Albert Einstein once said that "the greatest illusion in this world is the illusion of separation." Men have been taught that if we can't do it all by ourselves, we are not really men. One of the best ways to allow this illusion to drop, and to invalidate this lie of the lone wolf, is to gather with other men, and connect in ceremony, and in rhythm. To connect to Spirit, to our vulnerability, to our wishes and our regrets, and feel what it's like again to give and receive support from other men. To feel the safety and mentorship of tribe again - something most of our lineages have been missing for centuries.
To bear witness, and be witnessed, as we release what holds us back, and summon the strength to ask for what we want. To leave shifted, transformed, feeling worthy and empowered.
Come join us on the Harvest Full Moon, next to a beautiful lake for a sacred Mesoamerican Temazcal Sweat Lodge ceremony of release, to fully destress, detox and rebirth yourself.
Following the ceremony, we will swim, and then gather fireside to dine, to drum, have fun, and go deep into the groove.
No drumming experience is necessary, and all percussion instruments are provided - you will come away with basic hand drumming skills and some new rhythms under your belt. But more importantly, you will re-learn what it's like to connect to others in rhythm, without judgement or fear, and let go. And connect to something deeper.
The Temazcal has been used throughout Mexico and Central America for thousands of years for healing from physical and mental ailments and recovery from trauma, for ceremony, and to assist women during childbirth. It helps participants to come into greater balance by cleansing their bodies, helping them to connect with their Spirits, and deeply relaxing their minds.
We will gather on the Harvest Full Moon, an auspicious time to get in touch with the deeper realms, to explore new ways to connect with and embrace your intuition more fully. The light of the full moon asks us to look at what is working in our lives, to take stock of all that is going well, and all that we have harvested. We can also illuminate that which needs to shift, to change, to forgive, to let go of.
It's an ideal time to go into ceremony, to give yourself some time to foster greater intimacy with yourself, and explore your inner sanctum for the secret gifts that await.
® OPENING THE CEREMONY ®
After we welcoming everyone and introduce ourselves, we will cleanse energetically in a sacred smudging ritual. We will honour the traditional peoples of the land, and open the ceremonial space by honouring and calling in the energies of the sacred seven directions.
® SACRED TEMAZCAL CEREMONY ®
Participants will put their intentions for the ceremony into a tobacco and smudge mix, and then catalyze their intentions into smoke, before moving into the Temazcal, where hot rocks, which have just been heated in a cedar fire outside, have been placed in a hole in the middle of the floor. Once the door is closed, water infused with herbs is poured over the hot rocks, producing a medicinal steam that helps participants to sweat and deeply detoxify.
There are 4 stages to the ceremony, each called a puerta, that are each dedicated to a different element. Praying, chanting and singing are also central to the ceremony, and also help participants become more resilient to the heat. At the end of the third puerta, dedicated to the element of water, we serve participants a medicinal, herbal tea.
® A CLEANSING SWIM ®
When the ceremony is over, participants are invited to swim in a deep, spring fed lake to refresh and lower their body temperatures. Life jackets are provided for those who want them. PLEASE NOTE: There is no lifeguard on duty, so ensure you use a life jacket if you are not a strong swimmer. We always recommend swimming with a buddy, and never swimming under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
® A LIGHT MEAL ®
We will gather by the fire-pit for a light, picnic meal, of fresh fruit, vegetables and wraps, as we get the fire going for the drum jam.
® FIRESIDE DRUM JAM ®
Connecting in rhythm is very tribal. Drumming around a fire is very healing, as it allows us to release what no longer serves us, and have it transformed in the flames. Rufus makes it easy to have fun with hand drums, learn new rhythms, improvise, and to go into trance with the grooves we co-create together.
® THE FACILITATOR ®
Rufus is a health & wellness and shamanic drum circle facilitator, a singer-songwriter, a community choir leader, and a shamanic practitioner. Both Rufus and his wife Dinora have been trained to lead Mesoamerican temazcal sweat lodge ceremonies, and are both sound healing practitioners.
They run Swan’s Nest Holistic Wellness and Nature Retreat, located just North of Toronto, from late Spring to early Autumn, and live in Toronto with their 2 sons the rest of the time. They spend as much time as possible in Oaxaca, and plan to move there in the winter to facilitate workshops, run their import business, La Botica, and host culinary, historical and shamanic tour groups.
® THE LOCATION ®
Swan’s Nest Holistic Wellness and Nature Centre is located only an hour’s drive from downtown Toronto, hight upon the Oak Ridges Moraine. This 350 acre private nature reserve has forested trails, organic farm fields and over a million trees that surround a deep and spring-fed, 10,000 year old, 27 acre kettle lake. The address is sent to those who pre-purchase tickets or send e-transfers.
® ENERGY EXCHANGE ®
Early bird (ends Saturday, Aug. 31st at 11:45 pm): $77 (limited # avail)
In Advance Ticket (Sept. 1 - 17 at 5:30 pm): $88
At the door (if available): $99
Please e-transfer [email protected] to reserve your spot. Funds can also be sent through PayPal: paypal.me/RufusGlassco. NOTE: PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR E-TRANSFER MESSAGE SO WE CAN EMAIL YOU TO CONFIRM YOUR SPOT OR IN CASE WE HAVE TO CANCEL OR SEND YOU A REFUND.
11 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM. IF AND WHEN WE ARE FULL, WE WILL ANNOUNCE IT HERE.
We would really appreciate a volunteer to help us set up (arriving at 3:30 pm), help us heat the rocks and move them into the Temazcal, and clean up a bit at the end of the ceremony, in return for 50% OFF the In Advance ticket. If you would like to volunteer, please email [email protected]
Event Venue
Swan's Nest Holistic Wellness & Nature Centre, 12th Concession, Schomberg, ON L0G 1T0, Canada
