A Despacho is a sacred offering, often in the form of a prayer bundle. The Despacho tradition originated in the high Andes mountains with the wisdomkeepers of the Andean communities of Q’eros. The Andean people create Despachos to honor births and weddings, to ask for healing, and bless any new project or endeavor.
Each element that is placed within the beautiful mandala of the Despacho is offered with prayers from those gathered for the ceremony. Every item holds symbolic meaning, calling for the release of certain energies, welcoming blessings and benevolent forces, and ultimately, prayers to return to balance and alignment with our own highest intentions, as well as with Pachamama. There are many kinds of Despacho, and a wide variety of offerings that can be placed in the mandala, including sweets, grains, flowers, incense, feathers, and leaves, but the most essential offering is an open, grateful heart. Once the mandala is complete, the Despacho is closed and bundled, and gifted to Spirit through ritual burning, burial, or offering to the water.
