Offerings

When was the last time you thanked Nature? If you’re a shaman of the Andean tradition, the answer to that question is probably “All the time”.

It is interesting to consider the fact that Nature has given us so much - we owe literally everything to her. And yet there is a tendency among us to never consider thanking her for it. Of course, we can never realistically pay Nature back for all she has given us, but we can attempt to restore the balance. We can bring our consciousness towards a state of gratitude and, over time, develop a deep relationship with her. If you learn how to talk to her, she will talk back! It is simply a manner of knowing the method of communication.

Andean shamans live in colder climates than their Amazonian counterparts. As a result, they do not enjoy the same variety of plant and plant spirits as their peers. What Andean shamans have instead is the spirits of thousands of mountains, lakes, and rivers. Andean shamans have developed extremely complex systems for making offerings - if the offering is performed correctly, the shaman or their patient may receive something in return, such as rain for one’s crops, healing for one’s sick family member, or success in one’s business. It would be a mistake, however, to view an offering as a transactional exchange. We should never make an offering with demands in mind, or with the mindset that if we give this, we shall receive that. It is better instead to simply make the offering out of gratitude and know that Nature received it (and I promise you she will).

People have called on me to make offerings on their behalf for a variety of reasons including: asking for good luck in a recently purchased home, wishing for blessings for a newly married couple, asking for healing following the end of a romantic relationship, and celebrating sacred holidays like the solstice and the New Year. An offering, when properly performed, can ensure that one’s message is heard.

If you would like to learn more, feel free to Contact me.