Condor Eagle Quetzal
A Ceremonial Guide
For general information visit the Condor Eagle Quetzal immersion site.
The Condor Eagle Quetzal immersion is a one-week gathering where we unite to pray, to sing, to dance and speak our love to the earth. To be guided by the divine spirits of ancestral medicines and cultures, weaving in prayer the energies of the southern Condor, the northern Eagle and the central hummingbird and quetzal of Abya Yala - Anahuac (America).
In this guide you can go over our main ceremonies and how to prepare for them.
Temazcal
Harnessing the energy of the four elements, the sweatlodge is a traditional purification ceremony, as a sacred steam bath with chants and prayers. A deep cleanse of mind, body and spirit in the womb of Mother Earth, remembering the origin of life, Atlachinoli, the union of water and fire.
We pray with tabacco and herbal smudge medicines. When we are inside the temazcal, we honor silence. We speak only when it is time to pray, or we use our voice to sing, following the guidance.
For the temazcal, women traditionally wear long dresses or tunics of a thin cotton fabric, as a way of discretion and also protecting the skin from the hot steams. Men use swim shorts, some prefer to bring a t-shirt as well or a bandana for their head and ears.
Uni Ceremony
A profound encounter with the plant medicine of the Amazon Rainforest, this ceremony is an invitation to sit in the presence of the Uni medicine, also known as Abuelita Aya, the wise and loving spirit of the vine. The “Grandmother” medicine works in deep and mysterious ways, guiding us through the realms of healing, insight, and remembrance. She is a master teacher, a mirror to our innermost truths, a powerful force of purification and a guiding light for our spirits.
As the sun sets, we enter the ceremonial space, where the journey begins with ‘ah’ries’ or ‘icaros’—sacred healing chants that invoke protection, alignment, and connection to the spiritual dimensions. The medicine moves within us, through visions, sensations, and profound realizations, guiding us toward deeper understanding, reconciliation, and renewal.
As the night unfolds, the ceremony is carried by medicine music and traditional chants, the vibrational keys that open pathways of healing. Herbal purification smudges cleanse the energy field, helping to release stagnant emotions and restore balance. With her guidance, we learn to open our heart to life, to listen to the wisdom of our own spirit, and to strengthen our vision—so we may walk with greater clarity, presence, and harmony in our daily lives.
When we are going to pray with the Uni, we prepare by doing special “dietas” to receive this medicine and honor her inside of our bodies. This is how we present ourselves to her spirit, by taking care of our mind, body and emotions.
Our clear intention in working with this medicine is important, as the power of our purpose and prayer guides us through the ceremony. An intention can be for healing, clarity, lightness, focus, love, expansion, understanding, creativity, vision, learning…
The dieta begins minimum three days before the session (one week is better!) and ends three days after (you may also extend it for an additional week). It is key to follow the guidelines to support the clarity and balance of the experience, and after the sessions as well to help with the process of integration.
We will also be having a zoom call before the retreat, where you can address any doubts you may have. Additionally, we will have a Plant Medicine Talk in person during the retreat, before the ceremony, as well as a Sharing Circle after the ceremony.
Please bear in mind that this medicine has contraindications that need to be taken seriously, and that people with certain body and mental health conditions may not take this medicine. If you take any medications or have any health issues, it is of most importance that you let us know as soon as possible so we can help you to prepare safely.
Preparation Dieta
Recomended foods:
• All types of cereals, such as rice (basmati, yamani, jasmine), couscous, oats, whole grain wheat, quinoa, etc.
• Seeds, such as sunflower, pumpkin, flax, chia.
• Fruits
• Vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, cabbage, greens, tomatoes, etc.
• Cooked potatoes in various forms are recommended, such as mashed, roasted or boiled, yuca, and other roots.
• Soups and salads.
• Eggs.
• Vegan milks with granola / muesli.
• Fish and chicken
• Coconut water
• Stay hydrated and eat healthy!
Contraindicated foods, drinks, and more:
• Alcohol. Stop taking any alcoholic drinks at least 1 week before, better 2 weeks.
• Drugs/medications. Drugs and medications may be severely contraindicated so it is of utmost importance that you inform us if you take any as soon as possible, so we can check if you can participate in the ceremony.
• Some natural medicines and herbs are contraindicated, such as Bufo, changa, St. Johns Wort, Kava, Kratom, Ephedra, Ginseng, Yohimbe, Sinicuichi, Rhodiola Rosea, Kanna, Boswellia, Nutmeg, Scotch Broom, Licorice Root.
• Cannabis. We suggest to stop smoking for the diet. Ingested cannabis for medical reasons is not a problem.
• We suggest to open space for the grandmother by not using medicines from other traditions during the diet. If you do, please let us know.
• Tabacco. Tabacco is used for prayers and healing in the ceremony, smoked traditionally without inhaling to the lungs. If you smoke tabacco in a way that is damaging to your lungs or recreationally, we suggest to stop for the dieta.
• Sugar, syrups, candies and sweet things in general, especially on the day of the ceremony.
• Reduce salt, pepper and hot spices.
• All types of preserved food (canned)
• Preservatives, sweeteners, colorants, etc.
• Dairy products (milk, butter, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, etc.)
• Red meats, pork, beef, sausages.
• Soft drinks and energy drinks.
• Protein supplements.
Other considerations:
It is very important and highly recommended to refrain from any kind of sexual activity during the diet. This is a preparation required in all lineages, as it is a time to keep our energy to ourselves to find a calm and neutral disposition to welcome this medicine into our body.
Try to sleep and rest well, eat the amount you need to come with enough energy.
The days previous to the ceremony we suggest to be free of all tasks that may give you tension or stress. On the day of the ceremony have breakfast and a light lunch, and stop eating at least 4-5 hours before the ceremony begins.
It is highly recommended to take a break from the phone, television, computers or screens in general before and after the ceremony. It is suggested to meditate and do activities in nature that help to have a calm state of mind. The more calm and connected to nature you can be, the better for your experience.
Be mindful of keeping a focus on the ceremony during the day, respecting silence and other’s space, being conscious of words we use.
Do not smoke during the ceremony or use strong perfumes.
We do not recommend juice or liquid-only fasts before the ceremony.
It is not permitted to take pictures, record videos or record sound during the ceremony. If you like the music we have a lot of music available online that we can send you.
Things to bring:
Loose, warm and comfortable clothing, preferably cotton (or any fabric that does not make noise when you move).
We suggest discreet clothing that covers your body, such as long skirt or dress, a shirt covering your chest, comfortable shoes and a shawl or poncho. Think of presenting yourself to her in beauty and reverence, you may dress in white or colorful clothes, and adorn yourself for this sacred encounter.
Paper and pencil if you want to write or draw after the experience, a musical instrument if you play.
There will be mats, cushions and blankets in the ceremonial space.
An open heart in gratitude!
Post-ceremony Integration
Rest, deep sleep, and nourishing food are essential for integrating the wisdom received from the plants into your daily life. Give yourself time to slow down, allowing the teachings to settle naturally.
After the ceremonies, take a good shower and spend as much time in nature as possible. Minimize screen time and, if you can, take a break from work to let your mind rest and process. In the days and weeks that follow, clarity may continue to unfold. Insights may come in dreams or through sudden recollections of visions—creating space for this will allow deeper understanding to emerge.
With the plants’ guidance, we clear mental and energetic space, making it important to be mindful of what we welcome in afterward. This is a powerful opportunity to integrate healthy habits and release anything that is not in alignment.
Best practices for integration:
Keep movement alive—through dance, yoga, or qi gong—whatever resonates with you. Journal your process, revisit your notes, and reflect on your transformation. Listen to medicine music that reconnects you to the spirit of the ceremony. Spend time in silence, attuned to the voices of the wind and the animals. Walk barefoot. Continue with our >>Condor Eagle Elemental Rituals<< to stay aligned.
As your guides, we are here to support you with any questions. We also love receiving reflections and updates on your journey—your transformation is a gift to witness.
Hikuri Ceremony
We call this ceremony a Half Moon Ceremony, with prayers with four tobaccos, water, and the sacred fire, in the way of the Teocali Quetzalcoatl altar. The ceremony starts in the evening and goes until sunrise.
These ceremonies are powerful community prayers that aid us in manifesting our good intentions and a beautiful path in life, by holding positive thoughts, transforming and connecting with the elements in gratitude and celebration.
In the morning we hold a Flower Blessing, connecting us with their vivid beauty and perfume, receiving the new day.
You may prepare by connecting to nature and setting good prayers for the night, by embracing gratitude and the mindset to be present to pray. We will have breakfast, lunch and a soup in the afternoon before the ceremony, and a community breakfast in the morning after the ceremony.
The dress code is the same as for the Uni Ceremony, bring colors and beauty, and please long skirts/pants and covered chests. We will be by the fire but it can sometimes get chilly in the night.
It is also recommended to bring sunscreen, good walking/hiking shoes or tennis, bathing suits, comfortable clothes for warm weather during the day and something for the nights that can get a bit chilly (like a poncho, shawl or jacket), as well as your ceremony garments.
Bring comfortable clothes for our movement and yoga practices, and a notebook and pen for songs and native wisdom workshops!
Let us know if you have questions, we’re here to make this as fluid and magical as possible.
Blessings and see you soon!
Looking behind, I am filled with gratitude.
Looking forward, I am filled with vision.
Looking upwards, I am filled with strength.
Lookin within, I discover peace.
