Rimaykullayki turay ñañay kuna
(Loving greetings, brothers and sisters)

In the Andean world, our ancestors teach us that whenever you arrive at a new place, you must introduce yourself and greet the spirits and consciousness of that place.

This greeting is done with three leaves of Kokamama, also called Kintu.

We close our eyes, connect with the heart, and call upon the spirits of the place:

I, (your name), introduce myself to you, Great Father, Great Mother, Grandfathers and grandmothers of Pisac. Apu Inti Watana, Ñusta Pisaq, Apu Linlin, Apu Ventanayoc, Purakara Pantilliqlla, Kinsacocha, Pachamama Pisac.

With much love, I offer you this Kintu as a gesture of recognition, asking for permission to inhabit this place and to learn more from you.

Help me, guide me and protect me so I may learn, heal, and grow with you. Thank you, receive this with love.

You blow three times and offer it to the earth, under a tree, covering it with a small stone.

For us, Kokamama is a sacred plant and also a superfood, as it contains around 80 micronutrients, while the human body needs about 60 per day.

In the Andes, everything is ritualized. Ritual helps us live with awareness.

If you are going to picchar, or chew Kokamama leaves, always begin by greeting the Great Spirit, Pachamama, and the Apus. Connect with your intention and blow three times. Offer the leaves and chew with them.

If your intention is to remember, place the leaves on the right side. If your intention is to learn something new, place the leaves on the left side.

My grandmother used to fold the leaf as if making a small tabaco.

Tupananchiscama! See you!