Angela Blueskies first encountered the Despacho Ceremony tradition in the Cusco area of Peru in 2005, during her first journey to Peru. She was connected with a young Andean shaman by a colleague, and he was happy to teach her about the traditions of the indigenous people of the Andes. Angela and the young shaman spent two days together travelling to sacred sites near Cusco, and they were joined on second day by the shaman’s grandfather. Near a high hillside outside of Chinchero, the young shaman carried his Grandfather piggy-back style to the location where they would make their Despacho. Once everything was set up, Angela was told that she would be creating her own Despacho, and while usually there are certain members of the community that are responsible for making Despachos on behalf of others, and who were masters in the art and ritual, this time it would be done differently. The Grandfather told his grandson and Angela that at this time in the world, it is immensely important that people are making these offerings, and that is more important than making them in a particular way. Angela was told at that time that she was the first person outside of their lineage who had ever been allowed to make her own Despacho.
At the time, Angela didn’t think much of this encounter, and happily joined in the creation of her own Despacho offering beside her young shaman friend. Now, having deepened her connection with this sacred tradition, she understands that she was given a wonderful gift that day ~ the gift of bringing the Despacho tradition into her own culture, and making it accessible to people in new ways that are both powerful and culturally relevant. Angela has made many, many Despachos on behalf of herself, her family, her community, and humanity during the years since that first Despacho, and it seems more important than ever that people living in the western world return to a deeper understanding of the cosmos and their place within it.
In October 2016, Angela made the journey to one of the high villages within the Q’ero Nation for the first time. She joined her mentors, Don Augustin and Dona Benita, for three days of connection with their community, with the land, and with their rich and profound traditions. They made a stunningly beautiful Despacho there, joined by their son Santos, and fellow healer Walter. Following the ceremony, Angela asked for their advice to bring back to her community and culture, which is in so much turmoil and chaos at this time. Their answer was always the same: Make more offerings. Once more, Angela was grateful to receive the guidance to continue bringing this powerful ceremony to her brothers and sisters, as humanity finds its way back to the Garden of Eden, back to wise responsibility, back to living in harmony, unity, and balance, and living with a profound reverence for all life as simply one part of the magnificent living systems of Pachamama.
Angela and Helene offer Despacho Ceremonies at Rumi Wasi Sanctuary in Harpers Ferry, WV, as well as within their Washington DC community, The Tribe of Beltway Shamans, and beyond. They are also happy to make Despacho offerings on behalf of their brothers and sisters at a distance who cannot be with them in person, as well as by request for those who wish to arrange a private ceremony.
Beautiful Despacho Blessing with Don Augustin and Dona Benita in Cochomoco, Q’ero Nation, October 2016.