"An Andean prophecy, guarded and kept by the Q’ero Nation, says that their
rituals and their traditional ways of relating to the givers of life are the medicine, the destiny; that we need to live in harmony with nature and restore the balance between humans and Mother Earth."
In Andean cosmology of Peru, there are three basic principles from which spirituality, rituals, and ideology arise: reciprocity (ayni), proportionality (tinkuy), and complementarity (yanantin). Another important concept in the Andean world, Pachatussan means "Pillar of the Earth," interpreted as "the principle that supports time, space, and eternity," and it is the "element that sustains the world."
The path of wisdom arises from the interconnection (tawa-chacana) between two beings. Interrelation is what gives us existence. The relationship between two is only possible through dialogue and consensus, and this dialogue must be based on proportionality for the balance of life. In Andean cosmology, this balance relationship applies to all forms of life in nature. Humans are just a part of this relationship among living beings, a thread in the cosmic fabric.
Proportionality is balance and mutual benefit. Reciprocity is the the connecting relations of redistribution. Complementarity is the concept where nothing works with only one element; to see the complete horizon, a complementary pair is needed; man and woman together can see the entirety. The path of wisdom is a result of the balanced relationship (proportionality) between two entities: woman-man, white-black, up-down, cold-hot, etc.
The ritual of ofrendas (meaning offerings, payments or clearings) consists of creating a symbolic mesa (altar) where offerings for the earth, nature, and spirits are placed. This is assembled specifically and in detail, including elements such as chicha, coca leaves, alpaca or llama meat, seeds, incense, flowers, sweets, cookies, and other elements representing duality and reciprocity. The ritual includes prayers to Pachamama, the Apus, and other spirits of nature and the cosmos, as well as to ancestors and other beings who protect us in life.
In Inca society, many gods were revered, so many types of ofrendas were made. The main gods were: the sun (Inti), Mother Earth (Pachamama), the Apus (spirits of the snowy mountains), the sea (Mama Cocha), water, the moon, and the stars. For both the Incas and today's Andean people, offerings have a sense of reconciliation with spiritual forces to avoid misfortunes and ask for favors from nature. These types of ceremonies must be performed by Andean masters (Paqos) and by people initiated in Andean cosmology.
The ofrenda rituals create balance between the feminine and the masculine; this is a way in which people give back what they have taken and received from the earth. Here appears the principle of reciprocity between the being and nature, which in the Andes is called "Ayni," meaning cosmic reciprocity.
The rituals have a mission: reconciliation and reconnection, through "Ayni," with the spiritual forces and the sacred. During an ofrenda, we value the cycles of life, family, Mother Earth, balance, and the sacred spirit technologies of the Andean culture. The ancestral Andean ofrenda is a moment to sow dreams.
The ofrenda is also to recognize the journey, life, the cycles. Offering consciousness, gratitude, and acknowledgment of what life gives us. All vibrations are invited to the mesa (altar), all the food that will be given to Mother Earth, in order to return to balance from consciousness, from knowledge, and emotions.
An Andean prophecy, guarded and kept by the Q’ero Nation, says that these rituals and their traditional ways of relating to the givers of life are the medicine, the destiny; that we need to live in harmony with nature and restore the balance between humans and Mother Earth."
There are several “ofrenda rituals” that I offer as part of my services depending on the intention and purpose.
My interest in Andean cosmology began about 13 years ago when I learned the rites of Munay Ki (developed by Alberto Villoldo). These rites are based on ideas and concepts of initiation from the masters of the Andes and the Amazon. These rites are not practices carried out by the Q’ero masters of Peru. Still, it was through these practices that my curiosity about Inca cosmology and its rituals began.
During my most recent trip to Cusco, I received an initiation (K’arpacion) from the Q’ero master (Luis) and studied for several days with the Q’ero master (Fortunato) the use of ofrendas (payments or cleansing rituals) for different intentions and purposes.
I am happy to now be able to offer these ofrenda rituals as part of my services for healing, energy cleansing, veneration, and reciprocity with Mother Earth.
Each ofrenda is crafted according to the intention and purpose:
Pachamama (Mother Earth): Gratitude and Reciprocity
Wellbeing, Abundance and Health
Harmony and Healing
Union, Relationships and Love
Life Transitions
Moon: Fertility and Emotional Balance
Clean Negative Energy
Welcoming and Reunion Celebration
To learn more and schedule your OFRENDA: trueisense@gmail.com
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