Tatewarí chose David Wiley to become a shaman, guiding him to rescue the lost ancestral shamanic wisdom of indigenous medicine paths. Tatewarí recognized David’s determination, values, and skill set—allowing him to effectively bridge cultural and linguistic barriers so that Westerners could experience the rigorous and transformative learning process of this apprenticeship. This path requires a deep, active relationship with Divine and the natural world—where what may seem like magic to the Western mind becomes an everyday reality.
Graniceros who commit to taking the next step in their spiritual calling must awaken their already heightened senses, preparing to grasp the profound ways in which life itself unfolds across all levels and aspects.
Don David Wiley was trained as a Tepahtiani by Don Lucio Campos Elizalde. For years, Don Lucio searched for someone to pass on his staff, but he found no suitable apprentices—typically Mexicans—who were truly willing to show up, no matter what. Don David, however, did. His training was reminiscent of a Karate Kid-like apprenticeship, involving pilgrimages to sacred Nahua sites and a full commitment to his Divine calling. He was fortunate to walk alongside Don Lucio along the ancient dirt roads used by the people to reach these sacred places.
Don Lucio rarely used vehicles, as such machines had no place in his understanding of life and his relationship with nature.
Now, as Don Lucio prophesied, individuals from the four corners of the earth are feeling called to reconnect with this lost ancient shamanic path. Those touched by Tlaloc, the God of Rain, have little choice in the matter—it is their path to discover whether they, too, are meant to become healers and serve others in a deeper, more engaged way.
Tepahtiani apprentices in Chalma, Mexico State. México.
The first generation of graduated Tepahtiani are now establishing their healing practices, while Don David continues to work tirelessly to structure a formal teaching program—one that has never been taught in this way before. Traditionally, Nahua shamanic wisdom was passed down orally from generation to generation, with occasional cases where Divine directly blessed and instructed an apprentice to accelerate their process—such as Don Lucio’s three-year coma, during which he was taught by the gods themselves.
Trainings typically involve a Temazcalli (traditional sweat lodge), in-depth classes, and a clinical healing day. These components provide a complete immersion into the ancient healing techniques, allowing apprentices to experience the teachings not only through study but also through direct practice and personal transformation.
In-person classes are offered in the Mayoría at Casa Xiuhtecuhtli.
