By John Perkins   Here is a gift I’m giving and strongly recommend as one the recipient will benefit from and never forget – and which promotes social justice and environmental sustainability.   Since the 1970s I’ve lived and studied with Mayan spiritual teachers and shamans. I ‘ve taken groups to learn from them over many years, including in January 2020. These are deeply transformational experiences. COVID-19 has hit us all, including these communities, in a major way. Since we are unable to take people to them this year, the spiritual guides have turned to the internet to continue offering seed readings, calendar readings, and fire ceremonies. These invaluable sources of clarity make fantastic gifts for loved ones. They also help the people and cultures that are the greatest guardians of the magnificent forests and lakes of Guatemala. Julio Tot is a Mayan shaman, a friend of mine for many years, and an authority on the Mayan calendar, culture and traditions. As a way to support my friend and his community, I’d like to share his voice and his incredible online services with you:    Buenos Días!My name is Julio, and I was born on January 29, 1975 in San Benito, Peten, Guatemala on the day of the Mayan Calendar 8 Kawoq. I belong to the Mayan Kekchi Group, bilingual in Spanish and Maya Kekchi. I’m self-taught in English, learning through books and tapes and graduated in Primary Education in 1993. In 1994 I started working as a tour guide where I had the opportunity to travel around the Mundo Maya which is made up of five countries of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Salvador visiting the Pyramids of the Mayan Cities. Our tour groups would visit Mayan towns and we’d often find groups of Mayan people practicing their Sacred Rituals. I would translate for these Spiritual Shamans while groups would visit and it was there that Aj Qij (Mayan Shamans) told me that it was part of my Mission to learn the Mayan Spirit. The Aj Qij (Mayan Shamans) explained to me that my Mayan energy 8 Kawoq is healing energy. My teacher appeared and I began to study Mayan Spirituality. It was several years of study until I arrived at the time of graduation as a Spiritual Guide on the Mayan date 8 Batz. I graduated and was given a badge of Maya Spiritual Authority officially becoming a Tata (Shaman). Since then I have been practicing Sacred Mayan Rituals, doing mainly Fire Healing Ceremonies to people across the world. I hold workshops on teaching Mayan Spirituality and Rituals of Healing. I am currently studying Law at University and writing a thesis.  Julio’s Services (Gifts to Give) Private Seed Reading Mayan shaman’s have used natural seeds for thousands of years to help people understand their futures and how to release negativity and realize their potential. This powerful divination tool will support those looking for more clarity in their life via ~30-minute video session. $65 US Calendar Reading The Maya have a long history of extremely accurate calendars and calendar readings. Everyone has a personal calendar based on his/her birthday. Julio is a renowned reader of these. You will receive your personal calendar, the spiritual guidance that goes with it, and a virtual meeting with Julio once you sign up and provide Julio with your birthday. $75 US Seed Reading + Calendar reading $110 US  Sacred Fire Ceremony A ceremony to facilitate healing, prayer and clarity. If you have an intention that you’d like help with, Julio will set up a fire ceremony where he will make offerings to your energies of creation, the Nawales. He will need your full name, birthday and your intentions before the ceremony. He will perform a fire ceremony and send you an email once complete. Prices vary depending on the materials needed for the ceremony. Once he knows the ceremony’s intention, he will tell you the fee for materials (starting at $90 USD) To gift one or more of these experiences to yourself or a loved one, simply email Julio at juliotot@hotmail.com.

ANOTHER GIFT SUGGESTION  My publisher, Berrett-Koehler, is having its largest sale of the year from December 7-15. I hope you’ll consider supporting independent publishers by buying directly from them, where you can get my book, and hundreds more, for 40% off. This publisher is a B-Corp and Benefit Corp and committed to the best possible social and environmental practices. Use the code ONWARD at checkout on www.bkconnection.com to save 40% on any Berrett-Koehler book, ebook, or audiobook and get free shipping within the US.   This is the perfect time to remember the value of sharing with others and doing it in ways the protect our sacred Living Earth,   Happy Holidays,   John

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