Welcome to Casa Sagrada

Arnulfo Mendoza

Arnulfo, a native and life-long resident of Teotitlan del Valle, created Casa Sagrada as a work of art. Every aspect of the casa reflects his rich aesthetic sense, from the pebbles adorning the abobe walls to the dramatic contrast of blonde bamboo and blackened beams. He has won international recognition as both a visual artist and tapestry weaver. His work is in the permanent collection of the National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago and forms part of the impressive traveling exhibition, “Great Masters of Mexican Art” El Fomento Banamex Collection. He has lived and worked in Paris, Tokyo and Vancouver and participated in over 50 international museum exhibits including the important Mexican textile exhibit “Patterns of Prestige: The Saltillo Sarape”, The Oakland Museum, 1992. About Arnulfo Mendoza

Mary Jane Gagnier

Mary Jane, a native Canadian, has lived in Oaxaca since 1987, the same year she and Arnulfo Mendoza opened La Mano Magica gallery featuring fine folk art, textiles and contemporary painting.

Mary Jane has curated numerous art exhibitions including: Myth and Magic: Oaxaca Past and Present, Palo Alto Arts Center,1993 and Arnulfo Mendoza: Weaving a Cultural Testimony, National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago, 2003. Oaxaca Celebration: Family, Food & Fiestas in Teotitlan her book on the culture and traditions of Teotitlan was published by The Museum of New Mexico Press in 2005 and is available on Amazon.com or direct purchase from La Mano Magica.

Mary Jane leads Casa Sagrada’s equestrian program, guiding guests on the beautiful trails around Teotitlan. “Even after years of exploring this land, it continues to intrigue me.” says this rider who trains her horses - and herself - for endurance riding competitions on the undulating hills surrounding Casa Sagrada.

Mary Jane is also a certified yoga instructor. Her practice of 15 years is most influenced by the dynamic form taught by Zhander Remete. At Casa Sagrada she teaches a yoga program focused on the holistic needs of riders and horses.

Alejandro Beltrán Cordero

At Casa Sagrada, Alejandro Beltrán Cordero is our Ceremonial Temazcal Master, instructor of the native Mexican Pasos Magicos, and performs Limpias (Spirit Cleansing) and the Traditional Fire & Drumming Circles. He is also the resident therapist in Hot Stone Massage, Shiatsu and Shamanic Bodywork.

Born in Mexico City, Alejandro’s spiritual training began in the home of his grandmother where he learned ceremonial healing & the shamanic practices of the Huasteca region. Throughout his life, he has studied distinct philosophical and alternative medicinal systems, including the indigenous spiritual and curative rituals of Mexico. He was initiated as Guardian of the Temazcal in the Tradition of Quetzalcoatl and has studied extensively with numerous shamans and cuaranderos throughout Mexico.

Alejandro also became interested in oriental philosophies when he began the practice of yoga at the early age of 8 years old. He initiated his formal studies in Mexico City to receive a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine & Therapeutic Hypnosis and furthered his career as an instructor of Human Development in Body-Mind Therapy.

In his individual and group sessions, Alejandro has dedicated his work to the shamanic & the sacred, the scientific & the psycho-magic to bring about transformation and healing.

Shoshana Sadow

Shoshana is a licensed acupuncturist in the United States & Mexico, director of Central Integral de Salud in Oaxaca and provides acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutritional consultations at Casa Sagrada.

As a culinary enthusiast, she often joins us as bilingual interpreter for our cooking classes and market tours, and as a great horsewoman, also guides our guests during our on riding excursions. Shoshana and our handsome criollo horse Centurion placed top ten in the National 60 km. Endurance Riding Competition, Piga, Hidalgo, 2006.