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Visiting Zuni Mountain Sanctuary

By Balance

What might one expect when visiting our little hideaway?

Well, we are situated at 7,200 feet in the Zuni Mountains of western New Mexico -- about two and a half hours west of Albuquerque, and an hour's drive from either Grants or Gallup. We currently have four residents (currently all male), who serve as Stewards for the sanctuary, and in particular, the 320 acres of semiarid desert land upon which we live. We live in a consensus-based community that is currently practicing income-sharing. We survive and maintain sanctuary through donations (which are tax-deductible, as we are a nonprofit organization), as well as through products created and sold through our business. Our mission is to provide an environment for the spiritual growth and renewal of Radical Faeries and those of like minds and spirits.

Our community is spiritually centered, and we are open to many spiritual paths and processes. Our main celebrations follow a seasonal cycle. We host small, informal gatherings at Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, a ZMS Birthday gathering at Summer Solstice, our annual Winter Solstice Dunk, and our main gathering is held in August at Lammas-time. Spiritually renewing endeavors may include hikes, meditation, yoga, qi gong, receiving bodywork, breath work, tarot and rune readings, and a variety of creative pursuits including painting, weaving, and the like.

Our facilities include the "Common House", our main gathering and food-preparing space; Juniper House and the Tea Rooms, residential spaces; and the Studio/Aakaash, our creative space or space of all beginnings. We are powered electrically by solar panels, which means no blow dryers, please. We are capable of producing power enough for computer use, lighting, and the occasional video program (no television reception, however). Water is provided by a solar powered well pump, and in this environment, water conservation is a necessary awareness. Lunch and dinner meals are prepared by stewards and visitors alike, breakfast is offered on a "you fix it yourself" opportunity. All meals are vegetarian, and include vegan offerings as well. Bathing is found in our indoor shower, and outdoor solar showers during the summer.

We are situated near Navajo and Zuni Indian Reservations. The locale is arid, mountainous, rugged, and primitive. ZMS is located next to both State and National Forest lands; hiking is therefore plentiful. Native American and Hispanic Cultures are prevalent, the Zuni Pueblo often opens ceremonies to limited non-Indian observation (respect of their customs and the prohibition of camera and recording devices MUST be observed).

We are proud to say that ZMS has become a cultural center for many of the local residents. Our neighbors are a wonderful mix of creative individuals and families who share many of our same ideals: sustainable living in an eco-friendly environment of creativity, laughter, and spiritual connection. Pets, you ask? We simply discourage visitors from bringing pets. We are here to protect and restore the land, and the addition of pets can be disruptive to the land, the residents, and other visitors. Summertime living is by camping in our rustic (that is, no "hookups") camping area. During the cooler periods (roughly late September through early May), limited indoor housing is available. We request notification, if possible, before you arrive (so we can make the necessary arrangements for housing and food consumption). Directions will be provided upon request. We also request $10 per day to cover food expenses, larger contributions are greatly appreciated (and tax-deductible), however, nobody is turned away for lack of funds.

If you are looking for a four-star resort -- well, we're probably not what you're looking for! However, if you want a relaxed, yet engaging atmosphere in which to find "Self", spirit, and community -- we may be just the place for you.

See also: Visitor Handbook