FOUNDER JOURNEY: INITIATION WITH THE Q’ERO
I recently returned from a transformative journey to Peru, where I had the privilege of working closely with the Q’ero people—the last descendants of the Incas. My time with them was profound, and articulating its depth is a challenge. Some personal experiences, I believe, are meant to be felt rather than explained; attempting to label these experiences with words feels inadequate.
I was honored to receive the sacred nine Karpay rites and engage with the powerful medicine of Huachuma. Each of the nine initiations serves as a significant rite of passage, connecting one to the Q’ero lineage and the living forces of nature. By "living forces of nature," I am referring to the vital spirits that inhabit the world around us, like the apus—mountain spirits, the wind, rivers, and even the stars. The Q'ero view these forces not as abstract concepts, but as sentient beings that guide and support us. These initiations act as energetic transmissions, opening doors to a deeper understanding and alignment with these natural forces, while emphasizing our role as stewards of the Earth.
It's important to note that the Karpay are not a magical solution; they are seeds of potential. Like seeds, they require cultivation through intention, practice, and living in reciprocity with the world. When nurtured, they can transform your life, fostering a deeper connection with nature, yourself, and your community. However, the true power of these rites lies not in the act of receiving them but in how one tends to this gift over time.
One of the most refreshing aspects of this journey was stepping outside the confines of Western new-age spirituality, which often feels rigid. The Q’ero are masters of the present moment, artists of invocation, and fluid channels of nature's forces. Engaging with their traditions is not about cherry-picking ideas for convenience; it represents a way of being that honors the interconnectedness of all life. I realized how the Western spiritual community sometimes overlooks the depth and responsibility inherent in these traditions, reducing them to mere trends or personal empowerment hacks. For the Q’ero, this is about service and being "chakarunas"—bridges between worlds—bringing ancient teachings into our rapidly evolving society with integrity and heart.
In conversations with the Q’ero elders, I was deeply moved by their commitment to sharing these teachings with the collective. Contrary to narratives of appropriation, they emphasized the need to share this medicine now more than ever. As younger generations of Q’ero are increasingly drawn to Western lifestyles, there is genuine concern that these ancient traditions may fade unless kept alive through sharing and bridging. The Q’ero see potential in those of us in the West to help carry this torch—to reignite the flames of the heart, not just for ourselves but for our communities and the world.
In a fragmented and disconnected world, the wisdom of the Q’ero offers a pathway back to living in better balance and harmony, or ayni. Their message is clear: it is time to step forward, not as consumers of culture, but as caretakers of a lineage preserved for the benefit of humanity as a whole. We have a responsibility to listen, learn, and share so that these ancient practices can continue to flourish for generations to come. My nine Karpay initiations serve as a reminder that this journey is not merely about personal transformation; it is about fostering a deeper connection to ourselves and each other while embodying the teachings of the land.
