Yet another early morning. This time we are seated at breakfast at 5:15AM, so we could catch the first bus to Machu Picchu. Today is Winter Solstice in Peru and we care racing to the Temple of the Sun to watch the first rays of light come through the window confirming this solar event! Afterwards, our group found a secluded area to hold a New Pacha despacho ceremony. |
Once Jose Luis opened sacred space and called in the directions and animistic forces of nature, we sat in a circle with our mesa, and opened our Wiracocha and three energy centers. For this despacho, which ushers in a new year and a new 12 month cycle, we each made 12 k’intus that held our prayers for Pachamama (Mother Earth), apus (mountain spirits), ourselves, our families, our allyus, etc.
Then, one person at a time, our k’intus were passed to Jose Luis, who placed them in a circle around a small shell representing our allyu that held other figurative representations. When all the k’intus were placed, we began “feeding” them with sugar. seeds, legumes, grains, candy, etc. My contributions to “feeding” the despacho were amaranth for vitality and chocolate for sweetness. After the despacho was completed, we cleansed each other’s luminous energy fields with it. |
Last, we were told to find a special place somewhere at Machu Picchu and make seven k’intus into which we would breathe our prayers for any unfinished business, contracts or promises we made to other people or unfinished tasks or activities. These, we were instructed to bury deep within Pachamama so she could transform them into illya and we could reclaim the kausay (energy:life-force) that otherwise was being directed towards them.
Before parting company, Jose Luis transmitted the Pampamesayoq Rites to Ellen, George and me — this was not the first time I’d received these rites, but it was the first time I’d received them at Machu Picchu. Needing to sit quietly, we three made our way to a remote part of the ruins to write and process all that has taken place during the past 24 hours.
Before parting company, Jose Luis transmitted the Pampamesayoq Rites to Ellen, George and me — this was not the first time I’d received these rites, but it was the first time I’d received them at Machu Picchu. Needing to sit quietly, we three made our way to a remote part of the ruins to write and process all that has taken place during the past 24 hours.
As the morning heated up, the wispy clouds of dawn gave way to a brilliant blue sky. Compelled to finish my work here at Machu Picchu and to photograph, I literally ran up to the Temple of the High Priestess where, after opening sacred space, I sat in meditation calling in the unfinished business that I was ready to release, blew these into my seven k’intus, and buried them. Feeling lighter and recharged, I drank in deeply the views and gave gratitude to Pachamama and Illa tici Wiracocha for giving me my life, each and everyone of my experiences — including leukemia — and asked for assistance in helping me be more responsive to answering when Spirits calls on me to fulfill my ayni. |
Practically running down the Sun Gate trail, it is a perfect time for last minute photographs of the ruins with Huyna Picchu in the background and photographs of the Temple of the Sun with blue sky and the space behind the wings at the Temple of the Condor!
I also stopped at the top sacred bath, and finding no one around, pulled out my mesa, opened sacred space and held my own water ritual. Unwinding each energy center and opening my Wiracocha, I brought Machu Picchu’s illya into each. Refreshed, I bathed in the sunlight for awhile before closing sacred space and making my way to the entrance and a bus down to Agua Calliente. Remembering how delicious lunch was yesterday, I returned to the same restaurant for a a repeat of lemon trout, tomato and parmesan soup, and creme brûlée! |
At the appointed hour, we met back at our hotel to pick up our luggage, which had been stored after checking out well before the sun had risen. Then, made our way to the train station and ride back to Ollantaytambo, where Willy picked us up in the bus and drove back to Cuzco.
It was almost pitch black outside by the time we arrived at the San Agustin Hotel in Cuzco. After checking in and leaving all our gear in our room, Jane and I headed to the Plaza de Armas for the Fiesta de Cuzco fireworks and pick up her custom-made shoes she’d previously commissioned. Sadly, my favorite restaurant off the plaza was out of chocolate torte, so Jane and I returned to our hotel where we dined with Holly and Marsha. Read. Slept!
It was almost pitch black outside by the time we arrived at the San Agustin Hotel in Cuzco. After checking in and leaving all our gear in our room, Jane and I headed to the Plaza de Armas for the Fiesta de Cuzco fireworks and pick up her custom-made shoes she’d previously commissioned. Sadly, my favorite restaurant off the plaza was out of chocolate torte, so Jane and I returned to our hotel where we dined with Holly and Marsha. Read. Slept!