What is a Despacho Ceremony?

There are many different types of despachos (300 or more) in the Andean tradition, but we will focus on an ayni despacho. To the people of the Andes, ayni is interpreted as “today for you, tomorrow for me,” so with this in mind we will create a despacho with the intent of giving thanks for our abundant blessings. We are thanking the apus (mountains), pachamama (mother earth), the elementals and spirit with great love and deep reverence. Simultaneously, we can set intentions for healing or honoring new beginnings. While assembling a despacho, we are in one continuous prayer, honoring, thanking, and asking for blessings.

This ceremony is a beautiful way to honor and practice gratitude for our abundant blessings as well as to drop into our inner knowing of connectedness and unity with all, inviting harmony and balance to ourselves, our family, our community and our world.