Despachos are prayer bundles, or offerings, which we create individually or in groups. In the spirit of Ayni (meaning reciprocity), they are a way for us to align with our intention of being in harmony with nature, and giving an offering in order to receive; a powerful and moving way to “dispatch” our prayers to the powers that be.

We can do this in groups or individually, and the process gives us time to connect with what we are grateful for. Gratitude is the most healing of all practices, and this ceremony sets up the space and time to really give thanks for all that we receive in our lives.

They are made of food items, flowers and other natural components symbolic of our connection with the Earth, the Mountains, as well as elements we show gratitude for such as abundance and sustenance. We create kintus, bundles of leaves and flowers, in which we blow our prayers, wishes and intentions, and which we also place into the despacho.

When we have completed it, we carefully fold it up and wither burn it for quick transformation, bury it for slower results, or give it to running waters. All its materials are completely natural, so everything is returned back to the Earth.

This is a beautiful process, in the Andes it is done most often to honor and give gratitude to Pachamama (the Spirit of the Earth) and to the Apus (the Spirits of the Mountains). It can also be done for one person, when they are starting new endeavors, or bringing in healing and abundance.