Who was this enigmatic figure called "Wiracocha" in the Andean spiritual tradition? The word "Wiracocha" (sea foam), refers to the ancient myth in which he emerged from the foam of Lake Titicaca who came to teach the people the arts and knowledge of civilization. He is also considered the Supreme Creator God. Which version is correct? Can they both be true?

Now commonly known as Mt. Veronica, this female sacred mountain was originally called Wayna Willka (meaning “Sacred Maiden”). Standing next to her partner Mt. Salkantay, she played a very important ceremonial role in the Inca times, as she was considered the protector of agriculture. For this reason, the ancient Peruvians offered her ceremonies to improve the harvest, which continues to this day.

Just like in all the cultures of the world, the Incas venerated the "𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐢 𝐓𝐚𝐲𝐭𝐚," or Father Sun. In this month of June a great festival dedicated to the sun was held beneath the image of "Punchao," (𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘶𝘯).

They say that the festival lasted almost a month, beginning on June 21st, the winter solstice in the southern hemisphere. This great celebration was held primarily to express recognition and gratitude for the Tayta Inti. Today it is re-enacted as “Inti Raymi".

Salkantay (6,271 m) is one of the highest impressive mountains in the Cusco region, and dominates the region all the way to Machu Picchu and beyond. With an impressive triangular peak that is visible from great distances, this spectacular mountain was revered in Inca times and continues to be so today. While Apu Ausangate is higher than Salkantay, they are both considered brother mountain kings of the Cusco region.

Mt. Ausangate is the highest mountain in the region of Cusco, and one of the highest of Peru. To the Cusqueñians, Affectionately called “Tayta” (Father), He is the most powerful "Apu" (the deity that is the spirit of the mountain) of all the Apus in Cusco. Ausangate is guardian the wild animals of the Andes, and guides us to live in harmony with the world of nature and with the world of the deities.

Ever since ancient times, Andean people understood that the world of humans, the world of nature, and the world of the Gods shared life together, and that these worlds are always interconnected. The Apus are spirits of the sacred mountains and other powerful deities, and as such, they are the lords of these three worlds, guiding and taking care of them so that all can live in harmony.

Brothers and sisters of Andean Wisdom Path, it's already the middle of October. In this post we will talk about this month the Incas called, "UMA RAIMI QUILLA." This has always been the month in the Andes when the farmers depended most on sufficient rainfall for the survival of the people. In the Inca times, the Andean people would perform certain ceremonies and practices to cry for rain if their crops were in danger of drying up.

AUGUST - "Yapaquis" in Quechua: the Pachamama month, and the month for sowing.

Welcome, brothers & sisters of Andean Wisdom Path! We are continuing with our Andean Cosmovision mystic posts. Starting today, we will post about the Andean Inka calendar and the events that happen each month.

Today is the bicentennial of the great celebration of Inti Raymi, the festival of the Sun - a modern rendition of the ancient Inca ceremony here in Cusco, once the center (or should I say, Qosqo or "navel") of the Inca empire. It was brought back to life 200 years ago after being prohibited by the Catholic Church. Now it is the pride of the Peruvian people, and attracts thousands from around the world to watch the great spectacle.

While people in North America and Europe are celebrating the summer solstice today, here in Peru it is the winter solstice. For my ancestors the Incas, the winter solstice represented an important moment in the calendar, in its relation with Nature. They had a profound understanding and respect for astronomical phenomena. During the winter solstice the sun reaches its lowest point, after which it begins its gradual ascent, marking the beginning of a new cycle of growth and fertility.

Happy Andean New Year 2023, brothers and sisters! Like my ancestors, I am practicing this sacred tradition, greeting the sunrise and celebrating this important day by blowing the conch, offering a k'intu of three coca leaves, and blessing my misha.
We send you the blessings of the Andean divinities.