Testimonials
Real People. Real Healing. Real Remembrance.
“Before the retreat, I felt stuck and weighed down by patterns I couldn’t break. I didn’t know what direction my life was heading, and I had almost given up hope of finding clarity. At Merkaba Retreats, something shifted. The ceremonies, the practices, and the love in that space cracked me open in the best way. I released so much pain I didn’t even realize I was holding, and for the first time in years I felt truly free. Since the retreat, everything looks different — my choices, my relationships, even the way I wake up in the morning. I finally feel aligned with my purpose, clear in my path, and alive in my own skin. It didn’t just change a week of my life — it changed the whole trajectory of it.” -Billy M.
Every soul who sits in our circle carries a story.
Here are a few of the sacred reflections we’ve received from those who have walked the Merkaba path.
These words are shared with love, consent, and deep gratitude.
Ron's Healing from the Inside Out
"I recently attended my first Merkaba Wellness Retreat in Bucerias Mexico facilitated by Chris Shaw and Aeon Archer. I have never attended a wellness retreat or participated in plant medicine ceremonies. Everything was new to me, and I was quite apprehensive. I have participated in traditional psychotherapy for many years and although beneficial it never seemed to have lasting effects. For many years, I have felt lost, sad, scared, bitter and broken. I knew I needed to change. Chris encouraged me to attend the retreat, and I knew I would be in safe hands.
Fearful and anxious, I arrived in Bucerias and immediately was surrounded by radiant love and brotherhood. Chris and Aeon went out of their way to welcome me and make me feel safe. We participated in daily devotional, mantra, and yoga. We ate nourishing food every day. During plant ceremonies, Chris and Aeon were there every moment that I surrendered, and their love and gentleness guided me. With each ceremony, I felt the years of sadness and anger leave my mind and body. I could feel myself healing from the inside out.
With each day in Bucerias, I was being reborn into the person I’ve always meant to be. My smile returned. My desire to live returned. I could not be more grateful to Chris and Aeon for helping me change my life. They are so passionate about helping others achieve a more enlightened and peaceful life. Their wisdom and the love that they bestowed upon me during my retreat will forever remain in my heart." - Ron, Texas
Eric's Transformational Journey
"Attending the Merkaba Retreat was nothing short of life-altering. This sacred space offered me the opportunity to reconnect with my spiritual self in a way I had long yearned for but didn’t know was possible.
Throughout the retreat, I nourished my body with clean, intentional food—free from gluten, processed ingredients, and meat, aside from mindful seafood choices. This physical cleansing laid the foundation for the deeper, spiritual work that unfolded.
We immersed ourselves in powerful daily rituals: chanting Om Nama Shivaya, sweating out old energies in the temazcal (sweat lodge), flowing through yoga on the beach at sunrise, and participating in beautifully held ceremonies with sacred earth medicines—bufo, kambo, and psilocybin. These plant and animal allies held me, guided me, and ultimately cracked me open.
During the medicine ceremonies, I experienced a profound release. I was able to let go of the heavy burdens—emotional, spiritual, and energetic—that I had carried for so many years. I shed layers of armor I had built to protect myself, armor that had long since stopped serving me. For the first time in what feels like forever, I allowed my true self to emerge—vulnerable, radiant, and free.
The Merkaba Retreat gave me the space, the support, and the sacred tools to reclaim my light. I return home with an open heart, a reawakened soul, and immense gratitude for this deeply healing journey." -Eric, Austin, TX
Drebo's Life-Changing Experience
"My time at Merkaba Retreats was nothing short of life-changing. I experienced profound healing, clarity, and a deep remembrance of who I truly am. The sacred space, guided ceremonies, and beautiful community held me through transformation I didn’t even know I was ready for." - Drebo, Austin, TX
The Chief
"I have been curious for many years of these types of retreats for personal growth. This opportunity presented itself in the perfect timing of my life. Going into this experience, I had an open mind and an open heart. I understood that challenges were going to arise, and I worked through years of hurt. The outcome from this retreat has been weight off my shoulders clarity and peace. This experience has opened up a new role for me, and will highly recommend." - The Chief, Austin, TX