The Q’ero, direct descendants of the Incas, live in Peru’s Central Andes southeast of Cusco, the ancient Inca capital of the Incas. Known as the Children of the Sun, they have preserved their shamanic traditions over centuries.

Andean shamanism honors the divine feminine and masculine through the Panpamesayoq shamans of Mother Earth and the Altomesayoq shamans of the mountain spirits. These Masters are practitioners of this natural medicine.

The Q’ero worldview centers on living energy, with the cosmos – Kawsay Pachaand the Earth Pachamama)as the two divine sources. These Andean medicine people are skilled in energetic healing, believing that illnesses and traumas attach to the energetic field around the body. By cleansing this field, they restore balance, preventing illness from manifesting physically.

Guided by a prophecy foretelling a new era called Taripay Pacha (the age of self-discovery), they began sharing their wisdom with the western world. This prophecy, linked to the melting of the ice caps in their mountains, predicts a golden age of heightened consciousness.

They aim to reconnect us with Mother Earth and feminine energy, essential for our current phase of human evolution.

Andean cosmology is a rich and intricate system of beliefs and practices that reflect the deep relationship between the Andean people and their natural environment. Rooted in the traditions of ancient civilizations such as the Inca, as well as their predecessors, Andean cosmology is characterized by a holistic understanding of the universe, the interconnectedness of all things, and the interplay between the physical and spiritual realms.

The Three Realms of Existence
Andean cosmology is the concept of a three-tiered universe, which consists of:

• Hanaq Pacha Upper World: This is the realm of the gods, celestial beings, and ancestral spirits. It is associated with the sky, the sun, stars, and other celestial bodies. Deities such as Inti the Sun God and Wiraqocha (the Creator God) reside in Hanan Pacha. This realm represents the spiritual and divine aspects of existence.
• Kay Pacha Middle World: The Middle World is the realm of living beings, including humans, animals, and plants. It is the physical world where daily life unfolds. Kay Pacha is characterized by its dynamic and ever-changing nature, representing the interconnectedness and interdependence of all life forms.
• Ukhu Pacha Lower World: The Lower World is the realm of ancestors and subterranean deities. It is associated with the earth, fertility, and the underworld. Ukhu Pacha is considered a place of renewal and transformation, where life begins and ends in a continuous cycle.

One of the most important figures in Andean cosmology is Pachamama, or Mother Earth. Pachamama is revered as the goddess of fertility, agriculture, and the earth itself. She is considered the source of life, providing sustenance and nourishment to all living beings. Andean people offer prayers, rituals, and sacrifices to Pachamama to ensure bountiful harvests, harmony, health and balance in their lives.
The reverence for nature extends beyond Pachamama to other natural elements such as mountains Apus, rivers, and lakes, which are also considered sacred. These natural features are believed to be inhabited by spirits and deities that play vital roles in the well-being of the community.

Andean cosmology is deeply rooted in the concepts of duality and complementarity. This worldview recognizes the existence of opposing forces that are interconnected and interdependent. Key examples of this duality include:

• Yanantin: The principle of complementary opposites, such as male and female, light and dark, or hot and cold. These pairs are seen as essential parts of a harmonious whole, each balancing and enhancing the other.
• Masintin: The principle of mutual relationships, where elements that are different yet related work together for the common good. This concept emphasizes cooperation and unity within diversity.

Rituals and ceremonies play a crucial role in Andean cosmology, serving as a means to maintain balance and harmony between the three realms of existence. These practices often involve offerings, prayers, music, and dance. Some of the key rituals include:

• Despacho Ceremony: A ritual offering to Pachamama , Apus, Ñustas,Mama Killa where a bundle containing various symbolic items (such as coca leaves, flowers, and grains) is created and offered to the earth. This ceremony is performed to give thanks, seek blessings, and restore balance.
• Inti Raymi: The Festival of the Sun, celebrated during the winter solstice to honor Inti, the Sun God. This festival involves elaborate ceremonies, feasting, and processions to ensure the sun’s return and the fertility of the land.
  Qhapac Raymi: The Festival of the Magnificent, marking the December solstice and celebrating the renewal of life and the beginning of the agricultural cycle.

Today, Inca shamanism remains a vital part of Andean culture. Modern-day Paqos continue to perform traditional rituals and ceremonies, often integrating contemporary elements. The revival of interest in ancient spiritual practices has also led to a renewed appreciation of Inca shamanism, both within and beyond the Andean region.

Andean shamans today are seen as keepers of ancient wisdom, maintaining a sacred connection to nature and the spiritual world. Their practices emphasize harmony, balance, and respect for all living beings, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Inca’s profound spiritual heritage.