Pilgrimage to the Shamans of the High Andes

The Story

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to explore the wisdom held by descendants of ancient civilizations. This wisdom is most often held by Shamans, or medicine men and women, who have made it their life’s work to be responsible for maintaining, practicing and passing on these ancient traditions, medicines, stories, and prophecies. These healers and inspirational elders have now opened up their homes and are most generously willing to share their powerful knowledge with others outside of their communities.

The Shamans

A few days ago, I received an offer for a partial scholarship to attend The Andes Summit, a gathering of Ecuadorian Kichwa Yachaks, or Shaman, in the High Andes of Ecuador. This is a dream come true for me, and a major honour. This 8-day pilgrimage will take place high up in the Andes, in between 3 volcanoes, in a valley of great spiritual significance to the local people. Here, the Yachaks will offer their teachings that have been kept in secret for generations. An incredible honour. Their main hope is that by sharing these teachings, it will help bring together the old and the new generations and create a global understanding of their ancient traditions. In this way, a new society can evolve centred around harmony and acceptance, and “the subtleness of life”. With their permission, I hope to contribute to this by using my blog and other online means to educate the world about their way of life, beliefs, and healing methods, in keeping with their prophecy that the eagle (modern world) and the condor (ancient traditions) will fly together in harmony.

My quest

I would like to ask for your help, so that I may attend this summit and help to preserve this knowledge for future generations. While I have received a partial scholarship, the remaining fees and transport costs to get to Ecuador are a barrier between me and receiving this knowledge. My goal by reaching out to you is that I can raise $2000 that will be used for payment of the remaining tuition fees (which will eventually end up in the communities that the Shamans call home), flights to and from Ecuador, and transport to the scared site where the summit will be taking place.

Another barrier, and the SUPER CHALLENGE, is that I need to raise these funds by no later than the 15th of June! Crazy right? But somehow, I believe that with your help it will be possible! If just 80 people could spare $25 (R317) each, or 100 people $20 (R250) each, it will be possible! Any small amount could make the hugest difference!

My gratitude

For those of you who support me, I hope that one day I can offer some of the knowledge that I have gained by attending this summit. I will also mention every contributor in any article I write on my blog about this experience. This pilgrimage would contribute endlessly to my personal learning and healing. Not only this, but it would also contribute to preserving ancient knowledge for future generations. I would be forever grateful for your support!

Much love and many thanks

Kiki