Umbanda Immersion
February 24 - march 1 2025
Harmonizing with the
Forces of Nature;
a Medicine & Music study of
Afro-Brazilian Cosmology
Through drumming, sacred offerings, dance and healing practices, we will explore the divine realms within the Umbanda - Afro-Brazilian spirituality. These practices awaken and honor our highest nature, revealing the power and beauty of Umbanda.
Umbanda is a tradition that honors the interconnectedness of all beings with its spiritual practices centered around the worship of Orixás (African deities), spirits, and ancestors.
Each Orixá is associated with particular elements of nature, like water, fire, earth, air, and the sky, as well as specific aspects of human life, such as love, health, justice, and prosperity. The Orixás are embodiments of universal laws and energies that influence the material and spiritual worlds.
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Maracajá the leader
Maracajá is a well-known spiritual leader from northeastern Brazil with over 20 years of experience in Umbanda, a uniquely Afro-Brazilian tradition blending Latino, African and Indigenous influences. His spiritual journey began with the Santo Daime doctrine, leading him to study the Umbandaime tradition, where he deepened his work with forest medicines in communion with the wisdom of Umbanda.
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As a dedicated ARTivist, priest, and multi-artist, Maracajá integrates his background in theater, history, and ethnography into his work, bringing a powerful blend of cultural knowledge and creative expression. Over the years, he has actively engaged in various socio-cultural projects aimed at uplifting communities and promoting social justice, highlighting and celebrating the African and Indigenous roots of Brazilian spirituality. His commitment to social responsibility has earned him grants for projects that emphasize the importance of cultural heritage and the role of spirituality in community well-being.
Maracajá brings a fresh yet deeply rooted approach to his teachings. Known for his charisma and humor, he connects with diverse audiences across continents, sharing stories and rituals that resonate universally.
Maracajá is the visionary behind O TRONO, an immersive spiritual retreat and study program that allows participants to connect with the energies of the Orixás and the entities of Umbanda in the powerful landscapes of Brazil.
Gira
The Afro - Brazilian Umbanda ceremony is called a gira. It comes from the word- to circle. The Giras are an invitation to reconnect with ancestrality as a path to self-knowledge, healing, and emotional renewal. You’ll immerse yourself in the sacred practices of Umbanda, experiencing a deep connection with the Orixás — the forces of nature.
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This sacred Ceremony draws from the ancient energies of the Orixás — divine manifestations of nature’s forces — and ancestral spirits, bridging the gap between the physical and spiritual realms to bring healing, guidance, and balance. An invitation to tune in to the frequencies of the Orixás in their natural environments, working with their specific elements.
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​Working with sacred herbs and engaging in the oral transmission of wisdom, this practice respects the elements and the spirits who serve humanity with compassion and guidance. Each ritual reflects the belief that life and spirit are harmoniously intertwined — that nature’s wisdom leads to our personal and communal healing.
Schedule
February 24
Arrival at Yacumama between 2 and 3 pm
Dinner
Opening Circle
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February 25
Morning Activation - a Dynamic Movement practice that combines Yoga, Dance and Strength training to start our day
Breakfast
An Introduction to Umbanda & Afro-Brazilian Cosmology
Lunch
Walk to the waterfall
Dinner
Music by the fire
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February 26
Morning Activation - a Dynamic Movement practice that combines Yoga, Dance and Strength training to start our day
Breakfast
Herbal bath
Gira for Oxum, Yemanja & Jurema
Dinner
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February 27
Morning Activation - a Dynamic Movement practice that combines Yoga, Dance and Strength training to start our day
Breakfast
Herbal bath
Gira for Oxossi
Dinner
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February 28
Breakfast
Lunch
Nature walk with medicine
Dinner
Integration circle by the fire
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March 1
Breakfast
Departure
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PREPARATION & INTEGRATION
Preparation and integration are some of the most important aspects of this experience and Ixchel will be supporting with this to upgrade your experience.
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When you say yes, you will receive a package of preparation and integration tools with meditations, embodiment practices, journal prompts, an integration e-book, dietary and lifestyle guidelines.
These are all to prepare us for the ceremony of life so we can be more loving, aware humans in all of our relationships.
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We will have a post retreat group integration call on:
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March 11th 3:00-4:30pm CST
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A community is created within the group and if you choose, you can continue to connect with people that may become your friends for life.
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ACCOMMODATIONS
We have a variety of accommodations all nestled in nature to connect you with the forest and inspire you with expansive views of the ocean, mountains and jungle. You will likely see blue morpho butterflies, hummingbirds, toucans, scarlet macawas, monkeys and more right from your room.​​
The healing power of this pristine, lush land is a medicine in itself and by simply stripping away the daily noise and immersing ourselves in pristine nature we begin the process of coming back to wholeness.
LOCATION
Yacumama is in Ojochal, a small town near the Pacific Ocean, known for its international fine dining, which is part of the Ballena (whale) Coast.
We are 30-40 minutes south of Dominical and 15-20 minutes south of Uvita, where the Envision Festival has been held for the past ten+ years.
Yacumama is a 3-4 hour drive southwest of the international airport, SJO.
From San Jose or other airports in the country you can also take a 45 minute flight on a small plane or even hire a small private plane to Quepos airport which is about an hour drive from Yacumama.
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We are so happy that you are considering joining us for the Umbanda Immersion at Yacumama!
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This will be an experience of a lifetime, a powerful, transformative opportunity to connect with yourself, with the land and the allegria (joy) that the Umbanda Giras bring. ​
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Please fill out this brief form for more info.