For the Heart of Heaven, Heart of the Earth... Consecrating the new land in Xetchaj
by Kathy Searle de Acevedo
At daybreak, we seven make our way to Xetchaj, and climb to a small terrace partway up the rocky mound at the rear of the new property. This small hillock remains untouched, in contrast to the rest of the land, recently cleared of all but the largest trees in preparation for groundbreaking in a few weeks’ time. With us is an ajq’ij, or spiritual guide (literally, “keeper of the days”).
He will lead the ceremony and guide us in offering thanks for this tremendous gift, for this land in a safe location on which to rebuild a hospital that will offer care to all the people of the community. We also wish to ask forgiveness for the removal of numerous trees and plants, including a sizable plantation of coffee loaded with unripe fruit. And finally, we seek guidance and wisdom in the challenging project we are about to undertake.
As the sky lightens, don Juan begins to lay out the altar, following the cardinal points of the universe. To the north, the color white, symbolizing rightness, color of wisdom, color of teeth, color of bones. To the south, yellow, the color of blessing, of life, of the fertility of Mesoamerica’s Pacific coastal plains. To the east, red, color of strength, in honor of the rising sun, which is at this moment making its appearance over the top of Tolimán Volcano. To the west, the color black, the color of night, which follows day, the color of death, which follows life… The symbology is many-fold; these colors also represent the four colors of corn, mainstay of life and raw material for the creation of the first humans beings…
Our guide invites us to help in laying out the ceremonial circle; soon the fragrant smoke begins to fill the air with the aroma of incense, and rises along with don Juan’s invocations. Behind us, the Volcano San Pedro, Ch’utchuj, is bathed with the golden light of early morning, and the birds are pouring forth their medley of greetings to the new day. For the Heart of the Sky and Heart of the Earth, the Creator and Shaper of the Universe…
Mayan cosmovision is not a religion. It is a way of seeing the universe, of seeking to live in harmony and balance with all of creation. Nor is it exclusive, don Juan explains to us; anyone may join the circle around the sacred fire. It is necessary only to approach respectfully, with an open mind and an open heart. The lessons to be gathered from the traditional ceremony can be meditated upon, and applied to practical aspects of our lives. In this case, our guide invites us to reflect carefully upon the importance of involving the people of Santiago more closely in the enterprise of rebuilding and operating the Hospitalito Atitlán. Inclusiveness, connectedness, interaction. Timely counsel indeed, and we take it to heart.
On the day Four B’e, Nawal of the continually unfolding road of existence, Nawal of history and destiny, we consecrate this land to the saq’ b’e, to the right path and to the correct destiny, to the service of the community and to the healing powers of the universe.
