Sacred ceremonies play a large part in the lives of the indigenous people of the high Andes.  Much preparation and care is taken to make sure the ceremonial foundation adheres to the ancient wisdom teachings.   

The indigenous people use coca leaves in their spiritual ceremonies.  They regard the spirit of the coca most highly as it offers healing, aids altitude sickness and enables users access to higher dimensional planes of experience.  Some of the wise medicine men and women use the coca leaves to read the future path of an individual, a group or a community much like we in the western world have palm and tarot readers.

During my five-day ‘elder’ experience at Charazani, in a remote area of the highlands of Bolivia, I was expected to take part in some of these ancient ceremonies. Each member of the international circle of elders was given a sacred ceremonial bag in which to place the gifted coca leaves and we were asked to chew upon these leaves during ceremony.  These leaves are also used as an herbal tea infusion that is offered to visitors to the high plateau of Peru and Bolivia.  It certainly aids altitude assimilation and I recommend it most highly to my adventuring Andean groups.

The ceremony for the 2008 September equinox was an awesome experience.  It was held on a mountain top overlooking the small village of Charazani and, from about 5.30AM, in the freezing cold and magical mist, some 150-200 people from all around the world emerged from their rooms or tents and began hiking to this elevated area. On this peak was a large Christian Cross and on the adjacent mountain peak was a large statue of Jesus.  These people have incorporated the Spanish religion into their lives whilst still maintaining their ancient spirituality.

This ceremony however, was completely Andean.  All present were smoked to cleanse their auras and the sacred fire was continually fuelled so it would burn throughout the ceremony.   Men and women filed to the two altars separately, each reverently giving their offerings to Pacchamama (Mother Earth).   The Andean people have tremendous reverence for Pacchamama and Father Inti (the Sun that provides life force energy) and for the elements.  They are completely sincere in their thanksgiving ceremonies. They totally believe that if we do not give thanks for all the food, shelter, warmth and life force energy we receive daily, perhaps one day we may not continue to experience this abundance.  At the conclusion of the two-hour ceremony all enjoyed much frivolity, music and dance.   

The Andean people are poor by western material standards but so rich in their spirituality.  It is an enriching and life-changing experience to learn of their way of life and their ancient culture.

For those interested in experiencing the Andean culture with me you may care to check out the 2009 adventure by 'Clicking Here'.

Ashtara

The ancient practice of Ayni is still very prevalent in the high Andean mountain areas of Peru and Bolivia.   This is an ancient spiritual practice that has endured for thousands of years.   The indigenous people believe that, to experience a rich, nourishing, abundant and fulfilling life the expression of gratitude and appreciation for all we experience in life is to be expressed daily.  When one gives this love and appreciation with sincerity the etheric channels are then open to receive.   This is Ayni.  It is a practice of reciprocity.

The indigenous Indians of this land believe that each of the mountains, lakes, four directions, elements and sacred places have a guardian spirit. They offer gifts to the Spirit of these places with great reverence, humility and love.  It is a heart-warming experience to take part in these ancient ceremonies and to experience the acceleration of energy flow.

One of the greatest gifts of love and appreciation they offer is to Pacchamama, a name they give to Mother Earth, because, without her offerings of food, shelter, water and beauty we would not be able to survive.

I have just returned from a five day annual international Gathering of Elders in Charazani, a remote village in the highlands of Bolivia. At this Gathering was an amazing blending of cultures. Approximately 300 people attended the Gathering from about 20 different countries.   The small village was overloaded with pilgrims and the resources were limited.

Indigenous elders  from Mexico, USA, Gautamala, Eduador, Brazil, Argentina and many other South American countries gathered together to celebrate the uniting of the Eagle and the Condor, i.e. the North and South American indigenous cultures.  There was much Ayni present.

I was given the honor of  elder status at the Gathering, being asked to be part of the Council of Elders (Grandmothers and Grandfathers who carry much wisdom) and to attend Council meetings.
I felt incredibly privileged to be the only white person in this Council.

I will write more about my experiences at this Gathering within the next couple of days.
 
Blessings and love to all,
Ashtara

Adventuring brings up the unexpected.   It takes us out of our comfort zone and offers opportunity for greater self-exploration and understanding.  As I arrived into Cuzco airport, the ancient spiritual capitol of Peru, the joyful and excited faces of my unofficially adopted Peruvian children, Teresa and Fredy Conde, greeted me.  Teresa was the first Peruvian I met when I began my adventures here in 2000.  Her welcoming smile was as bright as it was then.

This time she is six months pregnant, carrying twins.  Fredy is my Peruvian tour guide and adopted son.  I encouraged them to form a tour business and now Andes Journeys is flourishing.  I entered their lives following the early passing of their mother and am regarded by them as their spiritual Mom. I am proud to be the godmother of Teresa’s delightful five-year old daughter Camilla.  

Being immersed in this family, experiencing their love and warmth, and being privileged to spend some hours with Fredy’s one day old baby daughter, born the day after I arrived, has allowed me the opportunity to ponder upon the value of family.

I see how each family member is a reflection of a different aspect of self and, by learning to value, accept and honour each family member for their teaching we have the opportunity to reconnect these aspects within ourself.  This enables wholeness and love.

I feel very fortunate indeed to have families in four different countries of the world.  Australia is my home and my family there are unconditionally supportive.  Some do not understand the work I do, nor have the desire to do so, however they respect and love me for who I am.  This warms my heart. My son married an American girl in the early 1990’s and has lived in USA since then.  He and his wife have two daughters and I will be visiting them for Christmas.   Within a few days I will be connecting with a group of North American indigenous elders and reuniting with my Bolivian adopted family.   And, through internet technology, am connecting a global family.

I see clearly how valuable is my connection to each of you.  My heart feels so full as I appreciate the opportunity to expand my family.


Blessings and love to all,
Ashtara