Mesa Verde: Spirits of Earth and Sky

Join us as we step back in time to a world of pinon pine and ancient sandstone cliff dwellings where we will explore the world of the Ancestral Puebloan people of Mesa Verde. Mesa Verde, is a unique geological formation rising from an ancient seabed in southwestern Colorado. The area has been inhabited for over 10,000 years and is the birthplace of the Ancestral Puebloan cultures which thrived in the unique cliff dwellings of the area for hundreds of years.

Currently Mesa Verde has over 4,700 archaeological sites including 600 cliff dwellings and on the mesa top there are pithouses, pueblos, masonry towers, and farming structures, with many yet to be discovered. These sites are some of the most notable and best-preserved dwellings in the United States where the Ancient Puebloans lived in the four corners region of the American southwest from 550AD to 1300AD.

In the last two hundred years of their habitation in the area, the people of Mesa Verde experienced a time of drought and decline in social order. However, they carved out a niche for themselves in the architecturally intricate cliff dwellings away from the chaos below. We will examine some of the ways they persevered during hardship and were able to pass on their traditions and practices to their current day ancestors the Zuni, Hopi, and Puebloan people.

Working with the medicine wheel, the kachina traditions, and dipping into the world of archeoastronomy, we will seek to better understand our relationship to the earth, the universe, and ourselves. We will visit many archeological sites, including Cliff Palace, Spruce Tree House, the Sun and Moon Temples and others. We will also learn about the plants that thrive there before turning our attention to the sky to see the world as the Ancient Puebloans once did.

Retreat Details
This class begins Sunday evening and ends Thursday morning on the Summer Solstice. Class meetings will be held largely outside (rain or shine) where temperatures range from the mid 50s in the evenings to the 70s and 80s during the day. It is generally a dry high desert climate. Please bring appropriate clothing and outdoor gear. Walks to sites are primarily short simple distances with one moderate walk. You will also have the option of going on two Cliff Dwelling tours. Lodging is included at Far View Lodge in the heart of Mesa Verde National Park – double occupancy, single rooms available at a surcharge. Each room has a deck and is equipped with a small fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Transportation to and from Durango airport and sites in the park is also provided. Meals are not provided and are available from several restaurants in the park.

Airport Pick Up and Drop Off
Mesa Verde National Park is located just outside of Durango, Colorado. The nearest airport is the Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO). We will be picking up everyone at the airport or a designated area in downtown Durango (TBA) 1:30pm on Sunday, June 16. On Thursday, June 20, we will drop people off at the airport or in downtown Durango at 12pm (for flights departing at 1:30pm or later). Please make sure your flight arrival and departure coincides with these timeframes. If your departure flight is later than 1:30pm, you may be able to store your bags and spend time in town until your flight. You will be responsible for getting to the airport via taxi, Lyft or Uber to the airport.
 
If you find that your flight arrival or departure times make a stay in Durango before or after the class a necessity, there are several hotels in Durango that have a complimentary airport shuttle. Once you are downtown, there are many attractions within walking distance, including the delightful, scenic Silverton train ride. Or rent a car and visit nearby hot springs like Pagosa Springs or Durango Hot Springs, historic sites like Chimney Rock, or take in a hike or white-water rafting. There is so much to do in and around Durango!

Prerequisite:

The Shamanic Journey workshop is required. Further study in any of the programs at the Sacred Stream and/or individual Depth Hypnosis sessions recommended. Please contact us with any questions about the requirements for this class.

Workshop Details:

• Tuition: $2595
• Location: Mesa Verde National Park
• Lead Instructor: Isa Gucciardi, Ph.D.
• Assistant Instructor: Laura Chandler
• Class Managers: Katie Healey and Sherri Serino
• Price includes double room accommodation. (Single room surcharge $450)
• Price includes ground transportation for class related destinations.
• Participants arrange own air travel to Durango Airport.
• Space is limited. Please reserve soon.

This workshop is offered through the Circle of Shamanic Practitioners.

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