hearts. Many people believe the Mayan ceremony is a religion - this is not true. Mayan under-standing is that everything is alive - the stones, the trees, the animals, the four elements, all dancing in harmony with the spirit of your soul. The belief that we are all one is what opens the door to magic and the ceremony is the key which opens and awakens the energies of the day, the 20 Najaules.

The ceremony opens the portals to Peace, Harmony, Love and transformation, it is about consciousness, intent and heart, not about candles and incense. The ceremony is for all people and all people need to be connected as one heart, this is what brings the ceremony to life!

• There are 22 Mayan languages in Guatemala, plus Spanish, Xinca, Garifuna

• The Mayan Tatas and Nanas (grandfathers and grandmothers) are known as Aj’qij or Aj’qijab (plural) (ah-kee-hab), meaning Day Carriers or Spiritual Guide.

• A circle is created in places held sacred or created in sacred places, the dedication of a new sacred space is named for the Mayan glyph of that day.

• A Tata and Nana, stand in each of the 4 directions, call in the energy of the directions, make a call to the 20 day energies and offerings are made at dif-ferent times throughout the ceremony. You will be invited to participate at different times

• When the day energy (Nawal) reached is your birth sign, you may choose 2 or 3 candles from the offering space and go to the spiritual guide indicated and ask for an aura cleansing which is also known as a ‘Saturación’.

Unificación Maya 2010

Suggestions for Ceremony Protocol

As we draw closer to the prophetic year of 2012, many will be called to Petén and the sacred sites it holds. Mayan Ceremony connects us to the timeline of the past, which holds the vision for the future. In honoring the ceremony and the fire we allow ourselves to escape the mindset of the outside world and all of its issues, to be one with all that is once again, through the Mayan Cosmo-vision. Many who attend the ceremonies have no idea what is happening and what is polite and correct protocol to observe and honor the sacredness of what is tak-ing place. These few suggestions and the following information are included so you may observe the protocol in a sacred way with intent and understanding.

• Turn cell phones off!

• No interuptions

• When making offerings, present yourself to the fire and place them with re-spect, making sure your offering lands within the circle.

• Bless the candle / offering before placing into the fire. This can be done through your intent, kissing it, holding it to your forehead, heart or blowing onto it.

• Observe the sacred space and energy flow of Mayan Ceremonies in an Anti clockwise manner, in turning and walking around the fire.

• This is sacred space, please observe this reverently.

• Observe the ceremonial space as sacred space, do not throw anything into the sacred fire that is not a part of the ceremony.

• If you bring something to share at the fire, please consult with the relevant ceremonial leaders beforehand.

• Respect the Mayan tradition and rituals - even if you do not understand what is happening. Attendance of the entire 7 days will lead to growth and under-standing.

Observation of these few simple protocols shows your respect and adds to the

Power, Sacredness and Intent of the Ceremonial Fire.

Thank You !

O Corazón del Cielo Corazón de la Tierra Corazón del Agua Corazón del Fuego Los cuatro Vientos Que respiramos

Es el Corazón de la Vida

Heart of the Heaven Heart of the Earth Heart of the Water Heart of the Fire The four Winds

We breath Is the Heart of our Life.

Prayer to the Directions

10 Unificación Maya 2010

DAY 1 Uaxactun Archeological Site

December 15th, 2010

Aq’ab’al (Akb’al)

Dawn, new day, duality

Today’s Number 8

Today’s Color Red Self-awareness

Chakra Root Ground spirit forces in body

4 am Board Busses (Box breakfast to eat en route)

6 am to 12 noon Mayan Fire Ceremony & Introduction Circle

12 noon to 1 pm Lunch Served at El Chiclero

1:30 pm to 3:00 pm Class: Mayan Cosmology shared by Chus Landa

3:00 pm to 4:30 pm Explore other side of site

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Return to your hotel

The location for our Opening Ceremony for Unificación Maya on Decem-ber 15th, is the most impressive of the ceremonial buildings of Uaxactun - Structure E-VII-B. It is a truncated pyramid with stairways on four sides that are flanked by huge masks that are covered with stucco. This struc-ture was the focal point for the plaza with three pyramids aligned along its eastern edge. Together these structures were used for astro-nomical studies. The equinox and solstice were ac-curately deter-mined by sighting the sunrise from the eastern stair-way of Structure E-VII-B to one of the three pyra-mids to the east.

Unificación Maya 2010

Uaxactun Archeological site

Uaxactun (pronounced [waȓakQtun]) is an ancient ruin of the Maya civi-lization, located in the Petén Basin region of the Maya lowlands, in the present-day department of Petén, Guatemala. The site lies some 12 miles (19 km) north of the major center of Tikal.[1] The name is some-times spelled as Waxaktun. With recent achievements in the decipherment of the ancient Maya hi-eroglyphic writing system, it has been determined that the ancient name for this site was something like Siaan K'aan or "Born in Heaven". The name "Uaxactun" was given to the site by its rediscoverer, United States archeologist Sylvanus Morley, in May 1916. He coined the name from Maya words Waxac and Tun, to mean "Eight Stones". The name has two meanings; the Morley's stated reason for the name was to commemorate it as the first site where an inscription dating from the 8th Baktún of the Maya calendar was discovered (making it then the earli-est known Maya date). The other meaning is a pun, since "Uaxactun" sounds like "Washington", the U.S. capital and home of the Carnegie Institute which funded Morley's explorations. Morley's initial investigation of the site mostly focused on the hiero-glyphic inscriptions, after this Uaxactun was not visited again until 1924, when Frans Blom made a more detailed investigation of the structures and mapped the site. The Carnegie Institution conducted archeological excavations here from 1926 through 1937, led by Oliver Ricketson. The excavations added greatly to knowledge of the early Classic and pre-Classic Maya. The remains of several badly ruined late Classic era temple-pyramids were removed, revealing well preserved earlier tem-ples underneath them. For most of the Carnegie team's time at Uaxactun, communication with the outside world was via a 4 day mule convoy to El Cayo, British Hon-duras. Towards the end of the time an airstrip was opened up. Flights to Uaxactun continued and a small village grew here, as it became a center for gathering of chicle sap from the Peten jungle. In 1940 A.L. Smith and Ed Shook of the Carnegie project returned to make some additional excavations. In the late 1970s a rough road was opened up, connecting Uaxactun to Tikal and thence to Flores, Guatemala. Air-flights were discontinued. In 1984 the road was much improved. Shook returned again in 1974 to oversee consolidation and restoration of some architecture excavated earlier. In 1982 Guatemala's Tikal Na-tional Park was expanded to included the ruins of Uaxactun within its protected area.

12 Unificación Maya 2010

Ixlu is a small Mayan archeological site, dated between the Classic and Postclassic periods, located on the Isthmus between lakes Peten Itza and Sakpeten. This site was an important port with access to Lake Peten Itza via the Ixlu River. This site has been identified as Saklamakhal, also spelt as Saclemacal - a capital of the Kowoj Maya.

The site has over 50 structures and 2 ball courts, with archeological inves-tigations uncovering pot shards dating as far back as 1000BC. Evidence from the ‘Temple of the Hidden Jars’ indicates a continuous occupation from the Preclassic (AD200) to approximately 1700, well after the Spanish occupation of Guatemala.

Notice while we are in this site the profusion of Ramon Trees. This tree was very important to the Maya as a food for themselves and their ani-mals, and was planted in plantations in, around and over the Mayan sites. It is said that if you find yourself in a grove of Ramon trees, you are proba-bly in a Mayan site.

DAY 2 Ixlu Archeological Site

December 16th, 2010

Kat (Kat)

The fire; the net

Today’s Number 9

Today’s Color Orange Self-Respect

Today’s Chakra Sacral Using creative forces

5:30 to 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony at Gringo Perdido

7 am to 8 am Breakfast in your hotel

8:30 am to 9 am Transfer to Ixlu Site

9 am to 12 noon Mayan Fire Ceremony

12 noon to 1 pm Lunch at the Nutri-Naturales Ramon Processing

1 pm to 2:30 pm Class: Mayan Cosmology : Chus Landa

3:00 pm Return to Hotels

8 pm to 10 pm Class: Toltec Worldview; Armando Cruz @ Gringo Perdido

4 pm to 6 pm Class: BJ Sadtler: Mayan Cross @ Gringo

Unificación Maya 2010

Ramon What is it and why is it so important

Ramon is a rainforest tree and grows to great heights offering shade and a fruit, which provides a very special nut. The Ramon was integral to the physical and spiritual life of the Maya as evidenced by their 4th glyph, KAN, meaning "the seed" (Yucatec)... which is a depiction of a Ramon seed. Known as "Yaxox" in Mayan, the ramon tree (Brosimum Alicastrum) is a member of the fig family, which also includes mulberry trees. Re-ferred to as "corn tree" by the Maya civilization, its nut was a staple food crop, capable of being stored for lengthy periods of time, that was roasted, ground into a flour and combined with corn for baking or boiled and eaten like potatoes. Ramon nuts are actually the seed of the ramon fruit. They have zero fat and can be ground into flour which is gluten-free making it a nutritious addi-tion to gluten-free flours. Ramon flour is very high in potassium, fiber and tryptophan, the amino acid that helps calm stress and anxiety. Ramon nuts were used medicinally by the Maya to detoxify the liver and promote lactation in nursing women. Other common names for ramon nuts are ojoche, mojo, breadnut and mayanut. Ramon is important not only as a food, but also as a way for the people of the rainforest to earn a living in harmony with the trees of the jungle

(see www.ixcanaan.com) Through the support of various organizations, the women's group of Ixlu (our neighboring village) now operates a full-fledged production/packaging facility for Ramon Flour and Ramon Beverage. The facility is also equipped with a professional oven for baking the breads, cakes and cookies which are being marketed to local people as well as to the tourism industry.

14 Unificación Maya 2010

Actun Kan means “the cave of the Serpent”, because legend has it that

this cave, winding deep into the heart of Cerro de la Serpiente (Serpent Mountain) is the home of the Flying Serpent.

DAY 3 Actun Kan “Cave of the Serpent”

December 17th, 2010

Kan

(Chichan) Feathered Serpent, Ancestral Wisdom

Today’s Number 10

Today’s Color Yellow Self-worth

Today’s Chakra Solar Plexus Wisdom, Clarity

5:30 am to 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony at Gringo Perdido

7 am to 8 am Breakfast in your hotel

8:30 am to 9:30 am Transfer to Cave Site

9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Mayan Fire Ceremony & Flute Concert w/ Danny Diaz; Cave Exploration

12:30 pm to 2 pm Transfer to Flores / Lunch @ Las Puertas

2 pm to 4 pm Shopping & Site seeing

4 pm to 5 pm Return to hotels

8 pm to 10 pm Class: Toltec Calendar; Armando @ Gringo P.

FLORES:

The Itza left the Yucatan region in the 13th century and built the city later known as Tayasal as their capital. They called it Noh Peten, literally “City Is-land”. It was also called Tah Itza, or “Place of the Itza”.

It was here, on the island of Flores, on the shore of Lake Peten Itza, that the last independent Maya state held out against the Spanish conquerors. In 1541, Hernan Cortes came to the island, on route to Honduras, but needed to move on and did not try to conquer it.

The Spanish did not manage to conquer the island until 1697, when they marched in, attacked via boats, and destroyed it. Those who could flee, did

Unificación Maya 2010

Bus

Mus

Shopping

area

Map of Flores

so and many Itza people hid in the jungle for years. From the ruins of Noh Peten arose the modern city of Flores. Today, the island of Flores is connected to the mainland by a causeway, with Santa Elena and San Benito on the other side. The town is dense with colonial, re-roofed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, an historic church and Spanish plaza, and restaurants that are easy to stumble upon walking the city’s charming streets. We will be lunching at Restaurante Las Puertas, after which you are free to wander the streets or take a small boat, either to site-see out on the lake, or to go to the beautiful Petencito Zoo.

We will meet back at the bus stop (see map) for a 5 p.m. departure.

16 Unificación Maya 2010

El Remate is a small woodcarving village of ap-proximately 370 families, located on the east end of Lake Petén Itzá, on the main road halfway between Tikal and Flores. A good base for your stay in the Petén area, El Remate is the closest accommoda-tion to Tikal National Park. Many visitors consider it a pleasant option to the often crowded and noisy area of Flores or the expensive hotels in Tikal. The people are friendly and helpful, the lake is superb for swimming and the sunsets are mind-blowing!

Unificación Maya 2010

El Remate is a small woodcarving village of ap-proximately 370 families, located on the east end of Lake Petén Itzá, on the main road halfway between Tikal and Flores. A good base for your stay in the Petén area, El Remate is the closest accommoda-tion to Tikal National Park. Many visitors consider it a pleasant option to the often crowded and noisy area of Flores or the expensive hotels in Tikal. The people are friendly and helpful, the lake is superb for swimming and the sunsets are mind-blowing!

18 Unificación Maya 2010

DAY 4 Lakeside Ceremonial Site

December 18th, 2010

Kame (Cimi)

Death, Rebirth, Transformation

Today’s Number 11

Today’s Color Green Self-love

Today’s Chakra Heart Love in Action

5:30 am to 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony at Gringo Perdido

7 am to 8 am Breakfast in your hotel

8:30 am to 9 am Busses leave for Lakeside Site

9 am to 9:30 am Ceremonial Walk

9:30 am to 12 am Mayan Fire Ceremony & Morning Star Memorial

12 am to 12:30 pm Walk-through of Project Ix-canaan

12:30 pm to 1:30 pm Lunch at Ix-canaan Women’s Center

2 pm to 3:30 pm Class on Mayan Cosmology Chus Landa

4 pm to 5 pm Return to your hotel

8 pm to 10 pm Class on Kinama Toltec; System for Excellence Armando @ Gringo Perdido

When we leave the Lakeside ceremonial area, we will make our way up the hill together to Project Ix-canaan’s Clinic and Library for a quick tour (see pages 28 and 29 for more in-formation), and from there, we will continue on to the Ix-canaan Women’s Center, where the Women’s Group will cater our lunch and host the afternoons class.

Unificación Maya 2010

Today’s ceremony will be held on the Power Vortex on the shores of Lake Peten Itza, which is the second largest lake in Guatemala. It is about 32 km. long and 5 km. wide. There are at least 27 Maya sites around this lake, including the remains from Tayasal, the Maya-Itza capital. The lake is also a wildlife paradise, with more than 100 important indigenous species such as the red snook fish, crocodiles, jaguars, pumas, white-tailed deer, red brocket, and several bird species including parrots, toucans, and macaws. On the northeast shore is the Cerro Cahui Protected Biotope, a natural reserve for butterflies, as well as home for toucans, spider monkeys and howler monkeys.

This ceremony takes place in front of the Cerro Cahui or Crocodile Moun-tain, well known from the ancient Mayan prophecy which states that the Baktun will end when the “Tree of Life” is over the Head of the Croco-dile, which is what will happen on De-cember 21, 2012

20 Unificación Maya 2010

DAY 5 Yaxha Archeological Site

December 19th, 2010

Kej

(Manik)

The deer, the 4 car-dinal points, balance in nature

Today’s Number 12

Today’s Color Blue Self-expression

Today’s Chakra Throat Ability to Verbalize

5:30 am to 6:30 am Sunrise Ceremony at Gringo Perdido

7 am to 8 am Breakfast in your hotel

8:30 am to 9:30 am Transfer to Yaxha Site

9:30 am to 12 noon Mayan Fire Ceremony

12 noon to 1 pm Lunch on the shores of Lake Yaxha

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free time to tour Yaxha

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Ruta del Mono Canopy Tour (*see note below)

4 p.m. to 5 p.m. OR Return to hotel

8 pm to 10 pm Class: Toltec Practice; Armando; Gringo Per-dido

* EXTRA ACTIVITY: Ruta del Mono Canopy Tour is offering a special Unifica-ción Maya price of $15 per person for an exciting zip-line trip through the tree tops. This activity is not covered by your Unificación tickets. If you are inter-ested, please notify Anne during the lunch period.

Jun Keb’ Oxib’ Kajib’ Job’ Waqib’ Wuqub’

Wajxaqib’ B’elejeb’ Lajuj Kab’lajuj Ju’lajuj Oxlajuj

Mayan Numbers

Unificación Maya 2010

Yaxhá:

Rapidly gaining in popularity and now in second place after Tikal as the most popular archaeological site in the region is Yaxhá.

Yaxhá is situated on the shores of the beautiful Yaxhá lagoon, home of Morelett crocodiles, and is half-way between Flores and the Belize-Guatemalan Border. Yaxhá was the location for Survivor, a US TV program aired in 2005.

Yaxhá, which translates to "Blue Green Waters", sits between two beautiful lakes. The climb up many of its Temples, yields beautiful views of both the lakes and the Rio Azul river that feeds them.

Occupied from 600BC to 900AD, the site offers a variety of construction styles. It is famed for its organized street structure, unique to the Mayan world, and Stelae which are influenced by Mexico's Teotituacan.

There are several complexes excavated, the most famed of which is the North Acropolis. This Plaza contains three tall temples with unparalleled views of the surrounding rain forest and lakes. The Plaza of the Shadows and the Astronomical Plaza are both examples of the Mayan ability to chart the skies.

Both spider monkeys and howler monkeys inhabit the area. In particular, the howler monkeys add quite an element to the experience of seeing these ruins. So named because of their lion like howl or roar, hearing these animals throughout the afternoon is a constant reminder that you are in the jungle.

4. Peten Itza Ceremonial Site at the junction of the 4 roads by El Remate 5. Yaxha to the right side of El Remate 6. Bird Sanctuary which is in El Remate 7. Tikal which is between El Remate and Uaxactun

1. Uaxactun in the top middle 2. Ixlu almost at the bottom middle 3. Actun Kan Caves to the left of center in Santa Elena (a small #6 as explained in the key)

Map of Ceremonial Sites:

22 Unificación Maya 2010

Our 6th day of ceremony will take place in the Archeological Site and Bird Sanctuary of Gonzalo Galindo. Gonzalo, owner of Casa Roja and a trained Archeological Artist, purchased this site several years ago specifi-cally for the purpose of archeological preservation, forest re-planting and sacred ceremonies. The site features a forest-covered hill with a Mayan homestead complete with the Mayan family graves, while at the bottom of the hill, there is a beautiful ancient aguada (water containment area) where you can often see crocodiles.

After a ceremonial entrance through the Mayan homesite, you will be treated to a Pranic Healing, after which you will be offered a tree-baby to plant in the effort to make a beginning in the healing of the Earth. You will then participate in a Toltec Ceremony, facilitated by Armando Cruz. Any who are interested, are then invited to join Curandera Maria Sandoval for an herb walk through the jungles behind the ceremonial site. Dona Maria, with much thanks, accepts donations for her services.

DAY 6 Bird Sanctu-ary

December 20th, 2010

Q’anil (Lamat)

The seed, germina-tion, creation, fertility

Today’s Number 13

Today’s Color Indigo Intuition, Mysticism

Today’s Chakra Third Eye Self-Responsibility

5:30 am to 6:30 am

7 am to 8 am Breakfast in your hotel

8:30 am to 9 am Transfer to Bird Sanctuary

9 am to 9:30 am Ceremonial Entrance through Mayan site

9:30 am to 10:30 am Pranic Healing w/ Rosa Maria Gomar

11 am to 1 pm Toltec Ceremony w/ Armando Cruz

1 pm to 1:30 pm Box Lunch

1:30 pm to 4:00 pm Herb Walk w/ Dona Maria Sandoval By Dona-tion

4:00 pm to 4:30 pm Return to hotels

Sunrise Ceremony at Gringo Perdido

10:30 am to 11 a m Ceremonial Tree Planting

8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Class: Mayan Cross: BJ Sadtler @ Gringo

Unificación Maya 2010

Toltec Ceremony

Toltekayotl was called, "The Art of growing together." Over 35 centuries, the last five underground, the Toltequity developed a whole system of practices to increase awareness, whose aims have always been: the development of all the potentialities of human beings and the harmonious integration of individuals, com-munity and the environment, as well as the unification of our consciousness with the Spirit. Recent investiga-tions of pre-Hispanic vestiges have been rescued from the old system which is called Kinama, "Balance". Moreover, our coexistence with indigenous groups of Toltec descent, and the practical implementation of some proposals for the work of Carlos Castaneda, has allowed Armando to experience the life of this system. With 21 years experience in Human Development and practice of indigenous techniques for expanding con-sciousness, he combines field experience with the study and practice of Kinama system, adapting and applying Toltec knowledge to different contexts of cur-rent lifestyle.

Pranic Healing

Pranic Healing® is a simple yet powerful & effec-tive system of no-touch energy healing. It is based on the fundamental principles that the body is a self-repairing living entity that possesses the ability to heal itself and that the healing process is accel-erated by increasing this life force that is readily available from the sun, air and ground to address physical & emotional imbalances. Master Choa Kok Sui says "Life Energy or prana is all around us. It is pervasive; we are actually in an ocean of Life Energy. Based on this principle, a healer can draw in Pranic Energy or Life Energy from the sur-roundings."

Facilated by Rosa Maria Gomar, president of the Guatemala Pranic Healing Society

Facilitated by Armando Cruz of Mexico.

Barbara (BJ) Sadtler, MA, is a life-time yogi, trav-eler, writer and teacher who began her Mayan “journey” with a life changing experience in Tikal in 1981. Her mission is to heal and empower others using ancient, proven methods and tools. The Ma-yan Cross (La Cruz Maya) reveals the energetic signature of an individual’s soul. We will examine the elements of the Cross, see several variations, and learn how to create and interpret yours. Hand-outs provided.

The Mayan Cross: A Glimpse Into the Soul

24 Unificación Maya 2010

Tikal is a very magical site that attracts many visitors from around the world. The “Transfer Hub for Atlantean Energy”, Tikal is a “Crystal City” and a major point in the “Crystalline Grid”. The energy here is of the Earth. This is the “Seating Place for the Councils of Light” and home to the “Gatekeepers of Time”. Covering over 222 square miles, with over 4000 structures, Tikal has the most elegant pyramids in the world, some of which are over 200 feet high. This incredible city, dating from 800 BC to 900 AD is built in the image of the Pleiades; the “Seven Sisters”. Tikal is one of the most important ancient city- states in the Maya world. It is a Sacred Initiatic Center, corresponding to the 7th Crown Chakra. Not only is it located exactly in the middle of the landmass that forms the pinwheel of the American continents, but Tikal, and the other Mayan cit-ies of the jungles are also built on land that is heavily webbed with quartz and alabaster, both of which are crystalline structures. These factors ensure that the energy that is generated here is incremented and dis-persed universally, which is a key factor for the Unificación Maya Cere-monies.

DAY 7 Tikal December 21st, 2010

Toj

(Muluc) Payment, Offering, Giv-ing Thanks

Today’s Number 1

Today’s Color Violet / White Self-knowledge

Today’s Chakra Crown Peace; Wisdom

4:45 am to 5:30 am Transfer to Tikal

5:30 am to 6 am Candlelight Procession Into Tikal Park

6 am to 7 am Sunrise Meditation & Flute Concert on the Pyra-mids Pablo Collado

7 am to 10 am Guided Spiritual Tour of Tikal w/ Danilo Rodriquez

10 am to 2 pm. Mayan Fire Ceremony Grand Plaza, Tikal

2 pm to 3 pm Box Lunch in Grand Plaza

4 pm & 5 pm Return to Hotels

Unificación Maya 2010

Tikal The groundplan of Tikal is a sky map for 293 AD, built, as we have discovered, because of an 819-day difference in the cal-endar since 3117 BC between the solar year and the tropical (star) year.

DID YOU KNOW? 1. That the Mayans were the only civiliza-

tion to build in a place where there was no natural water supply?

2. That Tikal and the land of the Mayans is located in the exact center of the pin-wheel of the American continent?

3. That the land here is webbed with quartz crystal and alabaster?

26 Unificación Maya 2010

Land Use in Peten in 1962

Land Use in Peten in 1993

Unificación Maya 2010

A VISION FOR PETEN

The maps on the opposite page show the rapid decline in jungle in Pe-ten between 1962 and 1993. What can be done to save the rainforests known as “the Earth’s Second Lung? Project Ix-canaan envisions this possibility:

Declare El Petén a Living Library , understood and operated like a museum and with the goal of preservation, conservation, and self-sustainability.

1. Provide: Intensive education to the people of El Petén to prepare them to be-come The Guardians of the Rainforest (the curators of the museum) through training in telecommunications, transportation, health services, forestry management, education and tourism.

2. Encourage: The development of ecologically-sound research centers / pavilions to be built, operated and maintained be multi-national corporations or for-eign governments – focusing research and education on (1) the value inherent in the seeds* of the trees – medicinal, alimentary and industrial (2) rainforest reforestation and (3) sustainable agriculture or junglecul-ture (4) other rainforest based research.

3. Develop: A high speed ecological (aerial) transit system to transport tourists and inter-community travelers between the capitol city of Flores and border crossings, major sites, and village attractions.

4. Develop: Ecological transportation within village environs, i. e., horse drawn carts, bicycles, rickshaws.

5. Re-develop and Maintain: The ancient network of trails (hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking) throughout the jungles linking Mayan sites, villages and ecological ac-commodations.

6. Develop: Institutes for researching, teaching and dramatizing the indigenous Ma-yan Arts and Sciences (dance, music, folklore, astrology).

7. Organize and Promote: A tourism campaign to bring the attention of the world to El Petén, the first Living Library, and to showcase its diverse attractions.

28 Unificación Maya 2010

Project Ix-canaan

(Mayan word meaning)

“Guardians of the Rainforest”

Project Ix-canaan began in August 1995 as the result of collaboration be-

tween Ing. Eduardo Cofiño, Dr. Enrique Chapetón, Anne Lossing and

Gonzalo Galindo and is located in the village of El Remate, Petén – a small

indigenous community located half way between the international airport of

Flores and the majestic Mayan city of Tikal in Northern Guatemala. The goal

of Project Ix-canaan is to support the changes necessary ... in health, educa-

tion and opportunity ... to enable a people to become truly “Ix-canaan …

Guardians of the Rainforest”. The first phase of the project – a Free Commu-

nity Clinic, was initiated in a small building loaned by a local resi-

dent. However, in early 1997, Eduardo Cofiño bought and donated over 2

manzanas of land to use for the development of the four phases of the project.

In February 2000, a proper clinic facility, the Ix-canaan Community Clinic,

funded by La Asociación de Molineros de Arroz de Guatemala, was opened

to the public. Ongoing donations of medical equipment and supplies enable

volunteer doctors to continue to better serve the people. The Community

Clinic serves the population of El Remate (about 2,500), as well as that of

several surrounding communities. The general health level of the local popu-

lation is very poor with infant mortality rates of 33%. Malaria and Dengue

Fever are endemic. Bronchial problems (asthma, infections) are frequent, as

are intestinal disorders (infections, parasites, and amoebic dysentery), various

fungus infections (skin, intestines), chronic dehydration and malnutrition.

The clinic is staffed on a permanent basis by Dr. Enrique Chapetón.

The second phase of Project Ix-canaan involved the development, construc-

tion, staffing, maintenance and growth of a Library/Computer Center with

an English language Book Exchange. In February of 2004 a group of volun-

teers from Canada, now known as Friends of Ix-canaan, brought to the pro-

ject, funding and planning to begin construction of a building to house the

Library/Computer Center, completed and opened formally September 9, 2006

and staffed entirely by international volunteers. Thanks to donations of books

from the group in Calgary, and computers from Cofiño-Stahl Toyota, the

Library/Computer Center fulfils various needs of the greater community by

providing :

• Books (in Spanish) for enjoyment at all reading levels

• Opportunity to the village youth to learn how to use computers

• Opportunity for classes in various disciplines not covered by the local

school system

• Up-to-date information to the inhabitants of the village

Unificación Maya 2010

• Current information and resources to the village health authorities.

• Internet access to small business of the community so they can

compete successfully in the international tourism industry.

Project Ix-canaan also supports education in the village through Scholar-

ships to women, particularly those who had to leave school at a young

age. In January 2010, 15 women, aged from 15 to 55, were given Schol-

arships to a variety of schooling levels.

The third phase, the Women’s Center, began as a group of about 30 lo-

cal women who came together in January 2005 under the guidance of two

women from Washington, D.C. to learn how to build and manage square

foot gardens. These are raised-bed gardens of 4 feet by 4 feet, giving each

woman a minimum of 16, 1-foot squares to plant different vegetables that

would supply fresh food daily. From this start, the women have formed an

Association, planted a jungle garden and, with financial support from

‘Friends of Ix-canaan’, ‘Ayudamos Foundation; and ‘Wild Rose Founda-

tion’ in Calgary, Canada, have built a building to house a work area, sales

area, kitchen and dining area, storage area and bathrooms.

The fourth phase of development will be include a Volunteer Accommo-

dations Center, to house long-term volunteers, and a Research Center,

to investigate the possible ways in which the seeds of the trees of the jun-

gle can be used commercially to support the people of the jungles.

A critical facet of the development of Project Ix-canaan, is the acquiring

of funds from the private sector, as well as the eco-touristic area (included

in the project through Gringo Perdido and Finca Los Chultunes) which is

being handled by Ing. Eduardo Cofiño, who has already secured financial

donations that have purchased land, building and monthly allowance, as

well as donations of a vehicle, medical supplies and equipment, clothing,

computers, shelving and more.

Thanks to the kindness and generosity of volunteers … both from within

the community and throughout the world (money, medicines, time and

effort) Project Ix-canaan continues to grow and serve the community.

For more information on how you can be involved with

or support Project Ix-canaan go to:

www.ixcanaan.com email : [email protected]

30 Unificación Maya 2010

PLEASE NOTE!

1. SUN CEREMONY: Each morning at 5:30 am to 6:30 am there will be an Invocation to the Sun at Hotel Gringo Perdido, performed by the tatas and nanas. If you are in another hotel, and would like to attend, there will be return transportation available for $5 per person. Advise your hotel management.

2. DONATIONS: The Spiritual Guides who are facilitating the Mayan Fire Ceremonies each day are doing so as a part of their cultural beliefs, and not because they are being paid. It is customary for participants to gift them at the end of the ceremony for the service they have performed. A basket will be passed around after each ceremony for your donation. All donation money goes to the tatas and nanas and is divided evenly amongst them at the end of the week.

3. MUSIC: Bring drums, rattles, guitars or other portable musical instru-ments.

4. TRANSPORTATION to daily Ceremonial Sites will leave from your hotel at the times specified in this Guide. You are responsible for being ready when the bus passes.

5. LUNCH is included each day; please be sure to specify vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

6. SNACKS are provided during ceremonies and afternoon class.

7. DRINKING WATER: Carry your water bottle with you … water for refills is available at all ceremonies and classes.

8. TICKETS: Always have your Unificación Pass with you …. A Pass is required for all transportation and lunches, snacks and water refills.

9. INSECTS live in the jungle in great numbers, and they can’t all be seen. To be safe, spray your underclothes and shoes well with a good repellent before every ceremony to protect against tick bites, and then carry the repellent with you in case there are mosquitos.

10. DRESS: During ceremonies, use a headscarf or head-covering. Wear comfortable, light-weight clothing either in the colors of the days (see daily charts) or accented by the color of the day. Keep shoulders covered from the sun. Wear white for the final ceremony in Tikal. Dress in a manner that is culturally appropriate.

11. PRIVATE READINGS: Both Tata Pedro and Tata Chus will be of-fering private readings. Talk to them about times and prices.

Unificación Maya 2010

A ceremony is like a ritual, it is a set of rules and procedures with a spe-cific goal: To connect ourselves with the Divinity. To really experience this connection you have to make a commitment which requires of us three predispositions: to be attentive, to be purposeful and to be united. To be attentive or focused is the ability we have to direct our energy: “Energy flows where attention goes”. We have to be attentive before, after, and as long as the ritual last. That way, our energy is going to flow in the right direction to create and keep our bond with the Spirit. Any distraction might disrupt not only your bond but everybody’s bond. To be purposeful is your will rightly focused, your offering. It implies not only your thoughts but your feelings; not only your mind but your heart; not only your body but your energy; rather, your whole being. Which is your purpose to participate in the ritual? ; What are you disposed to do to de-serve to participate in a sacred ritual in a sacred place? ; What will be your offering? ; And, How are you going to use the knowledge you get from the experience? Ponder about it! To be united is the essential predisposition to create synergy, the multipli-cation of our individual energies to create a big energetic platform. Every-body is going to go up on that platform to expand the awareness. When you are participating in a group ritual you need to be ready to collaborate rather than request; to work for the group goal rather than your individual goals; to forget yourself rather than to worry about yourself. You have to respect the activity even if you don’t fully understand it. If everybody accomplishes these requirements we are going to have a powerful experience. All the efforts we can do to have such experience are worthwhile. And the gifts from the Spirit for us and for the world will be in-valuable.

What Is Ceremony? By Armando Cruz

32 Unificación Maya 2010

UNIFICACIÓN MAYA 2010 GOAL The goal of Unificación Maya is to bring together a great num-ber of like minded people, synchronizing their energies through a week of music, dance and ceremony, gathering finally in the Central Plaza of Tikal at the winter solstice, the time of rebirth, to link themselves with the Earth, with the Center of the Universe, and with each other in a giant web of energy as we move through the steps of the Dance of Unificación which will act like a key turning in a lock to open the gateway to the next dimension. YOU WILL Discover your Mayan Birth Glyph; participate in Sacred Mayan Fire Ceremonies; visit and learn about several of the most impressive of the ancient Mayan sites; become familiar with the flora and fauna and its place in local diversity; sample a variety of local foods and beverages; learn about Mayan and Toltec Cosmology; enjoy different types of indigenous music from marimba to flute to guitar; and spend personal time with the special people who are the tatas and nanas of the present-day Maya. SCHEDULE DATE LOCATION DAY SIGN COST IN $ Day 1 Dec 15 Uaxactun Ak’ab’al $45.00 Day 2 Dec 16 Ixlu K’at $35.00 Day 3 Dec 17 A. Kan Caves Kan $45.00 Day 4 Dec 18 Lake Peten Itza Kame $30.00 Day 5 Dec 19 Yaxha Kej $45.00 Day 6 Dec 20 Bird Sanctuary Q’anil $30.00 Day 7 Dec 21, Tikal Toj $80.00

COST IN U.S.$ TOTAL if paid by Day $310.00 SPECIAL PRICE for PRE-ORDERED 7-Day Pass: $260.00 (Savings of $50.00) Daily Fee covers: Return Transportation to Ceremonial Site; Lunch (veg or non-veg); Drinking Water; Snacks; Entry Fees to Archeological Sites; Cere-monial Supplies, Candlelight March, Sunrise Concert & Guided Tour in Tikal and entertainment. There is no charge for the Mayan Fire Ceremony or the daily classes. NOTE: 7-Day Pass includes all expenses for the 7-days, plus a Wel-come Package. Your pass must be pre-ordered by Internet to qualify for special price. ORDER NOW For more information or to order tickets, contact:

[email protected]

www.unificacionmaya.com