MX: Days 6, 7, and 8 - Malinalco & the Temezcal

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Aztec Pyramid Ruins
We spent an amazing weekend in Malinalco, a mountain town about 2-3 hours aways from Mexico City. This is a very spiritual place and the site of old Aztec ruins where young men would go through special rites to become Jaguar Warriors or Eagle Warriors. We began our journey by taking a bus to Malinalco and arrived at an important river where the men would first ask for blessings from their Aztec gods before beginning their quest. After taking our blessing at the river, we were crowned by the local townspeople and were ready to begin our quest. This place has both Catholic and indigenous influences as you can see by the saint's statue behind us.

After leaving the river, we visited the site of the old Aztec sacred place which is inside a cave. Unfortunately, when the Spanish first arrived, they either tore down all the indigenous places of worship or they built their own churches right on top. We spent a few hours exploring the city of Malinalco and visiting the large Spanish cathedral.





Later we checked into our hotel, in a historic part of town. We had a beautiful view of the mountains and it was a serene setting. On Saturday, we climbed 357 steps to the Aztec pyramid ruins. What a breathtaking view of the city!!

Later that afternoon we participated in a Temezcal ceremony, which is a traditional ceremony that is a rite of passage to become Jaguar and Eagle Warriors. It is a kind of sweat lodge and there are four stages (wind, earth, fire and water). Each stage lasts about 20 minutes and it is pitch black and intensively hot. It was calming and spiritual, though we were chanting, playing percussion instruments and trying not to get claustrophobic. Well I'm happy to say that almost all of us made through the 4th stage, which we felt very proud of.

Sunday, we had breakfast and conducted a therapeutic process group to share our experiences. It was interesting to hear varied experiences, including that of some Christians who felt uncomfortable chanting to pagan gods. But I wouldn't have changed a thing! This was an experience I'll remember for a lifetime.

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