Ceremonies and Rituals

We celebrate four principal rituals that mark our relationship with the cycles of Pachamama.

• Kapak RaymiWinter solstice
• Pawkar RaymiSpring equinox
• Inti RaymiSummer solstice
• Killa RaymiAutumn equinox

These rituals allow us to continually recognize our relationship with the movements of Mother Earth and their influence in our lives. All these community activities take place within the framework of Andean reciprocity and the voluntary contribution of our members.

The temazcal, also called sweat lodge, is an ancestral ceremony of prayer and cleansing. We enter the womb of Pachamama, gathered around hot stones, to pray, sing, and renew our connection with the four elements.

Our church holds regular temazcals throughout the year.

Awakolla, also known as San Pedro or Huachuma, is our principal sacrament. This communion ceremony is held with music, prayer, and connection with the earth. It is a ceremony of long tradition in the Andes, preserved by generations of Yachay.

The Awakolla ceremony is held exclusively by recognized Kurakas of our tradition.

The altar of the Chakana is the ceremonial center where prayer ceremonies with Tabaco are held. The Chakana, the Andean cross, carries many meanings. Among them, it structures the altar in its four directions and represents the three worlds of the Andean cosmovision.

The vision quest is a ceremony and rite of passage led by Yachay and Kurakas of our tradition. It is held each year at our sanctuaries.

• First breath ceremony
• Coming-of-age ceremonies
• Sun Dance
• Night Dance
• Ritual fasts
• Traditional diets
• Pagos, offerings, and power walks
• Word and song circle
• Mingas and community work gatherings
• Adoption and family extension ceremonies

These ceremonies are led by trained and recognized members of our community.