When I lived in Mexico, I quickly discovered a local English bookstore called Between the Lines in Merida, run by Juanita  Stein (who’s from Vancouver). Juanita introduced me to the best-selling book Mexican Gothic and after I finished it, I returned to find more of Morena-Garcia’s writing. 

Gods of Jade and Shadow is not your typical travel book, but having lived in Merida, I was fascinated by the many mentions of its 1920 Spanish architecture, folklore and of course the Underworld. The storyline is unlikely: unhappy Casiopea Tun meets the Mayan god of death, who asks for her help dethroning his brother.  What follows is a romp across Mexico from the jungles of Yucatán to the bright lights of Mexico City—and deep into the darkness of the Mayan underworld. If you are interested in Mayan archaeology or gods, this will be fascinating for you, particularly with our guest speaker, who is an expert in Mayan history.

Gods of Jade and Shadow is a lighter read, and some might even say-  a feminist coming-of-age novel that shows how destiny, fate and magic are intertwined. I can’t wait for you to read it. 

Our Guest Speaker is an expert on the sacred feminine

Originally from Canada, Trudy has made Mérida, Yucatán her home since 2001. She created Iluminado Tours, and shortly after arriving, found her teacher Miguel Angel Vergara who then opened the door to the spiritual knowledge of the Maya.

Always interested in the emergence of the Sacred Feminine throughout the world, Trudy found herself channeling Lady Zac Kuuk, a Maya High Priestess from Palenque. She now shares these messages on the Maya Wisdom Circle. Here she encourages others to share their experiences in communicating directly with spirit and building important relationships in other realms.

Trudy is always eager to share her experiences, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the ancient teachings of the Maya. She joins Miguel Angel Vergara leading people to their own experiences on the magical sites of the ancient Maya, both in person and online. Her company, Casa K’in/Iluminado is dedicated to discovering the deep wisdom of the Maya and sharing that with others.