Guardians of Andean Spirituality: Religious Specialists and Their Connection with the Apus

Religious Specialists in Andean Culture: A Sacred Connection with the Supernatural World

The Andean culture is a vast universe of ancient wisdom, where the connection with the divine and the supernatural plays a fundamental role. Since time immemorial, there have been men and women in Andean communities who dedicate their lives to establishing relationships with beings from other dimensions: some with benevolent entities and others with dark forces. This fascinating world of the sacred and the spiritual still exists today, passed down from generation to generation.

On this occasion, we will explore who these religious specialists are, how they connect with cosmic forces, and the different types that exist in the Andean region. Discover their rituals, powers, and how they are regarded within the Andean worldview.

The Call: A Gift Triggered by Lightning

In the realm of Andean religious specialists, the “call” is a transcendent experience. Lightning, a natural phenomenon as powerful as it is unpredictable, is seen as the means through which spiritual gifts are granted. This event, known as the “Mesay” or “Estrellay,” is believed to occur in three stages.

1. The first strike is the one that brings about a transformative destruction: it “kills” the chosen one, disintegrating their body and scattering their parts across the environment.

2. The second strike gathers those scattered fragments, symbolizing a process of regeneration.

3. The third and final strike is the most powerful, as it is believed to resurrect the individual, granting them the spiritual gift that transforms them into a messenger between the human world and the supernatural.

This process is crucial, as the connection with spiritual beings is not something that is chosen but something that is received as a revelation and a sacrifice.

The Distinctive: The “Mesa-Rumí” and the Awakening of the Chosen One

Andean religious specialists, known for their wisdom and power, have a distinctive feature that accredits them as such: the “mesa-rumí.” This is a stone of peculiar texture upon which a sacred symbol is engraved, which may be a cross or a specific sign related to the region’s spirituality. This object is found by the “chosen ones” upon awakening from a state of “sopor,” a kind of trance or deep sleep.

This symbolism carries great mystical significance, as it is understood that only those with the gift can recognize and use the mesa-rumí, an object that connects them directly with the apus (Andean deities) and other supernatural entities.

On the other hand, there are those who connect with dark forces. The “laeqa” or witches, as they are known, derive their power from the Q’aqya, the “supay” or evil.

Types of Religious Specialists in the Andes: Hierarchies and Roles

The hierarchy within Andean religious specialists is complex and deeply tied to the spirituality of each individual and their ability to communicate with the apus and other entities. Below are the main types of religious specialists in the Andean region:

1. Kuraq Akulleq: The Highest of the Priests

The Kuraq Akulleq is the highest priest in Andean society, known as “The greatest among the coca chewers.” His role is crucial, as he is in direct contact with cosmic forces, represented by the apus and Pachamama. In many regions, there is only one Kuraq Akulleq, and his wisdom and power are deeply respected.

2. Alto-Mesayoq: The Summoner of the Apus

The Alto-Mesayoq is a high-ranking specialist who has the power to summon the great apus and Pachamama. He is considered a healer of great ability, capable of curing ailments caused by evil spirits. His connection to the divine allows him to perform complex rituals, seeking balance between humans and the forces of nature.

3. Runa-Hampeq: The Local Healer

The Runa-Hampeq is a specialist who has the power to summon local apus. While he cannot invoke the greater apus, his role is fundamental within the community as he performs healings, offerings, and divinations. His work is mainly focused on the physical and spiritual healing of the community.

4. Pampa-Mesayoq: The Summoner of the Aukis

The Pampa-Mesayoq occupies a lower status within the hierarchy, yet still plays an important role in connecting spiritually with the lesser apus, known as Aukis. This specialist performs rituals, offerings, and healings, though with less effectiveness than the higher levels.

5. Maycha: The Herbal Healer

The Maycha is a type of Hampeq, but specialized in the use of medicinal herbs. Both men and women fall into this category, possessing vast knowledge of plants, including those that are beneficial and those that are not. Their understanding of nature allows them to play an essential role in traditional Andean medicine.

6. Wishchaq or Watoq: The Diviner of Coca and Cigars

The Wishchaq or Watoq is a specialist in divination, using elements such as coca or cigars to interpret the future and spiritual energies. This specialist follows an ancient tradition of coca reading, an art that requires great skill and deep knowledge of symbolism.

Guaman Poma’s Vision: Three Categories of Healers

The mestizo chronicler Guaman Poma presents three categories of healers, which, although simple, reflect the diversity and complexity of Andean medicine and spirituality:

1. Those who heal by interpreting dreams: These healers specialize in deciphering the meaning of dreams and how they may influence a person’s physical and spiritual health.
2. Those who heal by interpreting fire: They use fire as a means to obtain spiritual answers and heal ailments.
3. Those who “suck” away illnesses: They perform a kind of healing in which they extract bad energies or diseases from the body, a highly ritualistic act.

A Spiritual Legacy That Endures Through Time

The tradition of Andean religious specialists remains a fundamental pillar within the worldview of Andean communities. These individuals, endowed with exceptional skills and ancestral knowledge, are the guardians of a rich cultural heritage that connects humans with the natural and spiritual forces of the cosmos.

The world of religious specialists not only speaks of healing but also of a deep respect for nature and the spiritual beings that, according to Andean belief, are present in every aspect of everyday life.