Veneration of the dead was an integral part of the Andean civilization, and the huge "chullpas at Sillustani, Puno are proof of this mysterious veneration practiced by the pre-Inca and Inca period.
The department of Puno, is fundamentally a High Plateau (Altiplano) located in the South East corner of Peru. Its landscape surprises because of the vast Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable Lake in the World, and the snow-capped peaks flanking its Eastern side.
Puno city is located on the shores of the Lake Titicaca and only 126 km from the frontier with Bolivia, at 3,827m above sea level.
Puno has been to origin and craddle of very big pre-Inca civilizations and of the mythical legend of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo who emerged from the waters of the Lake Titicaca and went to Cuzco to found the capital of the Inca empire. The Collao Plateau and around Lake Titicaca were the sites in which the following pre-Inca civilizations were born: Pucara, Tiahuanco, Collas, and Lupacas.
Puno is also the melting pot of the 2 most important Andean languages, the Aymara from the South and the Quechua from the North. This incredible mixture has made Puno to gain the title of "Folkloric Capital of Peru." The title is lived up well with the huge number and variety of traditional festivities, dances, and music.
Sillustani, the site that hosts the famous soul houses (Chullpas), great circular towers built to store the funeral remains of the ancient inhabitants of Collao, is about 45 minutes drive, 34 km North of Puno city, on the shores of the Umayo Lagoon. The Lagoon is surrounded by areas of marshland and pasture, which flood on a seasonal basis, however, it loses most of its water through evaporation under the fierce sun and strong winds of the dry High Plateau (Altiplano). It has a maximum depth of 27 meters and connects to Lake Titicaca via Illpa River.
Many of the soul houses (Chullpas) at Sillustani show characteristics similar to the ones found throughout the entire South Central Andes. The insides of the houses were built to hold entire groups of people. Corps were not intentionally mummified, but in the dry environment created by the closed tomb, they survived for centuries. Most of the corps inside the houses indicate burial in a fetal position. The only openings that the soul houses have face East, where it was believed the Sun was reborn by Mother Earth each day.
The architecture of the site is remarkable complex compared with the typical Inca architecture, who used stones of varying shapes, the Colla only used even rectangular edges. Some soul houses are more than 12 meters high. At their bases they are smaller than the top parts. Superb construction techniques were applied in their internal false vault and lateral rock interlocking. Typical Inca materials combine perfectly with Colla elements. The ones known as Lagarto (Crocodile) and Inti-Watana are the most prominent.
Friday, December 29, 2017
Thursday, December 28, 2017
THE GOBLIN OF THE ANDES.
The goblin (Muki in Quechua language) lives in the subterranean caves located in the Andean mountains. They are the most lonely places in the physical world.
The goblin can be by himself or in groups, but they are known to prefer living on their own. They live in a timeless world of eternal darkness and they do not age, as if they were not affected by the pass of time.
The creature exercises a lot of power, it can make metal veins appear and disappear, sense the moods and emotions of the miners, help them through their burdens by making pacts with them to soften their work. The creature gravitates towards discreet and honest personalities, who fulfill their promises and do not share the details of their pacts and interaction made with them. Very often the goblin offers to do the person's duties in exchange for drugs, alcohol or the company of women, as that helps the creature to feel less lonely. They, little by little, the person is transformed into one of them when the overcommitment (addiction) to the pact blind them and show only an illusion of what they were expecting to receive. Their attacks inspire fear in their victims and adversaries.
They are known for stealing defenseless people unfamiliar with the spiritual law of existence that is applied in everything that have live. Elders advise that when dealing with the goblin, one should use his own belt to battle the creature without succumbing to fear. The belt, in the immaterial world, is the understanding of the law and in the material one it ties up the garment of each individual as a bound to serve life and the commitment to harmony that should be maintained between what is seen and what is not.
The goblin belief comes from very old Andean traditions about demons and small creatures who inhabit the "World below"(Uku Pacha). The ones who were the traditional mine crafters, being very aware about the Law of existence, needed to explain many of their extraordinary daily occurrences to their children in order to prepare them for life.
The creature is mentioned in the mythology of the Central Andes. Just like there is diversity in the mining sites, there are many varieties of goblins in the underground world of the Andes. The comparison gives a perceptive mirror of the immaterial world that is so real to the Andean people that reflects what is happening in the subconscious world of a human being.
Despite the distance and the isolation of the mining camps, the belief and the description of the creature is consistent throughout Peru, from the Southern highlands of Puno to Cajamarca in the North. The names differ and in Moquegua is known as chinchiliku, in Puno as anchanchu or janchanchu, in Cajamarca as jusshi, and in Cerro de Pasco and Andean regions of Bolivia as muki.
The oral tradition of each mine help to identify the goblins by region, thus a goblin can be from Huacra-Cocha, Goyllar, Moro-Cocha, The Diamond (El Diamante), Santender,The Temptation Mine (La Mina Tentadora), The Julcani Mine, Excelsior, etc.
The description of the goblin changes with time. Around the 1930s, the creature was described as a small elf with a green outfit, also it was said that the creature wandered the mines while holding a gas lantern and wearing a very fine vicuna cape (poncho, an outer garment that keep the body warm). The creature was also described as having two small shiny horns and to speak with a soft voice. The creature likes to whistle loudly, and that serves as a warning of danger to the miners of their liking. But the description changes as time pass by.
In today Andean mining world, the creature is considered to be a dwarf due to its hight, since it is no taller than 0.61m/2 ft, with a small brawny and disproportionate body. The creature's skin is very pale and it carries a mining lantern. The head is attached to body lacking a neck. Sometimes it is described as having pointy ears.
The creature's voice is deep and husky, not matching its appearance. Its long hair is bright blonde, the face is hairy and reddish with a long white beard. The creature's look is deep, aggressive, and hypnotic and the eyes reflect the light as if they were made of metal.
Sometimes it is also described as having two horns that are used to break the rocks and point at the mineral veins. The creature's walk is compared to a duck's walk because its feet are of abnormal size, and sometimes its legs can take the shape of a goose or crow's. Following the safety regulations of today mining work, the creature now wears a helmet, a miner's outfit and studded boots, or waterproof outfit proper of a miner.
The goblin can be by himself or in groups, but they are known to prefer living on their own. They live in a timeless world of eternal darkness and they do not age, as if they were not affected by the pass of time.
The creature exercises a lot of power, it can make metal veins appear and disappear, sense the moods and emotions of the miners, help them through their burdens by making pacts with them to soften their work. The creature gravitates towards discreet and honest personalities, who fulfill their promises and do not share the details of their pacts and interaction made with them. Very often the goblin offers to do the person's duties in exchange for drugs, alcohol or the company of women, as that helps the creature to feel less lonely. They, little by little, the person is transformed into one of them when the overcommitment (addiction) to the pact blind them and show only an illusion of what they were expecting to receive. Their attacks inspire fear in their victims and adversaries.
They are known for stealing defenseless people unfamiliar with the spiritual law of existence that is applied in everything that have live. Elders advise that when dealing with the goblin, one should use his own belt to battle the creature without succumbing to fear. The belt, in the immaterial world, is the understanding of the law and in the material one it ties up the garment of each individual as a bound to serve life and the commitment to harmony that should be maintained between what is seen and what is not.
The goblin belief comes from very old Andean traditions about demons and small creatures who inhabit the "World below"(Uku Pacha). The ones who were the traditional mine crafters, being very aware about the Law of existence, needed to explain many of their extraordinary daily occurrences to their children in order to prepare them for life.
The creature is mentioned in the mythology of the Central Andes. Just like there is diversity in the mining sites, there are many varieties of goblins in the underground world of the Andes. The comparison gives a perceptive mirror of the immaterial world that is so real to the Andean people that reflects what is happening in the subconscious world of a human being.
Despite the distance and the isolation of the mining camps, the belief and the description of the creature is consistent throughout Peru, from the Southern highlands of Puno to Cajamarca in the North. The names differ and in Moquegua is known as chinchiliku, in Puno as anchanchu or janchanchu, in Cajamarca as jusshi, and in Cerro de Pasco and Andean regions of Bolivia as muki.
The oral tradition of each mine help to identify the goblins by region, thus a goblin can be from Huacra-Cocha, Goyllar, Moro-Cocha, The Diamond (El Diamante), Santender,The Temptation Mine (La Mina Tentadora), The Julcani Mine, Excelsior, etc.
The description of the goblin changes with time. Around the 1930s, the creature was described as a small elf with a green outfit, also it was said that the creature wandered the mines while holding a gas lantern and wearing a very fine vicuna cape (poncho, an outer garment that keep the body warm). The creature was also described as having two small shiny horns and to speak with a soft voice. The creature likes to whistle loudly, and that serves as a warning of danger to the miners of their liking. But the description changes as time pass by.
In today Andean mining world, the creature is considered to be a dwarf due to its hight, since it is no taller than 0.61m/2 ft, with a small brawny and disproportionate body. The creature's skin is very pale and it carries a mining lantern. The head is attached to body lacking a neck. Sometimes it is described as having pointy ears.
The creature's voice is deep and husky, not matching its appearance. Its long hair is bright blonde, the face is hairy and reddish with a long white beard. The creature's look is deep, aggressive, and hypnotic and the eyes reflect the light as if they were made of metal.
Sometimes it is also described as having two horns that are used to break the rocks and point at the mineral veins. The creature's walk is compared to a duck's walk because its feet are of abnormal size, and sometimes its legs can take the shape of a goose or crow's. Following the safety regulations of today mining work, the creature now wears a helmet, a miner's outfit and studded boots, or waterproof outfit proper of a miner.
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
THE ANDEAN MARRIAGE.
In the Andes of Peru the cosmogony of the Incas associated with a wedding is highly mystical and sacred so it does all the ritual performed by an Andean Priest (Shaman) along with all the forces of nature.
For many centuries the Andean people, continuing the tradition on their descendants, keeps the practice of these sacred ceremonies. They consider the union of man and woman a perfect balance of forces, so, in maintaining the harmony of the union they will prosper and happiness, left in the hands of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth), will come in material and immaterial abundance. The protection of the Apus, who are the guardians against the forces of the enemy who desire evil, is guarantee as long as the harmony of forces exists.
Then an Andean marriage is perceived as a spiritual and mystical bonding ceremony of a couple of opposite forces and at the same time complementary, that its meaning and preparation causes more deeper and subconscious effects. In the duality of the union, the presence of Universe and the Mother Earth (Pacha Mama) is symbolically represented by the 4 elements of nature, Water, Wind, Fire, and Earth. The couple will obtain the sacred power channelled through the Andean Priest, in which the divine energy is received in an exact way as if a baby is born through the union of the forces of the Universe and the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). All these energies initiate the new life of the spouses.
The sacred ritual has to be performed by an Andean Priest or Shaman who knows the ancient and sacred tradition of the Andean marriage (Arac Masin), and all its details. Many times he is accompanied by an assistant, who is called "Aclla."
To perform the ceremony, it is necessary for the couple to commit themselves to the ritual, in which all of the natural energies present at the site are including in the union symbolizing the connection between nature and humanity. That is the reason why the couple need to go to a site surrounded by mysticism and sacred energy, full of nature and peace, and they have to wear the typical attire.
The opening of minds and the expansion of the hearts produce the universal connection and interaction of this duality of forces that will transcend to eternity. The beautiful and magical landscapes and colorful flowers along the way mystified the event. The manifestation of Love is so pure and profound.
It represents much more than a traditional and common conjugal union between two individuals in which the marriage is an event filled with pressure, cliches and such little spirituality.
The Andean ceremony is a live interaction in which not only do the people present participate, but also are present all the sacred deities considered part of the Andean religion. We can mention here the main ones that constitute the Andean duality which is composed of the Apus (Mountain Spirits), representing the masculine force and the Pacha Mama (Earth Mother), representing the complementing feminine force, and in addition to these two main forces, Water has to be present as is perceived as the element that represent Purity, and the presence of Fire which symbolizes the mystical Journey/Path or Strength.
The couple carry their 3 coca leaves that represent the serpent, puma, and condor (3 levels of existence) and with all of their intentions drop it in the River. The River carried their coca leaves, as a symbol of their everlasting love for each other able to surpass any obstacle along their journey.
For many centuries the Andean people, continuing the tradition on their descendants, keeps the practice of these sacred ceremonies. They consider the union of man and woman a perfect balance of forces, so, in maintaining the harmony of the union they will prosper and happiness, left in the hands of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth), will come in material and immaterial abundance. The protection of the Apus, who are the guardians against the forces of the enemy who desire evil, is guarantee as long as the harmony of forces exists.
Then an Andean marriage is perceived as a spiritual and mystical bonding ceremony of a couple of opposite forces and at the same time complementary, that its meaning and preparation causes more deeper and subconscious effects. In the duality of the union, the presence of Universe and the Mother Earth (Pacha Mama) is symbolically represented by the 4 elements of nature, Water, Wind, Fire, and Earth. The couple will obtain the sacred power channelled through the Andean Priest, in which the divine energy is received in an exact way as if a baby is born through the union of the forces of the Universe and the Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). All these energies initiate the new life of the spouses.
The sacred ritual has to be performed by an Andean Priest or Shaman who knows the ancient and sacred tradition of the Andean marriage (Arac Masin), and all its details. Many times he is accompanied by an assistant, who is called "Aclla."
To perform the ceremony, it is necessary for the couple to commit themselves to the ritual, in which all of the natural energies present at the site are including in the union symbolizing the connection between nature and humanity. That is the reason why the couple need to go to a site surrounded by mysticism and sacred energy, full of nature and peace, and they have to wear the typical attire.
The opening of minds and the expansion of the hearts produce the universal connection and interaction of this duality of forces that will transcend to eternity. The beautiful and magical landscapes and colorful flowers along the way mystified the event. The manifestation of Love is so pure and profound.
It represents much more than a traditional and common conjugal union between two individuals in which the marriage is an event filled with pressure, cliches and such little spirituality.
The Andean ceremony is a live interaction in which not only do the people present participate, but also are present all the sacred deities considered part of the Andean religion. We can mention here the main ones that constitute the Andean duality which is composed of the Apus (Mountain Spirits), representing the masculine force and the Pacha Mama (Earth Mother), representing the complementing feminine force, and in addition to these two main forces, Water has to be present as is perceived as the element that represent Purity, and the presence of Fire which symbolizes the mystical Journey/Path or Strength.
The couple carry their 3 coca leaves that represent the serpent, puma, and condor (3 levels of existence) and with all of their intentions drop it in the River. The River carried their coca leaves, as a symbol of their everlasting love for each other able to surpass any obstacle along their journey.
Monday, December 25, 2017
THE ANDES AND ITS NATURAL SCENERY.
The Andes is the largest of all the mountains ranges in the World, anchored at Cape Horn on the "Land of Fire" (Tierra del Fuego), at the very Southern tip of Chile and Argentina, following the West Coast of South America, creating a dense Mountain barrier of high mountains and volcanoes along its 7500 kilometers; until it is finally lost in the Caribbean Sea and the Plains of Venezuela.
The Mountain barrier of high mountains and volcanoes stops the dense clouds that rise from the Amazon and keeps the hot sands of extremely dry deserts along the Pacific coast cool, which are even drier because of the cold, rich waters of the Humboldt current. This phenomenon reduces the climate temperature and makes it less likely to rain; however, occasionally this happens because of the "Child Chill Breeze (Corriente Fria del Nino)". This phenomenon causes climate changes in the Andes and heavy rains in the North that results in overflowing rivers and floods, while the Southern part suffers a prolonged drought. This event occurs every 3 or 4 years, while the one with devastating consequences occurs every 8 or 15 years.
The geography of the Andes and the variety of climates found along its ranges encouraged the emergence of an amazing natural diversity in the midst of the toughest terrain on the planet.
At the altitude of 600 meters above sea level, the climate is tropical, corn and cotton are the most produced. However, the existence of cotton cultivated at 2,850 meters above sea level was recorded in 1552. On the slopes of the Eastern jungles, fauna is represented by forest animals, including the Amazon alligator, the jaguar and the boa.
There are at least 1,710 species of birds that have been identified, 460 mammals, 330 amphibians, more than 17,000 species of plants and many insects that are not yet counted.
The coca plant, a shrub that grows up to 3 meters high, grows vigorously at an altitude of 1,800 meters.
The plant produces small red berries and a foliage of oval leaves with very soft edges that once dry are chewed to reduce temporarily the feelings of fatigue and hunger during the hours of grueling work in the highlands. The leaves contain carotene, riboflavin, thiamine, iron and calcium, and active alkaloids that helps digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. It is also known that by chewing the leaves or drink the tea made of the leaves alleviates the effect of altitude sickness, helping to relax the airways in the lungs and restore the smooth tone of the muscles of the digestive system to people who are not acclimatized to high altitudes. The leaves are also used in the activities of worship and shamanism.
Botanical studies suggest that coca grew on the mountainous jungles of Peru and spread throughout the Andes. One of the oldest examples of its use was found in the Northern Coast of Peru in Huaca Prieta (2500-1800 BC), where coca leaves were found with lime containers (an alkaline reagent that releases the alkaloids of the leaves). The Incas achieved the control of coca cultivation supplying the whole Empire with the shrub from the jungle to regions near Cuzco, acclimatizing the plant to higher altitudes and so were able to grow in the Sacred Valley.
The Puma/Jaguar, one of the Inca's sacred animals, lives in very high areas where the cultivation of quinoa, amaranth, lupine, potato, and other crops are done. The Puma/Jaguar represented the co-essence for pre- Columbian rulers and such association continue into the present with regard to shamanism. This may have to do with the growl of the Puma/Jaguar, which is said to sound like thunder, and the fact that they generally hunt at dusk and dawn. Dawn and dusk are perceived throughout the Andean people as the "split between the worlds (the unseen and the physical), as they are neither day nor night. These association are also related to shadow, and these are the times of the day when shadows are most apparent. One of the most important characteristic of the Jaguar behaviour is the fact that they are able to swim and even known to fish, and bodies of water symbolize a conduit to the world below. Jaguars are one of the few large feline predators that swim, thus providing a logical association with the underworld.
The Mountain barrier of high mountains and volcanoes stops the dense clouds that rise from the Amazon and keeps the hot sands of extremely dry deserts along the Pacific coast cool, which are even drier because of the cold, rich waters of the Humboldt current. This phenomenon reduces the climate temperature and makes it less likely to rain; however, occasionally this happens because of the "Child Chill Breeze (Corriente Fria del Nino)". This phenomenon causes climate changes in the Andes and heavy rains in the North that results in overflowing rivers and floods, while the Southern part suffers a prolonged drought. This event occurs every 3 or 4 years, while the one with devastating consequences occurs every 8 or 15 years.
The geography of the Andes and the variety of climates found along its ranges encouraged the emergence of an amazing natural diversity in the midst of the toughest terrain on the planet.
At the altitude of 600 meters above sea level, the climate is tropical, corn and cotton are the most produced. However, the existence of cotton cultivated at 2,850 meters above sea level was recorded in 1552. On the slopes of the Eastern jungles, fauna is represented by forest animals, including the Amazon alligator, the jaguar and the boa.
There are at least 1,710 species of birds that have been identified, 460 mammals, 330 amphibians, more than 17,000 species of plants and many insects that are not yet counted.
The coca plant, a shrub that grows up to 3 meters high, grows vigorously at an altitude of 1,800 meters.
The plant produces small red berries and a foliage of oval leaves with very soft edges that once dry are chewed to reduce temporarily the feelings of fatigue and hunger during the hours of grueling work in the highlands. The leaves contain carotene, riboflavin, thiamine, iron and calcium, and active alkaloids that helps digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. It is also known that by chewing the leaves or drink the tea made of the leaves alleviates the effect of altitude sickness, helping to relax the airways in the lungs and restore the smooth tone of the muscles of the digestive system to people who are not acclimatized to high altitudes. The leaves are also used in the activities of worship and shamanism.
Botanical studies suggest that coca grew on the mountainous jungles of Peru and spread throughout the Andes. One of the oldest examples of its use was found in the Northern Coast of Peru in Huaca Prieta (2500-1800 BC), where coca leaves were found with lime containers (an alkaline reagent that releases the alkaloids of the leaves). The Incas achieved the control of coca cultivation supplying the whole Empire with the shrub from the jungle to regions near Cuzco, acclimatizing the plant to higher altitudes and so were able to grow in the Sacred Valley.
The Puma/Jaguar, one of the Inca's sacred animals, lives in very high areas where the cultivation of quinoa, amaranth, lupine, potato, and other crops are done. The Puma/Jaguar represented the co-essence for pre- Columbian rulers and such association continue into the present with regard to shamanism. This may have to do with the growl of the Puma/Jaguar, which is said to sound like thunder, and the fact that they generally hunt at dusk and dawn. Dawn and dusk are perceived throughout the Andean people as the "split between the worlds (the unseen and the physical), as they are neither day nor night. These association are also related to shadow, and these are the times of the day when shadows are most apparent. One of the most important characteristic of the Jaguar behaviour is the fact that they are able to swim and even known to fish, and bodies of water symbolize a conduit to the world below. Jaguars are one of the few large feline predators that swim, thus providing a logical association with the underworld.
THE ANDEAN SHAMANISM.
Shamanism exhibits particular characteristics in the Andes of South America that are distinct to varying degrees from what occurs in other parts of the world. The purpose is to gain true knowledge from the unseen supernatural condition of existence that surpass the information processed by the 5 senses of the human body from the physical world. The most powerful shamans in Peru are those who have been struck by lightning 3 times.
The human experience of passage from one realm to another brings all realms of time and space into a relationship with one another. The origins of this are related in part to being able to anticipate or predict future events and to interpret the past using "true knowledge." The shaman master this process of mystical transition, which essentially constitutes human nature of life and its relationship with the unseen world.
Shamanism is understood as a kind of religious manifestation in which the powerful specialist provide gifts and offerings as well as veneration and respect to the spiritual entities that manifest themselves in return for their advice.
Ethnographic evidence from Northern highlands of Peru indicates the contemporary shamanism use the lakes, ponds, and lagoons near Huancabamba and Catequil of Huamchuco as places in which they reside and work. Locals commonly refers to these places as sites holding the primordial heat, the life force, the spiritual or animate essence that permeates all things -that is, the manifestation of the spiritual realm in whatever form it chooses to take.
The worship of the natural world underscore the fact that the sacred can certainly appear in many forms and the vocation or the calling for shamans is drawn from these type of manifestation. Thus it is properly defined as a divine calling in which the soul of the individual is called in order to acquire true knowledge and it possesses some extraordinary capacity or sensitivity to altered states and is able to interpret symbolic images in which the invisible is made manifest in dreams, visions, states of altered consciousness, meditation, sounds, and ecstatic flight.
The communication between the invisible to the visible world is achieved through "Huacas"(energy centers), by sensing or identifying primordial heat. Those areas of the Andes where metal ore deposits are located and where there is the most evidence of metal-crafting and metallurgical arts in general are the preference in terms of habitat for those individuals with the capacity to deal with these type of energies.
Control of Fire (energy) as a technique for spiritual transformation is considered by scholars of comparative religions to have been the first skill that shamans of mythical times developed. Other important associations included an ability to transform into a variety of forms, some meteorological, in the context of soul travel or ecstatic flight, that evokes a strong celestial association.
Contemporary shamans perform ecstatic flight as a result of spirit possession usually a condor or raptor, which imparts "true insight knowledge" or increased intelligence that surpass the boundaries of the five senses, since the astral experience is not caught by the boundaries of the physical world. Also they can take the form of a beam of light, lightning, clouds, or a breeze.
Shamans have close association to raptors, reptiles, and felines,particularly jaguar and puma.
The human experience of passage from one realm to another brings all realms of time and space into a relationship with one another. The origins of this are related in part to being able to anticipate or predict future events and to interpret the past using "true knowledge." The shaman master this process of mystical transition, which essentially constitutes human nature of life and its relationship with the unseen world.
Shamanism is understood as a kind of religious manifestation in which the powerful specialist provide gifts and offerings as well as veneration and respect to the spiritual entities that manifest themselves in return for their advice.
Ethnographic evidence from Northern highlands of Peru indicates the contemporary shamanism use the lakes, ponds, and lagoons near Huancabamba and Catequil of Huamchuco as places in which they reside and work. Locals commonly refers to these places as sites holding the primordial heat, the life force, the spiritual or animate essence that permeates all things -that is, the manifestation of the spiritual realm in whatever form it chooses to take.
The worship of the natural world underscore the fact that the sacred can certainly appear in many forms and the vocation or the calling for shamans is drawn from these type of manifestation. Thus it is properly defined as a divine calling in which the soul of the individual is called in order to acquire true knowledge and it possesses some extraordinary capacity or sensitivity to altered states and is able to interpret symbolic images in which the invisible is made manifest in dreams, visions, states of altered consciousness, meditation, sounds, and ecstatic flight.
The communication between the invisible to the visible world is achieved through "Huacas"(energy centers), by sensing or identifying primordial heat. Those areas of the Andes where metal ore deposits are located and where there is the most evidence of metal-crafting and metallurgical arts in general are the preference in terms of habitat for those individuals with the capacity to deal with these type of energies.
Control of Fire (energy) as a technique for spiritual transformation is considered by scholars of comparative religions to have been the first skill that shamans of mythical times developed. Other important associations included an ability to transform into a variety of forms, some meteorological, in the context of soul travel or ecstatic flight, that evokes a strong celestial association.
Contemporary shamans perform ecstatic flight as a result of spirit possession usually a condor or raptor, which imparts "true insight knowledge" or increased intelligence that surpass the boundaries of the five senses, since the astral experience is not caught by the boundaries of the physical world. Also they can take the form of a beam of light, lightning, clouds, or a breeze.
Shamans have close association to raptors, reptiles, and felines,particularly jaguar and puma.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
THE INCA AND THE COSMOS.
The Inca civilization that flourished in the Andes Mountains in South America, had a great knowledge of astral space, a product of detailed observation. They perceived the influence of the moon and the stars in the way people behave, the plants and the animals. They were able to identify the lunar phases, which could predict the times of rain and drought, the suitable time for planting and harvesting, etc.
The Incas not sow neither harvested in New Moon, on the contrary they did it on full moon. Sun eclipses were regarded as anger or distress in the energies of the sky and in order to apease their anger or prevent that turn off completely, they performed Llama sacrifices with fasting, praise and tears. Also, the passage of a comet, was a negative omen bringing death, natural disasters or wars.
Among the major constellations identified by the Incas, they are: Chakana (South Cross), Colca (Pleyades), Atoq (Fox), Amaru (Snake), Kuntur (Condor), Llut'u (Partridge), Mallki (The Tree of Life), Katachillay (Llama), Hamp'Ato (Toad), etc.
They had observatories on the tops of some mountains but usually were located in their temples. The Inca astronomers lived close to the tops of the mountains, and were dedicated full time to observing the behavior of the stars, also they used the reflection of water (water mirror), and the projection of light and shadow. In sundials as the Intihuatana, they were able to identified very accurately, the dates of the solstices and equinoxes.
Worship was very important to them and they had a very elaborated religion based on the movement of the constellations and stars. They identified each of their movements as a kind of language that the entities living in them had to transmit in the form of special phenomena to promote the harmony between the worlds: physical and non-physical.
The understanding of this phenomena was initiated by cultures that existed prior the Inca civilization. The Incas placed a great importance in these studies of astronomy from previous cultures and absorbed them in such a way that let them to increase their knowledge about the language of the universe. They were the only culture in the World to define constellations of both light and darkness. Spirits that were believed to inhabit any remarkable phenomena were respected and treated as a supernatural entity. Huacas (centers of energy), large boulders, trees, streams or waterfalls were treated as places in which these supernatural entities were able to inhabit.
The Incas, upon looking at the constellations, believed that everything in and around our World was connected through a powerful principle or Law underlying the perception and ordering of objects and events in the physical environments. They believed that Viracocha, the Creator God, had ensured that each of the animal or bird had a corresponding star and that all living things would be protected. The stars needed to be grouped into constellations and that knowledge became very important to them in order to promote from the physical environment entrusted to them the kind of harmony needed to ensure peace between the physical and non-physical forces.
The construction of the famous Machu Picchu site is connected to the stars as a sacred ceremonial site, as an agricultural center, and as an astronomical observatory. The snake in the sky has the same cycle as snakes on the earth, both living in harmony, alongside the other celestial animals.
The constellations were sorted out into two groups: the first group group were observed through the groupings of stars that made connect-the-dots manner to form pictures of animals, images of heroes, gods, and more. These constellations were considered as inanimate. One star grouping, Pleiades was especially believed to be influential over the well-being of animals. The Shamans offered regular sacrifices to the star grouping because it was perceived as a site invested with sacred energy (huaca).
The second group of constellations could only be observed when there were no stars; they were the dark spots or blotches on the Milky Way (Mayu). These dark blotches were considered as living (animate) animals. The animals were believed to live in the Milky Way (Mayu), which they perceived it as a River.
The Inca knowledge of stars and constellations and the importance they had over the agricultural cycle shows us their belief that everything in their World was connected. The sky to them had a very special meaning in managing their day to day life.
The Incas not sow neither harvested in New Moon, on the contrary they did it on full moon. Sun eclipses were regarded as anger or distress in the energies of the sky and in order to apease their anger or prevent that turn off completely, they performed Llama sacrifices with fasting, praise and tears. Also, the passage of a comet, was a negative omen bringing death, natural disasters or wars.
Among the major constellations identified by the Incas, they are: Chakana (South Cross), Colca (Pleyades), Atoq (Fox), Amaru (Snake), Kuntur (Condor), Llut'u (Partridge), Mallki (The Tree of Life), Katachillay (Llama), Hamp'Ato (Toad), etc.
They had observatories on the tops of some mountains but usually were located in their temples. The Inca astronomers lived close to the tops of the mountains, and were dedicated full time to observing the behavior of the stars, also they used the reflection of water (water mirror), and the projection of light and shadow. In sundials as the Intihuatana, they were able to identified very accurately, the dates of the solstices and equinoxes.
Worship was very important to them and they had a very elaborated religion based on the movement of the constellations and stars. They identified each of their movements as a kind of language that the entities living in them had to transmit in the form of special phenomena to promote the harmony between the worlds: physical and non-physical.
The understanding of this phenomena was initiated by cultures that existed prior the Inca civilization. The Incas placed a great importance in these studies of astronomy from previous cultures and absorbed them in such a way that let them to increase their knowledge about the language of the universe. They were the only culture in the World to define constellations of both light and darkness. Spirits that were believed to inhabit any remarkable phenomena were respected and treated as a supernatural entity. Huacas (centers of energy), large boulders, trees, streams or waterfalls were treated as places in which these supernatural entities were able to inhabit.
The Incas, upon looking at the constellations, believed that everything in and around our World was connected through a powerful principle or Law underlying the perception and ordering of objects and events in the physical environments. They believed that Viracocha, the Creator God, had ensured that each of the animal or bird had a corresponding star and that all living things would be protected. The stars needed to be grouped into constellations and that knowledge became very important to them in order to promote from the physical environment entrusted to them the kind of harmony needed to ensure peace between the physical and non-physical forces.
The construction of the famous Machu Picchu site is connected to the stars as a sacred ceremonial site, as an agricultural center, and as an astronomical observatory. The snake in the sky has the same cycle as snakes on the earth, both living in harmony, alongside the other celestial animals.
The constellations were sorted out into two groups: the first group group were observed through the groupings of stars that made connect-the-dots manner to form pictures of animals, images of heroes, gods, and more. These constellations were considered as inanimate. One star grouping, Pleiades was especially believed to be influential over the well-being of animals. The Shamans offered regular sacrifices to the star grouping because it was perceived as a site invested with sacred energy (huaca).
The second group of constellations could only be observed when there were no stars; they were the dark spots or blotches on the Milky Way (Mayu). These dark blotches were considered as living (animate) animals. The animals were believed to live in the Milky Way (Mayu), which they perceived it as a River.
The Inca knowledge of stars and constellations and the importance they had over the agricultural cycle shows us their belief that everything in their World was connected. The sky to them had a very special meaning in managing their day to day life.
Friday, December 22, 2017
THE ANDEAN PEOPLE AND THE COCA LEAF.
The Andean people, specially those living at a very high altitude, has made fundamental changes in their genes to deal with their harsh environment. To cope with the strenuous activities at such high altitudes the use of the coca leaf for medicinal purposes has been a centuries-old tradition.
The coca shrub grows wild across regions of Central and South Andean mountains. The antiquity of its use as a chewing leaf has been confirmed through carbon dating of mummified human remains more than 3,000 years ago, and being an important part of the daily life of the Andean people.
The chewing of the coca leaf provides risk-free benefits to the body of the Andean people when they are participating in remote wilderness activities and are exposed to the physical and environmental challenges inherent to the geographical scenario. The most widely publicized effect of the chewing leaf is its function in increasing work capacity, including reduction of bodily fatigue and the alleviation of thirst and hunger.
There are more than 1.1 million visitors to Machu Picchu (altitude 2,430m) and Cuzco (altitude 3,400m), Peru every year along with sold-out permits for the high altitude Inca Trail. Travelers often ascend to the city from sea level on commercial flights lasting less than 1 hour. Coca leaf tea is frequently recommended by local tourist industry and by travelers word of mouth for the symptomatic relief of acute mountain sickness.
High Altitude environments can be debilitating to un-acclimatized individuals exposed to elevations above 3,000m for periods ranging from several hours to days. The decreasing barometric pressure lowers the density of the air. The higher you go, the more the air thins.
Moderate hypoxia induces substantial alterations in physiological and psychological parameters within few hours to those who attempt to climb the Andean mountains. A lot of cognitive issues that the individual faces after climbing are almost like a hangover and it could take a couple of weeks or a month or so before they start to feel more articulated and capable of carrying on a coherent conversation. Immediately upon ascent to high altitude, there is decrease blood oxygenation, which reduces the oxygen supply throughout the periphery and the brain. Adverse changes in mood states, as well as impairment in mental performance, occur during such altitude exposure, depending not only on the altitude and rate of climb, but also on the length of stay and effort expended to reach the desire altitude. Only sleepiness changed at 1,600m with the individual becoming sleepier compared to sea level. However, by day 2 after ascent to 4,300m, the initial mood experienced is euphoria, followed by depression. Subjects become less friendly, less clear thinking, and dizzier and with time, they may also become aggressive, unhappy, quarrelsome, anxious, and apathetic. Although, the body compensates, at least in part, for the lack of oxygen with a variety of physiological responses and adjustments.
The use of the coca leaf has long been viewed in the Andean culture as a remedy for symptoms experienced when traveling or working at high altitude. When a powerful community of people has venerated a particular practice for thousands of years, it stands to reason that there is more to discover about its functional advantage over brain waives performance at such very high altitudes.
The coca shrub grows wild across regions of Central and South Andean mountains. The antiquity of its use as a chewing leaf has been confirmed through carbon dating of mummified human remains more than 3,000 years ago, and being an important part of the daily life of the Andean people.
The chewing of the coca leaf provides risk-free benefits to the body of the Andean people when they are participating in remote wilderness activities and are exposed to the physical and environmental challenges inherent to the geographical scenario. The most widely publicized effect of the chewing leaf is its function in increasing work capacity, including reduction of bodily fatigue and the alleviation of thirst and hunger.
There are more than 1.1 million visitors to Machu Picchu (altitude 2,430m) and Cuzco (altitude 3,400m), Peru every year along with sold-out permits for the high altitude Inca Trail. Travelers often ascend to the city from sea level on commercial flights lasting less than 1 hour. Coca leaf tea is frequently recommended by local tourist industry and by travelers word of mouth for the symptomatic relief of acute mountain sickness.
High Altitude environments can be debilitating to un-acclimatized individuals exposed to elevations above 3,000m for periods ranging from several hours to days. The decreasing barometric pressure lowers the density of the air. The higher you go, the more the air thins.
Moderate hypoxia induces substantial alterations in physiological and psychological parameters within few hours to those who attempt to climb the Andean mountains. A lot of cognitive issues that the individual faces after climbing are almost like a hangover and it could take a couple of weeks or a month or so before they start to feel more articulated and capable of carrying on a coherent conversation. Immediately upon ascent to high altitude, there is decrease blood oxygenation, which reduces the oxygen supply throughout the periphery and the brain. Adverse changes in mood states, as well as impairment in mental performance, occur during such altitude exposure, depending not only on the altitude and rate of climb, but also on the length of stay and effort expended to reach the desire altitude. Only sleepiness changed at 1,600m with the individual becoming sleepier compared to sea level. However, by day 2 after ascent to 4,300m, the initial mood experienced is euphoria, followed by depression. Subjects become less friendly, less clear thinking, and dizzier and with time, they may also become aggressive, unhappy, quarrelsome, anxious, and apathetic. Although, the body compensates, at least in part, for the lack of oxygen with a variety of physiological responses and adjustments.
The use of the coca leaf has long been viewed in the Andean culture as a remedy for symptoms experienced when traveling or working at high altitude. When a powerful community of people has venerated a particular practice for thousands of years, it stands to reason that there is more to discover about its functional advantage over brain waives performance at such very high altitudes.
Wednesday, December 20, 2017
REPTILES OF THE AMAZON RIVER.
The Western Amazon Rain Forest, found in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Western Brazil, has the highest diversity of reptiles in South America and there is a comparatively low amount in the Eastern Amazon. There are more than 450 species of lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, and caiman in the Amazon Basin. But despite this abundance of species, our knowledge of many Amazon reptiles is still poor.
Amazon reptiles occupy a very wide range of habitats (e.g. creeks, oxbows, rain forest canopy) and also show differences in their feeding habits. Most reptiles, such as the boa, are carnivorous (they feed exclusively on other animals) while others, such as the green iguana, are primarily herbivorous (they eat mostly mostly plant matter).
Boas are without a doubt the most famous snakes in the World. The widespread fauna of the Amazon River includes 5 species: Boa Constrictor, Emerald tree Boa, Common tree Boa, and the Rainbow Boa.
Different Boa species use different habitats to specialize themselves on different preys, making them able to coexist with limited competition from each other. To kill their prey, boas lie in wait until a suitable prey is in sight, wrap themselves around the victim and suffocate them. Prey may include fish, turtles, lizards, birds, and even mammals. They need to swallow their prey whole.
Crocodiles and Alligators (Caimans) found in the Amazon River are most active at night. These animals eat fish and other water dwelling animals, such as birds and snakes. Crocodilians and Alligators/Caiman look the same, but "Crocs" have snouts that are more pointed than the "Gators." Crocodiles also have the upper 4th tooth visible when the jaws are closed. Alligators/Caimans avoid saltwater. They are also more abundant.
Turtles found in the Amazon River belong to an ancient group called side-necked turtles. These turtles have inhabited the earth for more than 158 million years. The head is tucked sideways rather than being hidden inside the shell. Only about 20 species are found. The River Turtle known as Arrau and Charapa, is the largest freshwater turtle in South America, with shells over 80 cm long reported for some females. Males are smaller and measure 40 cm on average.
The Amazon turtles are of biological, social and cultural importance. Biologically, turtles act as indicators species as they are sensitive to changes to their habitat. According to the Colombian Data of Reptiles in the Amazon Rain Forest, especially the species in the Orinoco River are in critical danger of extinction while in the Amazon River it has been classified as endangered. But there is good news from the Amazon Riverside communities of people living along the River on the Peruvian site, they are collecting the Turtle's eggs in order to release them in safety. These are encouraging early footsteps in sustainable management of the species.
Lizards found in the Amazon Rain Forest belong to an assortment of different types (over 100). From the well known iguanas to the other less known animals like caiman lizards.
Iguanas are probably the most famous lizards in the World. Green iguanas can actually vary a lot in color from grey through to an orange tint. They are generally very adaptable, which is a reason why they have lasted so long in the pet trade. It is also how they have managed to diversify to offshore islands and adapt into the World's only living marine lizard. Green iguanas prefer an arboreal lifestyle and are often found in trees near water in Amazon forests.
Caiman Lizards are named due to their crocodilian-like skin. They are a semi-aquatic lizard and prefer living in areas close to water. They can be rarely seen in dry season, but will be seen throughout the wet season on branches or in water.
Many reptiles species are illegally collected an exported for the international per trade.
Amazon reptiles occupy a very wide range of habitats (e.g. creeks, oxbows, rain forest canopy) and also show differences in their feeding habits. Most reptiles, such as the boa, are carnivorous (they feed exclusively on other animals) while others, such as the green iguana, are primarily herbivorous (they eat mostly mostly plant matter).
Boas are without a doubt the most famous snakes in the World. The widespread fauna of the Amazon River includes 5 species: Boa Constrictor, Emerald tree Boa, Common tree Boa, and the Rainbow Boa.
Different Boa species use different habitats to specialize themselves on different preys, making them able to coexist with limited competition from each other. To kill their prey, boas lie in wait until a suitable prey is in sight, wrap themselves around the victim and suffocate them. Prey may include fish, turtles, lizards, birds, and even mammals. They need to swallow their prey whole.
Crocodiles and Alligators (Caimans) found in the Amazon River are most active at night. These animals eat fish and other water dwelling animals, such as birds and snakes. Crocodilians and Alligators/Caiman look the same, but "Crocs" have snouts that are more pointed than the "Gators." Crocodiles also have the upper 4th tooth visible when the jaws are closed. Alligators/Caimans avoid saltwater. They are also more abundant.
Turtles found in the Amazon River belong to an ancient group called side-necked turtles. These turtles have inhabited the earth for more than 158 million years. The head is tucked sideways rather than being hidden inside the shell. Only about 20 species are found. The River Turtle known as Arrau and Charapa, is the largest freshwater turtle in South America, with shells over 80 cm long reported for some females. Males are smaller and measure 40 cm on average.
The Amazon turtles are of biological, social and cultural importance. Biologically, turtles act as indicators species as they are sensitive to changes to their habitat. According to the Colombian Data of Reptiles in the Amazon Rain Forest, especially the species in the Orinoco River are in critical danger of extinction while in the Amazon River it has been classified as endangered. But there is good news from the Amazon Riverside communities of people living along the River on the Peruvian site, they are collecting the Turtle's eggs in order to release them in safety. These are encouraging early footsteps in sustainable management of the species.
Lizards found in the Amazon Rain Forest belong to an assortment of different types (over 100). From the well known iguanas to the other less known animals like caiman lizards.
Iguanas are probably the most famous lizards in the World. Green iguanas can actually vary a lot in color from grey through to an orange tint. They are generally very adaptable, which is a reason why they have lasted so long in the pet trade. It is also how they have managed to diversify to offshore islands and adapt into the World's only living marine lizard. Green iguanas prefer an arboreal lifestyle and are often found in trees near water in Amazon forests.
Caiman Lizards are named due to their crocodilian-like skin. They are a semi-aquatic lizard and prefer living in areas close to water. They can be rarely seen in dry season, but will be seen throughout the wet season on branches or in water.
Many reptiles species are illegally collected an exported for the international per trade.
Saturday, December 16, 2017
THE PEOPLE OF THE TITICACA LAKE.
The vast Titicaca Lake stretches 58,000 km2 across two countries, Peru and Bolivia, and sits at a high altitude of 3812m. It is the World's highest navigable Lake and the birthplace of the Inca people.
There are two main groups of descendants from ancient civilizations in Southern -Peru -the Quechua and the Aymara- speaking people. Puno is the only place in the World where you can find people from the two groups living unanimously together. Above Puno towards the North, there are only Quechua-speaking people, while in the South are the Aymara-speaking group.
The people of the Titicaca Lake have created a unique culture and a fascinating way of leaving a life around the vicinity of the city of Puno, Southern Peru. They pre-dates the Inca civilization preserving most of their ancient and unique way of living to this day. They consider themselves the guardians of the Lake and their chosen way of life protects them from foreign influence. They also claim to have a type of black blood that let them not to feel the cold temperatures of the region. They are World famous for their peaceful beauty and well-preserved traditional agrarian culture.
On the Titicaca Lake there are over 60 little floating villages with 4,000 people, that their people have constructed with natural resources. Using reeds (Totora, a strong aquatic plant), they build temporary houses that float atop the water surface.
The islands are made from layers of dried reeds that are woven together and fixed to the bed of the lake to stop them from moving. An island can last up to 30 years if it is kept in the right condition. When the reeds at the bottom rot from the water, new layers of reeds have to be added every 2 weeks for better resistance. The process of rebuilding the island requires constant maintenance and is one of the mainly daily tasks for the people of the Lake. Every floating village is inhabited by 8 families.
The people of the Lakes build boats and huts from the same reeds using similar technique to that of the islands.
The people of the Titicaca Lake lead a very simple life, catching food from the Lake, exchanging fish for any products they need and getting all their basic necessities from the environment. They maintain a light and healthy diet based on trout, quinoa, potatoes, oca, and a variety of herbs. The food is cooked with fire placed on a pile of stones. They do not eat meat products due to the peculiar atmospheric conditions caused by the region's high altitude. Food takes longer to digest than at sea level.
The people of the Titicaca Lake are completely self-sufficient. They weave their own clothes and materials. The quality of their garments and fabrics fills them with pride. Once the women are ready to settle down, they begin wearing colorful pompoms on their hats to announce they are ready to marry. If they are successful, they wear a red dress, meaning "married."
The people of the Titicaca Lake do not need money to survive as they get everything they need from their natural surroundings without destroying it.
There are two main groups of descendants from ancient civilizations in Southern -Peru -the Quechua and the Aymara- speaking people. Puno is the only place in the World where you can find people from the two groups living unanimously together. Above Puno towards the North, there are only Quechua-speaking people, while in the South are the Aymara-speaking group.
The people of the Titicaca Lake have created a unique culture and a fascinating way of leaving a life around the vicinity of the city of Puno, Southern Peru. They pre-dates the Inca civilization preserving most of their ancient and unique way of living to this day. They consider themselves the guardians of the Lake and their chosen way of life protects them from foreign influence. They also claim to have a type of black blood that let them not to feel the cold temperatures of the region. They are World famous for their peaceful beauty and well-preserved traditional agrarian culture.
On the Titicaca Lake there are over 60 little floating villages with 4,000 people, that their people have constructed with natural resources. Using reeds (Totora, a strong aquatic plant), they build temporary houses that float atop the water surface.
The islands are made from layers of dried reeds that are woven together and fixed to the bed of the lake to stop them from moving. An island can last up to 30 years if it is kept in the right condition. When the reeds at the bottom rot from the water, new layers of reeds have to be added every 2 weeks for better resistance. The process of rebuilding the island requires constant maintenance and is one of the mainly daily tasks for the people of the Lake. Every floating village is inhabited by 8 families.
The people of the Lakes build boats and huts from the same reeds using similar technique to that of the islands.
The people of the Titicaca Lake lead a very simple life, catching food from the Lake, exchanging fish for any products they need and getting all their basic necessities from the environment. They maintain a light and healthy diet based on trout, quinoa, potatoes, oca, and a variety of herbs. The food is cooked with fire placed on a pile of stones. They do not eat meat products due to the peculiar atmospheric conditions caused by the region's high altitude. Food takes longer to digest than at sea level.
The people of the Titicaca Lake are completely self-sufficient. They weave their own clothes and materials. The quality of their garments and fabrics fills them with pride. Once the women are ready to settle down, they begin wearing colorful pompoms on their hats to announce they are ready to marry. If they are successful, they wear a red dress, meaning "married."
The people of the Titicaca Lake do not need money to survive as they get everything they need from their natural surroundings without destroying it.
INCA'S LAW.
The Incas were a great imperial state that raised in the Andean highlands and extended their control over some 3,000 miles. Despite the beauty of its landscapes, life in the highlands and the dry and over the sandy soil of the Coast line is pretty much very hard. Water is a scarce resource, which is accessed by seasons and the rugged terrain makes agriculture a very hard work.
For the inhabitants of the Inca Empire, the execution of the divine law that controlled the Water and the Land were beyond their power, they needed to submit themselves to the divine entities in charge of it. The Incas sought to expand agricultural areas, continuing building terraces complemented by very complex irrigation systems.
Because of their belief based on two elements Water and Earth, they understood that the origin of two elements were in the cosmos governed by a divine Law. Then they incorporated laws of previous Andean cultures, and fused them together and applied them in new and harmonic ways.
The state organization was superb in controlling peoples of different cultures and languages achieving a level of integration and domination never achieved before in the highlands of South America.
Rather than the breakdown of power that took place in many cultures around the World, in the Andean zone a number of large states continued to be important. Some states were in the Andean highlands on the broad open areas near Lake Titicaca, and other states were along rivers on the North Coast. They remained as centers of agricultural activity and population density. Of these states the coastal kingdom of Chimu, centered on its capital of Chan Chan, emerged as the most powerful. It gained control of most of the North Coast of Peru.
The Inca Law based on a set of powerful divine beliefs, customs and practices was very powerful.
The Inca imposed a set of 3 Laws on its citizens to maintain a level of morality on a very disciplined society: "Ama Sua, Ama Llulla, Ama Quella," or "Do not steal, Do not lie, Do not be lazy."
The Law promoted peace among its citizens, and the level of crime was very low. There was no system of imprisonment, and when a crime was committed the punishment was ruthless.
Since the purpose of the Law was to teach a lesson to the offender and prevent re-occurrence by any member of the society, mutilation and death penalty were applied as a exemplary to the rest of the population. Those who survived a punishment were forced to tell their experience for the rest of their lives and those interested in listening would give them food so basically their survival was based on how engaging and compelling their stories were.
The Inca Law then was very severe since it was understood as a kind of tool that regulated the divine cosmic energy of the 2 elements Water and Earth and the harmony between them was the mission they had to accomplish during its time on Earth. Any kind of law transgression was considered an action against divinities and penalties were collective or personal, according to the level of crime, from simple mass repressions to the isolation of entire villages.
Rebellions, homicide, adultery, second offenses in drunkenness, theft, and laziness, were all punished to death by stoning, hanging, or pushing the person off the cliff. Mutilations were common for theft.
When the Incas conquered a new territory local law and rules continued to be applied since they had a divine origin and the supernatural entities in control were respected unless they were in conflict with the Inca Law. If the leader of the newly conquered territory opposed the new divine set of rules, he would be executed and a new loyal leader were elected to oversee and secure loyalty among the population. This new leader was usually transferred from another territory along with his family and entourage.
The world view of the Incas were reflected in its concern for food security meaning that the social organization of the empire was aimed at productivity and expanding borders to earn higher definition of power in their farmlands. Since their spiritual world was based on duality and reciprocity they maintained a fusion of power between the two in which harmony was the major ingredient.
For the inhabitants of the Inca Empire, the execution of the divine law that controlled the Water and the Land were beyond their power, they needed to submit themselves to the divine entities in charge of it. The Incas sought to expand agricultural areas, continuing building terraces complemented by very complex irrigation systems.
Because of their belief based on two elements Water and Earth, they understood that the origin of two elements were in the cosmos governed by a divine Law. Then they incorporated laws of previous Andean cultures, and fused them together and applied them in new and harmonic ways.
The state organization was superb in controlling peoples of different cultures and languages achieving a level of integration and domination never achieved before in the highlands of South America.
Rather than the breakdown of power that took place in many cultures around the World, in the Andean zone a number of large states continued to be important. Some states were in the Andean highlands on the broad open areas near Lake Titicaca, and other states were along rivers on the North Coast. They remained as centers of agricultural activity and population density. Of these states the coastal kingdom of Chimu, centered on its capital of Chan Chan, emerged as the most powerful. It gained control of most of the North Coast of Peru.
The Inca Law based on a set of powerful divine beliefs, customs and practices was very powerful.
The Inca imposed a set of 3 Laws on its citizens to maintain a level of morality on a very disciplined society: "Ama Sua, Ama Llulla, Ama Quella," or "Do not steal, Do not lie, Do not be lazy."
The Law promoted peace among its citizens, and the level of crime was very low. There was no system of imprisonment, and when a crime was committed the punishment was ruthless.
Since the purpose of the Law was to teach a lesson to the offender and prevent re-occurrence by any member of the society, mutilation and death penalty were applied as a exemplary to the rest of the population. Those who survived a punishment were forced to tell their experience for the rest of their lives and those interested in listening would give them food so basically their survival was based on how engaging and compelling their stories were.
The Inca Law then was very severe since it was understood as a kind of tool that regulated the divine cosmic energy of the 2 elements Water and Earth and the harmony between them was the mission they had to accomplish during its time on Earth. Any kind of law transgression was considered an action against divinities and penalties were collective or personal, according to the level of crime, from simple mass repressions to the isolation of entire villages.
Rebellions, homicide, adultery, second offenses in drunkenness, theft, and laziness, were all punished to death by stoning, hanging, or pushing the person off the cliff. Mutilations were common for theft.
When the Incas conquered a new territory local law and rules continued to be applied since they had a divine origin and the supernatural entities in control were respected unless they were in conflict with the Inca Law. If the leader of the newly conquered territory opposed the new divine set of rules, he would be executed and a new loyal leader were elected to oversee and secure loyalty among the population. This new leader was usually transferred from another territory along with his family and entourage.
The world view of the Incas were reflected in its concern for food security meaning that the social organization of the empire was aimed at productivity and expanding borders to earn higher definition of power in their farmlands. Since their spiritual world was based on duality and reciprocity they maintained a fusion of power between the two in which harmony was the major ingredient.
Sunday, December 10, 2017
THE LEGEND OF AKAKOR.
In 1973, Erick von Daniken, at the height of his fame, claimed in his book "The Gold of the Gods" that he had found a gigantic subterranean tunnel system. The Gods came from a different solar system and built an underground tunnel system that connected a series of fortresses and cities.
The story that brought von Daniken to South America began in the Brazilian town of Manaus. There, on March 3, 1972, a German foreign correspondent Karl Brugger met a local Amazonian Indian, Tatunca Nara, that resulted in Brugger's book "The Chronicle of Akakor," published in 1976.
The number of foreign editions made at that time ended up in the creation of the legend of Akakor, a mythical town somewhere deep within the Amazonian jungle, still left to be discovered.
The title of the book was the same title used by the Amazonian tribe Ugha Mogulala's chronicle held sacred, or at least central, to their mythology and philosophy. The core message of the Chronicle was the statement that there were a network of tunnels, some of them still in existence today and used by the locals.
The local Amazonian Indian, Tatunca Nara claimed to be a member of this Amazonian tribe, the son of a native and the daughter of a German missionary, which was suppose to account for his impeccable German.
Tatunca Nara claimed that the Year Zero of the Chronicle was 10,841 BC. The time was very much outside of the framing time accepted by archaeological dates for human occupation of the Amazon at the time. But it perfectly matched in the "Atlantis and Deluge" theory that many alternative researchers favored, due to the already popular spiritualist Edgar Cayce.
The best evidence in favor of the Chronicle would be to discover any of the thirteen underground cities, which this civilization left behind in the Amazon jungle. Their most important ancient towns were said to be known as Akakor, Akanis, and Akahim, as well as Cuzco and Macchu Picchu.
Tatunca Nara added that the first place named Akanis, was built on a narrow isthmus at a place where the two oceans met together. The second place was Akakor, far up towards the Purus River, in a high valley in the mountains of the border between Brazil and Peru. The whole city was surrounded by a high stone wall with 13 gates that were so narrow that they permitted access only to one person a time. The city had a Great Temple of the Sun, it contained documents, such as maps and drawings telling the history of the Earth. The third place was Akahim that was linked with Akakor, and was situated on the borders of Brazil and Venezuela. Finally Cuzco and Macchu Picchu were known to be genuine towns known as far back 1,000 BC.
All these fortified cities were completely destroyed in the first Great Catastrophe thirteen years after the departure of the Gods, leaving very little to check on the ground for foreigners.
The legend of Akakor received an entirely new dimension when Karl Brugger was murdered when he was leaving a restaurant in Rio de Janeiro on January 1, 1984. Some have queried whether his murder had anything to do with his book and/or knowledge of the tunneled fortresses.
Since the 1970s, the Amazon has become much more open to the world. Akakor, however, remains undiscovered. After Brugger, several other people went into the jungle, apparently all enthralled by the legend of Akakor, trying to be the discoverer of this mythical city.
Today the tunnels still in existence are known only by the locals who still preserve their use for sacred rituals.
The story that brought von Daniken to South America began in the Brazilian town of Manaus. There, on March 3, 1972, a German foreign correspondent Karl Brugger met a local Amazonian Indian, Tatunca Nara, that resulted in Brugger's book "The Chronicle of Akakor," published in 1976.
The number of foreign editions made at that time ended up in the creation of the legend of Akakor, a mythical town somewhere deep within the Amazonian jungle, still left to be discovered.
The title of the book was the same title used by the Amazonian tribe Ugha Mogulala's chronicle held sacred, or at least central, to their mythology and philosophy. The core message of the Chronicle was the statement that there were a network of tunnels, some of them still in existence today and used by the locals.
The local Amazonian Indian, Tatunca Nara claimed to be a member of this Amazonian tribe, the son of a native and the daughter of a German missionary, which was suppose to account for his impeccable German.
Tatunca Nara claimed that the Year Zero of the Chronicle was 10,841 BC. The time was very much outside of the framing time accepted by archaeological dates for human occupation of the Amazon at the time. But it perfectly matched in the "Atlantis and Deluge" theory that many alternative researchers favored, due to the already popular spiritualist Edgar Cayce.
The best evidence in favor of the Chronicle would be to discover any of the thirteen underground cities, which this civilization left behind in the Amazon jungle. Their most important ancient towns were said to be known as Akakor, Akanis, and Akahim, as well as Cuzco and Macchu Picchu.
Tatunca Nara added that the first place named Akanis, was built on a narrow isthmus at a place where the two oceans met together. The second place was Akakor, far up towards the Purus River, in a high valley in the mountains of the border between Brazil and Peru. The whole city was surrounded by a high stone wall with 13 gates that were so narrow that they permitted access only to one person a time. The city had a Great Temple of the Sun, it contained documents, such as maps and drawings telling the history of the Earth. The third place was Akahim that was linked with Akakor, and was situated on the borders of Brazil and Venezuela. Finally Cuzco and Macchu Picchu were known to be genuine towns known as far back 1,000 BC.
All these fortified cities were completely destroyed in the first Great Catastrophe thirteen years after the departure of the Gods, leaving very little to check on the ground for foreigners.
The legend of Akakor received an entirely new dimension when Karl Brugger was murdered when he was leaving a restaurant in Rio de Janeiro on January 1, 1984. Some have queried whether his murder had anything to do with his book and/or knowledge of the tunneled fortresses.
Since the 1970s, the Amazon has become much more open to the world. Akakor, however, remains undiscovered. After Brugger, several other people went into the jungle, apparently all enthralled by the legend of Akakor, trying to be the discoverer of this mythical city.
Today the tunnels still in existence are known only by the locals who still preserve their use for sacred rituals.
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