As I sit at my cozy desk and write this blog post, my boyfriend James is outside cutting up a pile of tree branches to fit into one of my fire pits. Tonight is the full moon in Cancer, and I’m planning to have a little fire ceremony as part of my studies in the Mesachakuay, or Medicine Wheel, as it’s known in some areas.
Nearly four months ago, I embarked on this advanced healing journey that asks us to do difficult inner work. We move through various steps based on the moon cycles. On Saturday evening, I extended gratitude for our most recent work with the great eagle and the condor, representatives of the east and the heart chakra. These winged archetypes ask us to dream big without hesitation and know we’re guided and supported by Spirit. (Or, God. The name used here varies by region/country and religion. Spirit is universal, crossing all boundaries.)
I intentionally won’t get into the finer details of the Mesachakuay because the process, rituals, rites and activities are sacred to the Andean people of Peru where these teachings originated. However, I am happy to share why I’m going on this journey and what I’m noticing as I progressively heal at a soul level.
Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, which means this post contains affiliate links and advertisements. I earn a small commission if you shop through them, which helps fund this website so I can continue to bring you amazing content. Thank you! ~Angela
Why I’m Doing the Mesachakuay
So, let’s back up. I was first introduced to the spiritual teachings and insights of the indigenous people of Peru in 2016. My amazing yoga teacher Erin would weave the nature-based teachings into our meditations and journey circles. As I listened, everything clicked, including the messages of leading life with a mindset of gratitude, living in reciprocity with the land and slowing down to really experience joy.
Two years later, some of Erin’s Peruvian friends visited Iowa and I spent a week participating in their blessing ceremonies, receiving a personalized healing session and learning more about their culture and connection with the unseen spiritual world.
In 2019, I participated in the Munay Ki, or the nine rites of initiation into these spiritual practices. The ceremonies and teachings were deeply personal and fulfilling. I felt like I finally found a way to connect with our creator in a way that felt open and unrestricted, unlike some religious teachings I’ve encountered over the years.
In 2025, the opportunity came up to go through the Mesachakuay, a year-long in-depth study, to deepen my spiritual connections, practices and understandings. In this approach, we look within and heal the fears and blocks resting within us at a soul level. We work on reframing, releasing and relearning. Along the way, we engage with all the magic Spirit has created for us to enjoy, including the land, the moon, animals and so much more.
My beautiful pi stone from the Munay Ki.
What I’m Learning During the Mesachakauy
Oh, boy. I could write a book on this topic, but I’ll keep it brief in this blog post. Since starting these practices years ago, and now diving deeper into this spiritual learning, I feel lighter. I’ve been working hard to build trust and confidence in divine guidance. I’m learning to release the programming and beliefs that don’t serve me. I’m moving slower through this world, giving gratitude and blessings to the things that truly keep us alive each day, like the sun.
I’m so grateful this opportunity has literally migrated from South America to Iowa. The Andean people are thrilled to know that people across the globe want to learn more about their way of life and how to live more simply, with gratitude and love as guiding principles.
So, What’s Next?
In a few weeks, I’ll gather with the Mesachakuay group for our second in-depth long weekend of ceremony and learning. We will do breath work, meditations, work with processing emotions and so much more.
In the coming year, we will meet two more times to complete a year-long cycle of learning based on the four directions: south, west, north and east. I look forward to seeing how many more layers of healing at a soul level await me.
Is this easy? No.
It’s a process of looking deep within to heal past traumas and learn new ways of managing the hard things in life. It’s a reprocessing of being taught to stay small and quiet. It’s a deep examination of the ego and what stories it’s created. It’s a process of becoming authentically myself without the weight of “should haves” or “must dos” on my shoulders.
Would you like to read more about this process in the coming months? Send me a quick note, and I’ll add your questions and inquiries to my writing ideas list.
Until next time,
Choose healthy!
Angela
PS: Wonder what I’m up to this week? Visit me on Facebook at Cupcakes and Yoga Pants!
