2009

We are starting the series of Munay-Ki practice this
Thursday at 9:30pm EST with

Creating Sacred Space

The cost for this conference call is $ 15.00

You can register here

The Source of the Rites of the Munay-Ki
Rites of passage and initiation have been practiced for millennia by all peoples in the Earth. The rites of the Munay-Ki are based on initiatory practices of the Inka and pre-Inka shamans of the Andes and the Amazon. They are presented the way that I learned them from my mentors, stripped of all trace of the cultures they come from. I did this to respect the native traditions, and to avoid the idea that persons from the West can become traditional shamans or Indians. I offer these rites with full permission from my teacher, don Manuel Quispe, who was the last great medicine man of the Q'ero Inka nation. Any fault or flaw in their presentation is exclusively my own.
The Seers rite is practiced in many different forms among the North Coast peoples of Peru, (the descendants of the Chimu and Moche cultures), and by the seers and trackers of the Amazon. 
The Harmony Rite comes from the lowland Q'ero, the Huachipayre people from the edge of the Amazon. I learned it from don Alejandro Cahuanchi, a renowned healer.
The Bands of Power were transmitted by Juan Victor Nuñez del Prado, a friend and colleague, whose father was one of the original discoverers of the Q'ero nation.
The Healers Rite is known as the Hampe blessing and comes from the highland Q'ero people.
The Daykeepers Rite is known among the Q'ero as the Pampamesayok, referring to the lowlands and valleys of the 'pampa', and to the mesa or altar.
The Wisdomkeepers Rite is known among the Q'ero as the Altomesayok rite, referring to the high mountains of the Andes. Don Manuel Quispe was the last great Altomesayok of Q'ero.
The Earthkeepers Rite is known among the Q'ero as the Kurak Akuyek rite, referring to the elder who 'masticates' the wisdom to nurture the young ones who follow.
The Starkeepers Rite is known as the Mosoq Karpay, which means the 'new rite' in the Qechua language. This rite announces and prepares one for the 'time to come.' The structure of Inka cosmology goes from the Earth (Pachamama) to the Mountains (Apu) to the Stars.
The Creator Rites are known as the Taitanchis rite. The word Taitanchis literally translates as 'God.'
These rites are not only stages of initiation, but perhaps steps for the evolution of humanity. As nations fight for bits of territory and battle over land, we must find the wisdom to create peace among all peoples. As our space telescopes show us images of a vast and immeasurable Universe, we must find a human story that is inclusive of the stars. And as our ability to destroy the world increases, we are called to step up to the task of assuming stewardship for all creation.
In essence, the rites are about stewardship. They are not ego-awards or recognition of any kind of achievement, nor do they make anyone special. On the contrary, they make one uniquely unimportant. Only then, from a position of no-ego, can we truly be of service.
During their visits to the USA, the Inka pointed out that the rites were not for us individually, they were for others, to be shared. It has been my experience that they do not blossom unless we give them away with great munay, with love.
In Munay
Alberto Villoldo PhD
March 2007

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