AWAKEN YOUR SOUL WITH DAILY RITUALS
Each morning, we will welcome the new day through sacred ritual and guided practices which you can integrate into your daily life.
The Way of 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.
This program focuses on the teachings and practices specific to the Huichol people of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Considered to be one of the last tribes in North America to have maintained their pre-Columbian traditions, the Huichol continue to practice their ancient spiritual traditions to this very day.
Brant Secunda
Shaman • Healer • Ceremonial Leader
Brant Secunda will lead this program with the assistance of his son Nico Secunda and a number of experienced students. With his direct and humorous teaching style, Brant transmits the simple, yet profound teachings of shamanism.
Since completing an arduous 12-year apprenticeship with Don José Matsuwa, the renowned Huichol shaman, Brant has traveled the globe, sharing the ancient wisdom of the Huichol culture. His teachings and healings have helped thousands of people over the past 40 years. With many long-time students around the world, we developed the Intensive Study programs for those seeking continued guidance and community on the life-long shamanic path.
The Intensive Experience
Step into Community
Join a community of people looking to better themselves and the world. Intensives are a place for you to bond with fellow seekers through the shared experiences you will have together.
Focus Your Intentions
This is your chance to step away from your everyday responsibilities and focus on your path forward. Polish your spirit and brighten your soul through time-honored techniques.
Gain Spiritual Confidence
Realize your true potential. Learn to face your fears and shed away those negative emotions that are holding you back from being your fullest self.
Clarify Your Goals
Gain the clarity to see the path ahead of you. Discover the peace of mind that comes with setting your quest and clarifying your dreams.
Want to learn more?
We’re happy to answer all your questions.
Details & Logistics
Accommodations
Guest Rooms: Single, Double, or Dorm
Hotel-style rooms (without phones or TVs) with 1, 2, or more twin beds. Some include a private bathroom with shower. Others have access to shared (private while in use) bathrooms and showers down the hall.
Cabins
Situated in an oak grove, the Oaks Cabins each house 2 people and have electricity and heat, but no plumbing. A separate bathhouse with private flush toilets and shower rooms is nearby. Cabins are a 10-minute walk up the hill from the main Conference Center.
Camping
Guests can bring their own tents for use on our 64 developed campsites year-round. From May 1 – October 31, guests can request 2-person Center tents with foam mattresses, with guests bringing their own bedding. All campsites have access to enclosed showers and outhouses.
Own Vehicle
Spaces are available for your van, camper or other vehicle. Some have access to electricity, but no other hookups. Showers and restrooms are available in campgrounds and nearby Center buildings.
Dining
All meals are strictly vegetarian. The kitchen uses fresh, high-quality ingredients, incorporating organic and local products whenever possible, in lovingly prepared menus. We can accommodate most special dietary needs and requests.
We serve Indian chai (caffeinated black tea with milk and spices) at each breakfast. Instant coffee is available in our tea selection. A wide range of individual gourmet coffee drinks are also available for purchase at our cafe.
Travel Information
Mount Madonna Center is approximately 2 hours driving time south of San Francisco, in the Santa Cruz Mountains of the Central California coast overlooking Monterey Bay from Santa Cruz to Monterey and Pacific Grove. The closest commercial airport to us is San Jose International with San Fransisco International being the second closest.
We are located at 445 Summit Rd., Watsonville, CA 95076. We do not recommend relying on GPS. Some online maps may route you on roads which are undeveloped and sometimes impassable. Always use Hwy 152 to get up the mountain. The directions below are the safest routes.
Directions To/From Nearby Airports
Some Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is closest?
San Jose is closer than San Francisco or Oakland by approximately half an hour. Monterey Peninsula Airport is another option, but transportation from there is more complicated.
Which is the most direct route?
Access to Mount Madonna from San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose is more direct through Gilroy than through Santa Cruz or Watsonville.
Does Uber/Lyft come to Mount Madonna Center?
Guests have used these services on occasion, but generally these rideshare services are not consistent or reliable, as MMC is located in a rural area.
Door to door Shuttle Services (From nearby airports)
Some of our guests have used the following shuttle services:
- Early Bird Airporter: (831) 462-3933
- Silicon Valley Airporter: (800) 400-2365
- Blue Water Sedans & Limo: (831) 477-0170
- Airport Car Service: (831) 477-7000
- Atlas Express: (888) 467-0000
Prices vary with distance and number of people traveling. Please call for prices and reservations. You can also check Yelp listings to view private shuttle services.
Typical One Way Rates, per person:
SAN JOSE OR MONTEREY PENINSULA AIRPORTS
$50 — $120/person, for 1-3 riders
SAN FRANCISCO OR OAKLAND AIRPORTS
$70–$150/person for 1-3 riders
Directions
From Points North on Highway 101
(San Jose, San Francisco)
- From Highway 101 south, take the Tennant Ave exit in Morgan Hill (about 25 miles south of San Jose Airport, or 60 miles south of San Francisco Airport).
- Turn right onto Tennant Ave. Drive 0.2 miles.
- Turn left onto Butterfield Dr. Drive 0.8 miles.
- Continue straight onto Watsonville Rd. Drive 7.3 miles
- Turn right onto CA-152 W/Hecker Pass Hwy. Continue up the mountain approximately 5 miles.
- At the top of the mountain, turn right into Mount Madonna County Park (Pole Line Road).
- Follow the yellow line through the park (2.2 miles). Do not pay the park entrance fee.
- When you come to the stop sign at the end of the park, continue straight on Summit Road for 1.6 miles.
- The Center is on the left at 445 Summit Road.
From Points South on Highway 101
(Salinas, San Luis Obispo)
- From Highway 101 north, take the Monterey Rd./Gilroy/US 101 Business exit (exit 355) in Gilroy (about 27 miles from Salinas, 150 miles from San Luis Obispo).
- Turn left onto Monterey Rd. Drive 1.2 miles.
- Turn left onto W 10th St. Drive 0.9 miles.
- 10th St turns slightly right and becomes Uvas Pkwy/Uvas Park Drive. Drive 0.6 miles
- Turn right onto Wren Ave. Drive 0.9 miles
- Turn left onto CA-152 W/1st St/Hecker Pass Hwy. Continue up the mountain approximately 8.5 miles.
- At the top of the mountain, turn right into Mount Madonna County Park (Pole Line Road).
- Follow the yellow line through the park (2.2 miles). Do not pay the park entrance fee.
- When you come to the stop sign at the end of the park, continue straight ahead on Summit Road for 1.6 miles.
- The Center is on the left at 445 Summit Road.
From Points North on Highway 1
(Santa Cruz, San Francisco)
- From Highway 1 south, take the Airport Blvd exit (exit 427) in Watsonville (about 15 miles from downtown Santa Cruz, and 90 miles from San Francisco).
- Turn left off the exit, and then turn left onto Airport Blvd. Drive 2.1 miles.
- Airport Road becomes Holohan Road when it crosses Green Valley. Drive 1.5 miles on Holohan.
- Turn left onto E. Lake Ave/Highway 152 E. Continue up the mountain approximately 6 miles.
- Just past the Mount Madonna Inn, at the top of the mountain, turn left into Mount Madonna County Park (Pole Line Road).
- Follow the yellow line through the park (2.2 miles). Do not pay the park entrance fee.
- When you come to the stop sign at the end of the park, continue straight ahead on Summit Road for 1.6 miles.
- The Center is on the left at 445 Summit Road.
From Points South on Highway 1
(Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel)
- Take Highway 1 north.
- Take the Green Valley exit (exit 426) in Watsonville (about 25 miles from Monterey).
- Turn right onto Green Valley. Drive 2 miles.
- Turn right onto Holohan Road. Drive 1.5 miles.
- Turn left onto E. Lake Drive/Highway 152 E. Continue straight, road becomes Hecker Pass Highway/Highway 152 E. Drive 6.3 miles.
- Just past the Mount Madonna Inn, at the top of the mountain, turn left into Mount Madonna County Park (Pole Line Road).
- Follow the yellow line through the park (2.2 miles). Do not pay the park entrance fee.
- When you come to the stop sign at the end of the park, continue straight ahead on Summit Road for 1.6 miles.
- The Center is on the left at 445 Summit Road.
