Firekeepers is a pilgrimage and living ceremony for men who feel called to return to what is essential. It is not about self-improvement or adopting a spiritual identity, but about slowing down, becoming honest, and tending the inner fire that guides how a man lives, loves, and leads.

Through embodied practices, ceremony, council, and time in direct relationship with the land and brotherhood, men are invited to lay down habitual patterns and meet what is actually alive beneath them. Held in Chalma, Mexico, an ancient site of devotion and surrender, the retreat supports clarity, humility, and deep remembrance.

Firekeepers is for men willing to step out of the noise of everyday life and into a deeper conversation with themselves, with other men, and with what they hold sacred.

Once your registration is complete and all required agreements and waivers are signed, you will receive a detailed retreat preparation letter via email. This letter will outline what to bring, how to prepare physically and mentally, arrival and transportation logistics, and any important context needed to step into the retreat well-oriented and supported.

No. Firekeepers is open to men at different stages of their journey.

While some participants have prior experience with men’s work, embodiment practices, or ceremony, many do not. What matters is not your background, but your willingness to show up with honesty, humility, and presence. The practices are guided clearly and held in a way that meets men where they are, without expectation that you “know the work” beforehand.

That said, Firekeepers is not a casual or recreational retreat. It is for men who feel sincerely called to self-inquiry, responsibility, and devotion, and who are willing to engage fully with the process. If you are open, grounded, and willing to participate, you will be well supported, regardless of prior experience.

Firekeepers is an in-person gathering centered on connection, presence, and shared experience. At its core, it is an opportunity to step out of daily life and come together as men to deepen our relationship to what we value most in our hearts and in our lives.

Throughout the retreat, we engage in embodied practices such as movement, breath, sound, and ritual. We explore the surrounding land and hold ceremonial practices at sacred sites, allowing the environment itself to shape the experience. Shared meals are an integral part of the gathering, offering nourishment, connection, and unstructured time to be in relationship with one another.

The retreat is intentionally spacious. There is no pressure to perform, share, or push beyond what feels true. Firekeepers is about slowing down, practicing together, and allowing meaning, insight, and connection to emerge organically through presence, devotion, and time spent on the land.

Firekeepers is not built around programming, performance, or constant processing. It is intentionally simple, relational, and rooted in lived experience rather than concepts or techniques.

What makes this gathering different is the way it is held. Firekeepers emphasizes presence over productivity, devotion over self-improvement, and relationship over spectacle. The practices are embodied and shared, the pace is unhurried, and there is room for silence, rest, and genuine connection. Rather than trying to manufacture breakthroughs, the retreat creates conditions where what matters can surface naturally.

The setting also matters. Chalma is a living pilgrimage site shaped by centuries of devotion and surrender. The land carries its own intelligence, and much of the depth of the retreat arises from being in relationship with that environment rather than attempting to control or curate every moment.

Finally, Firekeepers is limited to a small group of men and guided with care and integrity. There is no pressure to present yourself in a certain way. Men come as they are, practice together, eat well, walk the land, and leave with a deeper sense of clarity, connection, and responsibility to what they carry forward in their lives.

Very little preparation is required.

Once registered, you’ll receive practical guidance closer to the retreat regarding travel, what to pack, and how to orient yourself for the days together. There is no required reading, training, or prior practice you need to complete.

The most meaningful preparation is simply arriving rested, open, and willing to be present. Firekeepers is not about arriving in a particular state or with a specific intention. It is about showing up honestly and allowing the experience to meet you where you are.

Everything essential for the retreat itself is held and guided on site.

No. Firekeepers is not a plant medicine retreat.

There will be no psychoactive substances used or facilitated during the gathering. The work of Firekeepers is rooted in embodied presence, relationship, ritual, and time spent in connection with the land and one another.

That said, the retreat will include a traditional sweat lodge ceremony, held with care and respect. The sweat lodge is an ancestral practice of purification, prayer, and renewal, working through heat, breath, song, and intention rather than substances.

It is also important to note that many of the deep embodied and ritual practices we engage in can naturally bring participants into altered or expanded states of consciousness. These states arise through breath, movement, sound, focused attention, and ceremonial context, and are approached with grounding, integration, and support. Nothing is forced, and men are always encouraged to listen to their bodies and choose their level of participation.

Firekeepers supports depth through simplicity and direct experience, inviting transformation to unfold organically through presence, devotion, and shared practice.

The retreat is held in Chalma, Mexico, one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Mesoamerica. Chalma is a mountain valley shaped by centuries of devotion, prayer, and ritual, known for its sacred springs, ancient trees, caves, and ceremonial paths.

The setting is lush, grounded, and reverent rather than luxurious or remote. We stay close to the land and move through spaces that are actively used for pilgrimage and prayer. The environment naturally encourages slowing down, humility, and presence. It is a place where daily life and spiritual devotion coexist, and where the land itself plays an active role in the experience.

Much of the retreat involves time outdoors: walking the land, visiting sacred sites, and gathering for practices in natural and ceremonial spaces. The setting supports depth not through isolation, but through direct relationship with place, culture, and rhythm.

Your retreat fee includes all core elements of the Firekeepers experience so you can arrive and fully participate without needing to manage logistics during the gathering.

Included in the cost:

• Lodging for the full duration of the retreat, based on your selected accommodation tier

• All meals, thoughtfully prepared with care and intention to support the body, nervous system, and depth of practice

• All retreat experiences and practices, including embodied practices, ritual work, pilgrimage walks, sacred site gatherings, and the traditional sweat lodge ceremony

• Transportation to and from Mexico City, including group transport between the airport and Chalma

What is not included:

• Airfare to and from Mexico City

• Personal expenses or optional items not related to the retreat

Once registered, you’ll receive clear travel guidance and coordination details so your arrival and departure are smooth and well supported.

That is welcome here.

Firekeepers is not about pushing, fixing, or transcending what you are feeling. Many men arrive feeling worn down, uncertain, tender, or spiritually fatigued. The retreat is designed to meet those states with care, pacing, and respect rather than intensity for its own sake.

Participation is always invitational. You are encouraged to listen to your body, honor your limits, and take rest when needed. There is space to be quiet, to step back, or to simply be present without needing to explain or perform. The practices are held with grounding and integration in mind, and nothing requires you to go beyond what feels honest or resourced.

Firekeepers is not a therapeutic or clinical container, but it is a deeply human one. Being emotionally raw or spiritually tired is not a problem to overcome here. Often, it is the very doorway through which reconnection, clarity, and renewal can begin.

No.

Firekeepers is held as a continuous, shared experience from beginning to end. Full arrival and full completion are required in order to honor the integrity of the gathering, the group field, and the work being held.

If your schedule does not allow you to attend the entire retreat, we encourage you to wait for a future opportunity when you can commit fully.

If you’ve felt the pull toward something deeper, if you’re longing to slow down and be nourished, if your soul has been whispering it’s time to come back to center—then you’re ready. Trust the call. You won’t be walking it alone.

Open registration for Firekeepers begins on January 1, 2026.

You may secure your spot in advance by placing a refundable deposit. Deposits are refundable up to the stated deadline, with some restrictions applying. Full pricing and lodging options will be released when registration opens.

If you have questions or need clarification before registering, you’re welcome to reach out to us directly at
firekeepers@embodiedmasculine.com

We’re happy to support you in discerning whether this gathering is the right fit.

No. Firekeepers is not designed to be physically demanding.

The practices are accessible and paced with care, and there is no expectation to push your body beyond what feels appropriate. That said, the retreat includes movement, walking on uneven terrain, and time outdoors, so it is important to listen to your body and advocate for yourself during practices.

You are always invited to modify, rest, or step back as needed. Guidance around pacing, self-regulation, and physical considerations will be clearly covered when men arrive, so everyone understands how to participate in a way that is safe and supportive for them.

Firekeepers values presence and integrity over endurance. Showing up responsibly in your body is part of the work.

After your registration is complete, you will receive a detailed retreat guide outlining everything you’ll need to bring. This guide will include clothing recommendations, personal items, and any materials helpful for participating fully in the retreat.

There is no special preparation required beyond reviewing the guide when it is sent and arriving ready to be present. All essential information will be provided in advance so you can pack with clarity and ease.

Yes. Firekeepers intentionally includes spacious periods of free time throughout the retreat.

During these times, men are welcome to simply rest, reflect, journal, walk the land, or do nothing at all. This unstructured space is an important part of the experience and often allows insights and integration to arise naturally.

For those who feel called, optional side offerings may also be available during some free time periods. These offerings are led by men attending from the Transpersonal Facilitator Training Program (TFTP) and may include movement, breath, sound, or other complementary practices. Participation in these offerings is always optional.

Firekeepers honors both rest and engagement, trusting each man to choose what best supports him in the moment.

Yes. The retreat is held at Centro Nierika, a well-established retreat and pilgrimage center in Chalma that provides clean bathrooms, showers, and essential amenities to support multi-day stays.

The accommodations and facilities are simple, functional, and intentionally aligned with retreat life, rather than luxurious. This is a place designed to support presence, devotion, and connection to the land, not comfort as distraction. Hot water and electricity are available, though—as is common in rural retreat settings—conditions may be more modest than what you would expect at a hotel.

Men are encouraged to arrive with flexibility, self-responsibility, and appreciation for a setting that prioritizes depth and authenticity over excess. All essential needs are met so you can focus fully on the experience.

Your safety and well-being are a top priority throughout Firekeepers.

The retreat is held by an experienced leadership team that is attentive, present, and committed to creating a safe and supportive environment. Practices are facilitated with care, clear guidance, and an emphasis on self-regulation, consent, and personal responsibility. Nothing is forced, and men are always encouraged to listen to their bodies and advocate for their needs.

In addition to the core leadership, trained facilitators are present to help support the group and respond if anyone needs additional care, grounding, or assistance during practices. The structure of the retreat is intentionally paced to allow for rest, integration, and nervous system regulation.

Firekeepers is not a clinical or therapeutic setting, but it is a well-held one. You will not be left to navigate intense experiences alone. Support, clarity, and human presence are available throughout the gathering

Safety and consent are foundational to how Firekeepers is held.

All practices are guided with clear instruction, pacing, and context so men understand what is being offered and how to participate responsibly. Participation is always invitational. Each man is encouraged to move at his own pace and depth, choosing the level of engagement that feels appropriate for him in each moment.

You are never required to push beyond your limits, and opting out, modifying, or stepping back from a practice is always respected without question. Listening to your body and advocating for your needs is considered part of the work, not a disruption to it.

The leadership team actively holds the container, paying attention to both the group and individuals, and offering support, grounding, or guidance when needed. Consent also applies to relational space. Respect for physical boundaries, personal space, and individual process is expected and upheld throughout the retreat.

Firekeepers is held with the understanding that depth arises through trust, clarity, and care, not pressure. Our commitment is to create an environment where men feel safe, respected, and supported to engage the work in a way that honors both themselves and the group.

Firekeepers is held with a trauma-aware and trauma-sensitive approach, even though it is not a clinical or therapeutic program.

The leadership team prioritizes safety, consent, pacing, and nervous system awareness throughout the retreat. Practices are offered invitationally, with clear guidance and an emphasis on self-regulation, choice, and personal agency. Men are encouraged to move at their own pace and depth, to listen to their bodies, and to step back or rest whenever needed.

The retreat environment is intentionally structured to avoid overwhelm. There is spaciousness, grounding, and support built into the rhythm of the days, and facilitators are present to help men orient, regulate, and stay resourced during deeper moments.

Firekeepers does not attempt to “process” trauma or push emotional catharsis. Instead, it creates a well-held container where presence, trust, and respect allow meaningful experiences to unfold naturally. Men are always responsible for their own care, and the environment is designed to support that responsibility with clarity and compassion.

That is always respected.

Participation in every practice at Firekeepers is invitational. You are encouraged to listen to your body, your nervous system, and your inner signals, and to step back, rest, or opt out whenever needed. Choosing to pause or disengage is considered an act of self-responsibility, not a disruption to the group.

If additional support is helpful, trained TFTP Sentinels are present throughout the retreat and ready to step in when needed. Their role is to offer grounding, orientation, and calm presence, ensuring that no one is left to navigate an experience alone.

Firekeepers is held with the understanding that each man moves at his own pace and depth. The container is designed to support choice, agency, and care, so you can engage the work in a way that feels honest and sustainable for you.

That is completely okay.

There is no requirement to share, speak, or be expressive at Firekeepers. Men are always welcome to listen, observe, and participate quietly. Passing is respected without explanation, and silence is honored as a valid and meaningful form of participation.

Firekeepers is not about performance or disclosure. It is about presence. Many men find that simply being in the field, practicing together, and listening deeply is where the work happens. You are encouraged to engage in whatever way feels honest and supportive for you in the moment.

No. Firekeepers is not a religious retreat, and it does not require adherence to any belief system or doctrine.

Firekeepers is centered on connecting men deeply to their highest sense of self and to the natural world. While the retreat is held in a spiritually significant setting and includes ritual and devotional elements, these are offered as experiential practices rather than religious observance. They are designed to support presence, self-awareness, and relationship with the land, not to promote a particular faith or theology.

Men of many backgrounds attend Firekeepers: spiritual, religious, agnostic, or questioning. You are not asked to believe anything, only to engage in a way that feels respectful and true for you. The emphasis is on lived experience, embodied practice, and honest relationship with self, nature, and community.

Firekeepers honors devotion as a way of being in the world, not as a prescribed path.

We approach Indigenous traditions and the land with deep reverence, humility, and consciousness.

Firekeepers does not seek to recreate, claim, or speak on behalf of Indigenous traditions. Instead, we acknowledge that the land carries its own lineage, intelligence, and history, and we engage with it through listening, respect, and restraint. Practices are offered with an understanding that we are guests on this land, not owners or authorities.

When ritual or ceremonial elements are included, they are held with care, transparency, and respect for their origins, without claiming lineage or appropriating identity. The focus is on relationship rather than replication: slowing down, paying attention, offering gratitude, and allowing the land itself to be the teacher.

Our intention is not to extract experience, but to enter into right relationship. We hold the land, its peoples, and its traditions with reverence, and we invite participants to do the same through presence, humility, and care.

Firekeepers does not end when the retreat concludes.

After the gathering, men are invited into a post-retreat integration check-in, offering space to reflect, ground, and orient what emerged back into daily life. This helps support continuity and practical integration rather than leaving the experience isolated in time.

Men who feel called are also welcome to stay connected through the broader Embodied Masculine community. This includes ongoing opportunities such as the Men’s Sharing Circle and the Men’s Embodiment Circle, which provide regular spaces for practice, connection, and continued relational depth.

There is no requirement to join anything after Firekeepers. The invitation is simply to remain in relationship if it feels supportive. Many men find that the retreat becomes a meaningful entry point into a longer-term rhythm of practice, brotherhood, and accountability.

Firekeepers is designed not as an endpoint, but as a threshold that can continue to inform how a man lives, relates, and carries what matters forward.

Firekeepers is not for men looking for entertainment, quick fixes, or peak experiences. It is also not for those who are unwilling to slow down, listen, or take personal responsibility for their participation.

This retreat is not a fit for men who cannot commit to being present for the full duration of the gathering, who are seeking a purely therapeutic or clinical intervention, or who expect to be guided through someone else’s process rather than engaging their own.

It may also not be appropriate for men who are currently in acute psychological crisis or who require intensive clinical support beyond what a non-therapeutic retreat can responsibly provide.

Firekeepers asks for sincerity, humility, and respect for the group, the land, and the practices being held. Men who are not willing to meet the experience on those terms are encouraged to wait until another time or seek a container better suited to their needs.