"Astronomy, Spirituality, and the Mayan Prophecy: LIVING THE SACRED"
A Retreat for Women --
Aug. 26-30, 2009 at the Heart View Center in Arlee, Montana
Program Tuition is $695 -- Registration closes August 10, 2009
Register with Friends and $Save$ -- Tuition is $600 each for 2, $550 each for 3
Register Now
Tuition covers program cost, meals, lodging and access to Heart View Center facilities
A Work/Study Option is available to a small number of participants for a cost of $495 -- this cannot to be combined with the friend discount
Program Content:
Of all the nature-based peoples ever to inhabit the Earth, the Mayans were
probably the most accomplished astronomers, with astronomy and spirituality
deeply intertwined in their daily lives. Like other nature-based peoples, they
built temples and buildings aligned to the heavens, marking the seasonal
beginnings, or the extremes along the horizon of the rising and setting of the Moon
and the planet Venus. They developed a sophisticated
understanding of the motions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars which they used to create a
complex system of several calendars running simultaneously.
The Mayan calendar system indicates the end of a Great Cycle of
5,125 years on December 21, 2012, coincidentally the winter solstice, when humanity will
enter a new Great Cycle. The Mayan people placed great significance on the completion of
calendar cycles, and the time between now and Dec. 21, 2012 is what the they refer to as the
"Road to Awe".
The astronomy of the Mayan people is the same astronomy that we experience in the
21st century -- we see the same Sun, Moon, planets, and stars making the same daily
patterns and monthly or yearly motions in the sky. We, too, can choose to live our
lives aligned to the heavens, connected to the
beauty and wonder of the sky, and celebrating our experience of the Universe through our
entire being -- body, mind, heart, and spirit.
Join this residential retreat with Dr. Judith Young to connect with the astronomical and spiritual
Universes and the Mayan teachings on time and sacred cycles, and to enable personal
transformational experiences. Our program will include:
Teachings on Sunwheels, Medicine Wheels and the 4 directions
Learning to build astronomically aligned stone circles
Examination of the complex Mayan calendar system
Understanding the significance of Dec. 21, 2012
Observing the Sun, Moon, stars & planets in the daytime and nighttime sky
Creating ceremony for living in tune with the seasons
Meditation & visualization for health & relaxation, balance & vitality
Discussion of wisdom teachings from around the world
Yoga and personal spiritual practice in the out-of-doors
Creative pursuits to nurture our spirits
Attention to living mindfully and prayerfully throughout our days, guided by the Medicine Wheel
Come to this retreat to be inspired by the sky, to enhance your connection to All That Is, and to feel more at home in the Universe. Experience various interpretations of the Mayan Prophecy and compare these with the Hopi Prophecy as we prepare for celebrating the completion of the Great Cycle
and the beginning of the next. The Universe inspires stillness, awe,
connection, creativity, love, and wonder. It is the sacred space that follows us
everywhere, and it is here for us to connect with every day of our lives. Will
you accept the invitation?
Program Information & Cost:
We will gather for this retreat at the Heart View Center
in Arlee, Montana, 25 miles North of Missoula on the Flathead Indian Reservation
from the afternoon of Wednesday Aug. 26 to the afternoon of Sunday Aug. 30, 2009. In
addition to a beautiful setting and lovely meeting space indoors and out, the Heart View
Center offers a 20'x40' swimming pool and a large sauna. For those interested, massages
can also be arranged. The indoor accommodations consist of a small number of shared
rooms. Those who want a more intimate experience of the land can set up a personal tent
outdoors. The cost for this retreat (including tuition, meals, accommodations, and
access to the Heart View Center facilities) is $695.
A small number of more private spaces may be available for a higher cost. Please contact
young@astro.umass.edu for information on pricing and availability.
Special Savings Offers: There are several ways to achieve savings for this retreat.
Sign up with a friend, and tuition will be $600 for each participant. Sign up with 2 friends,
and the tuition will be
$550 for each of you. Alternatively, if you are interested in a Work/Study option (helping cook
meals, assisting in set-up and clean-up, etc.), there are a limited number of spaces at the retreat
for the reduced tuition of $495.
Space in this retreat will be limited to 20 women. Registration closes August 10.
To register, please fill out the registration form and send to the
address indicated along with the non-refundable registration fee of $150.
Checks should be made out to the Foundation for Astronomy and Spirituality, Inc.
Registration closes on August 10, 2009.
Full payment is due by August 10, 2009.
Program Registration:
Click here for a downloadable registration form.
Contact young@astro.umass.edu for more information.
Cancellation Policy:
For cancellations prior to Aug. 10, the paid program cost will be refunded minus the
$150 non-refundable registration fee. For cancellations after Aug. 10, 50% of the
program cost will be forfeited unless there is someone to take your space.
Astronomy & Spirituality
Of all the nature-based peoples ever to inhabit the Earth, the Mayans were
probably the most accomplished astronomers, with astronomy and spirituality
deeply intertwined in their daily lives. Like other nature-based peoples, they
built temples and buildings aligned to the heavens, marking the seasonal
beginnings, or the extremes along the horizon of the rising and setting of the Moon
and the planet Venus. They developed a sophisticated
understanding of the motions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars which they used to create a
complex system of several calendars running simultaneously.
The Mayan calendar system indicates the end of a Great Cycle of
5,125 years on December 21, 2012, coincidentally the winter solstice, when humanity will
enter a new Great Cycle. The Mayan people placed great significance on the completion of
calendar cycles, and the time between now and Dec. 21, 2012 is what the they refer to as the
"Road to Awe".
