The Curandero's Mesa is an energetic map of the universe-anchoring the cosmos before the shamanic practitioner. It's a thing of spirit, and it is also a beautiful artifact of the material world. It's a living, dynamic pattern upon which and within which we do our transformative work. The Mesa is a synthesis of Heart Island, or Peruvian shamanic traditions merging with revealed and rediscovered teachings and sacred world traditions. We work in this tradition not because it's superior to all other traditions, but because it does work-elegantly and dramatically. It's a visually and sensually rich tradition which appeals to those who resonate with the power in patterns and materials. It is also a system which is tolerant and inclusive of other beliefs and world traditions. We encourage the integration and synthesis of other traditions and honor other wisdom paths which align themselves with Pachamama - the earth mother. The Mesa itself should reflect the individual practitioners experiences, lineage, and traditions.

A Curandero's Mesa is an altar-like arrangement of sacred items and power objects reverently used to activate profound states of non-ordinary consciousness for individual and collective healing.

The Mesa is a living system of medicine work. There are many different kinds of Mesas.

There is a logic to the setup of the Mesa. There is also a relationship between the Mesa and the geographical makeup of Peru. If you stand in the city of Qosqo (which is considered the center of the universe) facing north, the south is behind you and reflects the earth element. To the west is the Pacific ocean -the water element. To the north are the birds and the mountain peaks - the air element. To the east is the home of the jungle cats - the fire element. Qosqo is the center, the rainbow, an integration of the seven bodies.

The arrangement of a Peruvian Curandero's Mesa (shamanic medicine wheel) is based on the cosmovision of four quarters or directions laid upon a ground divided into three sections or fields. By working both the left and the right fields we come to be able to work the middle field.

http://tribes.tribe.net/curanderosmesas