This ceremony is to let go of that which does not serve you. Obstacles, feeling stuck, old things, old habits, patterns and belief systems. The fire is used as a vehicle to consume all that is unwanted in ones life and regenerate it into something new. Lighting fire is an age old practice to release the old and welcome the new. Usually celebrated on the Equinox. Despacho can also be looked upon as a Peace offering as found in numerous other cultures. It is also a ceremony to Worship Mother Earth, Father Sky and the several directions. Nature and Animal Spirit. It is a time to give back to “Her” after taking so much! And one way to give back to mother earth is by planting a tree.
What you need:
Write on a piece of paper something you wish to release into the fire and keep it to one side. Mind you, if you choose to make a mental note, that too is fine. The paraphernalia collected for despacho ceremony includes: sweets, meat, chocolate, colourful ribbons, rice, raisins, coins, grains, nuts, red & white flowers and thread, leaves, sea shells, cotton, feathers, stones, crystals, white paper, tobacco, something used, incense sticks, sweet grass. All of these have their unique symbology. Namely: to welcome in the sweetness of life, to give thanks for the life force, to have gratitude for all the colours of life, to have faith in new beginnings, to be more humble towards nature and its elements, and to honour life in all its glory & freedom.
Making a mandala from all offerings and by employing the five elements. Put everything in/on a paper or cloth bundle. It can even fit in an A4 sized paper for that matter. But if you choose to go bigger, no harm done.
Invocation of the seven directions, drumming, rattling, space clearing and smudging is a prerequisite to perform this ceremony. When you do the invocation it is good to remember and call forth all your spirit guides, animals and deities, ancestors and any helpful spirits. Always keeping the great spirit that is everywhere and in all things in our mind, body and heart. The offering should be like a prayer. Prayers is the simplest and fastest way to connect with divine source, when nothing else works.
Drink some Red and White wine or alcohol spirit. Prepare a space for the sacred fire and immersion of Despacho. Once done, walk away! Do not look back as it is a time to let go.
Despachos offer us a vehicle for moving and shifting the energy of a group, the world, and the cosmos. The despacho can be either buried (for slow, steady results), burned (for quicker transformation), or fed to the running waters ceremonially within a reasonable amount of time after it is prepared. In our Despacho workshop, we honor the traditions and lineage of this beautiful ritual. Together, we will work to create a group Despacho (Despacho is typically a group celebration, though it can also be created by an individual) and we offer our hearts to Spirit, opening ourselves to blessings and favors.
Svatantrya Bhairava Shamanism 