In this week’s blog, I will be taking a closer look at the Wirracocha and how shamans use them in their ceremonies and healing work.
What is a Wirracocha?
A Wirracocha is the doughnut-shaped 8th chakra, which floats above your head. Arguably, it is another manifestation of the halo, depicted around Holy figures in Christian artworks, or the Sun Disk, depicted around or above the head of the gods of various ancient mythologies.
The Wirracocha can be pulled down around yourself and also over a client, if you are performing healing work, or if you are in ceremony.
Where does the name come from?
Viracocha pre-dates the Inca, as the great creator deity of Andean mythology. An alternative spelling of this creator’s name, Wirracocha, is a recognition that, when we utilise our 8thchakra, we are tapping into this same Great Spirit.
The word, Viracocha, can be translated as ‘sacred source’ but a more accurate translation from the Quechuan is, ‘the fat (or foam) of the sea’ – all life believing to have emerged with Viracocha from Lake Titicaca.
Why do shamans use Wirracochas?
A Wirracocha increases a shaman’s concentration and quickly establishes a secure, personal space in which to journey or work.
Placing their Wirracocha over a client, increases the strength of a shaman’s connection with their client and extends a safe, working environment over both of them.
How do I open my Wirracocha?
To open your Wirracocha you simply reach your hands together above your head, into the eighth chakra, and draw your hands down to your sides, with your palms facing outwards. Imagine drawing a cloak of light down around you as you do so. You can reach up again and draw a further Wirracocha down over your client.
How do I close my Wirracocha?
To close your Wirracocha, reach out with both your hands and slide them under the edge of the energy cloak. Slowly lift your hands above your head, until your palms meet.
Can you really feel a difference with a Wirracocha over you?
There is only one way to find out – try it for yourself and see!
Lowering the Wirracocha is a tradition of the Q’ero and certainly not a common shamanic practice but, whatever tradition you come from, if you struggle with settling your mind, it will prove a great addition to your shamanic arsenal.
What if I forget to lower my Wirracocha?
Some shaman I have worked with get a bit obsessional about this and quite irate if you are working with them and forget to deploy one. Personally, I do not think you should be too concerned if you forget to lower your Wirracocha – if you have set your intention to work within sacred space, you will do so.
What if I forget to raise my Wirracocha?
Again, you do not have to have concerns about this either – your Wirracocha will naturally retreat to the area above your head when you have finished working.
Sometimes, however, it is useful to be able to raise the Wirracocha, as a subtle signal to a client that the ceremony or work has been completed. If your client is deeply relaxed, as often happens with shamanic work, they will often feel the Wirracocha being lifted and know, in a very gentle way, that it is time for them to return to ordinary reality.