Exploring the Q'eros Community

Honoring Pachamama and the Sacred Healing Traditions

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n the ancient times of the Incas, nature and Mother Earth were revered as divine entities. Even today, the inhabitants of the Andes Mountains still believe in and respect them a lot. They follow ancient traditions that have been passed down for a long time to show their strong faith in Mother Earth. One of the important rituals they do is called the “Offering to Mother Earth,” which is a way to honor Pachamama.

The Offering to Mother Earth is a special ceremony led by wise people known as Paqos. These Paqos are highly respected as master healers and are usually from the Q’eros community in the province of Paucartambo, Cusco. They carry the knowledge and heritage of their Inca ancestors. The Paqos are the spiritual connection between the Sacred Mountains (Apus), Mother Earth (Pachamama), and humanity.

The Offering to Mother Earth is a way to express gratitude for all the things we receive as human beings, both material and spiritual. This gratitude is mainly for nature and the universe, which is represented by the Quechua word “Pachamama” itself.

In Andean culture, Pachamama is very important. She is like a caring and protective Mother who takes care of us every day. She provides us with the resources we need, like the food we eat and the water we drink, to keep us alive. To show our appreciation for all we receive, we have a responsibility to give back through the Offering to Mother Earth, also known as the Ceremony of Gratitude. The Paqos guide people, families, and even children in this ancient ritual using special elements and products from the land. They also lead sacred prayers. This ceremony helps us create a balanced and harmonious relationship with nature and Mother Earth. It reminds us of the deep love and care we have received throughout our lives, from the past to the present and into the future.

August: A Month of Gratitude

According to the ancient traditions and the wisdom of the Paqos, the month of August is a special time to express gratitude to Mother Earth. From the first day of August until the 31st, this period is considered very sacred in Andean culture. Many people take this opportunity to make their thanksgiving offerings and try to create a balance with Mother Earth. August 1st is a significant day during this celebration, known as Mother Earth Day (Pachamama Raymi). On this day, many Andean communities and people come together to honor Pachamama through the Offering to Mother Earth.

According to the ancient traditions and the wisdom of the Paqos, the month of August is a special time to express gratitude to Mother Earth. From the first day of August until the 31st, this period is considered very sacred in Andean culture. Many people take this opportunity to make their thanksgiving offerings and try to create a balance with Mother Earth. August 1st is a significant day during this celebration, known as Mother Earth Day (Pachamama Raymi). On this day, many Andean communities and people come together to honor Pachamama through the Offering to Mother Earth.

elements of Andean offering ceremony

How Can I Become More Grateful?

Being grateful might sound easy, but it takes effort to truly practice it in our lives. However, it’s important to know that we can actively work on developing gratitude. There are many simple things we can do to cultivate a stronger sense of gratitude. Here are a few suggestions:

Embrace the Present: Take moments throughout the day to be fully present in the here and now. Pause, look around, and appreciate the small miracles happening around us, like a beautiful flower blooming, a gentle breeze, or a ray of sunlight. Let’s enjoy and appreciate the magic of each present moment and cultivate deep gratitude for the beauty of life.

 

Reflect on Blessings: Set aside time each day to think about the blessings in our lives. We can write them down in a gratitude journal or silently acknowledge them. Let’s appreciate the things we often take for granted, like having a loving family, good health, or delicious food. Recognizing these blessings reminds us of how abundant our lives are.

 

Live Sustainably: Let’s make conscious choices that show respect for Mother Earth. Small actions like reducing waste, recycling, or supporting local and eco-friendly businesses can make a big difference. By living sustainably, we demonstrate gratitude for the resources she provides and play our part in preserving her beauty for future generations.

 

Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors, immerse ourselves in nature, and let its wonders fill our souls. Take a walk in the park, hike a trail, or simply sit under a tree and listen to the sounds of the natural world. The more we connect with nature, the more we appreciate its healing power and the vital role it plays in our lives.

Spread Kindness: Let’s extend our gratitude beyond ourselves and show kindness to others. Acts of compassion, helping those in need, or supporting environmental causes not only make a positive impact but also create a ripple effect of gratitude and appreciation in the world. Together, we can cultivate a culture of gratitude and make a difference.

By embracing these practices, we open our hearts to the beauty within ourselves and the world around us. With gratitude as our guide, we can live with more purpose, cherish our connection to Mother Earth, and create a brighter, more harmonious future for everyone.

According to the ancient traditions and the wisdom of the Paqos, the month of August is a special time to express gratitude to Mother Earth. From the first day of August until the 31st, this period is considered very sacred in Andean culture. e together to honor Pachamama through the Offering to Mother Earth.

By embracing these practices, we open our hearts...

According to the ancient traditions and the wisdom of the Paqos, the month of August is a special time to express gratitude to Mother Earth. From the first day of August until the 31st, this period is considered very sacred in Andean culture. e together to honor Pachamama through the Offering to Mother Earth.

shaman performing flower cleansing on girl
shaman cleansing man with flower
shaman with two girls

The Q'eros as Guardians of Ancient Wisdom in Peru

The Q’eros people, who are proud descendants of the Incas, hold a special place in Peruvian history and culture. They have preserved the wisdom and traditions of their ancestors, making them the last living link to the ancient Incan civilization and by having a profound understanding of the natural world. They speak Quechua, an indigenous language widely spoken in the Americas. The Q’eros Nation consists of five communities in the Peruvian Andes, with a population of around 2,000.

Clouds between the moutnains of a small village

According to the ancient traditions and the wisdom of the Paqos, the month of August is a special time to express gratitude to Mother Earth. From the first day of August until the 31st, this period is considered very sacred in Andean culture. e together to honor Pachamama through the Offering to Mother Earth.

Well, there are two types of Paqos in the Q’eros Community:

 

The Alto Misayoq Paqos are highly respected as powerful healers who receive their wisdom and knowledge directly from celestial sources. They often have extraordinary experiences, like being struck by lightning, that give them their unique abilities. There are very few of them remaining in the Cusco region.

 

The Pampa Misayoq Paqos, on the other hand, inherit their healing powers from their ancestors, especially from their parents and grandparents. They go through transformative ceremonies called Karpay, which mark the beginning of their spiritual journey and grant them the ability to work as shamanic healing masters.

The Q’eros Community is a living testament to the wisdom and knowledge of their Incan ancestors. Their role as healers is highly respected throughout Peru because they have the power to heal people spiritually and physically. By preserving their traditions and embracing their ancient practices, the Q’eros people keep the flame of Incan culture alive. This ensures that future generations can benefit from their wisdom and teachings.

The Q’eros Community is a living testament to the wisdom and knowledge of their Incan ancestors. Their role as healers is highly respected throughout Peru because they have the power to heal people spiritually and physically. By preserving their traditions and embracing their ancient practices, the Q’eros people keep the flame of Incan culture alive. This ensures that future generations can benefit from their wisdom and teachings.

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