The following is a message originally posted for the citizens of the Guainía Taíno Tribe, but it is shared here because its presents fundamental teachings of the Taíno People.
Taiguei itiaono (Greetings relatives),
As some of you know, as a kasike (community leader), I don’t only have an administrative or historian role, I also have a spiritual mandate. I have participated in and led Indigenous ceremonies for at least two decades now.
With that in mind, recently, some of you have reached out to just to talk, some to share ideas and aspirations, and some to share current hardships like the physical loss of loved ones or general fears and angst with the current state of world affairs. I know many of our community members, as well as so many people across the U.S., the islands, and around the world are going through similar rough, stressful times. My aniki (heart, mind, spirit) goes out to you all in a warm spiritual embrace.
I humbly remind everyone that there is a reason so much is going on and so many are feeling the way they do. Of course, the recent change in U.S. governmental policies is contributing to what can be described as chaotic energy seemingly manifesting everywhere. However, what many people have forgotten is that this month and next we are also experiencing a significant celestial event, a planetary conjunction. That is basically when a series of planets line up together in their orbits. Many people, probably a majority of folks, have not made this connection. As a result, many are feeling like they want to shut off or retreat away.
While I am not downplaying the effects of politics and the economic factors here, this excessive energy emanating from the conjunction is also affecting people on an energetic/spiritual level and it is real. Just think about how the moon affects the ocean and tides, now imagine all those planets lined up with their very different energies pulling on each other. Some people are more prepared to deal with this energy shift than others and hence it can result in chaotic energy and chaotic physical manifestations.
Add to this, this energy from the conjunction is now moving into a new moon, tomorrow the 29th of January. This is a moment for us to spiritually act and fortify ourselves for what is ahead because what is coming is serious.
What is important to remember is that we cannot lose hope, and we can trust the process – the spiritual process - if we engage with it respectfully. Out of chaos comes new beginnings…
Our ancestors had home altars called matutu. This was a personal/familial space in their bohio (home) to focus their prayers, petitions, their spiritual intentions. I mentioned this during the recent “Ask Kasike” session. Do you have such a space in your bohio? During their ceremonies our ancestors presented offerings to their ancestors, spirits, and semí - offerings of the “most beautiful fruits and flowers”. When is the last time or have you ever engaged in such an action?
I say these things not to reprimand or to dictate a mandate, I am just providing some things for you to seriously ponder. Spirituality is work and commitment.
As a kasike, I humbly recommend the following course of action for your consideration. I recommend a cleaning of your home tomorrow, the 29th, followed by a cleansing with incense (sage or copal or tabonuko, whatever you might have available). Even if you can just do the incense, it is the intention that counts.
If you don’t have a home altar – matutu - please consider creating one. This can be as simple as a small table or even a shelf or a corner where you can safely place a candle, light incense, have a small bowl of water and or a special stone or crystal or other beloved objects. Then you can use this place as a focal point for your home prayers, to express your intentions and communicate with the ancestors and spirits.
Opportunities like these are special but fleeting, please consider using this significant energetic/spiritual moment to retune and fortify yourself.
Moving forward, if you choose to create a home alter, a matutu, you can engage it for regular reflection on where you have been and where you want to go. Remember, it is not about perfection, but it is about direction, the path you take.
Flowing with the energy of this conjunction, as the kati, the moon renews itself, so can you.
As we see all the time in the animal world, indecision is also a decision.
Dansihi bui, seneko kakona,
R. Múkaro Agueibaná Borrero, Kasike, Guainía Taíno Tribe
Thank you so much for this important information Kasike Mukaro!