I grew up in the rich natural environment of Idaho with many grandparents and great-grandparents in my life. A life-long artist, I attended Rhode Island School of Design, and graduated from Brown University in 1990 with a degree in Visual Art. I have made my living primarily through the production of my art. (See my mosaic work at blakesherlock.com)
In 2002, I embarked on a “personal pilgrimage” devoted to my spiritual growth through a journey to sacred sites or energy centers that resonated with me. After wandering the Western US for a couple of years, I eventually found my way to Guatemala, where I have lived, primarily in San Pedro La Laguna in the department of Sololá on Lake Atitlan, since 2006. Living in a pueblo of Maya Tz’utujil neighbors, I gradually learned a way of living different from my upbringing in the United States. I discovered the beauty of Mayan spirituality and made myself a student of the Cholq’ij--or Mayan Sacred Calendar for over 20 years. In 2019, I had the good fortune to meet Tata Carlos Barrios, an Ajq’ij, Mayan spiritual guide, and author of The Book of Destiny, one of the only books available in English on the subject of Mayan spirituality.
My friendship with him certainly contributed tremendous amounts of wisdom, history, and knowledge to my understanding of the Cholq’ij and Mayan spirituality in general. After his untimely death in 2020 and the loss of my home and business due to COVID, I began my own personal journey of healing and purification following the precepts of healing and health according to the Mayan perspective. After regaining my physical health, I improved my mental hygiene, healed emotional blocks, and began to learn about energy medicine. I began my formal apprenticeship with Juan and Miguel Leon Cortez, twin brothers, painters, and Ajq’ij from Chichicastenango in the department of Quiché in the Guatemalan highlands. From them and other guides they introduced me to, I have learned the wisdom, healing, and orientation of the K’iche Maya lineage. In May of 2024, surrounded by my many Mayan teachers, guides, friends, and my father, I was initiated as a day-keeper and spiritual guide myself.
