info session April 27 〰️
info session April 27 〰️
RETREAT YOURSELF
If you need a reason to visit one of the most beautiful cities on earth - this is it! This retreat is for passionate teachers, practitioners, entrepreneurs, artists, caregivers, and women who are lit up by life and also need a break to recharge.
We are calling in a heart-centered group of amazing women who want to experience more inner harmony and feel soothed by simple and profound practices guided by the moon. May we all be deeply nourished by the New Moon and feel witnessed in our vulnerability and our strength.
You are in for a treat!! If you want to…
experience more joyful ease
reset your rhythm and attune to lunar time
share beautiful experiences and make life-long connections
awaken your senses, your intuition, and your creative spark
invite greater awareness of inner and outer cycles into your life and work
connect with the elements in nature and go deeper into you own elemental essence
be with other women from around the world to feel inspired, seen, and connected
learn from the people, ecology, art, history, and diverse cultures of Oaxaca
join us for 5 nights of joyful exploration and inner rejuvenation in oaxaca
“Let the waters settle and you will see the moon and the stars mirrored in your own being.”
―Rumi
Oaxaca is magical, it’s infused with the pulse of life. Nestled in a fertile valley at 5,085 feet above sea level, Oaxaca is also the most ethnically and linguistically diverse state in México. It is the birthplace of the first indigenous president of México: Benito Juarez which gives the city it’s surname Oaxaca de Juarez.
This retreat is designed to have a balance of solo time and group time. We honor the need for rest as well as activity and connection.
Some of the activities we will enjoy together include intention setting, lunar guidance workshops, learning transformational tools for self-study, daily lunar yoga, free time in the city center, a guided tour of the beautiful and culturally vibrant communities surrounding Oaxaca City, and sharing incredibly delicious meals.
Traditional Oaxacan cuisine at a local organic market: Tejate, chocolate, sopa de guías, tortillas a mano, memela con huevo.
MEALS
Oaxaca is the gourmet heart of México!
Mexican cuisine is on UNESCO’s cultural heritage of Humanity list for its ancestral richness, diversity of flavors, quality ingredients, and overall delectability - and Oaxaca is arguably the best of the best!
Our nourishing daily breakfasts and dinners will be prepared with love by a local chef from locally-sourced, traditional, organic ingredients. You will have the option to prepare lunch for yourself in our shared kitchen or eat out at one of the hundreds of world-class eateries awaiting within walking distance from our retreat center.
If you’ve been to Oaxaca then you know the deep nourishment and variety that comes from the artisanal ingredients and ancestral dishes. Oaxacan food is so delicious and nutritious with a variety of vegetarian and meat options available. Most dietary needs can be accommodated with advanced notice.
LODGING
The Oaxaca New Moon Retreat is held in a gorgeous three-story residence walking distance from the center of town. There are six private rooms with king-sized beds and their own private bathrooms as well as one shared bedroom with four beds and a spacious shared bathroom.
Air conditioning throughout the house
Three stories with beautiful patios and common areas for relaxing
Rooftop terrace with private hot tub and panoramic views of downtown Oaxaca
Located on a small cul-de-sac in a quiet neighborhood
Plenty of room to have privacy as well as gather with other retreat participants
“Lodgings were wonderful!! I especially enjoyed all the outdoor spaces, the flowers and the plants.” - 2023 Retreat Participant
“The rooms were very nice - the stairs gave me some good exercise, my shared room was very comfortable.” - 2023 Retreat Participant
What’s Included
You have the option to reserve your spot now with a deposit or pay in full. Prices reflect early bird special and will go up after April 27th.
The deposit will be applied to the total cost of the retreat which is due by May 25th. See Retreat Terms of Service and Cancellation Policy here. Please reach out if you have questions.
included in Retreat cost:
✔ Daily Lunar Yoga
✔ Lodging for five nights and six days near the center of Oaxaca City
✔ Nourishing Meals including five dinners and 5 five breakfasts, plus delicious desserts and snacks (these are traditional dishes from recipes rescued from the grandmothers)
✔ Cultural Immersion art class
✔ Day-long tour of the Valle Central
✔ Kinam - Mesoamerican Yoga class
✔ Workshops and Circles
Not included:
X Airfare to and from Oaxaca de Juarez Xoxocotlán International Airport
X Transportation to and from retreat site and around town
X Cost of additional excursions and optional outings
X Any meals beyond what is already provided
“Together April and Sita facilitate in the energy of co-creation which allows for authentic connection and deep and true, embodied understanding of the experiences and teachings, and be witnessed in a safe and loving community.”
RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY
Early Bird Pricing!
We are so excited to welcome you to this magical and rejuvenating experience. There are FIVE rooms left for up to twelve guests and we hope you will be one of them!
We are happy to find a way to make the magic happen for you, payment plans also are available by contacting april@themoonismycalendar.com.
Shared bunk room starts at $1,650 per person and discounts available if you pay through Zelle.
Option A:
King Bed in a private room with private bath (2 1 available)
These spacious rooms are located on the first and second floors and all have private, en suite bathrooms, closets, and luxurious bedding. One has been spoken for, one of this option left.
Option B:
King Bed in a private room with shared bath (2 available)
These two spacious rooms are on the ground level, each with a separate entrance. The rooms are connected by a large, beautiful, two-sink bathroom, with a separate toilet and shower room. Rooms have ample storage space and luxurious bedding.
Option C:
King Bed in a private room with private bath and glorious bathtub (1 available)
This oversized room is located on the second floor and has a shower room, delicious bathtub room, and private en suite double-sink bathroom, plus closets, and luxurious bedding.
Option D:
Twin Bed in a small private room with private bath and courtyard (reserved)
This cozy and private bedroom is located on the first floor and has a private en suite bathroom, luxurious bedding, and its own sunny courtyard with seating and plants.
Option E:
Bunk Bed in a shared room with shared bath (4 available)
The comfortable bunk room is on the ground level and has an attached living room with oversized, comfy sofa and chairs, plus a spacious, full bathroom.
“This retreat was sooo healing and transformational for me on so many levels!”
2024 PROPosED Itinerary
Retreat Workshop will include some of the following themes:
Setting Intentions with the Elements
Lunar Tracking for Radiant Self-Awareness
Creating a Moon Map for Navigating Cycles
Mindfulness and Seasonal Directionality
Nature Practice and Moon Phase Embodiment
Natal Moon Phase Exploration
Elemental Lunar Astrology Basics and Beyond
We are excited to also offer a guided tour of tour of the Valles Centrales and time to explore Oaxaca City. If you plan to stay in Oaxaca after the retreat you can book your own lodging and visit some of the following magical sites:
✔ Monte Alban Archaeological Site: Monte Alban is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside of Oaxaca City. The ancient ruins of the Zapotec civilization date back to 500 BC and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.
✔ Centro de las Artes San Agustín Etla: a formal textile factory transformed by artist Francisco Toledo into a sophisticated and beautiful oasis for the arts.
✔ Hierve el Agua: one of two petrified waterfalls in the world with mineral pools.
✔ Ethnobotanical Garden: The Ethnobotanical Garden in Oaxaca City is a great place to learn about the native plant species of the region and their medicinal and cultural significance. The garden offers guided tours in English and Spanish.
Oaxaca City is surrounded by towns that each specialize in their own ancestral craftwork including textiles, iconic wood alebrije animals, black and green pottery, etc. We will have the opportunity to learn from some of these traditional artists.
Other optional outings could include: The Benito Juarez market, Templo de Santo Domingo, Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, dozens of art galleries, the widest tree in the world: El Tule, and so much more!
YOUR RETREAT GUIDES
April McMurtry and Sita Rosalie Davis first met over twenty years ago while working for an international youth leadership organization. They collaborated for many moons as co-training directors and have both lived, studied, and traveled extensively throughout México lindo y querido.
We began meeting on the New Moon when our children were toddlers (and they are now 16 years old)! This transformational lunar practice lead to the birth of THE MOON IS MY CALENDAR and all the transformational practices that accompany it.
With a combined four decades of teaching experience as facilitators, workshop leaders, classroom teachers, and yoga instructors - we love holding space for creativity, connection, and cyclical awareness.
The first Moon Guide Retreat was held in Nov 2019 in Northern California and we are excited for you to join us as the vision for deepening this practice continues to bear fruit!
Why the moon? Lunar wisdom honors all the phases of inner and outer cycles, and shows us how to trust the process. The moon teaches us to replenish our radiance, attune to natural rhythms, witness with receptivity, and flow with change in order to support personal and collective transformation.
TESTIMONIALS
“April is so thoughtful in her approach and provides a wonderful foundation of teachings that appeal to all learning senses. Everything she presents is done with such genuine care and creativity.”
“Sita is loving, thoughtful and non-judgmental... She found ingenious ways to help me overcome my resistance to starting a regular yoga practice, and has helped me gain more self-acceptance.”
“I knew right away when I saw your offering that I wanted to participate... I was certain when I really heard you speak to the freedom we each have to experience the moon in our own way - that’s when I knew I could dive in deeper with you.”
FAQ’s
Is this retreat only for women? Yes, we welcome women of all backgrounds and stages of life ages 25 and up. We are a multigenerational international group.
How do I get to Oaxaca? One option is to fly to Mexico City and then take a 1hr flight to Oaxaca de Juarez Xoxocotlán International Airport (airport code: OAX or MMOX). Some airlines like American Airlines fly to Oaxaca de Juarez direct from Dallas. Check online to see where to get the best rates, you are in charge of coordinating your travel.
I don’t speak Spanish, am I going to be able to communicate with people in Oaxaca? Many people do speak English and your retreat guides speak Spanish fluently and are happy to support with translation.
Will April and Sita plan out free time activities? We will schedule several group activities that will be included in the retreat fee, including a tour of the Valle Central de Oaxaca, a cultural immersion art class and a Kinam class. Otherwise, the afternoon time is for you to decide what you’d like to do. We are happy to make suggestions and get you familiar with navigating the city. You are also welcome to make plans with other guests at the retreat, or just rest at our site.
Is it okay if I haven’t used the New Moon Calendar Journal yet? If you are excited to deepen your personal practice and connect with the lunar cycle, then yes - this retreat will support you.
Is this retreat only for people who have a menstrual cycle? No, connecting with the moon is for everybody regardless of whether you bleed or not. We will touch on the inner cycle and seasons of menstruation - however, this is not the primary focus.
I am deeply called to attend, but I don’t have the financial resources to pay the full amount right now. There is an option for a payment plan, Please contact April for more info. We’d love to make this work for you to join us.
What if this retreat fills up before I register, will you be holding another one in the near future? There are always plans in the works for other retreats, so stay tuned!
