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.
C's Reconnection to Herself & Nature
"Spending a week in Puerto Vallarta with Chris and Aeon was one of the most profound and meaningful healing experiences I’ve had in years. From the moment I arrived, they created a space that felt incredibly safe, intentional, and deeply nurturing—allowing me to fully let go and go further into my healing than I thought possible.
"This plant medicine retreat was supported by a range of complementary healing modalities, all woven together in a way that felt seamless and deeply aligned. Every detail of the environment felt purposeful—the space itself, the nourishing food, the daily rhythm of yoga, meditation, and integration. It genuinely felt as though the entire experience was attuned to exactly what I needed, helping me access places within myself I couldn’t have reached on my own.
"Having spent years doing deep trauma work and participating in various intensives, I can honestly say this experience felt like all of those combined—and then expanded into something even more impactful. What stood out most was how important my own willingness to be open and trust the process became. Even moments of initial skepticism softened as I leaned in, and in doing so, I discovered a new level of self-love, patience, and compassion that I didn’t realize I was missing.
"One of the most valuable aspects was the depth of integration support. I didn’t just leave with insights—I left with a comprehensive, thoughtful plan to carry this work forward in a grounded and sustainable way. That level of care made the experience feel complete, not just powerful in the moment.
"I left feeling reconnected—to myself, to nature, and to my spiritual practice in a way that feels real and lasting. I’m deeply grateful to Chris and Aeon for holding such a powerful container and for offering this experience as such a meaningful gift. It’s something I will carry with me for a long time."
Ben's Gratitude for his Life
"I arrived at Merkaba Retreats after a year of deep personal searching. I had been doing therapy, journaling, meditation, and reading everything I could about psychology, spirituality, and meaning, trying to understand why something inside me felt unsettled. By the time I came to the retreat, I was ready to try something new in the hope of finding meaning and direction.
Even though I felt ready, arriving in Puerto Vallarta brought a lot of nerves. I was in a new country, meeting people I had only spoken to online, and stepping into practices that were unfamiliar to me. I tend to be analytical and somewhat skeptical, especially when it comes to spiritual traditions, so some of the practices felt uncomfortable at first. I had to keep reminding myself to stay open and allow the experience to unfold.
Christopher and Aeon welcomed me with warmth from the beginning. Their home and temple space is beautiful and intentionally created. The altar, candles, and sacred elements throughout the space give it a genuine feeling of reverence and care.
The rhythm of the retreat helped me slow down in a way I hadn’t experienced before. Each day began and ended with meditation, breathwork, mantra, and reflection. At first these practices felt unfamiliar, but over time I began to appreciate the structure and discipline they created. The week gave me space to step away from distractions and turn inward in a meaningful way.
There were moments that were physically and emotionally challenging, but those challenges also became opportunities to release tension and confront things I had been carrying for a long time. The ceremonies and practices throughout the week opened the door to insights about myself that I had not been able to access before.
Christopher and Aeon each bring very different energies to the retreat, and together they create a balanced and supportive environment. Christopher carries a deep devotion to the sacred space and rituals he holds. Aeon’s presence is more relaxed and grounded, and over the course of the week I came to appreciate the authenticity and wisdom he brings to the experience. By the end of the retreat, I felt a genuine sense of brotherhood and connection with both of them.
What stood out most to me was the integrity with which they hold the space. Throughout the retreat I felt safe, respected, and supported, even when discussing deeply personal struggles. They approached everything with honesty and care, and created an environment where real inner work could take place.
I’m leaving this retreat feeling different than when I arrived. I don’t feel like I suddenly have all the answers, but I do feel more connected to myself and more open to the life I’m living. For the first time in a long time, I feel genuinely grateful to be here and to be living my life.
I’m still Ben, but I’m happy to be me. I’m happy to be living life."
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