Neptune's Dolphins

Inca philosophy is represented by the Chakana, the Stepped Cross. Each of the Quarters of the Chakana depicts a part of their world view. In the First Quarter are the Three Worlds – the Lower (Uqhu Pacha), Middle (Kay Pacha) and Upper (Hanan Pacha). The Second Quarter represents the Sacred Trilogy – the Snake of the Lower World, the Puma of the Middle World, and the Condor of the Upper World. The two remaining Quarters focus the Inca laws and virtues. (Note 1)

 

The Chakana acts as a bridge between the Worlds, by using harmony and balance as the keys to the keeping of the Cosmos. For the Inca, the Cosmos is a living entity of energy and force, a tapestry of interconnectedness and harmony. Therefore, the balance between the Worlds requires the reciprocity of each with the others. To help maintain this delicate balance, the Sacred Trilogy works to sustain harmonious relations. Since everything depends on each other, humans, nature, and the Gods bond as one.

 

The Upper World (Hanan Pacha)

 

The Upper World is associated with light and the masculine principle. (The Lower World – darkness and the feminine principle) From this World, the Gods govern the universe. To bring messages to the humans of the Middle World, They would send the Andean Condor. For humans, the Condor would also communicate with the Gods for them. (The Andean Condor is thought to be the only animal who can ascend the heavens and return to the earth.)

 

The Temple of the Condor at Machu Picchu depicts a condor in full landing. A symbol of power and fertility, the Condor gathers the clouds for rain upon the earth. As the special Emissary of Inti, the God of the Sun, the Condor brings divine guidance and transcendence. The Condor also carries souls into the afterlife.

 

The Middle World (Kay Pacha)

 

The Earthly Realm (the Middle World) is the one of humans, animals, plants, caves, springs, and mountains. In this realm of tangible experiences, everyone lives in balance with the others. Humans interact with the natural and divine worlds. The Gods of the Realm, Pachamana (Goddess of the Earth), Saramama (Goddess of Grains), and Paryaqaqa (God of the Waters) show humans how to live in harmony with the rest.

 

The apex predator of the Andes, the Puma teaches the Inca to live in harmonious grace with nature. As a leader of the Earthly Realm, the Puma challenges the Inca to face their inner fears to find clarity and resilience. The symbol of wisdom and strength, the Puma guides the Inca on their spiritual journeys to the other Worlds.

 

Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire is designed to resemble the Puma. At Q’enqa (Cusco Temple), stones were carved to form the shadow of the Puma. During the winter solstice in June, at sunrise, light would pass through the stone fissures to form the shape of the Puma. This ritual, known as the “awakening of the Puma,” was a part of the Inti Raymi, the Grand Festival of the Sun.

 

The Lower World (Uqha Pacha)

 

The Realm of Death and the Ancestors is the Lower World. Shrouded in darkness and mystery, this world holds the feminine principle which is the source of fertility. Meanwhile, the Ancestors offer guidance and protection to their descendants.

 

As the Guardian of Mysteries, the Snake would appear in dreams. Traveling between the Lower and Middle Worlds, the Snake offers wisdom and knowledge to humans. Shedding its skin, the Snake demonstrates transformation and rebirth for the Inca. As a part of the fertility of the earth, the Snake teaches the Inca how to embrace change and live in the cycles of life.

 

Like the Puma and Condor, the Snake had a city designed in its honor, which has yet to be found. However, the Snake can be seen in the terraces descending the mountains. When the sunlight shines, an undulating snake-like figure appears.

 

Notes:

Note 1. The Laws are “Do not steal,” “Do not lie,” and “Do not be lazy.” The Incan Philosophy is “Love,” “Knowledge,” and “Work.”

Snakes are highly specialized predators. Although they are simple in form, snakes are equipped for tracking, subduing, and devouring their prey. They are a recent development in the evolution of Reptiles. In addition to losing their legs, snakes have modified their jaws to swallow large meals. Moreover, they have developed some of the most virulent poisons known among animals.

 

Snakes demonstrate the principle of transformation. Evolving from primitive burrowing Lizards, they have diversified into nearly three thousand species. Snakes have reduced their skeleton to a skull, jaws, and a long backbone. Furthermore, they rearranged their internal anatomy to fit their thinner, rounder, longer shape. Their skin is a mosaic of glossy, dry scales set in an elastic skin which They shed about four times a year to enable growth.

 

Scientists divide the Snake Family into two groups – Blind Snakes (Scolecophidia) and Modern Snakes (Alethinophidia). The Modern Snake Family is further divided into fifteen families. Of this, only three groups are venomous, with the remainder being constrictors.

 

Venomous snakes use venom to paralyze their prey, so they can eat it. Since these Snakes inject venom into their victim, they are properly referred to as “venomous”. (“Poisonous” means harmful by ingesting.) Venomous snakes are the Rear-fanged Snakes (such as Boomslang) of the Colubrid Family, and the families that consist only of venomous snakes – the Elapids (Cobras) and Vipers (Rattlesnakes).

 

The non-venomous snakes either kill their prey by swallowing or by constriction. Snakes such as Boas still have rudimentary hind limbs on their bodies. Some of the largest snakes in the world are the constrictors. In fact, Anacondas who live in the waters of the Amazon are usually considered the source for many monster Snake stories.

 

Modern people often think of snakes as animals to kill on sight. However, the ancient Greeks and Romans thought of snakes as being beneficent. They valued snakes for their healing powers, and for protecting their families from harm. In Greece, Asclepius, the Healer wields the Rod of Asclepius – a snake intertwined with a rod. Meanwhile, Hermes has his Caduceus – a staff with a set of wings and two intertwined snakes. Snakes were also divine messengers of prophecy.

 

In response to a plague, Asclepius went to Rome in snake form. As a Snake, He set up a healing temple on an island in the Tiber River. Meanwhile, the Roman Goddess, Bona Dea directed her snakes to indicate herbs for healing.

 

For the Celts, the Adder is connected to healing pools and springs. This Snake is associated with the Mother Goddess Danu of Rivers and Lakes. In Australia, the Rainbow Serpent is the creator of life. The Serpent provides water for a dry continent.

 

The Celtic Snake Goddess, Corra is associated with rebirth, healing and wisdom. She calls forth Her Serpents of Life, Death, and Rebirth to intertwine her magic with the Earth. She is most noted for her final battle with St. Patrick, who driving snakes out of Ireland. Although he was victorious, Corra can still be found at Lough Derg.

 

Snakes are transformative from life to death to rebirth. The Cosmos and the Earth were made with the body of Tiamat of Mesopotamia. The Caduceus and Rod of Asclepius hold the power of the elements to heal and restore. Lord Shiva transforms into the King Cobra to destroy what exists to have the next transformation occur.

 

Further Reading:

Dawn Baumann Brunke, “Awakening the Ancient Powers of the Snake”

Scott Irvine, “The Magic Of Serpents”