Once every 26,000 years, the orbit of the sun crosses the equator of the Milky Way, aligning our solar system with the heart of the galaxy. The next occurrence of that great cosmic event is now less than 3 1/2 years away, on December 21, the day of winter solstice, in 2012.

Some of the indigenous elders interpret the ancient prophecies of the Inka, Hopi, and Mayans to mean we are facing an era when many souls, who haven’t awakened to their higher consciousness and recognized their eternal nature, will be lost, absorbed into the void. Other elders believe there will be a great culling of humanity through war, pestilence, famine, and drought. But others are very optimistic that we’ll be able to create a world of peace and that our technology will allow us to thrive despite the challenges we’ll face. All agree that we’ll need to make dramatic changes if we’re to have any hope of continuing our species.

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For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, June 21 marks the summer solstice, when we experience the longest period of sunlight. At the same time that we are heralding the “longest day”, the Southern Hemisphere is celebrating the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Each brings about change, marking the day the sun (sol) stands still (sistit). This summer solstice newsletter addresses change, both personal and collective as well as changes here at the Four Winds.

Alberto’s message this month speaks about the prophecies of 2012 – “the end of time”. He suggests that we can choose to see this as a time of cataclysmic change or of tremendous opportunity, to create a world of peace. In his letter Alberto offers ideas about how we can be a part of the solution; to usher in a new era of cooperation as we live in harmony with each other and our environment.

Linda’s message encourages us to take this time of solstice to spend some time at the level of the mythic, in ceremony and reflection. She suggests using this time to re-connect with who you would like to become and let go of that which does not serve you. Linda shares the steps to create your own prayer bundle or despacho ceremony. These sacred rites offer us a chance to change our experiences by stepping into the mythic, a place of pure potentiality.

Each day, The Four Winds office, is flooded with inquiries from those looking to make a change in their lives and a difference in the world. Some are looking for personal transformation, others are ready to change their career paths and many are somewhere in between. The common thread is a feeling of urgency; that somehow this change is not only important for their own lives, but for the life of our planet. One suggestion that we offer is a combination of this months featured class, the Munay-Ki with the Healing the Light Body School. The Munay-Ki teaches the nine great rites of initiation that helps us to heal the wounds of the past – our genetic and karmic inheritance. These nine energetic transmissions allow us to step into a new kind of human - homo luminous; one who lives a life free of fear, and resides in his or her transcendent nature. These rites of passage require knowledge of the core practices, the wisdom teachings and tools taught in the Healing the Light Body School. As a participant of the HLB you learn the techniques that clear the body of toxicity allowing the seeds of these rites to take hold.

As you may have noticed, the format of our newsletter has changed - we hope that you will take some time to immerse yourself in it. We are excited to offer this newsletter, which we hope will cut down on many of the separate eblasts that we send out. You will find messages from Alberto and Linda, information about upcoming classes and workshops, a staff spotlight, a Q & A forum, and lots and lots of tips from The Four Winds staff. Please use this newsletter as a resource, a place to find answers to commonly asked questions and an opportunity to build community. We hope that you will enjoy our new format and that you will share it with a friend.

In his latest book, Courageous Dreaming, Alberto writes “We all have the potential to dream a sacred and courageous dream, one that goes beyond serving our personal desires and brings beauty to the world.” This sacred dream is one that we wish for each of you.

Peace and Blessings,
The Four Winds Staff

Q: What is the difference between the Medicine Wheel (MW) and The Healing the Light Body programs (HLB)?

A: The Medicine Wheel Program is a path of personal transformation through the core insights of the ancient wisdom teachings. The MW (which is part of the HLB) is designed for those individuals who are specifically looking to further their own personal journey. It is incorporated into the first 3 days of the 6-day HLB course.

The HLB program builds upon the Medicine Wheel work and goes on to teach the specific processes that cleanse and clear the Luminous Energy field. After completing the personal work of the Medicine Wheel, HLB students continue on to learn the shamanic interventions of Illumination, Extraction, Soul Retrieval and the Great Life and Death Rites over the course of 4 sessions. The program is designed for a variety of individuals - Some may want to transform their lives and the lives of loved ones; others may be looking to start a healing practice or gain additional skills to enhance their existing careers. Many MW students go on to take the HLB.

Both the Medicine Wheel and Healing the Light Body students receive the traditional rites of initiation and build a personal altar or mesa. This mesa represents the map of our healing journey and connects us to all of nature. Whichever program you chose, you will join a community of individuals dedicated to their own growth and to healing the earth.

The prophecies of the ancient Americas speak about a new human appearing on the planet on or around 2012. The Munay-Ki are the codes for this new human. They are the energetic essence of the nine great rites of initiation passed down by the Inka medicine men & women known as the Laika. The rites are a nine step process to heal the wounds of the past - our karmic & genetic inheritance. They help us to step into the fullness of our nature by transforming our human energy field and re-informing our DNA.

The Munay-Ki will be offered on the following dates and locations. We suggest that you continue the work of the Munay-Ki by following it up with one of our upcoming South HLB classes.

Western US
Munay-Ki
Park City, Utah July 27-Aug1 More Information >

HLB South
Park City, Utah Aug 2-8 More Information >

Eastern US
Munay-Ki
Rhineback, NY September 2-7 More Information >

HLB South
Stockbridge, MA July 6 – 11 More information >
Rhinebeck, NY Oct 5 – 10 More Information >

United Kingdom
Munay-Ki
Glastonbury, UK Aug 16-21 More Information >

HLB South
Wimborne Dorset, UK July 29-Aug 4 More Information >

In the Munay-Ki training you will learn the exact form of the nine rites of passage and how to gift them to others. For those of you looking to deepen your experience of gifting and living the rites, we have created a new class:

Munay-Ki Mentoring
Park City, Utah Dec 7 - 12 More Information >

"Shamans are the people of the percept. When they want to change the world, they engage in perceptual shifts that change their relationship to life. They envision the possible, and the outer world changes."

Alberto Villoldo

As I write this note, I am sitting atop the great feminine Holy Mountain of Salkantay at 15,700 feet. We are camping so close to her belly that all you can see is the mountain herself, rugged, stunning and covered with glaciers and snow. Salka, means “wild” or undomesticated, helping to hold the wild feminine in each of us.

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The contents of a despacho contain our prayers and dreams which are fed with symbolic representations of all we are grateful for. Traditionally, the ceremony is performed after each earth cycle to renew and re-imprint the powers of nature on our luminous body, to connect with the Universe and accomplish perfect "ayni" or right reciprocity. read more >