Geraldine Patrick Encina

Geraldine lives in the Highlands of Mexico, in the sacred landscape of the Otomi Peoples originally called Zanbatha, the Valley of the Moon. 

As an Ethnoecologist and a Cultural Astronomer, Geraldine has generated extensive knowledge about the astronomical, ecological, agricultural and spiritual underpinnings of ancient Mesoamerican timekeeping systems. 

Her Mesoamerican timekeeping theory and practice is helping indigenous peoples revitalize long forgotten calendars and astronomical almanacs. It is also helping people from traditional communities to re-signify the holistic approach to life of their elders by way of honoring and understanding their ancestors’ scientific legacy.

Geraldine also brings a refreshing optic of contemporary ceremonies that happen on specific times

of the year in sacred sites within bioregions stewarded by Olmec, Maya, Otomi-

Toltec, Mixtec or Aztec peoples. 

During 2025, Geraldine and her Maya Earth Timekeepers colleagues in Quintana Roo are creating calendar materials for Yucatec-speaking primary school children, their teachers and families. This is the first step towards the creation of a Center of Biocultural Studies in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, where activities around corn, beekeeping, gum production, weaving, cooking, making traditional instruments, and performing music and dance, are to be revitalized to provide a canvas for the young generations to flourish.