Day #5 Oracle Route

Ceremony on top of a Sacred Mountain

Picture yourself in a traditional Andean ceremony…

The sun begins its ascent over the rugged peaks of the Andes, casting its warm golden rays upon the sacred mountain where our ceremony will take place. You zip your coat as the cool wind ruffles your hair, a gentle reminder of the high altitude where you stand. Your group gathers around the curandero, a native healer respected for his deep connection to the land and its spiritual traditions.

The ceremony commences with a sacred offering, a gesture of gratitude and respect towards Pachamama (Mother Earth). The curandero carefully arranges colorful bundles of coca leaves, fragrant herbs, and other natural elements in a small, intricately woven cloth. Each item represents a prayer or intention, voicing the hopes and struggles of those gathered.

As the sun climbs higher, the curandero begins to pray in Quechua, the ancient language of the Andes. His voice echoes against the mountains, weaving a tapestry of sound that reverberates through countless generations of ancestors. Together we stand in a circle, eyes closed, allowing the vibrations to envelop us and guide our thoughts inward.

With coca leaves in hand, lifted to the mountains that surround us, the curandero calls upon the spirits of the ancestors and the sacred mountains. The sense of collective intention creates a sacred space of open hearts and reverence.

An Unforgettable Connection to the Spirit of the Andes

Stand in Awe as the Upper World Showers You with its Blessings

As the ceremony unfolds, the curandero invites us each to share our prayers, and offers insights drawn from ancient wisdom. Each exchange nurtures a deeper bond between us, enveloped in the embrace of the sacred mountain. The breathtaking view offers a profound reminder of life’s interconnectedness, with every individual reflecting the struggle and beauty of existence.

Finally, the ceremony culminates in a moment of silence. Everyone turns their gaze to the horizon, watching as the sun illuminates the landscape in stunning hues. In this stillness, there is an unspoken acknowledgment of the blessings bestowed that day. The mountain stands as a silent guardian, holding the intentions and prayers offered, while the group feels a sense of renewal as the ceremony closes.

Initiation to the “Mesa”, Your Andean Medicine Bundle

After the ceremony Karupureq and Flamissia teach our group about the mesa (the Andean medicine bundle), which serves as a sacred tool of connection to the spirits of the natural world. Each participant is invited to choose a vibrant Andean textile, woven with ancestral patterns that symbolize harmony and protection, to serve as the foundation of your mesa.

Sitting in silent meditation, you are invited to attune to the presence of the mountain spirit, feeling its ancient wisdom flow through your heart.

In this moment of deep connection, each of you is guided to select a "khuya," a sacred stone gifted by the mountain spirit, imbued with its energy.

One by one, the Andean curandero blesses each khuya, invoking prayers and the sacred breath of life, before gently placing it into your mesa, creating a personal and living bond with the spirit of the Andes.

With hearts lightened and spirits lifted, we descend from the sacred mountain, carrying with us the wisdom gathered and the blessings received, ready to navigate our paths with newfound strength and clarity.