Miss Beatrice Torres Waight
She generously shared her traditions with us and we are now returning them to her children and grandchildren.
Full Circle
Miss Beatrice Torres Waight (1948-2010) of Santa Familia, Belize arranged for Ann Drucker and a small appointed group of long-term students to bring back the Yucatec Maya healing traditions to her family in Belize, now that they've come of age. Beatrice had a clear vision for the next generations to receive these healing traditions, which she so generously shared with us.
2024 marks the 6th year of this process, and Miss Beatrice's children and grandchildren are totally on board, participating whole heartedly! We look forward to our 2024 trip to Belize to fulfill her wishes and return her wisdom to her own family.
This year I will be traveling to Belize again to be of service for this work. If you are inspired to donate to contribute to this project, we humbly welcome financial contributions. You can choose to support my individual expenses (flights, room/board, food, healing supplies) or the group’s expenses (herbs and plants for healings, rental cars, healing hut lunches, supplies for the children’s programs, gas for transporting Miss B’s family to and from the healing huts). Closer to our trip in June we will also welcome physical donations of things like sarongs, towels, art supplies, etc. For more details or to donate contact me below.
Want to learn more about Miss Beatrice and her Maya Healing Traditions?
Beatrice Torres Waight was born in the caul on January 18th, 1948 in the village of Santa Familia, Belize. Her family migrated from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico during the caste war in the late 1800’s. In Yucateca Maya culture, being born in the caul (amniotic sac) is the sign of a healer. As far back as she could remember, Miss Beatrice was connected to the spiritual world and always interested in healing plants. Her Grandmother and her mother were Maya midwives from whom she learned herbal remedies and massage. Her father was the village curandero. As mother of nine children, she was a traditional village healer in Santa Familia. She relieved the physical, emotional and spiritual pain of those who came to her Healing Hut. Miss Beatrice also taught her Yucateca Maya healing ways to students from all over the world. She truly believed earth-centered healing benefits all people. Miss Beatrice raised her children to believe in themselves and be proud of their Yucateca Maya heritage. Her radiant smile, outrageous sense of humor, vast wisdom, deep strength, keen intuition and enormous heart are still cherished. Miss Beatrice passed away on October 3rd, 2010, but her love and teachings are forever alive.
Fire Heart: The Life and Teachings of Traditional Maya Healer of Belize Miss Beatrice Torres Waight
Before her passing, Miss Beatrice dictated this book to Keith Silva who transcribed and published it. This book is amazing and approachable. It truly allows you to feel Miss Beatrice’s shining personality through it and has gems of wisdom for everyone!
This book contains my life story, Yucateca Maya ceremonies, plant uses, cooking recipes, and many things that the Yucatec Mayas practiced from way back in the rainforest. There are many books which are written about the Maya people and our traditions and wisdom, but this is a book written by myself, a Yucatec Maya woman, who had the Maya ways passed down to me through many generations. You will learn in this book how the Ancient Mayas practiced women’s wellness with womb massage, herbal steam baths, good nutrition, herbs and a happy life. You will learn how Maya men and women maintain their physical and spiritual health and that of their families with special prayers, ceremonies, herbal baths, medicinal teas and special care to their bodies and spirits.
-Miss Beatrice Torres Waight
All proceeds go to fund Miss Beatrice’s grandchildren’s education in Belize
If you have any questions about “Full Circle”, please contact me! Thank you so much for your interest and support!