More Mandalas from Mexico

Two weeks in sunny, colorful Mexico: a wonderful "Mandalas in Mexico" workshop, and delightful food, fiestas, and ancient archeology to boot! Near Guadalajara is Mexico's largest lake, Lago Chapala. The villages around the lake are quite old, and each has its special festivals. In the village of Jocotopec we strolled the streets near the Cathedral during the festival of El Senior del Lago, and admired the mandala that the locals call "pan de fiesta," or fiesta bread. (See the pic nearby) On another day we went in the opposite direction to the village of Mezcala, a community of "indigenous", or native peoples. Mezcala is also an important archeological site where objects dating to 1500 BC have been found in the nearby mountains and caves. In the small local museum I saw photos of pictographs found in caves, and actual stones incised with concentric circles still showng traces of white and bright pink pigment. So, the tradition of mandala making in Mexico dates back thousands of years, and lives on in the daily lives of the Mexican people in their art motifs, crafts, and foodways.

Mandalas in Mexico

January 16 - 24, 2010

Soon I go to Mexico, to the beautiful Lake Chapala area near Guadalajara. There I will lead a new mandala experience with a focus on the vibrant culture of Mexico. We will create numerous mandalas, and explore their meaning. The ideas of Carl Jung will inform our inquiry. Lectures on the history of Mexico, and the rich artistic traditions that thrive here will launch us into personal exploration of the sights, sounds, and tastes to be savored. I can hardly wait!

Mandalas and Dia de los Muertos in Mexico

Mexico's Dia de los Muertos is a holiday honoring family and loved ones who have died. Colorful altars are constructed with pictures of the deceased. Their favorite foods, drinks, and even implements used during life are arranged with marigolds, ashes, water, candles, and hand cut tissue paper "flags" to create a festive, yet contemplative atmosphere.

On November 2, I visited a street in Chapala, Mexico, where families--and art students--had created a memorable scene. Favorite celebraties as well as ancestors and loved ones were honored by the altars. Several of the altars included a mirror reflecting the viewer, as if to say, "Look at yourself. Reflect on your life, and set things right, for you, too, will meet the fate of these honored ones."

Mandala like circular designs appeared in more than one of the creations. Of course the circle is an important symbol in a celebration of the ongoing circle of life, from generation to generation.

For info on my retreat, Mandalas in Mexico, January 16 - 24, 2010: visit www.creatingmandalas.com

Mexico Accomodations for January Workshop

Here are some hotels and B & B's in Ajijic. All are about a 15 minute cab ride from the Mandalas in Mexico workshop site. Visit the websites and see for yourself. I recommend that you book VERY EARLY because people flock to this area for the temperate lakeside climate during winter months. I am investigating more possible lodging options, and will post those as I get them. The village of Ajijic is picturesque, laid back, and has really good restaurants in all price ranges. Learn more about Ajijic (ah - ee - heek) at http://www.chapalaguide.com/.

Hotel Nueva Posada (Food here is wonderful, in my experience.)
http://www.hotelnuevaposada-ajijic.com/

Hotel Casa Blanca (a Mexican villa)
http://www.casablancaajijic.com/

Casa Flores (airport pickup possible)
http://www.casafloresajijic.com/

Casa del Sol Inn (luxurious accomodations)
http://www.casadelsolinn.com/

Los Artistas (owners are from Alaska)
http://www.losartista.com/

La Paloma B & B (has a swimming pool)
http://www.lapalomabb.com/