At the heart of Peruvian shamanism is the tradition of the Curanderil Mesa. A Mesa is a portable medicine bundle or altar, containing sacred objects such as stones, feathers, bones and crystals. This ritual Mesa represents the cosmos in miniature – the worlds above, below, and within. It is a fundamental tool of Andean shamanism and the master healers from the northern Peruvian coast and the high Andes.
What is the Curanderil Mesa?
La Mesa is a sacred bridge between healer and patient, holding the elements that healers use in their ritual work to restore harmony and balance. In some southern Andean traditions, the Mesa, also known as Despacho, is used as an offering to Mother Earth (Pachamama) to request blessings such as health, a bountiful harvest or favourable weather.
What to include on a Shaman's Mesa
Each element placed on the Mesa carries meaning and function. The arrangement of elements on the Curanderil Mesa has a left, right and central position, connected to the different worlds, above and below. These elements include sticks of different woods, because the trees (malkis) are believed to possess a protective spirit. They also include stones from various huacas, or ceremonial sites. Additionally, the Mesa will include ceramic vessels, whose origins are generally ancient, as well as perfumes and aromas and various plants.
In the Andes, the Mesa is composed of stones, many of meteoritic origin, known as kuyas. These stones are arranged in circular formations. These are accompanied by small ceramic vessels containing water from the high mountain peaks, known as apus, springs, lagoons and streams. These vessels may also contain perfumes and plant-based fragrances which are used as tools for energetic cleansing and restoration of the body.
How does a shamanic Mesa work?
Together, the elements on the Mesa are known as las artes, or 'the arts'. They are not inert objects but are living presences. These presences possess the capacity for communication and relationship. Through ritual activation such as prayer, intention, and the use of perfumes and aromatic anointments, las arts are able to enter into dialogue with the healer, supporting the healing work and assisting in service to those in need.
In the authentic lineage of Andean healing knowledge, healing is relational, the universe is alive, and the Mesa is a bridge between worlds.
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The Andean Mesa: A Tool for Healing
WorkshopDiscover the Andean shaman's altar - the Mesa - as a central tool of healing, manifestation & transformation.
With: Dr Ruben Orellana & Michele Costa-Lukis
Booking & More Info
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