Revisiting Mexico's Ancient Spiritual Traditions: A Path to Inspire Modern Life and Overcome Colonialism and Patriarchy

Abstract: Mexico’s Ancient Nahual Spirituality is a belief system rooted in a sacred relationship with nature. This millennial spirituality has been preserved through a myriad of rituals, such as Cacao Ceremonies. Due to the pre-colonial nature of Nahualism, it honors values opposed to the European patriarchal mindset that led to Colonialism. Through this presentation we want to celebrate and share the Nahual tradition by a) presenting a paper of this rich cosmology and its relevance in the colonial and decolonial contexts; b) present an artistic performance through a Cacao Ceremony; c) present an interactive workshop celebrating the human heart.

Presenter bios: 

Daniela Luna is a Nahual medicine woman and priestess of the temple of the Jaguar. She studied botany with a master in psychotropic plants and neural behavior. Studies in Grofian psychedelic therapy and archetype psychology. Her musical development is due to ethnomusicology studies and a background on opera singing. Juan Pablo A. Sánchez King, initiated in the sacred path of the Jaguar, is a PhD candidate from the School of Social Work from Boston College focused on emotions and cultural transformation. He is the author of Animalia, a transformative game inspired by the Nahual tradition of the spiritual animals. Rob Hartz, co-creator of Animalia, is an experienced facilitator and leadership coach. His diverse educational background includes science (B.A. zoology at Ohio Wesleyan), education (M.S. Experiential Education, Minnesota State), and Cultural-Biology (Instituto de Formación Matriztica dedicated to the cultural studies and research of Dr. Humberto Maturana Romesín). Diego Durazzo Cejudo is a Music Therapist with over 10 years of teaching experience and background in various instruments and music theory. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Entertainment Business Administration and a Master's degree in Music Therapy. Diego draws inspiration from ancient cultures and philosophies. Sarai Cortés, a sound therapist and certified yoga instructor, writes articles specialized for women promoting physical, emotional, and mental well-being in renowned magazines. She is developing a program that uses nutrition and yoga to harmonize emotions and the female body, aiming to improve women's quality of life. Mirgazizova Anna is an administrative, logistics and performers support. Event and video producer. Specializes in Social Cultural and Art development of regions, self-organized communities, sustainability and organic architecture, Nikola-Lenivets Masters School. The founder of 'Oceyolotl Sanctuary', healing camp at Burning Man with ceremonies led by Daniela Luna.

Affiliation: Boston College