Dance of the Deer Foundation: A Center for Shamanic Wisdom in Capitola

Dance of the Deer Foundation Introduce

Located in the beautiful coastal town of Capitola, California, the Dance of the Deer Foundation stands as a globally recognized center for shamanic studies and holistic wellness. Situated at

820 Bay Ave #128, Capitola, CA 95010, USA

, this foundation is much more than a typical wellness center; it is a spiritual and educational institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the ancient wisdom of the Huichol culture of central Mexico. Founded by world-renowned Huichol shaman Brant Secunda, the foundation offers a profound path for those seeking healing, spiritual expansion, and a deeper connection to nature and community. Visitors and participants consistently describe their experiences as life-changing, citing the "human warmth" and "honest spiritual guide" that define the programs. The foundation's work, which includes retreats, workshops, and shamanic healing sessions, is designed to help individuals find inner peace, purpose, and a sense of belonging in a modern world. The teachings are deeply rooted in indigenous tradition, yet are presented in a way that is accessible and relatable to people from all walks of life.

The Dance of the Deer Foundation is conveniently located in Capitola, a town known for its serene beaches and vibrant community. The address,

820 Bay Ave #128, Capitola, CA 95010, USA

, places it in a practical spot that is easily accessible for both locals and those traveling from other parts of California and beyond. The foundation's commitment to accessibility is a significant highlight, with several features designed to accommodate all visitors. The facility provides a wheelchair-accessible car park, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges have a convenient and stress-free parking experience. Furthermore, the building has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible toilet, which guarantees a comfortable and welcoming experience for everyone. This dedication to physical accessibility is a testament to the foundation's inclusive philosophy. The central location, combined with these thoughtful features, makes it a welcoming and practical destination for anyone seeking to engage with its programs.

The Dance of the Deer Foundation offers a rich array of services that are rooted in alternative medicine, spiritual wellness, and meditation. These programs are designed to provide a holistic approach to healing and personal growth.

Shamanic Healing Sessions: As an alternative medicine practitioner, the foundation offers personal healing sessions. These are led by Brant Secunda, who is an internationally acclaimed shaman and healer. These sessions are intended to address deep-seated issues by working at a spiritual and energetic level, helping to heal both the body and the soul. The focus is on finding the root of an illness or ailment, whether physical or psychological, and extracting it to help the individual heal and regain balance.
Workshops and Seminars: The foundation conducts a wide variety of workshops and seminars, both in-person and online. These educational events are designed to teach participants how to apply ancient shamanic practices to their modern lives. Topics can include shamanic journeying, working with the spirits of nature, and addressing issues like addiction and finding love. They provide a practical way for people to learn about and integrate spiritual practices into their daily routines.
Retreats: The foundation leads multi-day retreats in various beautiful and sacred locations, including in California, such as Mt. Shasta. These retreats provide a deeply immersive experience for participants to disconnect from their daily lives and focus on healing and spiritual growth. The retreats are praised for their seamless logistics, beautiful settings, and the wonderful, like-minded people who attend.
Community Circles and Online Events: To foster a sense of ongoing community, the foundation hosts community circles and other online events. These gatherings provide a space for participants to connect with others, share stories, and continue their spiritual journey with the support of a community. These circles are often free and provide a way for people to stay connected and inspired between larger programs.

The Dance of the Deer Foundation is a unique and valuable resource in the wellness community, and it is defined by several key features and highlights.

Authentic Huichol Tradition: The foundation is led by Brant Secunda, who completed a rigorous 12-year apprenticeship with renowned Huichol shaman Don José Matsuwa. This makes the teachings and practices genuinely authentic and rooted in centuries of indigenous wisdom, setting the foundation apart from many other spiritual centers.
Holistic Approach to Wellness: The foundation's programs are not just about spiritual growth; they are about holistic well-being. By blending spiritual practices with a focus on physical health and a connection to nature, the foundation provides a comprehensive path to a healthier, happier life, as evidenced by its connection to books like "Fit Soul, Fit Body."
Supportive and Welcoming Community: Reviews highlight the "human warmth" and sense of community among participants, who often go from "strangers to family." This emphasis on building a heart-centered, supportive community is a major highlight, making the experience more profound and lasting.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: The foundation's physical location is designed for accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilet. This ensures that the powerful experiences offered are available to a wider range of people.
Global and Local Reach: While based in Capitola, the foundation leads pilgrimages and workshops around the world, bringing the wisdom of Huichol shamanism to a global audience. At the same time, its local events and headquarters provide a central hub for the California community.

For information on upcoming programs, to schedule a healing session, or to learn more about the foundation, you can use the following contact details.

Address: 820 Bay Ave #128, Capitola, CA 95010, USA

Phone: (831) 475-9560

Choosing the Dance of the Deer Foundation is a decision to embark on a journey of profound personal and spiritual transformation. What makes this foundation particularly worth choosing is its unwavering authenticity and the depth of its teachings. In a world with countless options for self-help, this center provides a direct link to an ancient and respected indigenous tradition, led by a shaman who was personally chosen to carry on this work. The testimonials speak volumes, describing experiences that are not just enjoyable but are "spiritual" and "transformative." The foundation’s focus on building a genuine community is a powerful draw, as it provides a support system for the healing and growth that occurs. This is not a quick fix; it is an opportunity for deep, meaningful, and lasting change. For anyone in California seeking an alternative path to wellness, or a way to connect with a supportive community and the wisdom of the natural world, the Dance of the Deer Foundation offers an experience that is truly unparalleled and deeply enriching.

Dance of the Deer Foundation Services

Alternative Medicine Practitioner
Shamanic healing sessions

Wellness Programme
Retreats
Workshops
Seminars
Online events

Meditation Centre
Community Circles
Free monthly community gatherings

Dance of the Deer Foundation Details

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Amenities
Toilet

Dance of the Deer Foundation Photos

No photos available at the moment.

Dance of the Deer Foundation Location

Dance of the Deer Foundation

California Santa Cruz County Capitola Bay Avenue

820 Bay Ave #128, Capitola, CA 95010, USA

Dance of the Deer Foundation Reviews

An average rating of ★4.9 from 18 user reviews.

retreatstraditionheartshamanicseminarsreverencepilgrimagesilencecampingvolunteers

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This was our first experience with the work of Brant Secunda and words will not truly describe our spiritual experience. However, the human warmth, the honest spiritual guide, the food, and all the logistic was A++. I will recommend these events to anyone searching to heal or expand their spirits.
August 07 · Javier Fungairino I.
The Mt. Shasta retreat in July 2025 was fantastic from top to bottom, start to finish and everywhere and when in between. I can only speak to the tent camping component of the accommodations but they were excellent. Even setting up the volunteers were Johnny on the spot and hands-on. So grateful. The food was fabulous even for one more carnivore than vegan. The pace of the retreat was perfect, relaxed and enjoyable with time between meetings and rituals to digest and reflect. But of all the components under consideration, the people in attendance took it next-level. All were like-minded, heart-centered, open, kind and extraordinary in every way. I made friends for life among so many who went quickly from strangers to family. The overall experience speaks to the quality and qualities of Brant Secunda, his son Nico and the entire Dance of the Deer tribe.
August 07 · Ames12345 12345ames
Amazing. Only downside was that it does not align with my schedule next year. My first time with Brant and Nico together, making it that much more powerful. I’ve been doing daily exercises since I left. The community that is participating, the volunteers, employees of Dance of Deer Foundation, and the Greek hosts hotels and tavernas. Community, spirituality, connections, recentering, rejuvenation, grounding, and connecting to nature all superb
May 01 · Wendy Weisbart
Since 2023, I have been attending Brant's retreats, and each experience resonates with me on a deeper level. Brant, Nico, and their dedicated team consistently provide a safe and nurturing environment for healing. Their offerings are infused with humor, joy, wisdom, and a profound sense of reverence—an energy that is both palpable and transformative. I am deeply grateful to have them in my life, as the impact of just one retreat lingers long after it ends.
March 24 · Ondrea Barbe
Being on a retreat with Dance of the Deer Foundation was a very enriching and uplifting experience! I loved 'feeling' into the teachings, and what I came away with is like a piece of my heart found home. The group is absolutely delightful. I couldn't have asked for more. Looking forward to booking again!
April 04 · Mel DeSouza