The Pilgrim Path
After meeting the spirit of the Hikuri flower in the year 2012, my journey took an unexpected turn towards the sacred sites of the Wixaritari people in Mexico.
a little window into the path of the Pilgrim.
As I approach the end of my first commitment cycle of 5 years in Autumn 2023, I realize that my journey has only just begun, and there is much more magic, self-discovery, and knowledge awaiting me. And the constant reminder that it is all about the “journey and not the destination”.
“To honour the medicine that was healing me and teaching me, I have to walk behind the medicine and the elders. To walk the path becomes a life purpose. ”
The Wixaritari people are an ancient nation of farmers and hunters living in the Sierra Madre, Occidental range in Mexico. They are known for their knowledge of medicinal plants and their artisan crafts are considered very high quality. They are also known as the guardians of the Hikuri the “flower of the desert”, and their culture is intrinsically linked to this flower and its history that expands all the way to the North part of the American continent.
Their visits to sacred sites or pilgrimages are an important part of their culture and their survival. It is an essential part of the Wixarika cosmic dance with nature and the spirit realm.
The Wirikuta desert is one of the most important and sacred places for the Wixaritari people, and they visit it every year as pilgrims, taking offerings as a show of gratitude and building a relationship with these places of power.
During my first visit to the desert in 2019, after 7 years from my first encounter with the Hikuri, I was fortunate enough to be accompanied by a renowned Marakame ( * ) and his family with whom I have been working with for quite a while. It is of paramount importance that the visits to the desert should be done with an authority from the Wixarika community.
( *) Marakates are the Medicine Men/Women of the Wixarika people. They are renowned healers with a gift of communicating with the spirits of the earth, the "Kakauyaris".
Our teacher and friend Marakame Don Emilio. Rest in peace.
Before entering the desert, we were part of a ritual in order to stablish an honest and coherent relationship with the desert. We had to confess, to clear past negative experiences and reclaim our sexual energy.
This ritual takes place every year the night before we go hunting for the flower. As the years passed I realised that this moment of confession is the first time I faced the “Obsidian mirror” the “Shadow” during the pilgrimage.
It is a moment with the “Great Mystery” between Tatewari -grandfather fire- and you.
This yearly ritual elevates your awareness and understanding of the flow of your own energies.
A good confession before hunting makes things easier in the desert!
“Deep gratitude to our elders and teachers as their heart is pure and authentic. They speak of the the way of the heart. ”
Hunting for medicine demands purity and sacrifice. In the morning after the “confession” we walk into the desert searching for the beautiful flower. During the time of the hunt we are not allowed to eat or drink water until the hunt has ended.
The desert pilgrim is an special kind of hunter, one that becomes the hunted once he/she has consumed the flower, the flower will eat him/her from inside taking the pilgrim into a journey of self discovery and flow with nature.
After hunting for medicine we carry our offerings to the Kayumary mountain, the sacred site of the Wixarika people. This place is a powerful vortex of energy, a unique place on earth. The Kayumary is the first place where we leave coins and offerings collected during the year in our ceremonies.
On my first visit to the Kayumari mountain, I made my commitment to the Hikuri and the desert. That day I received a crystal from this sacred place gifted to me by the Marakame.
Since then, I have been travelling to the desert and other sacred sites, in Mexico & Colombia carrying prayers and caressing the earth with our intentions and love.
As a pilgrim, I strive to walk life with integrity and respect. In the hope of leaving a legacy for future generations just as the Marakame and the desert do and have done for so many years and for many people.