Time & Location
Rest and Reconnect with Nature
July 24th - Aug. 1st
Upper Ojai, CA, USA
This is an inviation unplug from the fast pace and noise of everyday life and to gather with friends and community. To feel not only the power of ceremony and music, but be held by the land.
Nestled high in the Ojai Valley, an unusual east–west valley whose mountains are painted pink at sunset, to us this valley is more than a place: it’s a sanctuary.
Ojai is literally tied to the moon, as its name comes from the Chumash word meaning “moon” and long called the “Valley of the Moon.” Because it runs east to west, you can observe the moon rise at one end of the valley and set at the other, and the shape of the land makes the moon's journey somehow feel slower and more visible.
For generations, Ojai has been home to teachers, artists and spiritual seekers, most noteably J. Krishnamurti and Krotona, The Theosphical society.
This retreat will offer you the opportunity to be nestled on a secluded mountaintop property in the upper Ojai valley, surrounded by open fields shaded by towering oaks. There is room to roam during the day and a scenic ridge that overlooks the ocean and stretches all the way out to the Channel Islands.
And yes—this is a camping event, the elevated kind. Bring your RV, your coziest setup, your best bedding, and lanterns. It’s simple comfort, beautiful natural surroundings, and the kind of space that lets you breathe deeply and reset your nervous system.
All meals will be fully catered and dieta friendly, so you can relax and not worry about cooking or planning food. Expect really good, organic meals that are nourishing and genuinely delicious.
About the retreat
We sit in the traditional Shipibo way. This will be a special week of traditional master plant dieta, prayer, reflection and soul-centered healing.
Join us for this transformative week of traditional, Shipibo-style dieta, ceremony, community, teachings and inner reflection where the ancient wisdom of the "Nete Rao," the world of the plants, calls us to listen more deeply to the presence of spirit in our lives. At the heart of this experience is the sacred practice of "Samá," a time of purification, connection and communion with a master teacher plant.
We work in an intimate setting where each participant receives a highly personalized ceremonial experience. As part of our preparation, we do two pre-ceremony, intention-setting calls. Once you make your deposit, you will get access to our onboarding portal, which includes a thorough preparations process.
WE KEEP OUR GROUPS SMALL TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF OUR SACRED CONTAINERS. FOR THIS REASON, WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU BOOK YOUR SEAT EARLY TO ENSURE YOUR PARTICIPATION, AS THIS RETREAT WILL FILL UP VERY QUICKLY.
We offer the opportunity to connect with three extraordinary teacher plants: Noyá Ráo (Palo Volador), Sémein (Bobinsana), and Mókapari (Chiricsanango). Each plant carries its own distinct intelligence and healing qualities. Dieting a teacher plant is a primary way of entering into relationship with its medicine—receiving from it, learning directly from it, and cultivating the ability to work with its healing for oneself and others. A samá, or plant dieta, is also understood as an initiation into the mystery school of the Rao Nete, the realm of the plant spirits, where one enters into deeper communion with the subtle forces of nature through stillness and attentive listening.
In the tradition of the Mahua family of Shipibo healers, healing and learning unfold together through the respected practice of isolation, meditation, and specific dietary and energetic restrictions. Known in the Shipibo language as samá and commonly called dieta in Spanish, this ancient path is a spiritual and therapeutic process of withdrawing from certain foods, stimuli, and interactions to form an intentional connection with the consciousness of a plant. Through solitude, simplicity, and abstinence a sacred container is created in which the teachings of the plants can be more clearly received. It is said that the ancestors of the Shipibo-Konibo began this practice long ago by fasting and sitting in meditation with a plant until a communicative relationship was formed.
While the medicinal properties of each of these plants may support the body physically, the deeper purpose of the samá is to foster lasting healing by guiding one toward the energetic roots of imbalance. As the body, mind, and spirit come back into balance, insights may arise through meditation, ceremony, dreams, and the emotions that surface along the way. It is often said, “en la dieta está la curación”—the healing is in the dieta—pointing to the understanding that transformation unfolds from within. Even when challenges arise, the plants help restore a sense of connection, grounding us more deeply in the sacredness of life and in a path of greater harmony guided by what our Shipibo teachers sing to as the "Raro Raro Shamankin," the great joy within!!
Jakon shaman!!
Details:
This dieta is a carefully curated invitation to work directly with a master plant ally—to enter a conscious, devotional relationship and listen for the ways your plant wants to guide you.
This is a space for those who have already been walking this path with sincerity. For those who have sat in ceremony, held their own complexity, and are ready to go deeper. But first timers are also welcome!
ONAYA (WISDOM) TRANSMISSION
Receiving the transmission of the Onaya wisdom tradition within an eight-day, in-person dieta offers direct guidance in understanding dreams, insights, and the subtle teachings that arise through the plants.
With the support of Robin, Alicia and Ramiro, participants learn how to walk the path with humility while integrating the pruebas—the challenges that strengthen clarity, trust, and inner alignment.
Each dieta centers around a single master plant ally—such as Bobinsana, Noyá Ráo, or Chiricsanango (Mókapari)—chosen not by assignment, but through mutual listening. The plant is not studied; it is felt. It becomes a teacher, an ally, and a guide.
Woven into this in-person dieta is a contemplative body of work that has been curated by Robin and Alicia York that is rooted in deep self-inquiry, and that offers a framework to gently unravel old patterns, uncover karmic threads, and challenge hardened, internalized beliefs to help you recclaim your original blue print.
Through guided journaling, reflection, and presence this path becomes a deeply personal and devotional act of self-awareness offered into the wider field of collective consciousness, where personal healing becomes a planetary prayer.
Dieting Bobinsana is a bit like coming home. This plant embodies the qualities of play, love, and acceptance that many of us innately experienced in our early years while playing in nature. It offers a heart-opening experience that invites a purification of the emotions.
At times, it also represents the need to break open old protective layers, cracking the shell of our defenses to let more love and joy in. This plant spirit confronts us with the ways we may not be fully present or showing up for life, in turn helping to heal the resonance of addiction that often serves as a method of dissociation.
Bobinsana ignites creativity and nurtures profound compassion for oneself and others, encouraging a recommitment to showing up fully and sharing one's gifts with the world. This journey is one of healing and liberation, releasing old wounds, traumas, and blockages, and inviting deeper realms of meditation and prayer through a connection with the spirit of Bobinsana.
Healing Benefits:
• Nervous System Reset: Provides relief from depression and anxiety, cultivating a state of calm, clarity, and groundedness.
• Creative Flow: Unlocks your creative energy and singing voice and aligns you with your authentic nature and spiritual purpose.
• Emotional Purification: Encourages a deeper presence and a heart-opening process of healing, supported by a nurturing dieta container of fellow dieteros.
Noyá Ráo is considered one of the most powerful Master Plant (tree) dietas. It’s important to consider the magnitude of its healing power when choosing this dieta. If there isn’t sufficient space to honor the profound learning this tree offers, it may be better to stick to Bobinsana (or to diet it first).
Robin has been dieting Noyá Ráo for the past decade with his teachers in the jungle and prepared himself extensively to carry the high frequency of this sacred tree of light. He has received the blessings of both his teachers, Papa Gilberto Mahua as well Maestra Manuela Mahua, to offer this dieta to his community.
When undertaking a Noyá Ráo dieta, be prepared to untangle the core substance of your own truth. This tree is often called both the “Tree of Light” and the “Camino a la Verdad.” It is both a tree of illumination and a path to truth. Many get seduced by the desire to acquire the mystical qualities of this tree through its bioluminescent leaves. This tree teaches us that our salvation lies not only in purely becoming light, but in illuminating that which remains cloaked in the shadows. This dieta invites a deep clarity that emerges from a journey of honest self-examination. This tree glows as a result of being part of a living ecosystem and its wisdom shows us that we, too, are part of something greater.
If you choose to diet with this tree, be prepared to have your world and relationships come alive. The process can be both magical and challenging, as you may be asked to make changes, revisit old beliefs and stories, and integrate new ways of approaching life.
Healing benefits:
• Psychic healing: Repairs the nervous system.
• Enhances intuition: It connects you to what is calling you forward. Often, to hear what is calling, you must first get clear on which of your voices are masquerading as intuition. Upon closer reflection, Noya Rao will reveal to you the root of your fears and inner blockages so that you can access your most authentic nature.
Caveat: if you are interested in dieting Noyá Ráo, you must have dieted Bobinsana before in preparation for this strong master tree dieta, or already carry a Noyá Ráo Dieta.
Chiricsanango (Brunfelsia grandiflora) is a revered master plant in the Shipibo tradition. It is valued for its ability to support healing across the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Its name, derived from Quechua, relates to the sensation of “feeling the cold,” reflecting its traditional role in helping to warm and revitalize areas of the body believed to hold stagnation or energetic heaviness. Used in Shipibo plant dietas for generations, it is known for its anti-inflammatory and strengthening qualities, supporting overall vitality, resilience, and energetic balance. Beyond its physical effects, Chiricsanango is regarded as a powerful teacher plant that supports emotional release, courage, and mental clarity, helping individuals feel more aligned, focused, and connected to their inner strength.
Physical Benefits
May help reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain, arthritis, and rheumatism
Supports the nervous system, structural alignment, and overall physical resilience
Traditionally used to support immune function and recovery from colds, flu, and fevers
Encourages detoxification, increased energy, endurance, and vitality
Emotional, Mental & Spiritual Benefits
Helps release stored grief, fear, and emotional heaviness while promoting heart openness
Encourages courage, confidence, clarity, focus, and personal discipline
Supports the breaking of old thought patterns and strengthens inner will
Associated with vivid dreams, insight, energetic cleansing, and deeper intuition, purpose, and protection
Learn MoreHighlights include:
- A private consultation and intention setting call with both Robin and Ramiro to clarify your focus for the dieta and to help you choose the plant that's most aligned with your path.
- Four ceremonies led by Maestro Robin York and Maestro Ramiro Orrantia
- "Payanti," a cleansing chant administered on the night you open your dieta to help prepare you to enter into the "sama nete rao," the world of your plant
- Plant baths and vomitivos to cleanse and prepare your body and Spirit
- Intuitive guidance and support sessions offered by Alicia to address and resolve soul knots or personal challenges
- Three group integrations on the mornings after ceremony
- Shipibo chanting beginner and intermediate lessons
- Medicine talks and "onaya" (wisdom") transmissions
- Camping among the oaks at a beautiful center high up in the Ojai valley with full ocean views
- Lovingly prepared meals throughout the week
Our Format:
Join us for an eight-day traditional Shipibo dieta in Ojai, CA, from July 24th to August 1st.
Led by Robin York, Alicia York, and Ramiro Orrantia, this Shipibo-style traditional dieta will include four ceremonies, group integrations, plant baths, medicine talks and Shipibo chanting lessons.
Held in a stunning location in upper Ojai with ocean views, participants will camp amoing the oaks and enjoy lovingly prepared meals.
The retreat is limited to 14 participants, so early booking is recommended. The dieta will open with a "Payanti" cleansing chant and close in ceremony with a personalized Arkana.
Preparation includes two intention-setting calls. After your deposit, more details and sign-up links will be provided. Reach out if you have any questions!
Robin is a traditionally trained Shipibo Maestro with over 18 years of experience dieting master plants in the jungle.
Robin combines his many years of training with the Mahua family of Shipibo healers with his own deeply compassionate perspectives that support individuals in a return to wholeness, authenticity, and creative purpose. Learn more about Robin's work here
Alicia is an intuitive healer and a seer. Through her study of Pathwork, depth hypnosis, PSI, and her extensive shamanic training she has developed a special skill for hearing the unspoken dialogue of the subconscious and bringing it into conscious awareness. Learn more about Alicia's work here
Ramiro is a Shipibo-trained Maestro in the Mahua lineage with decades of experience dieting master plants, known for the strength of his icaros, the sincerity of his prayers, and his quiet, devoted presence. A traditionally trained onanya and gifted guitarist, his deep connection to the plants is felt in every ceremony.
— Shaun R.
— Jens J.
— Meggie S.
— Darius V
(TWO PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE - PLEASE WRITE TO US DIRECTLY)
If you cancel 60 days prior to the start of a retreat you will receive a full refund. Between 60 days and 30 days you will receive 50% of your deposit.
If you cancel 30 days or less prior to the start of a retreat, you forfeit the full cost of the deposit.
All participants are required to have paid in full 1 month prior to the start of a retreat.
Please note: any refunds will incur a 3% processing fee.
**Exceptions will be made for emergencies or extenuating circumstances.
Get started today before this once in a lifetime opportunity expires.
