Mt. Shasta

SHAMANISM RETREAT

JULY 16 - 20, 2025

Join our 43rd Annual Mt. Shasta Retreat

Since 1982, our annual retreat at Mt. Shasta has provided a getaway for individuals and families from across the globe. Many return year after year to experience the wonder of Mt. Shasta with a warm community of individuals from all walks of life.

This 5-day retreat is a chance to step away from your everyday and connect with nature through the simple, yet profound practices of Huichol Shamanism. Learn from shamans Brant Secunda and Nico Secunda, while bringing harmony to your body, heart, and spirit with the healing energy of the land. Join us in the sacred circle!

July 16–20, 2025

$725

+ Accommodations priced separately
*Family, senior, and student discounts available

Mt. Shasta Intensive (optional add-on)

Mt. Shasta Intensive
July 20 – 24, 2025

Join this 5-day Intensive to immerse yourself in shamanic practices and connect more deeply to Mt. Shasta and various surrounding places of power.

Activity Level

●●●○○

Group Size

95 max

Duration

5 days / 4 nights

Prerequisites

None

View FAQ

The Intensive

July 20-24, 2025

optional 5-day add-on program

Are you seeking the next step on your journey? Join this 5-day Intensive to immerse yourself in shamanic practices and connect more deeply to the spirits of the land and surrounding places of power.

In-depth practice of shamanic journeying.
Deepening your understanding of the Nierika (Spiritual Doorway).
Expanded verses of various chants and tribal songs.
Purification ceremonies to cleanse body and mind.
Pilgrimage to Medicine Lake.

Add the intensive to your retreat registration to deepen your experience.

Find connection with

Nature & Community

This retreat is not only a chance to experience something unforgettable but also to share that experience within a beautiful community.

The shamanic circle at Mt. Shasta is full of diverse people, young and old. Families and individuals from around the world return year after year to celebrate the summer season together in nature.

Spiritual practices and ceremonial celebrations in nature bring the community together, unifying the circle with all of creation.

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What to expect from the

Experience

Clarity

Start each day by focusing your intentions and connecting with the light of Grandfather Fire. Ground yourself in the love of Mother Earth as you walk on the land and celebrate the summer season in sacred ceremony. Through these practices, we purify the spirit and find clarity for our life.

Prayer

Tap into the life force of this place of power. Make a pilgrimage to Mt. Shasta and make prayers for yourself, your loved ones, and all that lives on the Earth.

Connection

Cultivate a deeper bond with the elemental powers and the spiritual world of nature. Learn ancient chants and use the sound of the drum and rattle to shift consciousness in order to strengthen your connection to all of creation.

Purification

Cleanse body and soul in the abundant waters that flow freely from the summer ice melts of Mount Shasta’s glaciers. Purify your consciousness and unite with the flow of nature.

Community

Share the experience with a wonderful group of people, all striving to bring healing to themselves and the planet. The way of shamanism not only strengthens your relationship with the spirits of nature; it also naturally helps us build a more loving and kind community.

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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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BRANT

“We should realize that everything outside of us is also within us. We are the flowers, the trees, the earth, and the fire.

~ Brant Secunda

Nico Secunda

Nico Secunda has been steeped in the indigenous Huichol tradition and shamanic practices 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 (Huichol Shaman) in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico.

He is the Managing Director of the Dance of the Deer Foundation – Center for Shamanic Studies. Nico is also the Co-Founder of the Huichol Foundation, which provides economic and cultural support to the indigenous Huichol people of Mexico.

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

Retreat

Retreat • July 16-20, 2025

Ticket type	Retreat
Adult	$725
Child	$362.50
Infant	FREE ($0)

Intensive

Ticket type	Intensive
Adult	$755
Child	$377.50
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 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 to Mt. Shasta

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

Accommodations

Retreat

Retreat • July 16-20, 2025

ROOM TYPE	Retreat
Tent Camping	$300
Commuter	$260
RV / Car Camping	$220

Intensive

Accommodation Options

Prices are per/person, all meals included

Selected lodging option

Camping • Tent not provided; please plan on bringing your own tent, sleeping bag, and pillow.
Commuter • Select this option if staying offsite (hotel, B&B, etc). You will reserve and pay separately for your own off-site accommodations.
RV / Car Camping • Limited spaces are available and must be booked and paid for separately with the venue.

Vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) from dinner on Wednesday to breakfast on Sunday.

Access to the retreat grounds + amenities – rivers, ponds, bathrooms, hot showers, and laundry facilities.

Discounted Attendance

Students

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.

Interested in Volunteering? We offer a limited number of free spaces for volunteers who help provide support to our retreat staff.

Apply to Volunteer

Full Scholarship: We offer one scholarship space at this event, covering 100% of tuition and accommodations.

Apply for a Scholarship

Itinerary

Program schedule + session details

SCHEDULE MAY BE ADJUSTED DURING THE EVENT.

Retreat

Wednesday

3:00 pm – 5:30 pm | Check-In

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm | Opening Session + Blessing

Thursday

8:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast

9:30 am – 12:30 pm | Morning Session

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Lunch

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Free-time (optional group trip to lake)

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Afternoon Session

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner

8:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Deer Dance Ceremony

Friday

8:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast

9:30 am – 12:30 pm | Morning Session

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Lunch

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Free-time (optional group trip to river swimming hole)

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Afternoon Session

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner

8:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Evening Session

Saturday

8:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast

9:30 am – 12:30 pm | Morning Session

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Lunch

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm | Free-time (optional group trip to waterfall)

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Afternoon Session

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner

8:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Sunset Ceremony

Sunday

8:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast

9:30 am – 11:00 am | Closing Session + Group Photo + Closing Blessing and Prayer

11:00 am – 12:30 pm | Pack up & Goodbyes – we prefer to say We’ll see you later!

The intensive begins Sunday evening with dinner and an opening ceremony

9:00 am – 6:00 pm | Free-time

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner

8:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Opening Ceremony

Intensive

Sunday

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner

8:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Opening Ceremony

Monday

8:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast

9:30 am – 12:30 pm | Morning Session

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Break

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Afternoon Session

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner

8:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Meeting at Fire Circle

Tuesday

8:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast

9:30 am – 12:30 pm | Morning Session

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch

2:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Pilgrimage to Mt. Shasta

8:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Dinner

9:30 pm – 10:00 pm | Evening Session

Wednesday

8:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast

9:30 am – 11:00 am | Morning Session

11:00 am – 1:00 pm | Pilgrimage to Lake

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Lunch

2:00 pm – 4:30 pm | Break

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm | Afternoon Session

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm | Dinner

8:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Closing Ceremony

Thursday

7:00 am – 8:30 am | Breakfast (simple Grab-and-go)

8:30 am – 11:00 am | Collective Camp Cleanup

11:00 am – 11:30 am | Closing Prayer + Blessing

11:30 am – 12:00 pm | Hugs and “see you laters!”

12:00 pm | Everyone must depart camp by noon. Thank you!

FAQ + Guide

Tips to ensure a great retreat experience

Where is the retreat located?

The retreat will be held near the town of Mt. Shasta in Northern California. Detailed location information and directions will be provided upon registration.

What are the accommodations?

There are a variety of lodging options for this retreat, though most people choose to camp. RV/Car Camping spots must be booked and paid for separately with the venue. Venue contact information will be provided upon registration.

View Accommodation Options ➜

All meals are included (Wednesday dinner – Sunday breakfast). Our chefs prepare vegetarian meals and can provide vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free options.

What is the activity level of the program?

Retreat: Walking on level terrain + shorter pilgrimage (longest walk approx. 3 miles) and optional swimming in rivers + lakes.

Intensive: Daily walking on level terrain + pilgrimage at higher elevation and swimming/wading in lake.
*Intensive attendees should be in good health and comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time.

What is the weather typically like?

Generally, the typical climate is hot and dry during the day and cooler at night.

The heat adds a unique intensity to the program, though we like to meet in the shade whenever possible. There is a creek that runs along the property with cold mountain water that you can enjoy during breaks.

Do I need to bring anything?

Here is a list of items to bring:

Blanket or camping chair to sit on outdoors
Tent + sleeping bag (if camping)
Personal toiletries
Bath towel + beach towel for swimming
Layers of clothing (it can get hot in the day and cold at night)
Hat + sunscreen (we make an effort to meet in the shade)
Comfortable walking shoes
Flashlight
Pocket knife (for making prayer arrows)
Anything special you would like to have blessed on the ceremonial altar

Are dogs allowed at this program?

For the well-being of all attendees and our beloved animal friends, dogs are not permitted at our event sessions. Our program includes drumming and rattling sounds that may be unsettling to them.

If you’re considering an RV spot, the venue may accommodate your dog, although breed-specific regulations apply. Kindly inquire with the venue when reserving your spot.

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.

When does the program start and end?

The Retreat will begin on Wednesday (July 16, 2025) with check-in from 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm, followed by dinner at 6:00 pm and an opening session at 7:30 pm. The program will conclude on Sunday (July 20, 2025) at 11:00 am with a closing session following breakfast.

The optional Intensive will begin on Sunday (July 20, 2025) with dinner at 6:00 pm and an opening session at 8:00 pm. The program will conclude on Thursday (July 24, 2025) at 11:00 am once the camp is cleaned up.

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.

Do I need to attend the entire program?

We greatly encourage everyone to join the Retreat and/or Retreat + Intensive 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.

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.

Awaken

Your Soul

Awaken yourself to the sacredness of each moment. Strive to make each action you take an offering of love to the spiritual world of nature.

In this way, our lives become a living ceremony dedicated to the sustenance of all creation.

What people are saying

Testimonials

“Mt. Shasta is a truly special place. Surrendering to the power of the mountain rewarded me with a profound and deep inner peace –it was an experience that I’ll never forget. Being at Mt. Shasta with such a wonderful community and teacher is empowering and healing in ways that words can’t properly express. I’d recommend the Mt. Shasta Retreat to anybody looking for a deeper connection with nature!”

Will S.

“Mt. Shasta is a majestic mountain and each year that I return my heart is filled with joy and the beauty of nature. I am so thankful for Brant’s teachings and the amazing opportunity he facilitates to connect to the power of nature at Mt. Shasta. The ceremonies in the sacred meadow are awe-inspiring and transforming. My son has been going to Mt. Shasta since he was born and it is so beautiful to see his spirit charged with the power of the mountain. The blessings from our time at Mt. Shasta stay in my heart all year long and I always look forward to returning.”

Amy R.

“The summer gathering in Mt. Shasta is an incredible experience! I could feel the excitement and anticipation in the air as the other attendees arrived, checked in and claimed their spot to set up their tent. The open fire stove made the food even more delicious, and the large group felt powerful with a great purpose and meaning for gathering. The newcomers were intrigued by Huichol Shamanism, and even the kids enjoyed all of the ceremonies and traditional teachings. Mt. Shasta felt like home for those few days and I can’t wait to return next year!”

Sara C.

“Each Summer, our group heads to the beautiful mountain ranges of Mt. Shasta, in California. As I drive toward the place where we will meet, I always catch a glimpse of this sacred mountain as we go around the bend in the road. A smile instantly forms within my heart and upon my face as I remember all the blessings I have received at this special place… I have been truly blessed to have Brant in my life as well as this special, sacred, tradition. It has changed my life in ways that I never thought were possible. I am truly grateful for all the blessings I have received.”

Ellen B.

“Thank you seems an incomplete way to say just how grateful I am for the privilege of sitting at your fire, receiving many blessings, climbing the healer’s mountain and doing it under the powerful and love-filled container you both [Brant and Nico] provide. Brant’s abilities are transcendent. The way [he says] “good” is resonant. Nico’s smile is a gift of Grandfather sun.”

Tricia A.

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Begin Your Journey

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.

More about Shamanism

deer_dance-huichol_village_mexico-2000x1300px

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.

Upcoming Events

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Mt. Shasta, CA	Jul 20 - 24, 2025
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Lychen, Germany	Aug 13 - 17, 2025

Mt. Shasta

SHAMANISM RETREAT

JULY 16 - 20, 2025

Activity Level

Group Size

Duration

Prerequisites

July 20-24, 2025

optional 5-day add-on program

Nature & Community

Experience

Clarity

Prayer

Connection

Purification

Community

Meet Your Guides

Brant Secunda

Nico Secunda

Pricing

Tuition

Tuition Options

Accommodations

Accommodation Options

Discounted Attendance

Students

Seniors

Families

Itinerary

Retreat

Intensive

FAQ + Guide

Where is the retreat located?

What are the accommodations?

What is the activity level of the program?

What is the weather typically like?

Do I need to bring anything?

Are dogs allowed at this program?

Are there any prerequisites to attend?

When does the program start and end?

Will the program be live-streamed?

Do I need to attend the entire program?

Will plant medicine be offered?

Will I become a shaman by attending this program?

Can children attend?

Awaken

Testimonials

Begin Your Journey

Get in Touch

Upcoming Events

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