Connect with the 4 Directions
Purge yourself of negativity and learn to absorb positive energy from the powers of the cardinal directions.
Activity Level
●●○○○
Group Size
60 max
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Prerequisites
No experience needed
Omega Institute is one of the nation’s leading centers for holistic studies, offering diverse and innovative educational experiences that inspire an integrated approach to personal and social change. Located on 250 acres in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley and listed as one of 1,000 Places to See in the USA & Canada Before You Die, Omega is considered a premiere travel destination for workshops, conferences, and retreats. Omega’s renowned faculty, aside from Brant Secunda, have included Gloria Steinem, Eckhart Tolle, Pema Chödrön, Deepak Chopra, Jane Fonda, Bobby McFerrin, Paul Hawken, Maya Angelou, and many other creative, talented teachers and thought leaders.
For more than four decades, Omega has been guided by its mission to awaken the best in the human spirt and to provide hope and healing for individuals and society. Omega has consistently been at the forefront of human development, from nurturing early dialogues on the integration of modern medicine and natural healing; to designing programs that connect science, spirituality, and creativity; to laying the groundwork for new traditions and lifestyles – all of which are designed to uplift and expand our culture in a way that benefits us individually, and as a society.
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.
Pricing
Tuition + Accommodation options
- Tuition Price
- Standard Tuition • $445
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 on the Beautiful Omega Campus
- Learn how to approach places of power in prayer.
- Receive a transmission of power from the land.
Accommodations
The all-inclusive packages at Omega include lodging and three daily meals, deliciously prepared with nutritious ingredients that are local and organic.
The simple, yet peaceful lodgings are designed for you to step away from your busy life and unwind. Private and shared rooms are available, as well as camping and commuter options.
Retreat Itinerary
Program schedule + session details
FAQ + Guide
Tips to ensure a great experience
Where is the program located?
The Omega Insitute is located in New York’s beautiful Hudson Valley region. It is conveniently located about 90 miles north of New York City and the major metropolitan area airports, and about 190 miles west of Boston.
Considered a premier travel destination, Omega has seen more than one million people come to their campus to grow, learn, and find a greater sense of purpose.
How do I arrange my travel?
We do not provide transportation to and from the retreat. We recommend using a Taxi or renting a car if you do not utilize Omega’s shuttle services.
If you plan on flying, the best connection to Omega is from Stewart Airport in Newburgh, NY (code: SWF). From Stewart, Omega offers limited shuttle services or you may take a taxi.
Other connections include Albany International Airport in Albany, NY (code: ALB) or airports in the New York City area (JFK/LaGuardia/Newark). For assistance with air travel, please contact Peter Silberschatz at Travel Works – toll-free (800) 874-7207 or international +1 (415) 897-4405.
By train, you can take Amtrak to Rhinecliff, NY or Metro North from New York City (Grand Central) to Poughkeepsie. Omega offers shuttle services from both of these locations.
What are the accommodations?
There are a variety of lodging options at Omega. View Accommodation Options ➜
All meals are included (Friday dinner – Sunday lunch). The all-inclusive package at Omega includes three daily meals, deliciously prepared with nutritious ingredients and the freshest foods that are local, seasonal, and organic.
Do I need to bring anything?
Here is a list of items to bring:
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- Pack layers as the weather can change quickly. This can include a warm sweater/jacket for outdoor exercises
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Flashlight
- Anything special you would like to have blessed on the ceremonial altar
- Notepad/Journal (not required)
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 Friday (October 25, 2024) with check-in opening at 5:00 pm, dinner at 6:00 pm, and the first session beginning at 8:00 pm.
The program will conclude on Sunday (October 27, 2024) at 12:00 pm.
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 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.
Have questions?
Schedule a call with us