Purpose of Despacho

The Q’ero shamans of the high Andes of Peru have many different types of rituals; however, the despacho is the primary ritual of engagement with the universe. Its purpose is to carry the prayers of the medicine person to the universe in a ceremony of appreciation for that which the universe provides to them on a daily basis and to realign their relationships with the universe. Their perception and value for ayni (or reciprocity) between the community and the environment is one of cooperation and co-creativity.

A despacho is not a prayer for personal gain nor is it considered a sacrifice. Rather they take it on faith that the land, earth, and universe will take care of them, if they take care of it. And they consider it an offering or fair exchange for what was taken from the land, to preserve the relationship with the land. It is a prayer to the apus (mountains), pachamama (Mother Earth), Inti (Sun), and other powers that guard the earth’s places to align with them. It is designed for mutuality, sharing, trust, sacredness, respect, and human authenticity. It is a practice of gratitude and thankfulness, given as an act of munay (love) and ayni (or reciprocity) – that is, when you give, you will receive; if you receive, you must give.

The result is that when one aligns oneself with the universe, one can achieve or be granted one’s highest potential. Essentially, when one is in ayni with the universe, it will give back ten-fold. The ritual of a despacho is based on the belief that one must actively participate in the act of reciprocity – that it is based on the “immutable principle” – what you sow; you reap.

Many Despacho Types

There are well over a hunderd different types of despachos that the Q’ero shamans perform depending on the situation, from birth to death, from initiation rites, first planting of the season, harvesting, weddings, ground breaking for a new home, to special despachos.  Additionally, a despacho is created when someone is sick to help restore one's ayni with the universe so that they will become well. They believe that illness is a corresponding result of no longer being in ayni with the universe.

The Process

A despacho is created of flowers, leaves (with prayers), and small objects from nature (e.g., shell, incense, seeds, dried fruits) and man-made objects (e.g., candies, thread, cotton, paper). Each object represents an organizing principle and is placed in the despacho with the intention of creating momentum for healing and reciprocity in that area. 

Assembling a despacho begins with a piece of paper that will be folded and tied with string to contain the offerings once it is completed. The offerings/contents of the despacho vary depending on the type being performed. Done in ritual, sacred space, each of the assembled objects is acknowledged for its contribution, its individual meaning, and prayers are blown into them before being placed in the despacho. In sacred space, the distinction between the symbology and the object disappears. After a despacho has been completed, wrapped with string, and tied, they are either burned in a fire or buried in the earth.

Common despacho ingredients and their meaning

Despachos have context in many worldviews

The despacho ceremony is similar to what Christina Baldwin calls being a “spiritual trader” where one asks for what one needs, and offers what one can, so that one becomes a “spiritual trader of life’s energy, time, and abundance” (Baldwin, Christina. 2002. The Seven Whispers: Listening to the Voice of Spirit. Novato, CA: New World Library). 

Likewise a despacho is similar to the Korean shamanistic rituals where “sumptuous food offerings” are made to their spirits and sponsors to reinforce the “basic principle underpinning all social relationships in Korean society, which is reciprocity” (Hogarth, Hyun-key Kim. 1998. Kut: Happiness through Reciprocity. Budapest, Hungary: Akademiai Kiado. p153).

My teacher of Peruvian shamanism, Jose Luis Herrera, says the following about despachos:

"The Despacho is a gift or giveaway for the organizing principles of the universe and constitutes the central axis of energetic exchange for healing, re establishing perfect ayni or protection. The despacho ceremony is the living embodiment of the shamans landscape of life, that which meets at the level of the soul and ultimately connects to the source of all creation. The despacho ceremony, in its physical beauty, is a journey to the essence of nature, and with the assistance of the spirit world we weave the energetic inner workings and symbolism of each element of our offerings into our own daily life's tapestry.

Traditionally, in the Andes this ceremony is performed individually or communally after each earth cycle to renew and re-imprint the powers of nature on our luminous body, to connect with the universe and accomplish perfect ayni, not only for us personally but for the wellbeing of our Ayllu (community). A despacho brings the shaman into harmonious relationship with heaven and earth, aligning the three worlds (Uhupacha or lower world, Kaypacha or middle world, Hanqpacha or upper world) and the organizing principles of the Universe. Each item of offering represents a prayer and a gift of power that sparks the momentum for energy shifts and healing." (Jose Lois Herrera, Shaman's Cosmology class. Kamloops BC Canada -- April 2008)

Attend a despacho in the Seattle area

It's time for everyone to take a page from the Peruvian book on reciprocity and begin practicing a relationship of give and take with the world. These ceremonies however elaborate or simple will change how you relate to the world, and how the universe relates back to you.

Despacho ceremonies are offered by Shamanic Wealth & Healing on or around the new moons and full moons (see schedule). Alternatively, you can contact me to perform a despacho ceremony for your special occasion or healing.

Read more articles.