Watunakuy: A Seed, a Prayer, a Path to Becoming Earth keepers

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to participate in a ceremony that completely changed my perspective on life: Watunakuy, an ancestral gathering where Andean communities come together to exchange seeds. But it is much more than a cultural tradition—it is a ritual of intention, unity, and remembrance.

A Culture Rooted in Connection

The Andean people understand something that modern life often makes us forget: we are not meant to live in isolation. This is perhaps the greatest contrast I experience between the land where I was born and the country where I now live.

Participating in Watunakuy reminded me of something very deep: that our beloved Mother Earth surrounds us with abundance, and that a single seed—carried with love and sacred intention—can feed many souls, nourish many hearts, and open countless new possibilities.

Meeting Soul Allies: Guardians of Memory and Earth

Elena Pardo speaking to a crow a hundreds of children reminding them of their role as earth keepers and becoming the humanity

At this sacred gathering, I reconnected with two soul companions: Elena Pardo and Julian Sasari.

Elena Pardo is a passionate environmental guardian who has dedicated her life to promoting chacra pedagogy—an earth-based approach to education. Through her organization, CEPROSI, she teaches the children of Cusco to remember their ancestral roots. She helps them awaken to the truth that they are the seeds of a new humanity, and that respect—for life, Pachamama, and ancestral wisdom—is the foundation of a meaningful, balanced life.

Julian Sasari, a spiritual guide, is one of those very seeds grown into a mighty tree. Like the children at the ceremony, he was raised with teachings rooted in reverence for the Earth. Today, he guides travelers and Earthkeepers on how to cultivate a sacred relationship with Pachamama. Walking beside him and the children was like gazing into the future—these young pilgrims will one day become the new Julians of the world, the next generation of Earthkeepers.

A Sacred Walk, A Shared Purpose

My husband and I walked a portion of the Inca Trail that connects the archaeological site of Raqchi to the village, joined by hundreds of joyful, purposeful children. As we walked, something awakened within us. We received a sacred gift: we remembered thatwe are all children of Mother Earth,that we each have the ability to radiate love and admiration for who we are,and that when we gather for a common purpose, love becomes our compass—guiding us gently toward the most harmonious ways to relate to our ancestors and to the Earth.

Keeping the Flame of the Andes Alive

It was a profound honor to take part in this pilgrimage with my South American brothers and sisters. I hope to continue supporting this and many other paths of remembrance that help awaken Guardians of the Earth around the world.

And yet, none of this would be possible without people like Elena Pardo and Julian Sasari, whose sacred work is helping keep the flame of the Andes alive for future generations.

A Bridge Between Worlds

Here in the United States, we often feel far removed from communities like these.But it is by reconnecting with these people and their deep wisdom of living in balance with Pachamama,that we begin to remember how to heal—ourselves and our planet.

You Are Being Called...

I invite you to remember.I invite you to Peru.To walk the sacred mountains—the Apus that are calling you—To help you remember your purpose and your place in this great planetary story.

🌱 If you feel called to travel to Peru and meet these Earthkeepers,I warmly invite you to visit our website where you’ll find all the details of our next transformational journey—a sacred pilgrimage where we will walk together as initiates of the Earthkeeper path.

Tell me more about this journey