The word shaman is derived from the word szaman from the language of the Tungus tribe that dwells in Siberia. Although linguists are uncertain of its exact meaning, one possible translation is "pathfinder."
A Shaman is a person who travels to other dimensions and brings back information to help his fellow men, and one who uses the virtues of power plants and other spiritual forces to benefit and heal others. Shamanism is considered spiritual medicine, and can work in harmony with allopathic and other types of medicine to bring understanding and healing to the being as a whole.
Some forms of Shamanism in Peru are practiced with the aid of certain power plants; in the jungle regions, the Ayahuasca (Banisterosis Caapi), is used to induce altered states of consciousness, and in the Andes, the San Pedro, (Trichocereus Pachanoi), a type of cactus, is ingested to affect the practitioner’s state of mind. Such plants may induce visions and dreams, and teach lessons, which the practitioner may hope to utilize to change and improve his or her way of living
Peru and Bolivia are countries where we live with and respect the beliefs of our ancestors. The Apus of the mountains speak to us, and some have learned to communicate with them and tap into their potent forces. When we visit the wilderness, especially in the high places of Peru, we can experience an inner quiet that is reflected in the beauty and emptiness of our surroundings. We can take part in ancient rituals created to communicate with and ask for guidance from the spirits that inhabit these vast snowy peaks.
In the Andes religion, Wiracocha is the God over the three worlds: Hanan Pacha, the upper world; Kay Pacha, the earth, where humans and animals live; and Ukhu Pacha, the underworld. The Sun, or Inti, is highly venerated and temples were erected to him in every site the Inkas conquered, the most well-known being the Koricancha, in Cusco.
Many other dieties exist in Andean spirituality, such as Pachamama, Mother Earth and Pachatata, Father Sky. Lightning, thunder, pumas, condors, snakes, and other creatures and natural phenomena were all venerated by the ancient peoples of the Andes.
The Paqos, or Andean priests perform different rituals to venerate the Apus, their primary deities. They prepare Pagos, or payments, out of coca leaves, which are chosen from among the best leaf specimens. Three leaves are used to form a k´intu, or “coca bundle,”and these play a central role in the Payment to the Earth ceremony.
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