Zugspitze

SHAMANISM RETREAT

OCTOBER 13 - 18, 2024 • PENZBERG, GERMANY

Retreat at the Foot of the Alps

Take the time to step out of your daily routine, leave the hectic modern world behind and find new strength and meaning for your life during this 6-day retreat at the Zugspitze, the tallest mountain in Germany. Explore the beauty of the ancient Huichol culture and let ancient spiritual teachings empower you.

Brant Secunda has been teaching at ZIST since 1981 and co-founded the Conference for Humanistic Medicine with ZIST. This famous retreat center creates the ideal setting for a spiritual getaway. Join us for an opportunity to awaken your soul and learn powerful yet practical tools for personal and planetary transformation.

October 13-18, 2024

€660

+ accommodations priced separately through ZIST

or call: +49-8856-93690

Activity Level

●●○○○

Group Size

30-45

Duration

6 days / 5 nights

Prerequisites

No experience needed

View FAQ

Building Community in the Sacred Circle

Join a circle of like-minded individuals to facilitate both personal and planetary change. Experience the power of collective prayer and ritual in a safe atmosphere of love and understanding.

“It is important for us to find the power of love and wisdom in ourselves, to find our connection to our environment, our community and to Mother Earth, as well as to our own spiritual core. I pray every day to live my life from my heart, to be able to help the people in a good way, to be able to turn my visions into a meaningful reality”

– Brant Secunda

Experience Shamanism

Surrounded by hills, forests, and lakes – the view of the snow-capped Alps is spectacular. In this natural setting, it is easy to leave your everyday life behind and to immerse yourself in the shamanic teachings that Brant will share with you.

Deepen your relationship to the world of nature and through that process find a new connection to yourself. The daily shamanic practices help you to focus on what is important at this moment in your life. You will receive useful tools to transform your life at home through simple yet profound spiritual exercises.

You will learn about and experience Huichol culture and tradition. This wisdom brings a new sense of balance and harmony which in return will help you to heal your body, heart, and spirit.

This retreat is a chance for a new beginning in your life and a new awakening of your soul. Join renowned shaman Brant Secunda and let the Huichol tradition touch your heart and teach you what it means to be alive on the altar of Mother Earth.

Spiritual Cleansing
Purge yourself of negativity and learn to absorb positive energy from the natural world around you.
Visionary Journeying
Utilize ancient techniques of spiritual journeying to tap into the hidden universe that surrounds us. Learn to guide yourself, to maintain mindful balance and increase your spiritual integrity.
Sacred Pilgrimage
Learn the ancient indigenous form of pilgrimage practiced by the Huichol people for thousands of years. Connect with the spiritual essence of the Zugspitze and take home the power of this sacred place, carrying it forward within your heart and soul.
Wisdom Teachings
Listen to creation myths of the Huichol cosmology. Feed both mind and soul through this age-old wisdom and gain greater clarity on your path.
Authentic Art
Take in the beauty of authentic Huichol artwork and learn to create your own visionary work of art, which carry meaning and blessings.

Meditate in Nature

Take time each day for personal meditation. Commune with the spirits of nature while sitting in meadows overlooking the alpine horizon or along the fresh spring-fed lakes.

Allow your mindful chatter to dissipate and the healing silence of nature to cleanse your mind and purify your soul. Through daily practice, you will become acquainted with the teachings of nature.

Energetic Cleansing

Nature provides us a pre-built system for both physical and energetic cleansing. Autumn and Spring are both natural times of balance, during which we too should strive to find internal peace and tranquility.

Learn authentic Huichol practices for unifying yourself with nature to obtain that balance. In this way, we can gain a state of harmony within ourselves and with all of life.

Tranquility for Body & Soul

The surrounding landscape provides a balance between the tranquility of the gently rolling meadows and the sharp power of the distant alpine peaks that line the horizon.

Comfortable rooms, maid service and of course delicious organic meals allow you to enjoy each and every moment of this unique retreat.

Zugspitze

The Zugspitze, at 2,962 m (9,718 ft), is the highest mountain in Germany. It lies south of the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and the border between Germany and Austria runs over its western summit.

The region around the Zugspitze is famous for its many beautiful lakes, creating a picturesque and typically Bavarian landscape.

Meet Your

Teacher & Guide

Brant Secunda

Brant Secunda is an internationally acclaimed shaman, healer, and teacher in the indigenous Huichol tradition of Mexico. During an intensive 12-year apprenticeship, Brant became the adopted grandson and close companion of Don José Matsuwa, the renowned shaman who passed away in 1990 at the age of 110. Brant was chosen by Don José to take his place in helping to carry on Huichol Shamanism.

Recognized as a global thought leader and spiritual teacher, Brant has been a lecturer at the Mayo Clinic, the American Holistic Medical Association Conferences, and a faculty member of the Five Branches Institute of Chinese Medicine. He also co-founded the Humanistic Medicine Conference with the World Health Organization, the Peace University in Berlin, and is a founding member of the American Herbalist Guild.

Striving to bridge the worlds of fitness and spirituality, Brant co-authored the award-winning book Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BRANT

“Connect with the four directions to find your center and then realize you are the fifth direction.”

~ Brant Secunda

Pricing

Tuition + Accommodation options

Tuition Prices
Adult • €660

Accommodations
Prices are per/day per/person. All meals included.
Shared Room • €72

Multi-bed bedroom with shared bath.
Multi-Bed Apartment • €72

Multi-bed apartment with private bath.
Triple Room • €72

Triple occupancy bedroom with shared bath.
Twin Room • €86

Double occupancy bedroom with shared bath.
Twin Room • €101

Double occupancy bedroom with private bath.
Private Room • €123

Private bedroom with private bath.

Tuition Options

include program instruction and materials

Morning, Afternoon, and Evening Sessions

Tribal songs, chants, drumming & rattling.
Journeying exercises working with the 4 directions.
Meditation practices to connect with the elemental powers.
Lecture & discussion including Huichol cosmology and myths.
Question and answer opportunities.

Dance of the Deer Ceremonies

Ancient ceremony to honor the light of creation, celebrate the autumn season and pray for healing for ourselves and the planet.

Pilgrimage to the Zugspitze

Learn how to approach places of power in prayer.
Receive a transmission of power from the mountain.

Accommodations

ZIST’s beautiful accommodations include well-appointed rooms built with eco-friendly materials. More about accommodations →

In-house chefs create a balanced menu prepared using nutritious, organic and vegetarian meals, with fresh produce grown from ZIST’s own garden.

Retreat Itinerary

Program schedule + session details

The schedule is flexible. We do not follow a strict itinerary, and instead prefer to follow the flow of the group energy.

Day
1
Sunday
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Arrival + Check-In

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner

8:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Opening Session + Ceremony
Day
2
Monday - Thursday
8:30 am – 9:30 am | Breakfast

9:30 am – 12:00 pm | Morning Session

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm | Lunch

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Break

3:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Afternoon Session

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner

8:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Evening Session
Day
3
Friday
8:30 am – 9:30 am | Breakfast

9:30 am – 12:00 pm | Morning Session

12:00 pm | Lunch & Goodbyes – we prefer to say we’ll see you later!

FAQ + Guide

Tips to ensure a great experience

Where is the program located?

The seminar center is surrounded by a magnificent landscape on a Southern slope facing the Alps, surrounded by pastures, forests and lakes in a remote yet easily accessible rural area about 50 km south of Munich.

When does the program start and end?

The program will begin on Sunday (October 13, 2024) with check-in opening at 4:00 pm and the first session beginning at 8:00 pm.

The program will conclude with lunch on Friday (October 18, 2024) at 12:00 pm.

What are the accommodations?

ZIST’s beautiful accommodations include well-appointed rooms built with eco-friendly materials.

More about accommodations →

Delicious vegetarian meals will be freshly prepared throughout the retreat. All of your meals will be provided beginning with dinner on Sunday evening through lunch on Friday afternoon.

How do I arrange my travel?

The nearest international airports are Munich Airport (code: MUC). The airport is approximately a 1-hour drive from ZIST. For assistance with shuttle arrangements, please contact the ZIST staff.

For assistance with air travel, please contact Peter Silberschatz at Travel Works – toll-free (800) 874-7207 or international +1 (415) 897-4405.

Detailed travel directions →

Do I need to bring anything?

Here is a list of items to bring:

Layers of comfortable clothing, including a warm sweater/jacket for outdoor exercises
Comfortable walking shoes for hiking
Chair, cushion, or blanket to sit on
Personal toiletries
Flashlight
Pocket knife (necessary for one of our exercises)
Water bottle and coffee/tea mug
House shoes
Anything special you would like to have blessed on the ceremonial altar

Additional items to bring will be listed in the registration confirmation email from ZIST.

Are there any prerequisites to attend?

No. This retreat is open to anyone, whether you are looking to take the first step on the shamanic path or if you’ve been studying with Brant for decades.

Will the program be live-streamed?

No. This program will only be available for those attending in person. If you’re interested in joining a virtual program online, please take a look at our schedule of upcoming programs.

Do I need to attend the entire program?

We greatly encourage everyone to join the workshop for the full time in order to gain the complete experience of the teachings and practices, while also helping maintain the energy of the collective group.

Will plant medicine be offered?

No, this program does not include any type of plant medicine. Although this is indeed an integral part of shamanic traditions, this program will focus on the use of drumming, rattling, chanting, and dance to achieve similar altered states of consciousness.

Can children attend?

Yes, we love having all ages included at our programs, and ZIST welcomes families and children. Children ages 3 and under stay free of charge. For children who sleep in their parent’s rooms, ZIST offers reduced flat rates for full board:

Children ages 3-6: €28/day
Children ages 4-7: €61/day

Will I become a shaman by attending this program?

No, our programs do not provide any type of certification and are not designed to teach people to become shamans, as this requires years of complete dedication through a traditional shamanic apprenticeship. Instead, this retreat provides an opportunity to practice shamanism, learn the ancient exercises for spiritual developemnt, and celebrate life in sacred ceremony and ritual.

The practices of shamanism are ones that can be integrated into your everyday routine in order to empower yourself, your community, and all that lives on Mother Earth.

Have questions?

Schedule a call with us

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Zugspitze

SHAMANISM RETREAT

OCTOBER 13 - 18, 2024 • PENZBERG, GERMANY

Activity Level

Group Size

Duration

Prerequisites

Experience Shamanism

Zugspitze

Teacher & Guide

Brant Secunda

Pricing

Tuition Options

Accommodations

Retreat Itinerary

Day

Day

Day

FAQ + Guide

Where is the program located?

When does the program start and end?

What are the accommodations?

How do I arrange my travel?

Do I need to bring anything?

Are there any prerequisites to attend?

Will the program be live-streamed?

Do I need to attend the entire program?

Will plant medicine be offered?

Can children attend?

Will I become a shaman by attending this program?

Have questions?

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