Pachamama. Earth Garden

Transcription

1 Pachamama Earth Garden

2 Pachamama: Earth Garden Red is the dominant color of Pachamama s garden, replenished with red berries, tiny crimson bugs, bloodshot pebbles and red earthworms working in the ochre soil. The color red, found in Earth s vegetation, has stimulating vibrations that support the energy of the root chakra. Red is a reminder that the courage to clear root chakra blockages is already present within. It is the peace in the scarlet glow of sunset, the passion in the fi ery sparks from embers at night. Absorbing the magical, healing properties of fl owers and plants in this garden allows red possible to sense or visualize spirals of freefl owing, luminous energy. Guests are invited to sit down, take a few deep breaths, close their eyes, and allow Pachamama s vibrations to bring health and harmony to the root chakra. Red vibrations are energizing and may assist with exhaustion and anemia, acting as a tonic. Red tonics are said to aid colds and chills by getting the circulation going. People who are quick to see red, or have a fl aming temper or high blood pressure, may fi nd it best to cool their fi res and distance themselves from too much red! vibrations to fi re us up, recharging the body and reactivating life. Willka T ika s Earth Garden overfl ows with red carnations, gladioli, hibiscus, amaranthus, poppies, roses and dancing scarlet fuchsias. They not only share their beauty and exquisite perfumes in the garden, but also make delightful appearances in salads, summer drinks and teas on the dining room tables. When grouped together, red fl owers and plants hold an intense vibration of enthusiasm, creativity and strength. By gazing deeply at the fl owers, trees, vines, rocks or soil in this garden, it is Root chakra: Center of our material and earthly circumstances. Contains the raw, unprocessed kundalini energy used by all chakras. Meditation symbol: Geometric square. My needs are met. Andean garden symbol: Serpent, rocks and vines Primary color: Red, for courage, confidence and passion 12 Pachamama: Earth Garden Pachamama: Earth Garden 13

3 Signature Plant of the Earth Garden Nuqchu cinta cinta, salvia dombeyi Crimson clusters of fuchsia-like ñuqchu (nyuj-choo) bloom year round in Pachamama s garden. Cascades of fl owers portray abundance, not just material abundance but also love. Their powerful spirit is believed to bring love to the base chakra. Ñuqchu is the signature, or main, plant of the Earth Garden. It represents the energy carried by the garden. Symbolically, the darker shade in the base of the fl owers represents the held energy of an unhappy early life. As the plant grows into masses of beautiful, dainty fl owers, it reminds people to let go of a past that no longer serves them, just as the serpent sheds its skin. Ñuqchu s healing energies remind people that transformation into a positive, beautiful and abundant life is possible. For colds and coughs, valley residents steep the fl owers in boiled water and drink the infusion three times a day. 14 Pachamama: Earth Garden Pachamama: Earth Garden 15

4 HOLLYHOCKS (right) The inedible hollyhock, or malva, is an easy-seeder that pops up everywhere. This valley favorite grows year round. Healers recommend using the petals and leaves as a douche to treat cystitis, frequent urination or vaginal problems of the base energy center. When root chakra energy is blocked, parts of red or white hollyhock are used in infusions. It also works as a soothing tonic for coughs, colds and bronchitis. In lotions, the hollyhock soothes skin infl ammations and rashes. GLADIOLI (left) Upright gladioli stalks fi lled with beautiful fl owers make us glad they grow so easily in the Sacred Valley. They are one of the world s most popular cutting fl owers, and, when grown organically, the corm can be ground into medicine to treat diarrhea, coughs or colds. Red petals added to salads nourish the base energy center. 20 Pachamama: Earth Garden Pachamama: Earth Garden 21

5 POPPIES Red poppies, amapola, symbolize the blood of those killed in battle. They do not have the potent activity of their relatives, opium poppies. These delicate fl owers grow near Willka T ika s ceremonial fi replace. One moment the beautiful fl ower is there, and the next, the petals fl oat away and are gone forever. Poppies remind us not to dwell in the past but to enjoy the present moment. 24 Pachamama: Earth Garden Pachamama: Earth Garden 25

6 Andean Lore and the Earth Garden The spirit of ayni is the reciprocal Representing our passage to full ceremonies, the offering consists of a paper from Her. With a lifestyle that keeps them close exchange of living energy that occurs consciousness, Amaru (the Inkan serpent) plate fi lled with the fi nest foods and minerals to the earth, the Quechua-speaking people through giving offerings and receiving stirs to energize the base energy center of the of the earth. As Pachamama receives these understand that all living beings are connected, from Mother Earth. body. Amaru is associated with inner wisdom, offerings, She receives their vibrations of that everyone comes from Pachamama, awakening hidden knowledge about life abundance, appreciation and love. breathes Her air, eats Her foods and lives on experiences. Its kundalini energy moves from the earth to fuel all the other chakras, bringing enlightenment. Visualizing ourselves as Amaru stirring in the inner earth, making its way toward light, constantly renewing itself by moving forward and shedding its skin is a metaphor for progression through various stages of consciousness. Sloughing off old dogmas and outdated beliefs can reveal fresh lessons and sparkling ideas. The spirit of ayni is the reciprocal exchange of living energy that occurs through giving offerings and receiving from Mother Earth. Pachamama nourishes the earth so that the people of kaypacha (the world of humans, animals and plants) can thrive in perfect balance. Andean healers, known as pakkos, conduct these ceremonies to Pachamama, assuring health and well being to the senders, their families and their entire community, as well as to the surrounding apukuna (mountain deities) and all of Nature. Practiced in Andean Her land. People take care of Her animals, which feed and clothe them. Her resources sustain the ongoing cycle of life. Shamans, sages, nature lovers, and now scientists and politicians, are urging people to live in balance with the earth, just as traditional communities have done for centuries. The Andean people have recognized and mountain communities, the concept of ayni honored this movement of energy for reinforces the wisdom that man benefi ts from thousands of years. Traditional Quechua helping others. Nothing remains static in the campesinos acknowledge it by making Universe where the energies of the physical offerings to Mother Earth called haywarikuy, body are constantly exchanged with those of which means let us play. The Quechua Pachamama. In order to remain in a state of graciously exchange gifts and playful healing joy, health, and wealth, one must practice ayni. energies with their beloved Mother Earth in From a very young age, Andean people learn a delightful ceremony. Central to all Andean to give to Pachamama fi rst in order to receive 30 Pachamama: Earth Garden Pachamama: Earth Garden 31

7 Power of the Earth Garden Cultures demonstrate blocked root chakra energies when they cling to the petty differences of their ancient traditions and religious beliefs. Stopped in the energy of fear and survival, the earth energy has not been raised through the other chakras. When regenerative healing forces are held back in the root chakra, they can cause chaos and disease. Whether living simple lives around the world or sophisticated lives in western countries, people inherently dream about a life in balance. Pachamama nurtures and unifi es all forms of life. She can be counted on to provide energy, the life force, we need. Chakra gardens offer a simple, effective way to harmonize an individual s energies with those of the Earth. Continuing to honor and appreciate Her in our daily lives strengthens unity with Nature. One visitor to Willka T ika, Marthie, describes her experience of transformation in the Earth Garden: My husband died. I had taken some leave to stay at home solely to grieve over Derik. I had consciously wanted to nurture myself. A traveling companion wrapped her bright red pashmina shawl around me. I needed to fi nd out if there was enough energy and emotional strength in me to live fully once more, not just survive. While contemplating in Pachamama s Earth Garden, I realized that our love never disappears. I realized it was never a choice between memories of Derik and a new life. I could have both. I wept deeply for the last time, but these were tears of joy. Red is the color of life. It is a color of strength, vitality, joy, energy, passion and love. It is the color of the here and now, the color of survival. Being wrapped in the red of Pachamama s garden helped me move into my new life. 34 Pachamama: Earth Garden Pachamama: Earth Garden 35