Saturday, December 30, 2006

new year petition


new year petition
Originally uploaded by suttonhoo.
I sat under this pine today and listened to a Mayan shaman petition Don Juan, the Earth Lord, for renewal. He built a roaring fire at mid-day and cast great big handfuls of corn and salt and multi-colored candles into the flames.

He spoke in Qui'che so I don't know what he said, but it was with such strength and confidence -- so clearly outlining the terms of their agreement from way back -- "look Don, I'm doing the thing with the candles and the beer like we agreed -- now it's your turn to make the world new again" -- that I sat there for over an hour, watching him circle the flame like he was winding a watch, hoping for the first time in a long time that maybe such a thing really could be possible.

Posting by cameraphone from Chichicastenango.

4 comments:

anniemcq said...

what an excellent post. and an perfect hope for the New Year.

Lolabola* said...

Yes, excellent post!

Lisa Johnson said...

That sounds amazing!

Lasse said...

I am SO right there in Guatemala with you - I miss that place! It is so great to follow your site, makes me want to go back NOW!

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