We have discussed the procedure of the despacho or offering in another blog. However, since it is such a common practice, we have not named each element of it.
Below, we will introduce the three realms to which the elements belong so that you can gather them.
If they are not available in your country, you can replace them with similar objects.
What matters is the intention from the MUNAY.
A complete offering contains the following elements:
From the animal kingdom:
- Sullu (fetus of a vicuña, alpaca, or other camelid)
- Untu (alpaca fat)
- Qoncha (seashell)
- Khawa (seven cups of alpaca wool, representing the rainbow).
The plant kingdom in the offering:
- Unconsecrated host.
- Coca k’intu (bunches of three coca leaves)
- Coca moqllo (coca seed)
- Wira q’oya (an Andean plant)
- Hanku kañiwa (raw cañihua)
- Wayruru (wild seed)
- Saqsa kuti (piece of curly walnut)
- Clavel t’ika (carnation)
- Qhasqa sara (corn kernels)
- Winu (wine)
- Aqha (chicha)
- Uwa tragu (pisco)
From the mineral kingdom:
- Insiensu (incense)
- Machu inciensu (old incense)
- Chiuchi piñi (small beads of various colors)
- Papel de ofrenda (white paper)
- Paña taku-lloq’e taku (sodium nitrate)
- Qori botija (gold jar for the sun)
- Qolqe botija (silver jar for the moon)
- Qolqe recado (pieces of silver paper)
- Krus (a small wooden cross).
In addittion: The color of the ash left from the burned offering is considered an omen for the future:
- White signifies a good harvest, health, and prosperity.
- Black signifies scarcity, illness, and bad luck.
Remember that it is not necessary to have all the elements, as what the Earth appreciates most is the representation of each kingdom and the intention from the heart to receive it.
However, if you wish to have a closer experience, we invite you to participate in the following courses, either in person or online!
You can read more about the offering in the following blogs:
Reference:
- Esternmann, J. (1998) Filosofía Andina. Estudio intercultural de la sabiduría autóctona andina. Seminario San Antonio Abad, Cusco Perú, (pag. 164)
