Honoring Pachamama in Cusco: Sacred Offerings and Andean Seasonal Cycles

Traditions in Cusco, Peru (the former capital of the Inca Empire) that honour Pachamama (Mother Earth) are still very much alive. Andean spirituality is expressed through rituals of gratitude, sharing and alignment to the natural cycles of nature. The purpose of this article is to examine the special ofrenda (offering) to Pachamama and the meaning of the solstices and equinoxes in the Andean calendar that are part of the current living Inca culture based in Cusco.

The Sacred Offering to Pachamama

The ofrenda is a sacred rite done in honor of Pachamama, allowing us to create a deep connection with her. Since she provides us with unlimited food and fuel, we honor her through our offerings by strengthening our relationship with Pachamama, and giving thanks to her for her limitless love; for everything she has provided us, continues to provide us, and will give us in the future.

Through the ofrenda, we also present our prayers to the divine in order to ask for guidance and assistance so that we can obtain positive manifestations in our lives. Many of the ceremonies done in Cusco have a paqo (Andean shaman or priest) from the local Q’ero communities lead the way. The participants will prepare a despacho, which is a nicely arranged bundle of things, including coca leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, sweets and a variety of other sacred items and represents the concept of reciprocity (ayni).

Traditionally the despacho is then burned, buried, or presented to the river or mountain, as a way to give thanks to Pachamama. These types of authentic rituals are commonplace in Cusco, especially in August when the earth is ready to be planted, or throughout the year for personal intentions such as health, abundance, and protection, and are typically performed in sacred areas around the city, including temples, ruins, or natural environments.

Summer Solstice: Qhapaq Raymi – The Festival of Abundance

The summer solstice in the Inca Empire was one of the most important holidays on the calendar. Qhapaq Raymi, which loosely translates to “the Festival of Abundance and Wealth,” was celebrated at this time of the year. The solstice marked the beginning of the Andean New Year, a sacred time for us to express our appreciation and communicate with each other through the sun’s extended light.

The sun at its zenith above Cusco was honored with offerings of plants, flowers, and animals at this sacred time in the form of many rituals, as well as through the welcoming of new cycles of light and growth. The significance of this celebration is that we have an opportunity to initiate new time cycles while keeping our inner light shining bright for ourselves, for our communities, and for other people around us.

Note: Although the Inti Raymi Festival, which is held in June each year to commemorate the winter solstice, is a very popular celebration, Qhapaq Raymi is still a major legacy of our ancestors and represents abundance and wealth based on tradition in Cusco.

Spring Equinox: Time of Balance and Renewal

Around September each year, the Spring Equinox is a period of balance and refreshment. It gives us the opportunity to expand, develop and be reborn at each second, while at the same time maintaining order between the internal and external worlds. In the Andes region near Cusco, each year there are celebrations such as Pawkar Raymi (Festival of Flowers) to commemorate the arrival of spring, fertility, and the generosity of the Earth after the long and cold winters. This time of year inspires us to prepare for planting, celebrate being reborn, and bring ourselves back into equilibrium while living in accordance with Pachamama’s cycles of development and balance.

Autumn Solstice: Introspection and Release.

As we approach the fall equinox, we are invited to look within ourselves deeply, as well as find our freedom. Similarly to how trees drop their leaves from their branches, we too are being asked to update what we’ve been carrying with us (processes, weights, attachments) and let go of anything that does not serve us at this time. This is a very powerful time for forgiveness asking for it, offering it to someone else and especially offering it to ourselves.
According to the Andean cycle, which is practiced in Cusco, this is a time of reflecting on what has occurred and cleansing ourselves emotionally, in order to create the space for quiet times of year and allowing ourselves to renew spiritually by becoming realigned with nature.
The timeless aspects of these rituals grateful ofrenda and holiday celebrations like those of light, balance and release provide great enlightenment about how to be in harmony with both Pachamama and ourselves. For those who experience these customs in Cusco today, they create a strong sense of connection to nature’s energy and the sacred cycles of life that support everything around us. Therefore, if you are visiting Cusco, experiencing either a traditional Pachamama ceremony or reflecting on the equinoxes can create a strong sense of gratitude, peace and renewal in your life.