Ancestral Andean Religion
Discussing Andean Religion is to tread difficult paths. It involves bringing the most authentic aspect of the Quechua Spirit into a modern world accustomed to artificiality—a world that has lost the ability to interpret myths, legends, rituals, and the faith of a unique people.
Cuadernos Andinos does not seek to fully understand the magical and co-religious world of the Andean man. Instead, it tirelessly searches for documents, data, and experiences that bring modern humanity closer to an initial understanding of the paraphernalia, rituals, and celebrations of Andean Religion. Little by little, these efforts reveal the precepts of its transcendental religion.
To better understand this section, we begin by exploring the Cosmogony of the Inca World and its intimate relationship with religion. These two aspects are considered inseparable. From their essential connection, two fundamental concepts emerge:
Cosmogony
The Andean worldview is based on three main foundations:
- Hanan Pacha (The Universe):
- The Sun, the Moon, the stars, lightning, rainbows, rain, wind, and clouds.
- Kai Pacha (The Earth):
- Mountains, rivers, stones, water, animals, and plants.
- Uju Pacha (The Inner World):
- Ancestors, subterranean dwellers, elves, spirits, demons, and “sacred beings.”
Religion
Andean Religion is deeply connected to the three worlds of their cosmogony, focusing on the following elements:
- Pachayachachic:
The Creator of heaven and earth, universal organizer, Supreme God, the beginning and the end. - Inti:
The created God, “rantin” (mediator), the creator of nature and humanity. - Apus:
Spirits inhabiting high altitudes, dwelling in mountains and sacred spaces such as:- Mallquis (mummies),
- Conopas, Vilcas, and Illas,
which are creators and protectors of humanity.
This structure reflects a deeply interconnected system where the natural, spiritual, and human realms coexist in harmony.
Reference:
- Candia, C. (2002). Cuadernos Andinos n°1. Ancestral Religion. Centro de Estudios Cusqueños AYNI.
