Build a relationship with nature and learn to connect with places of power where you go. From Tate-Haramara (Grandmother Ocean), to the mountains, lakes, and caves…each place has energy to offer you.
Activity Level
●●●○○
Group Size
60 max
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Prerequisites
None
Spiritual Journey
Travel through the Nierika (spiritual doorway) to the four directions to receive clarity and guidance for your life. Learn to follow Kauyumari (The Magical Deer Spirit) and other spiritual guides to help you uncover a deeper understanding of yourself and the world.
Rituals & Practices
Integrate a more expansive awareness of yourself and the world around you through ancient Indigenous practices of transformation. These simple practices can have profound effects, offering a foundation of personal transformation.
Pilgrimage
Ceremony
Focus your intentions and receive blessings for your life as you dance your prayers into the altar of Mother Earth. Let the sacred chants and echoes of the drum guide you to the wisdom you are searching for.
Mar de Jade
A wellness retreat center nestled between the tropical jungle and the golden sandy beach of Chacala, Mexico.
Mar de Jade (Sea of Jade) is an open home that welcomes people to a safe and loving atmosphere where they can rest, nourish their spirit and enjoy a simple way of life. Set between a tropical jungle mountainside and the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean, Mar de Jade is surrounded by natural beauty and absolute tranquility.
Meet Your Guides
Brant Secunda
Brant Secunda is an internationally acclaimed shaman, healer, and teacher in the indigenous Huichol tradition of Mexico. During an intensive 12-year apprenticeship, Brant became the adopted grandson and close companion of Don José Matsuwa, the renowned shaman who passed away in 1990 at the age of 110. Brant was chosen by Don José to take his place in helping to carry on Huichol Shamanism.
Recognized as a global thought leader and spiritual teacher, Brant has been a lecturer at the Mayo Clinic, the American Holistic Medical Association Conferences, and a faculty member of the Five Branches Institute of Chinese Medicine. He also co-founded the Humanistic Medicine Conference with the World Health Organization, the Peace University in Berlin, and is a founding member of the American Herbalist Guild.
Striving to bridge the worlds of fitness and spirituality, Brant co-authored the award-winning book Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You.
Nico Secunda
Nico Secunda has been steeped in the indigenous traditions and spiritual practices of the Wixáritari since birth. He completed an intensive shamanic apprenticeship with his father (Brant Secunda) at twenty-one years of age and underwent the rare transmission of power ceremony to become a Mara-Akame (shaman) in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico.
He is the Executive Director of the Dance of the Deer Foundation – Center for Shamanic Studies and the Co-Founder of the Huichol Foundation. Nico is also the Executive Director + Chief Instructor at Aikido of Santa Cruz.
As a child of both the modern world and the ancient Huichol culture, Nico has walked a unique path, bridging the new and old worlds. Because of this, he offers a very relatable approach for people striving to integrate spiritual practices into their daily lives and unify various aspects of the self.
Special Ceremonial Leaders
From the Sierra Madre of the Wixáritari
Don Oweliano
Mara-Akame of the Wixáritari
Don Owelinao is a respected elder and ceremonial mara-akate (shaman). He has stepped into the role of the primary ceremonial leader within the villages of Don José Matsuwa and Doña Josefe Medrano’s families.
Virginia Rios Medrano
Keeper of the Temple / Ceremonial Assistant
Virginia is the daughter of Don José Matsuwa and Doña Josefa Medrano, and was married to the Eligio Carrillo, the renwned yarn painting shaman. She is the keeper of the temple in the village and supports the continined ceremonial gathering of her people, while also being traditional artisan specialzing in embroidered medicine bags and beadwork.
Itinerary
Program schedule + session details
Saturday
3:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Check-In
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Opening Session + Blessing
Sunday
8:30 am – 9:30 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Morning Session
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Free-time (optional group trip to lake)
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Afternoon Session
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Evening Session
Monday
8:30 am – 9:30 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Morning Session
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Free-time (optional group trip to lake)
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Afternoon Session
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Evening Session
Tuesday
8:30 am – 9:30 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Morning Session
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Free-time (optional group trip to lake)
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Afternoon Session
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Evening Session
Wednesday
8:30 am – 9:30 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Morning Session
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Free-time (optional group trip to lake)
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Afternoon Session
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Evening Session
Thursday
8:30 am – 9:30 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Morning Session
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Free-time (optional group trip to lake)
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Afternoon Session
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Evening Session
Friday
8:30 am – 9:30 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Morning Session + Group Photo
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Free-time (optional group trip to lake)
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Afternoon Session
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner
8:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Closing Session + Closing Blessing and Prayer
Saturday
8:30 am – 9:30 am | Breakfast
11:00 am | Pack up & Goodbyes – we prefer to say We’ll see you later!
FAQ + Guide
Tips to ensure a great retreat experience
Where is the retreat located?
This retreat will be held at Mar de Jade, a wellness retreat center nestled in the bay of Chacala, located in the state of Nayarit on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. It’s a 1.5 hour drive north of the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta, and 3 hours Southwest of the second largest city in Mexico, Guadalajara.
What are the accommodations?
There are a variety of lodging options, and you will book your room directly with Mar de Jade.
All meals are included (Saturday dinner – Saturday breakfast).
How do I arrange my travel?
By Air
The nearest airport is Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). From there, it’s about a 90-minute drive to Mar de Jade in Chacala. Mar de Jade will assist with transportation arrangements to/from the PVR and Mar de Jade with a local van service that is very reliable and safe. Please reach out to them directly to arrange.
By Train
The nearest major train station is in Guadalajara. You can take a train to Guadalajara from larger cities like Mexico City. From Guadalajara, you’ll need to travel by bus or drive to Puerto Vallarta, and then continue to Chacala by car or taxi.
By Bus
Buses from various cities, including Puerto Vallarta, connect to Chacala. Check local bus schedules for routes that travel from Puerto Vallarta to Chacala.
What is the weather typically like?
In October, the weather is generally warm during the day and cooler in the evenings. Occasional rainfall is possible, so it’s a good idea to pack some rain gear just in case.
Do I need to bring anything?
Here is a list of items to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat and sun protection
- Bathing suit
- Snacks, if desired
- Rain jacket + umbrella
- Personal toiletries
- Pocket knife for prayer arrows
- Layers of clothing (the temperature may vary)
- Flashlight
- Anything special you would like to have blessed on the ceremonial altar
Are there any prerequisites to attend?
No. This retreat is open to anyone, whether you are looking to take the first step on the shamanic path or if you’ve been studying with Brant for decades.
When does the program start and end?
The Retreat will begin on Saturday (October 11, 2025) with check-in from 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm and an opening session at 7:30 pm.
The program will conclude on Saturday (October 18, 2025) at 11:00 am with a closing session following breakfast.
Will the program be live-streamed?
No. This retreat will only be available for those attending in person. If you’re interested in joining a virtual program online, please take a look at our schedule of upcoming programs.
Do I need to attend the entire program?
We greatly encourage everyone to join the Retreat and/or Retreat + Intensive for the full time in order to gain the complete experience of the teachings and practices, while also helping maintain the energy of the collective group.
Will plant medicine be offered?
No, this program does not include any type of plant medicine. Although this is indeed an integral part of shamanic traditions, this program will focus on the use of drumming, rattling, chanting, and dance to achieve similar altered states of consciousness.
Will I become a shaman by attending this program?
No, our programs do not provide any type of certification and are not designed to teach people to become shamans, as this requires years of complete dedication through a traditional shamanic apprenticeship. Instead, this retreat provides an opportunity to practice shamanism, learn the ancient exercises for spiritual developemnt, and celebrate life in sacred ceremony and ritual.
The practices of shamanism are ones that can be integrated into your everyday routine in order to empower yourself, your community, and all that lives on Mother Earth.
Can children attend?
Yes, we welcome families and children at all our programs and love having all ages included in our circle. We offer a 50% discount for children ages 4-17 and infants under the age of 4 join free of charge.
Children (anyone under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What is Shamanism?
Shamanism is a way of honoring nature. Practiced in various forms around the world by different indigenous tribes, the methods of shamanism are diverse; however, they are unified in their inherent basis in the natural world.
Wixárika Tribe
The Huichol (Wixáritari) are a small indigenous tribe of approximately 35,000, living in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico. They are considered one of the last cultures in North America to have maintained their pre-Columbian traditions to this day.
Shamanic Healing
Inherent to the spiritual traditions of shamanism is the art of healing. Although our programs do not aim to teach people to heal or become shamans, they most definitely provide the tools for personal healing and transformation.