Palenque: Merging with the Mayan Underworld

Mar 18, 2009 to Mar 23, 2009
Location: Palenque, Mexico
Latest Activity: Nov 8, 2022

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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Palenque: Merging with the Mayan Underworld

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