18th Annual Tai Chi Alchemy
Sedona, Arizona – Sept. 21-23, 2012
Back to Where it All Began
“When I first visited Sedona in the early 1990s it seemed to be the perfect place to bring people together to explore the exciting worlds of internal martial arts and energy healing. I envisioned an opportunity to get teachers from diverse paths to share their discoveries in an environment of openhearted respect freed from the parochialism of competing schools and styles. The energy of Sedona is expansive and inspires generosity of spirit. It wasn’t easy for us martial artists to park our egos at the door, but after a few years we got the hang of it. We’ve completed seventeen now and the event has taken on a life of its own.”
Each September a very special group meets amid the famous red rocks and vortexes of Sedona, Arizona for a weekend of energy exploration, push hands, and camaraderie. TCA participants have throughout the years brought to the weekend an uncommon intelligence, compassion, curiosity, and playfulness. Opportunities abound to connect and engage on all levels with martial artists, energy healers, and spiritual explorers. If you are a beginner or a teacher with decades of experience you will find yourself at home. No experience is necessary—just curiosity and a desire to share.
As in years past, the focus will be on understanding and experiencing the mysteries and possibilities inherent in tai chi, chi kung, push hands, and energy medicine. The beauty and magic of Sedona provides an ideal opportunity to generate a powerful alchemy.
Click here for Highlights from TCA XV
Click here for Highlights from TCA XVI
Mago Garden is the site of the very first Tai Chi Alchemy in 1994, as well as about half of our subsequent ones. The place is staggeringly beautiful—160 acres of gorgeous Arizona mountains, mesas, and plains. The rooms are comfortable, the meeting hall is spacious, it has a large Jacuzzi and pool that we can use late into the evening, and the energy of the area crackles. It’s 11 miles down a dirt road and is so quiet it is the only place I have ever heard the earth hum.
This year’s retreat will be Friday September 21- Sunday September 23. There is so much to do at Mago Garden that we’ll stay on site the whole time, rather than taking our customary road trip. We’ll do a vortex hike to Bell Rock/ Courthouse Mesa Friday afternoon(2:30) after our traditional meet and greet at the Coffee Pot Restaurant Friday morning (11-2). Then out to Mago to check in (try to get there by 5), dinner (6-7), and Friday’s opening session (7:30-10). So try to arrive early enough to make the Friday activities as well.
I have worked hard to keep the price low and am pleased to report that we are still in the range of 1996 prices! If you pay by August 1, $450 covers a shared room for Friday and Saturday nights, all meals (they grow their own organic food), and all TCA activities Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. If you prefer a private room, that’s only $100 more. After August 1, it’s $500 for shared rooms and $600 for privates.
You can stay at Mago for additional nights, which you need to book directly with them. Most of us will spend additional days at the Sky Ranch Lodge near the Airport Vortex. Nice rooms for cheap there. Fabulous vistas. Close to good restaurants.
Mago Garden is a spiritual retreat center for the Tao Fellowship and they ask us to respect their sensibilities. No meat or alcohol on premises. No cooking in rooms. Courteous behavior. Meals are pesco-vegetarian. I will provide coffee and tea during the seminars.
Please make checks payable to Rick Barrett and send to:
Rick Barrett, PO Box 141207, Staten Island, NY 10314
This year’s TCA is NOT to be missed. Register now to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount. See you in September!
September 21 – 23
Mago Gardens Retreat Center
You can pay through the Paypal button or by sending a check to:
PO Box 141207
Staten Island, NY 10314
Flights should be booked into Phoenix for Friday am, where you can rent a car, share a carpool, or take a shuttle. It’s about 2 hours to Sedona from Phoenix. Returning flights can be booked for Sunday night, although many opt to stay an additional night in Sedona to take advantage of the shopping, sightseeing, swimming, and dinner out with the group.
