Call : Abundance & Reciprocity
Ayllu Forum
Wed 5/22 ( Ayllu Members Only )
Abundance Tip: Abundance & Reciprocity -- shamanic view of wealth and ayni
The symbiotic relationship of the flowers attracting the bees so they will pollinate their flowers and in turn take away pollen to make honey is a classic view of reciprocity in nature. How can you set up your own reciprocity with nature's abundance?
This is the time of spring when flowers and trees bloom. This is also the time of bees that are drawn to the pungent odor of the flowers. This symbiotic relationship of the flowers attracting the bees so they will pollinate their flowers and in turn take away pollen to make honey is a classic arrangement of reciprocity in nature Imagine the bee's dance to its nest when it returns to give instructions to find the riches of flowers blooming in their neighborhood! What an abundance of riches. What a perfect example of what the Peruvians called ayni. Ayni is when there is a give and take, when what you receive you give back to, in some fashion.
The relationship of ayni is a relationship with the universe, with the mother earth, and with the unseen forces of the world around us. When we are in right relationship or ayni or a reciprocal relationship with the world around us, then the world knows that we value them, that we appreciate them, that we want to give back to them in appreciation for what we've received. When we offer something in return, the universe in turn helps us with that we are working to accomplish. These somethings we offer in ayni need not be the same in proportion, but a representation or a symbolism of giving.
In Peru, the people have a long-standing behavior of creating and offering despachos in reciprocity. Regularly, a despacho is created for any birth, first planting of the season, harvesting, weddings, ground breaking for a new home, etc. Additionally, a despacho is created when someone is sick to help restore one's ayni with the universe so that they will become well. They believe that illness is a corresponding result of no longer being in ayni with the universe.
A despacho is a gift which is created of flowers, leaves (with prayers), and small objects from nature (e.g., shell, incense, seeds, dried fruits) and man-made objects (e.g., candies, thread, cotton, paper). Each object represents an organizing principle and is placed in the despacho with the intention of creating momentum for healing and reciprocity in that area. For example, the shell represents the womb of pacha mama or mother earth and a fig represents our ancestors and the seeds that they have sown on behalf of their children.
My teacher of Peruvian shamanism says the following about despachos:
"The Despacho is a gift or giveaway for the organizing principles of the Universe and constitutes the central axis of energetic exchange for healing, re establishing perfect Ayni or protection. The Despacho Ceremony is the living embodiment of the shamans landscape of life, that which meets at the level of the soul and ultimately connects to the source of all creation. The Despacho Ceremony, in its physical beauty, is a journey to the essence of nature, and with the assistance of the spirit world we weave the energetic inner workings and symbolism of each element of our offerings into our own daily life's tapestry.
Traditionally, in the Andes this ceremony is performed individually or communally after each earth cycle to renew and re-imprint the powers of nature on our luminous body, to connect with the Universe and accomplish perfect Ayni, not only for us personally but for the wellbeing of our Ayllu (community). A Despacho brings the shaman into harmonious relationship with heaven and earth, aligning the three worlds (Uhupacha or lower world, Kaypacha or middle world, Hanqpacha or upper world) and the organizing principles of the Universe. Each item of offering represents a prayer and a gift of power that sparks the momentum for energy shifts and healing." (Jose Lois Herrera, Shaman's Cosmology class. BC Canada -- April 2008)
It's time for everyone to take a page from the Peruvian book on reciprocity and begin practicing a relationship of give and take with the world. These ceremonies however elaborate or simple will change how you relate to the world, and how the universe relates back to you.
It time for you to become your own bee in the universe and give back and dance the dance of abundance.
Next Month: Depriving -- the opposite of abundance.
Join us for Upcoming Despacho Ceremonies
All Ceremonies are 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Stonehouse Bookstore, Kirland
July 13, & July 20
August 17, & August 24
Check the Calendar as well.
Edited: June 12, 2008 06:55AM
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