Peru Trip

The offering made by the shamans to the spirit is called a Haywarkuy. When the offering is being burnt by the Sharman it is called despacho. The rituals are very important and the offerings can be burnt or buried.

The Haywariky Aklly is most sacred; this ceremony is always performed by a
qualified specialist called Pakko, he or she is also referred to as the Aurando. Offerings by different specialist can differ.

Sharman - Kucho

First they appoint a place to perform the ceremony then a date, usually a Tuesday or Friday night when the energy is regarded high.

Then prayers are made to the Apu (the spirit of the mountain) then a colourful woven cloth is laid out pointing toward the setting sun. A small cloth containing coco leaves is set out and the Pakko reads them to determine whether the offerings is sufficient and the time appropriate to send to the supernatural beings for whom it is destined. If there is a Chayka (negative energy) they must wait. If the offering and time is right then the offering that has already been prepared by the Pakko is carefully unwrapped, the paper removed, opened and placed on the cloth. Each item of offering comes wrapped separately. This is Kuka K'intukuna which is a form of payment to the supernatural beings.

Each person is asked to take twelve coco leaves, all must be perfect then place three between each finger. White corn is then removed from the husk and placed in pairs between which are placed almonds and a piece of fat of the Pakocha in a semi circle facing east. Scattered around are the varieties of candies, crackers, peanuts, coco seed, bread, gold and silver paper flutes and gold and silver thin sheets of paper. Each facing four directions. At the center of the cloth is an animal fetus, with the head facing in four directions. At each side of the fetus head is placed a gold and silver leaf, then coloured beads are placed between the feet of the fetus. You are then asked to place your coco leaves in the offering with your prayers and wishes they are placed in a semi circle face up with the stems to-ward the west.

The offering is done in a very respectful and sacred manner, as it will be burned. This also is done in a sacred place where the Apu lives (the devine lord of the mountains). The offering has to be burned before the first crow of the dawn;if not, the offering will not be successful. When the fire has died down the Sharman will place the offering on the hot charcoals facing east. The spiritual beings will then partake in the abundance of food and gifts they have received. One would then pray and chant until the offerings has completely burned.

Temple of the sun Bolivia