Despacho Ceremonies

A despacho is an offering or a prayer bundle utilised in ceremony for a variety of situations: from deaths to births, to rites of passage, to express gratitude, to restore balance and harmony (ayni), or for other specific requests to the spirit world. It is an Andean tradition that dates back hundreds of years and is still commonly practiced by the shamans of today.

Despachos take the physical form of layered sacred art, similar to a mandala. It is made up of generous and beautiful elements such as flowers, corn, grains, dried fruits, sweets, feathers, herbs, leaves and other objects; each of which represent specific energies that we want to invite into our prayer and offer to Pachamama and Great Spirit. With our intentions, blessings and deep reverence, the Despacho becomes a living prayer that brings energetic shifts and healing to those who are participating in its creation, and also brings healing to our community and world around us. Fundamental to despacho ceremonies is the concept of Ayni, which is the Quechua (Andean) word for Reciprocity. Ayni is a natural law of being in balance and harmony with the natural world around us, by entering into sacred exchange, and creating equality in giving and receiving. and offering our deepest gratitude and blessings to Mother Earth. Ayni is a way of life for the Andean people. By operating with the force of Ayni in despacho ceremonies, we do more than just ask and take: we give back energy generously to the Divine with our prayers, love, gratitude, and open hearts.

Once the despacho is lovingly created and filled with our prayers, it is bundled up and offered in ceremony: whether that be buried (which allows for a slow and steady manifestation), or placed in a ceremonial fire (a quick transformation) or released to the waters. Each of these ceremonies sends our prayers and gifts to Spirit.

A despacho ceremony can be created in alignment with your specific needs, or can a wonderful ritual to express your deepest gratitude to Pachamama and the spirit world. These can be group ceremonies with your loved ones and/or community, or can be individual.

Please enquire below for more information.

Fire Ceremonies

Fire is sacred. Fire is wild, transformative, and gives us the potential to create new energy from the old. Ancient and shamanic traditions from all over the world hold great reverence for fire. It is believed that Mother Earth contains a fire deep within her core, in her belly. Fire is one of the key elementals across various ancient traditions and ceremonial practices. We are able to harness the wild power of fire for our own healing journey.

A fire ceremony is traditionally held on a full moon or new moon when the veils between the physical world and the unseen worlds are the thinnest, and also on solstices and equinoxes. The fire ceremony is an opportunity to release what no longer serves us to the spirit of fire, for rapid transformation at an energetic level. By setting a clear intention and releasing our old lessons and belief systems, we allow for opportunities of deep healing. There is a window of opportunity of 2-4 weeks after a fire ceremony, where we can integrate and embed changes into our physical lives, thus turning our intentions into reality.

I practice fire ceremonies as I have been taught by my shamanic teachers, based on the foundations of the Andean tradition; and I have also expanded upon this foundation to include my own practices and rituals as informed by my direct relationship with the fire, from Great Spirit and from Pachamama. In ceremony, a sacred container is created, our benevolent guides, allies and ancestors are called in for protection and guidance as we step outside of ordinary time and into sacred space for deeper healing and connection with the elements, Pachamama and our spirit guides. We share moments of silence and inward reflection by the sacred fire and also weave the magic of shared song and spoken word.

I am able to hold space for private fire ceremonies for yourself and your loved ones; or alternatively you are welcome to join my community gathering fire ceremonies that occurs throughout the year.

Nature Immersions

Coming soon.
Overnight stays in nature. Experience an immersive healing journey combining shamanic healing sessions, fire ceremony, sound meditation, and nature in regional Victoria. Each immersion is tailored to your needs and may include other modalities as suitable.

If you’re interested in finding out more about despacho or fire ceremonies, or nature immersions, please register your interest by clicking the button below.