Speaking Creation into Life
Ruk’u’x Kawoq’ is a Mayan name in the K’iche’ language, it means a moment of Creation that unfolds continuously through time and space within the Heartbeat of the Universal Womb… If we would translate this name to English it would be something like “Heart of the Storm of Creation” or “Heart of the Turtle of Creation”. The name speaks about past, present and future time/space continuum all integrated into a system of knowledge on how to live life with an extended awareness of the complex relational aspects of the reality we inhabit and in which we participate by existing on Earth. This energy/knowledge encourages us to walk consciously the path of our Life, caring to be useful participants with clear purpose and the knowing that we Belong to the Earth.
Indigenous words have a wider meaning that is oftentimes impossible to translate by utilising only more words. We need to be able to FEEL the meaning of the Beings we are naming by speaking them into life, we need to develop reciprocal relationships with these beings and integrate the experiences shared in the ways we do life. In this way of communicating with the Living World we reclaim the power of our voice and words as tools of conscious creation with Heart and Soul.
2025 / 2026 Programs
ECOLOGY OF WOMEN
Mayan Immersion and Womb Apprenticeship Retreat in Guatemala - April 10-18, 2026.
Our Ecology is the way in which we are connected to Life by blood, literally - physiologically, by Natural Design.
Join us for 9-days of Ancestral Teachings, Ceremony and traditional holistic practices for Womb-centered Care from the Maya K’iche’ Cosmovision.
A profound study of Earth-based, Water-based, Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
A space for deep connection to your body, empowerment, self-healing, cultural immersion and sisterhood.
VIVENCIA MAYA RETREAT
Cultural immersion in Guatemala - August 5-12, 2026
Join us for a unique cultural experience in the heart of Maya Cosmovision, this 8-day Retreat is a transformative journey guided by ancestral practices, connection to nature and the Spirituality of the Cholq’ij (Sacred Mayan Calendar) and your K’ilal Ch’umilal (Star of your birth).
Align with the natural cycles of the Cosmos and the Earth.
Reciprocity and Impact
CASA TORTUGA “MAYAN BIRTHING CENTER”
“Casa Turtuga” is a project in its initial planning phase for the construction of a Mayan Indigenous Birthing Center in Santa Lucía Utatlán, Sololá. Our purpose is clear: to create a space where life can be born in a safe, dignified and profound way connected to ancestral Mayan wisdom. “Casa Tortuga” will offer service to women, children, and families integrating millenary knowledge and modern healthcare practices.
With your participation in our retreats you directly contribute to the realization of this project. Your support directly empowers the continuation of Ancestral Maya Midwifery, the elevation of proper maternal and neonatal care for indigenous communities in Guatemala, and the cultural revival of Maya Cosmovision.
We are in our initial phase of collecting funds to build Casa Tortuga, every donation helps us to get closer to our goal.
Our Team
María Xtal’y
Born and raised in Guatemala, María is a Holistic therapist, Medicine woman, Artist and Full Spectrum Doula dedicated to serving the sanctity of life and our connection to Mother Earth. María weaves worlds through earth\water-based knowledge systems, utilizing indigenous ways of thinking to make holistic models of Physiology and Ecology. María is an apprentice of the Maya Cosmology via her relationships with Nana Ixquik’ and the family. She created the Ecology of Women course in 2024 with the intention of amplifying the voices of the Mayan Midwives and sharing what has brought healing to her own life with more women around the world. And in 2025 she created Ruk’u’x Kawoq - Academy of ancestral knowledge and GuateMaya Retreats alongside her Mayan Elders with the mission of providing education, meaningful and impactful experiences that remind people of their innate Knowing and Belonging to Mother Earth.
Nan Ixquik’
Daughter of Nana Rosalía, Ixquik’ was initiated as an Ajq’ij (Mayan Spiritual Guide) at the young age of 13, receiving a responsibility from her Elders to share the Mayan Cosmovision through her spiritual abilities with the world especially through her work as a Midwife and with Women’s health. Ixquik’ is a spiritually gifted Healer who has developed in ancestral healing modalities known only by a few talented healers in her lineage. Ixquik’s dedication to the Sacred is felt through each word she shares, her connection with the Earth and her embodiment of Ancestral Medicine is a gift to the world.
Nan Rosalía
Is a revered Elder Midwife and Ajq’ij who comes from a lineage of traditional Birthkeepers and Time Keepers from the Maya K’iche’ Peoples. Rosalía has kept and passed down to generations Ancestral Knowledge regarding birth, postpartum, womb health and the Mayan Cosmology. She is also a survivor of the Guatemalan genocide of indigenous peoples from 1960 to 1996. Nana Rosalía has sustained the Wisdom of her grandparents, attended hundreds of births in the traditional ancestral way, she has also taught and shared her wisdom with countless people from all over the world for decades and is a pillar of true Wisdom, Love and Resilience for all the K’iche’ Peoples and the world.
Stay Connected
María Xtal’y : RUK’U’X KAWOQ