Yucahu Kachi Areito: Orientación para el Año de las Ondas 2025

Yucahu Kachi Areito: Orientación para el Año de las Ondas 2025

Recientemente recibimos orientación sobre el Yucahu Kachi Areito (Ceremonia Yamaye Taína de Celebración de la Estación Seca/Solsticio de Invierno) el 21 de diciembre. Esta orientación se centra en la energía y las acciones para el próximo año, 2025.

2025: Un año de ondas y olas

Colourful Ripples in Water - Smita Srivastav 

Ondas de colores en el agua - Smita Srivastav 

2025 es un año de ondas. - Ondas que ya están en marcha gracias a las acciones emprendidas y a la energía dispersa por todo el ethos. 

Añadiremos nuestra energía y nuestro impulso a las ondas positivas, aquellas que se alinean con la protección de los espíritus del medio ambiente. No obstruiremos, desviaremos, reflejaremos ni intervendremos en la progresión natural de estas ondas positivas a medida que se convierten en olas.

Se han celebrado varias ceremonias, y su impacto se desarrollará a lo largo de los próximos cuatro años. Sin embargo, también se han creado rituales para mantener el statu quo actual (control de la minoría sobre la mayoría).

Para transformar este statu quo y lograr un cambio positivo, se llama a la acción a individuos concretos y a pequeños grupos. Deben implementar prácticas ceremoniales pequeñas pero constantes, creando una contra-onda dirigida específicamente a las fuerzas que mantienen el status quo -fuerzas que no están alineadas con los espíritus de la naturaleza, el medio ambiente, Atabeira (Madre Tierra/Espíritu Femenino de la Fertilidad), o Yucahu (Espíritu Masculino de la Fertilidad). Esta contra-onda es distinta de la progresión natural de las ondas positivas.

Este es un año de ondas y olas.

Los ancestros han compartido que, a lo largo de 2025, seremos capaces de efectuar más cambios desde nuestros Wanaras (lugares apartados/altares caseros) que aquellos que están participando abierta y activamente en espacios públicos.

Anhan Katu (Y así es).

Mi interpretación de la orientación para 2025 apunta a un año definido por fuerzas interconectadas: ondas, olas y lo que percibo como ritmos cruciales. Comprender estas dinámicas es clave para navegar por el año con eficacia.

La guía habla de ondas existentes, puestas en movimiento por acciones previas y energías dispersas. Nuestro papel es apoyar estas ondas positivas, añadiendo nuestra energía a su impulso sin interferir en su progresión natural hacia las olas.Visualiza una piedra arrojada a un estanque: los círculos en expansión representan estas ondas. Arrojar otra piedra mientras las ondas iniciales aún se están formando altera el patrón, pudiendo provocar que choquen y pierdan el efecto deseado.Esta analogía subraya la importancia de permitir que las fuerzas positivas se desarrollen de forma natural.

Se nos informa de que las ceremonias ya realizadas tendrán efectos que durarán cuatro años.Sin embargo, también se han promulgado rituales para mantener el statu quo actual, caracterizado a menudo por una minoría que controla a la mayoría, a menudo con intenciones poco positivas.

Para contrarrestar estos rituales de mantenimiento del statu quo, se llama a la acción a determinadas personas y pequeños grupos. Se les encarga que apliquen pequeñas prácticas coherentes, lo que yo entiendo como los «ritmos» de 2025. Estas acciones coherentes crean una contra-onda, dirigida específicamente a neutralizar las influencias negativas que perpetúan el desequilibrio de poder. Esta contraola no pretende interrumpir las ondas positivas que se desarrollan a partir de las ondas iniciales, sino que se dirige a la fuente de las fuerzas negativas.

La clave para cada uno de nosotros es que, a lo largo de 2025, podemos generar un cambio positivo significativo desde nuestros altares domésticos.Nuestras prácticas personales -oraciones, ayunos, meditaciones- se convierten en poderosas herramientas para apoyar las ondas, ritmos y ondulaciones positivas.Al cultivar la fuerza interior y mantener una práctica espiritual constante, contribuimos al equilibrio general y facilitamos la transformación positiva.

Anhan katu (Y así es )

2025: A Year of Ripples and Waves

 

Yucahu Kachi Areito: Guidance for the 2025 Year of Ripples

We recently received guidance regarding the Yucahu Kachi Areito (Yamaye Taino Celebration of the Dry Season/Winter Solstice Ceremony) on December 21st. This guidance focuses on the energy and actions for the coming year, 2025.

2025: A Year of Ripples and Waves

Colourful Ripples in Water - Smita Srivastav 

2025 is a year of ripples. - Ripples already in effect from actions taken and energy dispersed throughout the ethos. 

We will add our energy and momentum to the positive ripples—those aligned with protecting the spirits of the environment. We will not obstruct, deflect, reflect, or intervene with the natural progression of these positive ripples as they develop into waves.

Several ceremonies have taken place, and their impact will unfold over the next four years. However, rituals have also been created to maintain the current status quo (minority control over the majority).

To transform this status quo and effect positive change, specific individuals and small groups are called to action. They are to implement small yet constant ceremonial practices, creating a counter-wave specifically aimed at the forces maintaining the status quo—forces not aligned with the spirits of nature, the environment, Atabeira (Mother Earth/Female Spirit of Fertility), or Yucahu (Male Spirit of Fertility). This counter-wave is distinct from the natural wave progression of the positive ripples.

This is a year of ripples and waves.

The ancestors have shared that, throughout 2025, we will be able to effect more change from our Wanaras (places apart/home altars) than those who are openly and actively engaging in public spaces.

Anhan Katu (And so it is).

My interpretation of the guidance for 2025 points to a year defined by interconnected forces: ripples, waves, and what I perceive as crucial rhythms. Understanding these dynamics is key to navigating the year effectively.

The guidance speaks of existing ripples, set in motion by previous actions and dispersed energies. Our role is to support these positive ripples, adding our energy to their momentum without interfering with their natural progression into waves. Visualize a stone dropped into a pond: the expanding circles represent these ripples. Throwing another stone while the initial ripples are still forming disrupts the pattern, potentially causing them to clash and lose their intended effect. This analogy highlights the importance of allowing positive forces to unfold naturally.

We are informed that ceremonies already performed will have effects lasting four years. However, rituals have also been enacted to maintain the current status quo—a status quo often characterized by a minority controlling the majority, frequently with less-than-positive intentions.

To counter these status-quo-maintaining rituals, select individuals and small groups are called to action. They are tasked with implementing small, consistent practices—what I understand as the "rhythms" of 2025. These consistent actions create a counter-wave, specifically aimed at neutralizing the negative influences perpetuating the imbalance of power. This counter-wave is not meant to disrupt the positive waves developing from the initial ripples; rather, it targets the source of the negative forces.

The key takeaway for each of us is that, throughout 2025, we can generate significant positive change from our home altars. Our personal practices—prayers, fasting, meditations—become powerful tools for supporting the positive ripples, rhythms, and waves. By cultivating inner strength and maintaining consistent spiritual practice, we contribute to the overall balance and facilitate positive transformation.

Anhan katu (And so it is )

Yuca Kati (Cassava Moon )

Yuca Kishibu Kati (Cassava Full Moon) will be on December 12th.

The primary crop cultivated by the Taino Indians was Yuca/Cassava. It was planted in the Conucos (a small plot of cultivated land) using a Coa (a kind of hoe made completely out of wood). From the Yuca/Cassava the Tainos made the baked cassava flatbread, which became a main part of their diet.

When Christopher Columbus and his Spaniard team first arrived to the Hispaniola Island (Dominican Republic and Haiti) in 1492, they found that cassava bread had advantages over their traditional European bread, in that it does not go stale or moldy. For this reason, the Spaniards took this durable cassava flatbread to other parts of the continent as they continued their conquest of America.
excerpt from http://www.hispaniolacassava.com/cassava-story.html

Oviedo recorded that our ancestors planted their Yuca at the start of the lunar month so that the crop grew with the phases of the moon. They also encouraged growth by placing or burying zemi figures of stone or wood in the conuco (garden) to protect the crop and ensure its potency.

Today, in lowland Amazonia, manioc gardens are associated with fertility and sexuality, as places where menstruating women take refuge, unmarried couples have sex, and babies are born. The process of planting hard manioc cuttings in soft, yielding soil is itself seen as full of sexual imagery.

Late November and December is the time when Yuca is harvested.

.

Spiritual Significance
"They call him Yúcahu Bagua Maórocoti" is the earliest mention of the zemí taken from the first page of Fray Ramón Pané's Account of the Antiquities of the Indians. 

As the Taíno did not possess a written language, the name is the phonetic spelling as recorded by the Spanish missionaries, Ramón Pané, and Bartolomé de las Casas. The three names are thought to represent the Great Spirit's epithets.

Yúcahu means spirit or giver of Cassava. Bagua has been interpreted as meaning both "the sea" itself and "master of the sea." The name Maórocoti implies that he was conceived without male intervention.
excerpt from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C3%BAcahu

Yuca holds a sacred place in our lives as it symbolises fertility and nourishment, one of our sacred items always presented to the zemi and ancestors.

MEDITATION

This Full Moon represents the harvesting of our nourishing Yuca, reaping the rewards of the work put in from the Rainy season of May. We have prayed, worked and now we receive.

Now you have to harvest at the right time, too early the roots will be young not fit for eating, too long and it may become hard or food for pests so the lesson here is also one of discernment to do things in their alotted time and season.

1. Create Sacred Space - Call on your ancestors, your guides, the ways your ancestors would have. Ask them to help focus your mind and heart to the task at hand, so you may be prepared to show yourself worthy for all that you seek, to attract the energy necessary to manifest your desire with the coming seasons.

2. With your eyes closed while standing or sitting on a chair, Take 7 deep inhales and exhales to clear your mind.

3. Bring attention to your breath, with each inhale receiving life giving oxygen from the plants and with each exhale giving them carbon dioxide.

Visualise a beautiful Conuco (garden) filled with Yuca (Cassava). Find yourself by a plant that is pleasing to your spirit, that represents your plant to harvest based on all the work put in this year. 

4. As you see the Yuca plant before you, take a deep inhale and open your palms, with a slow steady exhale clench your fist and visualise holding the stem .

Take another deep inhale opening your palm, and with a slow and steady exhale clench your fist and visualise your are pulling the stem to pull out the nourishing Yuca root.

Continue to synchronize your breaths and clenching of fist with your visualisation of pulling the Yuca plants root out from the soil.

5. As you pull see all of the obstacles you have overcome, and allow yourself to fill with gratitude for experiencing another beautiful full moon. As you pull the Yuca root out give thanks to your guides for all of the blessings received now to carry you through to the next full moon and beyond.

6. To close place hands before heart and breathe in deeply that gratitude.

Energy is present 2 days before and 2 days after the Full moon so you have time to practice

Cohiba Kishibu Kati (Tobacco Full Moon)

Cohiba Kishibu Kati (Tobacco  Full Moon) will be on November 15th.


Cohiba /Tobacco is a plant that grows natively in the Caribbean, North and South America. It is in the same family as the potato, pepper and the poisonous nightshade, a very deadly plant.

Traditionally, in tropical climates it has been considered that the ideal months to plant tobacco are November and December, since it results in better yield and quality and allows for rain fed cultivation, taking advantage of the rain during this season.


On this Full Moon as it is the season to Plant Cohiba, we honor the spirit of this plant.

Spiritual Significance

In the chronicles of Christopher Columbus’s first voyage –recorded mislabeled in history as the “discovery of America,” he refers that upon arriving in Cuba, his ship was welcomed by canoes steered by men and women who held small bunches of quasi-golden leaves that, given their shape, resembled “muskets lit up on one end” that natives pressed between their lips, delightfully inhaling the aromatic smoke off that exotic plant, totally unknown for the crew at that time.

Those peaceful and innocent people were offering COHIBA to the colonizers as a token of friendship. That used to be their most precious treasure, the underpinning of their lives and a way to communicate with the gods. The Tainos called TOBACCO a two-pronged hollow tubes carved in wood that, unlike the leaves rolled into the shape of a musket, they used to absorb the COHIBA through the nostrils.

That was powder tobacco, what people now call snuff. As Columbus and his men heard the words pronounced by the Tainos, they mixed up the word COHIBA with the instrument called TOBACCO.

Let’s turn time back now to the palenque (party or festival) where the sacred ceremony known as the Cohiba Ritual is about to begin. An areito or ritual chant is being sung as the music fills up the atmosphere. The Kasike (tribe chief) or Behike (medicine man) also acts as the supreme priest. He has inhaled the smoke of the COHIBA, sitting on the ceremonial dujo, a lovely seat that recreates the form of an antediluvian animal. With his head leaning on his chest and his hands on his knees, he remains silent, submerged in somekind of profound trance. When the Kasike or behike begins to speak, his voice sounds celestial and divine. Participants answer out loud to his words, each and every one of them telling what his or her problems are, concerned with the future of the tribe. They are also grateful that the gods –through the Kasike/behike and by means of the Cohiba Ritual- are listening to them and dishing out wise solutions.

excerpt from http://www.revistasexcelencias.com/en/excelencias-turisticas-cuba/t0bacco/reportaje/ritual-cohoba


Meditation

This Full Moon is about wisdom, communication, grounding, thanksgiving.

1. Create Sacred Space - Call on your ancestors, your guides, the ways your ancestors would have. Ask them to help focus your mind and heart to the task at hand, so you may be prepared to show yourself worthy for all that you seek, to attract the energy necessary to manifest your desire with the coming seasons.

2. With your eyes closed while standing or sitting on a chair, Take 7 deep inhales and exhales to clear your mind.

3.Bring attention to your breath, with each inhale receiving life giving oxygen from the plants and with each exhale giving them carbon dioxide. Visualise a beautiful flowering Yuri (cohiba) plant in your minds eye that is feeding you oxygen and you are feeding carbon dioxide under this moon's glow. 

4. As you see the Yuri (cohiba) flower before you, observe as the hummingbird draws the medicine from this plant, many native american cultures teach that the humming bird represents our ancestors and deep wisdom as it feeds from the sacred Yuri (Cohiba) plant. Like the hummingbird feeding on this sacred plant, with each inhale see as a ray of light ,deep wisdom entering your body, with each exhale release worries, fears and doubts to this sacred plant.

5.Continue to do this allowing any insights or guidance to come to you under this moon and this moment in silence. When complete give thanks for guidance and the energy given to you. 

Energy is present 2 days before and 2 days after the Full moon so you have time to practice

Yamaye Guidance 2024 Calendar Year

 

An ancient part of Taino traditions that was recorded in brief ,is our ceremonies in-which community members gathered before the Kasike (Chief) and through ancestral ceremony there were songs, chants in the form of call and response culminating in the community asking questions of the Kasike and receiving guidance from the Cemi (ancestral sacred spirits). 

Today we slowly try to anchor these teachings and ways for a people "dispersed not disconnected" and will be sharing the guidance received for this Gregorian calendar year of 2024 from ancestral guidance.

ANCESTRAL GUIDANCE / READING

This year is guided by three (3) R's , Remorse, Regret and Resentment.

Remorse - deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed. (What did you do ?)
Regret - a feeling of sadness, repentance, or disappointment over an occurrence or something that one has done or failed to do. (What did or didn't you do ?)
Resentment - a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, insult, or injury. (What was done to you ? )

The positive of this year is an opportunity
To Right wrongs, to heal those you have wronged be it plant, animal, stone, person or spirit. 
To Respond from a healed space to a scenario we had failed to do so in the past.
To Reinforce our value of self to state NO and choose self love.
To be Resilient , fight for what is worth it and Relese what no longer serves us.

The positive of this year is that alot of scenarios will be Replayed and provide opportunities to handle them differently, so be mindful of your triggers , be patient and prepared to heal old wounds.

The negative of this year is that many will be going through the 3 R's and may have a tendency to project their wounds, becoming more confrontational. The guidance speaks towards being forewarned is being forearmed so with this knowledge be mindful of those projecting and do not engage, many will come at you with their Resentment, Regret and Remorse looking externally as opposed to internally so do not take this situations personally. 

HEALING PRACTICE

A practice I recommend especially this year is that of RELEASE.
In the Taino tradition a Guanara / Wanara is a place apart, sacred space for healing, this can be an altar space, a meditation space, a quiet space , anywhere that is used for Reflection and Restoration. 
In this space spend a few minutes in a supplicatory posture with your forehead as close to the Earth as you can comfortably and from there Repeat in your mind and heart the word OPENNESS, and RELEASE, you can chant or listen to music calming and clearing for your spirit. 
With this process simply allow the emotions to come up and be released to Atabey (mother earth), we don't need to analyze them or understand them simply experience them and allow that release.

After a good purge of tears and strong emotions spend some time REFLECTING in thanksgiving for accessible healing and ancestral guidance.

Yayabo Huma (Great spirit be with you All )

Anhan Katu (And so it Is )