Every Temazcal is different.

We may enter the same womb of Mother Earth, sit around the same sacred fire, welcome the Abuelitas, sing, pray, breathe, and move through the four doors, but the experience is never exactly the same.

We are different. The people who gather are different. The fire is different. The weather is different. And the Earth is moving through her own cycles and seasons.

Our September 26 ceremony arrives as we cross into fall, a natural season of transition.

Around us, nature begins its own movement. The days gradually become shorter. The light changes. Trees and plants begin responding to the season. What has grown and expanded through spring and summer begins another part of its cycle.

We can enter the Temazcal with that same invitation.

What Is a Temazcal?

Temazcal is an ancestral Mesoamerican sweat ceremony traditionally used for purification, prayer, reflection, healing, and renewal.

The ceremony takes place inside a dome-shaped structure representing the womb of Mother Earth. Volcanic stones, which we honor as Abuelitas, are heated in the ceremonial fire and brought into the center of the Temazcal.

Water and herbs are placed upon the heated stones, creating heat and steam. Inside the darkness of the womb, we work with the elements through heat, breath, prayer, song, rhythm, silence, and intention.

The ceremony unfolds through four doors, or rounds. Each door offers an opportunity to enter more deeply into the experience while remaining in relationship with the Earth, the elements, ourselves, and the people sharing the circle.

You do not need previous experience with Temazcal, meditation, breathwork, or ceremony. Come as you are.

In Relationship With Nature

Temazcal is not separate from nature. The Earth, fire, stones, water, air, herbs, darkness, temperature, weather, and season are all present in the experience.

This is one reason no two ceremonies are exactly alike.

On September 26, we will gather at the beginning of fall and enter the Temazcal together at this particular moment in the Earth’s cycle.

Rather than deciding beforehand what the ceremony is supposed to give us, we enter willing to listen, participate, and discover what this particular ceremony may reveal.

Holding the Ceremony

I am of Purépecha ancestry, and it is a great honor for me to continue opening this space and sharing this ancestral medicine with our community.

My wife Yve and I were initiated by Temazcal leaders to offer and facilitate this ceremony. We carry that responsibility with gratitude, respect, and care for every person who chooses to enter the womb with us.

The ceremony begins before we physically enter the Temazcal. From the moment you make the commitment to participate, begin paying attention.

Notice what begins moving within you in the days leading to September 26. Notice your emotions, resistance, excitement, questions, distractions, dreams, relationships, and what Life may already be bringing to your attention.

You do not need to arrive with answers.

Come hydrated. Come nourished. Come present. Come as you are.

Important Information

Registered participants will receive a detailed preparation email during the week of the ceremony with the exact Long Beach address and final instructions.

Please do not share the ceremony address with anyone who is not registered.

If you have questions about the ceremony or a health concern, please text Armando directly at 562-972-6603.

Schedule

6:00 PM — Arrival and check-in

Opening circle, intention setting, and preparation

Around sunset — Entering the Temazcal

Four ceremonial doors

Closing, integration, and community potluck

Please plan for approximately 4–5 hours for the entire experience. The Temazcal itself generally lasts approximately 2–3 hours, but ceremony unfolds in its own time.

Come with patience, presence, and an open heart.

What to Bring

• Plenty of drinking water
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Comfortable, breathable clothing or swimwear appropriate for intense heat and humidity
• Light, nourishing food to share during our community potluck after the ceremony
• Flowers or aromatic herbs for the altar, if you feel called
• A drum, rattle, or instrument that can tolerate heat and humidity, if desired

Preparing for the Temazcal

Hydration is extremely important. Begin hydrating well during the days leading up to the ceremony rather than trying to drink a large amount of water immediately beforehand.

Eat nourishing meals during the day before arriving. Please do not fast before the Temazcal.

Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours before the ceremony.

Avoid psychedelics, sacred medicines, marijuana, including microdoses, and other recreational substances for at least 48 hours before the ceremony.

Come rested and avoid unnecessary strenuous activity or prolonged heat exposure before arriving.

Health & Safety

Your safety and well-being are our highest priority. Participation is always voluntary, and you may step out of the Temazcal at any time. Always listen to your body and communicate with the facilitators if you feel unwell or need to leave the ceremony.

Private Temazcal Ceremonies

If you are interested in a private Temazcal ceremony for a larger group, family gathering, organization, or special occasion, please reach out directly for information and availability.