Build a relationship with nature and learn to connect with places of power where you go. From Tate-Haramara (Grandmother Ocean), to the mountains, lakes, and caves…each place has energy to offer you.
Activity Level
●●○○○
Group Size
30 max
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Prerequisites
None
Spiritual Journey
Travel through the Nierika (spiritual doorway) to the four directions to receive clarity and guidance for your life. Learn to follow Kauyumari (The Magical Deer Spirit) and other spiritual guides to help you uncover a deeper understanding of yourself and the world.
Rituals & Practices
Integrate a more expansive awareness of yourself and the world around you through ancient Indigenous practices of transformation. These simple practices can have profound effects, offering a foundation of personal transformation.
Pilgrimage
Ceremony
Focus your intentions and receive blessings for your life as you dance your prayers into the altar of Mother Earth. Let the sacred chants and echoes of the drum guide you to the wisdom you are searching for.
MaRah Seminar House
A holistic seminar house for growth, healing, and inner transformation
MaRah Seminar House is a long established sanctuary where body, mind, and soul are welcomed into a calm and restorative environment. Nestled in a quiet moorland landscape between the Weser and Dümmer rivers, and located between Bremen and Bielefeld, MaRah has offered a mindful and supportive home for seminars, retreats, and long term training programs for more than twenty five years.
Rooted in care, awareness, and simplicity, MaRah is especially attuned to those working in healing, personal development, and consciousness based fields. Thoughtfully renovated spaces provide light filled seminar rooms and comfortable guest accommodations that support both focus and rest. Nourishing organic vegetarian meals, a dedicated and experienced kitchen team, and a lovingly tended garden with room for quiet reflection and ritual all contribute to an atmosphere of warmth, grounding, and genuine welcome. Whether arriving for a short retreat or an extended program, guests are held in a space designed to support presence, growth, and deep renewal.
Meet Your Guides
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.
Nico Secunda
Nico Secunda has been steeped in the indigenous traditions and spiritual practices of the Wixáritari since birth. He completed an intensive shamanic apprenticeship with his father (Brant Secunda) at twenty-one years of age and underwent the rare transmission of power ceremony to become a Mara-Akame (shaman) in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico.
He is the Executive Director of the Dance of the Deer Foundation – Center for Shamanic Studies and the Co-Founder of the Huichol Foundation. Nico is also the Executive Director + Chief Instructor at Aikido of Santa Cruz.
As a child of both the modern world and the ancient Huichol culture, Nico has walked a unique path, bridging the new and old worlds. Because of this, he offers a very relatable approach for people striving to integrate spiritual practices into their daily lives and unify various aspects of the self.
Pricing
Tuition + Accommodation options
Tuition
| Ticket type | Retreat |
|---|---|
| Adult | €800 € |
| Child | €400 € |
| Infant | FREE (€0) |
Tuition Options
Includes 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 Wixárika (Huichol) cosmology and myths.
- Question and answer opportunities.
Dance of the Deer Ceremonies
- Ancient ceremony to honor the light of creation, celebrate the summer season and pray for healing for ourselves and the planet.
Pilgrimage
- Learn how to approach places of power in prayer.
- Receive a transmission of power from the land.
Accommodations
| ROOM TYPE | PRICE |
|---|---|
| SINGLE ROOM Private bath |
€500 |
| SINGLE ROOM Shared bath |
€440 |
| DOUBLE ROOM Private bath |
€420 |
| DOUBLE ROOM Shared bath |
€360 |
| DORM ROOM 4–5 people, same gender |
€320 |
| DORM ROOM 8 people, mixed genders |
€260 |
| Motorhome / Caravan With electricity |
€300 |
| Tent / Car / Van No electricity |
€260 |
| COMMUTER | €224 |
Accommodation Options
Prices are per/person, all meals included
Selected lodging option:
- Single Room • Single room with choice of a private or shared bathroom.
- Double Room • Shared room for 2 guests with choice of a private or shared bathroom.
- Dorm Room • Shared room for up to 5 guests of the same gender with a shared bathroom.
- Dorm Room • Shared room for up to 8 guests of different genders with a shared bathroom.
- Motorhome / Caravan • Camping in your own caravan/motorhome/car. Electric hookup available. Access to nearby bathroom and showers.
- Tent / Car / Van • Tent not provided; please plan on bringing your own tent, sleeping bag, and pillow. No electricity. Access to nearby bathroom and showers.
- Commuter • Select this option if staying offsite (hotel, B&B, etc). You will reserve and pay separately for your own off-site accommodations.
Fresh, organic vegetarian buffet meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) from dinner on Wednesday to lunch on Sunday.
Access to the retreat grounds + amenities:
- Use of garden and house, numerous relaxation and recreational opportunities.
- Various herbal teas, still water and organically grown fruit are available all day.
Discounted Attendance
Students
Register with a .edu email address and save 10% on all tuition options.
Seniors
If you’re 65 or older, you can save 10% on all tuition options. Simply select the checkbox when registering.
Families
We love having families at our programs and strive to bring all ages into the sacred circle. Children 4-17 receive a 50% discount on all tuition options and infants (under the age of 4) are FREE.
Families of four or more receive 10% off each adult attendee.
Itinerary
Program schedule + session details
Wednesday
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Check-In
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Dinner
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Opening Session + Blessing
Thursday
8:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Mid-Morning Session
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Free-time
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Afternoon Session
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Dinner
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Evening Ceremony
Friday
8:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Mid-Morning Session
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Free-time
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Afternoon Session
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Dinner
Saturday
8:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Mid-Morning Session
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Free-time
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Afternoon Session
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | Dinner
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Evening Ceremony
Sunday
8:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Closing Session
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch
2:00 pm | Pack up & Goodbyes – we prefer to say We’ll see you later!
Travel
Information for your journey
Where is the retreat located?
This retreat will be held at MaRah Seminar House, a retreat center set in a remote area in Northern Germany. MaRah is nestled in the moorland between the Weser and Dümmer rivers, and has been providing a mindful and supportive atmosphere for seminars, events, and retreats for 25 years.
By Air
The closest airports are Bremen (BRE) and Hannover (HAJ). Bremen Airport is about 1 hour and 15 minutes away by car, while Hannover Airport is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away by car. Hamburg Airport (HAM) is another option with broader international service and is around 2 hours 30 minutes away by car.
By Bus + Taxi
Guests arriving by train can travel to either Lemförde or Rahden stations, depending on their point of departure. From the north, take the Bremen to Osnabrück route to Lemförde station. From Berlin, Hanover, or southern Germany, travel to Bünde station and change to the Bielefeld to Rahden train in the Lübbecke district, heading toward Rahden. From Dortmund or Cologne, travel to Bielefeld station and change to the Bielefeld to Rahden train, heading toward Rahden.
It is recommended to book a taxi in advance for the final leg of the journey. Taxi service from both Rahden and Lemförde train stations to MaRah Pr. Ströhen Rahden is available through MIWA Blanke: 05771 5528 or 2107.
FAQ + Guide
Tips to ensure a great retreat experience
When does the program start and end?
The Retreat will begin on Wednesday (August 19, 2026) with check-in from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm and an opening session at 8:00 pm.
The program will conclude on Sunday (August 23, 2026) following lunch.
Do I need to attend the entire program?
We greatly encourage everyone to join the event 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.
What are the accommodations?
There are a variety of lodging options, including private and shared rooms.
All meals are included (Wednesday dinner – Sunday lunch).
What is the weather typically like?
In late February, the weather in southern Portugal is generally mild, with sunny days and cooler evenings. The landscape is lush from winter rains, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it a beautiful time to connect with nature.
Do I need to bring anything?
Here is a list of items to bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat and sun protection
- Bathing suit (for lakes or sauna)
- Snacks, if desired
- Rain jacket + umbrella
- Personal toiletries
- Pocket knife for prayer arrows
- Layers of clothing (the temperature may vary)
- Flashlight
- Anything special you would like to have blessed on the ceremonial altar
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 retreat 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.
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.
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.
Can children attend?
Yes, we welcome families and children at all our programs and love having all ages included in our circle. We offer a 50% discount for children ages 4-17 and infants under the age of 4 join free of charge.
Children (anyone under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What is Shamanism?
Shamanism is a way of honoring nature. Practiced in various forms around the world by different indigenous tribes, the methods of shamanism are diverse; however, they are unified in their inherent basis in the natural world.
Wixárika Tribe
The Huichol (Wixáritari) are a small indigenous tribe of approximately 35,000, living in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico. They are considered one of the last cultures in North America to have maintained their pre-Columbian traditions to this day.
Shamanic Healing
Inherent to the spiritual traditions of shamanism is the art of healing. Although our programs do not aim to teach people to heal or become shamans, they most definitely provide the tools for personal healing and transformation.