The Andean Soul is not a single entity hidden within the body. It is a living landscape, an energetic being that stretches across time, space, and memory.
The ancient wisdom keepers of the Andes teach that the Andean Soul exists in layers, each carrying a unique vibration, function, and connection to the three worlds (Hanaq Pacha, Kay Pacha and Ukhu Pacha)
These seven layers form the Andean Soul, guiding us through healing, initiation, and deep remembrance of who we are.
The First Layer of the Andean Soul: The Body
Llankay Qocha
The first layer anchors the soul in the physical world. It resides in the muscles, blood, and bones and expresses itself through Llankay—sacred action and service. This layer holds both personal and ancestral memory, and we must heal it through movement, earth work, and deep connection with Pachamama.
“Your soul begins with your body—your first temple and your oldest ally.”
(MacLean, 2012)
The second Layer of the Andean Soul: The Breath
Wayra Ñawi
This is the energetic breath layer, linking the inner winds with Wayra, the spirit of air. It houses emotion, voice, and transmission of intention. When blocked, this layer causes emotional stagnation. We restore it through conscious breath, whistling, and prayers spoken into the wind.
“When you speak from the heart, Wayra carries your truth to the mountains.”
(Núñez del Prado, 2009)
The third Layer: The Heart
Munay Wasi
The third layer resides in the Munay center—the spiritual heart. Here lives our capacity to feel beauty, love without conditions, and live with grace. This layer holds wounds from heartbreak, abandonment, and disconnection. Healing happens through ceremony, k’intus, and time in communion with Apus and Ñustas.
The fourth layer of Andean Soul: The Perception
Yachay Ñawi
This is the layer of Yachay—wisdom and awareness. It governs perception, intuition, and clarity. It also contains limiting beliefs, ancestral programs, and spiritual vows. Cleansing this layer often requires coca divination (kuka qhawarina) or mesa work with a Paqo to realign personal truth with cosmic truth.
The fifth layer of Andean Soul: The Luminous Body
Poq’po Kanchay
This radiant field surrounds and penetrates the body, known as Poq’po—your energetic cocoon. It’s a layer of protection, light, and resonance. Trauma or hucha weakens this field. We nourish it through sami, ritual cleansing, flower baths, and alignment with nature.
“Your Poq’po is the signature of your soul in light.”
(Wilcox, 2004)
The sixth layer of Andean Soul: The Soul-Memory Field
Ñawi Pakarina
This deeper layer connects us to Pakarina—our place of origin, where the soul first emerged. It holds memory from past lives, lineages, and original contracts. In dreams or vision journeys, we may glimpse this layer. It responds to offerings made to sacred lagoons, rocks, or mountain altars.
The seventh layer of Andean Soul: The Star Layer
Hanan Sonqo
This is the highest vibrational soul layer, linking us to Hanaq Pacha—the upper world and stellar beings. It contains our destiny, gifts, and sacred blueprint. This layer activates through Karpay (energy transmissions), visionary dreaming, and service to collective healing. The more we align our life with Ayni, the brighter this layer shines.
Practices to Nourish the Seven Layers
- Work with coca leaves and breath to align your centers
Bibliography
- MacLean, K. (2012). The Shape of the Inka Heart: Wisdom from the Q’ero Masters. UK: Heart of the Andes Press.
- Núñez del Prado, J. (2009). The Andean Cosmovision. Cusco: Willka Nina Press.
- Wilcox, J. (2004). Keepers of the Ancient Knowledge: The Q’ero Mystics of Peru. Vermont: Inner Traditions.
- Miro-Quesada, O. (2010). Lessons in Courage: Peruvian Shamanic Wisdom for Everyday Life. Boulder: Sounds True.
- Tola, F. & Dragonetti, C. (1997). Pensamiento Mítico Andino. Buenos Aires: Biblos.
