It sounds as though you were in a discreet, under-the-radar group. These can be hard to identify, and you're often recruited through a trusted friend or relative. And if you're a member of a travelling group with a hectic schedule structured around frequent rituals/art performances, you're kept busy, tired, and all the constant travelling keeps you dependant on both the group and leader.
Its not uncommon for arts groups to be vulnerable to cultic takeover. There is a group listed on this websites's database. If you read some of the information you may see a few similarities to what you went through.
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culteducation.com]
The members of this group are not Native American but like your group, they target people in the arts and keep members constantly busy on hectic projects and use intimidation and a very scary belief system to enforce fear and make it difficult and traumatic to leave.
Persons trying to connect with their own Native American roots are especially vulnerable, because there are now so many counterfeit shamans and fake medicine people. There's no official way of being credentialled as a shaman or medicine person. If you're checking the credentials for a physician or attorney --its easy. You can check the county medical association or the bar association.
But there's no equivalent way to run a background check on a shaman. And the people making these claims are often so charismatic, that skepticism rapidly becomes unthinkable when we are in their presence..
Unless you're very lucky and have family networks of knowledgable relatives, all too often you're forced to take someone's word for it. And, all too often, these people lie.
Did this guy present any clear proof that he really knew Aztec traditions? Chances are he could cooked something up. Carlos Castaneda was the first one to do this--and he made a ton of money doing it--and inspired others to get in on the act.
Amy Wallace wrote a brilliant, horrifying book about her time as a member of Castaneda's inner circle--it may bear similarities to your group. Like you, she barely escaped with her life. Her book is entitled [i:b73568e569]The Sorcerer's Apprentice:My Life With Carlos Castaneda[/i:b73568e569].
I recommend that you only read it when you have some supportive friends around, because you may find it very upsetting. I got so mad while reading it I nearly threw it across the room.
You're [i:b73568e569]very [/i:b73568e569]fortunate you didnt get sick or incur injury from dehydration (severe, heat related water loss). I was involved in athletic events where people had to be hospitalized for that!
People like your former leader are very, very persuasive. He probably knew that lots of people in your area wanted to study Native American spirituality, and he created a story line and approach best suited to win you over. People like him need followers--they're nothing without them.
Len Oakes describes these people very well in his book [i:b73568e569]Prophetic Charisma[/i:b73568e569]
. And there is a whole thread on commercial shamanism you can read here:
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board.culteducation.com]
These two articles are very good
How to Spot Abusive Spiritual Teachers
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www.resonateview.org]
Considering Having Sex with Your (Priest, Lama,Nagual, Shaman, Therapist)?
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www.resonateview.org]
Again, cogratulations on getting out.
When you recover, you might think of consulting a lawyer then seeing if you can persuade a local newspaper to do a feature story on this group so people will know to beware.