Maya Sacred Path to 2012
Balancing the Male and Female Forces

November 25 - December 3, 2007

by Daniela Masaro

Ah México, the mystical land of the Maya. What a wonderfully magical place! I had been called strongly here for ages, but aside from a day trip as a child to Tijuana and a short one and a half hour stay in Cancun, I was never able to quite make my trip happen until a surprise announcement in October that proclaimed I would have the privilege of participating in our Maya Sacred Path to 2012 – Balancing the Male and Female Forces Journey. I was overwhelmed with joy to find out I would finally be living my dream and at last making my way to México. Who knew that it would take a move from my home in Toronto to Vancouver to finally make it to México once and for all? The timing was finally right!

For as long as I can remember I have had a strong attraction to México and the Maya, the local people, the culture and way of life, the philosophies, the history, the cuisine; this connection had always been something unexplainable, until I arrived in México and I finally understood. As soon as I touched down I felt like I had arrived home. Maybe I had lived here in another lifetime, or perhaps it is meant to be a future home; all I knew was that it felt “right”. The magnificent heat, the glorious sunshine, the lush forests, the welcoming people, all warmed my body, heart and spirit. And let’s not forget the delicious Margaritas and my daily swims that helped keep me cool and refreshed! I felt completely and utterly embraced by this wonderful place and instantly fell in love.

The ancient sacred sites we explored, the knowledgeable Mayan Wisdom Keepers I encountered, the ceremonies in which I participated, the quiet moments of private reflection, all contributed to my overwhelming experience. Our teacher of the Mayan Cosmology, Miguel Angel, was a wonderful teacher - patient, humble, kind and insightful. His wisdom greatly helped expand my knowledge of the Maya and his open heart made the journey so much more peaceful and serene. His lectures and discussions, as well as the information he shared at each site, were all fascinating and extraordinary gifts. My experience with Shaman Don Jose in the Loltun Caves was memorable to say the least, and our adorable Shaman Don Florencio was such a gentle and wise soul that it was an honour to meet him during our private candle lit ceremony at the Ik’il Cenote. Overall, the knowledge I gained and the teachers I met augmented the entire experience and made the journey ever so special and unique for me.

There were so many synchronicities and surprising experiences encountered on my journey as well. As evidenced in my natural surroundings and photographs, even my animal totems, the Hawk and the Serpent, followed me on my journey, protecting me and keeping me present, reminding me I was just a small piece of a greater picture. I think the most pivotal moment for me was during our first sacred ceremony when I drew my first card with the tzolkin glyph, IK (the wind), from the Mayan Calendar. This card reminded me to listen to the whispers in the wind, and it truly set the intention for me into my own personal journey. The card resonated with me because my mother has always called me her “little butterfly”, saying that I am one who floats with the wind, and although I have often fought with and struggled against my solitary gypsy soul which has caused me to flutter to all corners of this globe, I have slowly begun to accept this part of my truth and destiny. Receiving this card on our first ceremony further confirmed my belief that I would forever be commanded by the wind and that I must follow where I am called without question and with resounding faith and trust. It reminded me to surrender to the universe and the will of a higher being, and to believe that all will work out as planned and that all will be well in the end. It affirmed that no matter what losses I suffered, what tears I shed, or what pains I experienced, they were all lessons and challenges leading me to a final bliss and a final union and completion, which was represented by the tzolkin glyph AHAU, one of my final cards drawn. My Mayan ancestors were speaking to me so eloquently along my path allowing me to understand my true purpose. How could I not feel so blessed?

As I participated in the ceremonies, explored various sacred sites, sat in private meditation, and stood admiring the sunsets and the stars, I continued to feel like I had been here before and that this place was truly home. My greatest joy was forming surprising and very special friendships and connections that continue to make me beam every time I think about them. With the guardians’ protection and love I was allowed to rediscover this fascinating land. It was all an overwhelming and inspiring feeling for me and I will remain forever grateful to all who made it possible for me and to all who shared in my journey with me as well.

My experience transcends all words and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully express the euphoria I felt in México. The only proof I have is my cherished memories, and maybe even a few photos that show the smile permanently affixed to my face throughout the entire journey, and the sparkle that shone in my eyes from start to end. Never have I felt so at peace, so purely happy, so safe and at ease, and so unafraid. Being in México was an affirmation of my strength and faith that all is truly possible and that fate and destiny do exist. I know that I will return here time and time again until I am finally called back home for good. Until then I will continue to believe, to create, and to manifest.

Gracias por todo México. Usted siempre tendrá mi corazón.

In Lak’ech, A Lak’en

Daniela Masaro
Sacred Earth Journeys

Photographs by Daniela Masaro