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Note: The trip does not replace the annual JSSS conference. It serves as an extension to the traditional events sponsored by JSSS. The journey aims to expand the collaboration opportunities between scholars, activists, and artists in the US and Mexico, as well as other parts of the world. As such, registration and other logistics are handled differently than for JSSS events. Email unearthingtrip@gmail.com with any questions about this event.

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 Context and Theme

The event organizers invite participants to offer PechaKucha[2] type of presentations to be held during the trip (see the program). The presentations will be held in unique locations, such as Claustro de Sor Juana  and Anahuacalli Museum, with a day dedicated to listening to the emergence of the fragmented feminine at the Teotihuacán Pyramids, a historical place of visionary art and matriarchal peace. The organizers will record presentations and, upon return, make them available to a wider public.

Jungian Perspective:

Carl Jung, who deeply explored the feminine psyche, stated in the Visions Seminar (1930-1934) “The whole domain of psychology has hitherto been masculine. It was an entirely new discovery that the world could be looked at from quite a different angle, from the Yin angle,” calling for a new approach to psychology. In the context of contemporary society, the feminine archetype often remains fragmented and buried. This conference aims to delve into the depths of the feminine psyche, exploring its manifestations and significance through various lenses.

Integration with Local Mythology, Archeology, Land and History:

Mexico City, with its rich historical tapestry, offers a unique backdrop for this exploration. We will specifically focus on goddess imagery such as Coyolxauhqui and the Great Goddess of Teotihuacan. These figures, unearthed in the very soil of Mexico City, represent profound aspects of the feminine that have been fragmented and lost over time.

Notes:

[1]  As the spaces are limited, the registration may close earlier if the total number of participants is reached. A wait-list will be made available, however.

[2] The PechaKucha Format. The term ‘PechaKucha’ (Japanese for “chit-chat”) encapsulates the essence of visual presentations – concise, dynamic and engaging. A Pecha Kucha presentation consists of 20 slides, each displayed for exactly 20 seconds. This structure, totaling 6 minutes and 40 seconds, demands precision, clarity, and creativity from the presenter. The automatic advancement of slides encourages a fluid and energetic delivery, making it an exciting challenge for both the speaker and the audience.

Preparation Guidelines:

1. Clarity of Content: Given the time constraint, focus on the core message of your presentation. Distill your ideas into clear, concise statements.
2. Visual Impact: Use compelling visuals to complement and enhance your narrative. High-quality images or simple graphics can make your points more memorable.
3. Rehearse and Time Your Delivery: Practice your presentation to match the timing of the slides. Familiarize yourself with the flow and transitions to ensure a smooth delivery.
4. Engage with Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to connect with your audience. A well-crafted narrative can make complex concepts approachable and engaging.
5. Final Slide: Use the last slide effectively to conclude your presentation or leave the audience with a thought-provoking message.

Program

Some adjustments may be made to ensure the best flow of the events.

MONDAY –Monday 10th

Arrivals – Take Airport Taxi and Check-in at Casa Herrmann Suites. (This is the preferred hotel and all tours will start and end there. There are other hotel options listed below.)

TUESDAY – March 11th

• 9:00 am – Breakfast at your hotel
• 11:00 am – Bus departure from Casa Herrmann Suites to Claustro de Sor Juana (CSJ)
• 11:30 am – 2024 The Opening Ceremony at Claustro de Sor Juana
  • Opening Statements – Dr. Evija Volfa, Dr. Heather Taylor-Zimmerman & Dr. Mercedes Gertz – CSJ Director: Mtra. Carmen B. López Portillo Romano
  • Curatorial context – Mtra. Olga Margarita Dávila
• 12:30 pm coffee break
  • Presentations: Pecha-Kucha presentations
• 2:30 pm – Lunch at Claustro de Sor Juana
• 4:00 pm – Visit at CSJ exhibitions
• 6:00 pm – Bus departure to Casa Herrmann Suites
• 7:00 pm – Reception cocktail and experience sharing at Casa Herrmann Suites

WEDNESDAY – March 12th

• 9:00 am Breakfast at your hotel
• 9:45 am – Bus departure from Casa Herrmann Suites to Coyoacán neighborhood
• 10:45 am – Visit to the Anahuacalli Museum – Guided visit
• 11:30 am Presentations: Pecha-Kucha continued
• 12:45 pm – Casa Azul Frida Kahlo Museum – guided visit
• 1:45 pm – Visit to Coyoacán neighborhood, Coyoacán Market, etc.
• 2:45 pm – Group lunch at Coyoacán “Los Danzantes”, “La Coyoacana” or similar
• 5:00 pm – Bus departure to Casa Herrmann Suites
• 7:30 pm – Group dinner – Cardenal – Café Tacuba or similar and experience sharing

THURSDAY – March 13th

• 9:00 am Breakfast at your hotel
• 9:30 am – Bus departure from Casa Herrmann Suites to Teotihuacán Pyramids
• 11:00 am – Guided visit
• 1:30 pm – Boxed lunch* (included in the price)
• Time permitting, an activity on “Psyche speaks with us and through us in emergent ways,” embodied meditation, and “talking stick” style reflections might be organized
• Bus departure to Casa Herrmann Suites
• 7:00 pm – Group dinner at either El Bajío Restaurant or on the way to the City

FRIDAY – March 14th

• 9:00 am Breakfast at your hotel
• 10:00 Walk from Casa Herrmann Suites to City Downton for a visit to Templo Mayor, Coyolxāuhqui, a guided visit to Zocalo, and Metropolitan Cathedral
• 2:00 pm – Group lunch at “El Mayor”
• During lunch, Event Closure – Margaritas – experience sharing
• 4:45 pm – Return on your own to Casa Hermann Suites or to your selected hotel – free time

SATURDAY – March 15th

Check-out 12:00 noon. For international flights from the Mexico City Airport, plan to leave your hotel at 3:00 or 3:45 hours before flight departure time.

Organizers

JSSS members: Heather Taylor-Zimmerman, Evija Volfa.
Mexico-based: Mercedes Gertz, Jessica de la Garza.
Contact email: unearthingtrip@gmail.com

Cost: $470 per person. Pay via PayPal to fullcirclemandalas@comcast.net (name: Heather Taylor; description: trip).

• August 30, 2024: first deposit $170
• October 30, 2024: second deposit of $150
• January 10, 2025: final payment of $150

Included in the cost:

• Entrances to all museums and sites.
• Transportation between the sightseeing locations, event venues, and Casa Herrmann Suites hotel.
• A boxed lunch on March 12^th during the visit to Teotihuacán Pyramids (in the program, marked with an *).

Not Included:

• International and/or local flights.
• Taxi to and from the airport.
• Hotel accommodations.
• All meals except for the boxed lunch on March 12^th to allow each participant to choose the best-suiting foods for their individual needs.
• Tips.

IMPORTANT: The trip will be confirmed once the minimum number of participants has been reached and latest by October 10, 2024. You will receive an email confirmation. Do not purchase airplane tickets before that.

Note: If there is revenue generated due to a larger number of participants (over 16), the proceeds will be donated to a local charity to support Mexican women artists and activists.

If a non-refundable deposit of $1,000.00 MXN (approximately 50 USD) is paid by September 1, 2024, the special rate applies: $2,000.00 MXN plus tax, per night for 2 people.

The total for the stay for 2 guests from March 10th to March 14th, 2025 is $8,000.00 MXN plus tax.

To pay the hotel deposit of $1,000.00 MXN:

• Use Venmo if this app is available in your location and make the payment to @Mercedes Gertz, or
• If the app is not available in your area, please use PayPal to fullcirclemandalas@comcast.net (name: Heather Taylor; description HOTEL DEPOSIT as “Friends and Family” transfer to avoid transaction fees).

The Case Herrmann Suites hotel cancellation policy: Cancel without penalty up to 14 nights before the arrival, after that date no refund applies.

Note: If revenue is generated due to a larger number of participants (over 16), the proceeds will be donated to a local charity that supports Mexican women artists and activists.

Additional Hotels

Other close-by hotels can be booked based on own preferences:

• Casa Prim Hotel Boutique
• Gran Hotel de la Ciudad de México
• Hotel NH Collection Mexico (C. de la Palma 42)
• Histórico Central Boutique Hotel

Flights and Transportation

Participants are responsible for booking their own flights to Mexico City (airport code: MEX) and for the transfer to and from the airport. The airport transfers can be arranged via the hotels. Transportation costs between the sightseeing spots/event venues and Casa Herrmann Suites is included in the price.

IMPORTANT: The trip will be confirmed no later than October 10, 2024, and you will receive an email confirmation. Do not purchase airline tickets or make non-refundable bookings before the confirmation of the trip.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your registration before October 9, 2024, you will receive a full refund, minus the transaction fee. A 50% refund minus the transaction fee will be issued for cancellations between October 10, 2024, and January 9, 2025. No refunds for cancellations as of January 10, 2024. You will receive a full refund if the local organizers cancel the trip.

IMPORTANT: Participants are asked to purchase their own insurance plans should they need to cancel the trip for any reason.

If you need to cancel your trip, please inform the organizers immediately by emailing unearthingtrip@gmail.com.