For more than 460 years of Christian indoctrination, all men and women have continued to adore:
The Goddess Mother Earth, Pachamama
Pachamama is a living planet, and without our care and love there will be no future for us.
As this millennium draws to a close, humanity is beginning to realize the importance of treating our planet with care and understanding.
Since the days os their pre colombian ancerstor, the Andean people have know that Mother Earth is of great importance. The Quechua word “Pacha” means “planet earth, world, universe that we inhabit”.
Our relationship with Pachamama is so intimate that we consider her an extension of ourselves:
A being requiring care, nourishment, and protection to prevent her from perishing.
Traditions of Pachamama
Because of her importance to a community that is primarily agricultural, the quechua share the food and drink they love with Pachamama.
- Before consuming any alcohol or drink: We spill a few drops on the earth as an offering to Mother Earth. They also offer her small portions of food before consuming it.
- Before consume any kind of food: We offer her small portions by burying them in the earth.
Pachamama loves to receive offerings of flowers, food, and coca leaves from her children.
They summon Pachamama on all special occasions and seek her permission before any activities commence in the community.
- Before constructing a house: We perform a special ritual to ensure Pachamama’s goodwill towards the new residents and her protection.
Pachamama is kind and tolerant, but she may also turn vengeful to those who forget her.
If they do not perform the rituals with integrity, she may manifest as an aggressor and require offerings for matters of importance, known as “Haywarikuy“.
Since ancient times the quechua have believed Pachamama is the biological mother of children. She is connected to everything, and all things are a part of her.
Some Quechua believe that deities leave pre-human children in places such as caves, rocks, and rivers before the elements guide them into a woman’s womb.
They believe that the deity’s union with Pachamama, the mother, transmits the miracle of life with intelligence and love.
The Pachamama affirms her maternity by assuming the role of protector of the children, the weak and the sick.
We are tied to Mother Earth by an umbilicus or life cord that connects us to her womb of creation. If part of Mother Earth is suffering, then the world suffers too.
We see her in everything:
In the wind, the clouds, the rain, the sacred rivers, the lands, the eyes of pumas, condors and serpents.
The Earth is suffering, so we suffer.
We acknowledge the birth and death present in every moment, understanding that Mother Earth has the power to give and take.
References:
Cumes, C and Lizárraga Valencia, R (1995) Pachamama’s Children. Mother Earth and her Children of the Andes in Peru. Llewellyn Publications.
