The calm amid the storm
Like "The Hidden Places", this article is about the play of light and shadows on the eye of the observer; of the offered and the hidden; of peace in the midst of struggle. (The picture is of the Guelag...
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Shopping in Mexico: the tianguis
The Aztecs called it tianquiztli, Nahuatl for the marketplace". Modern Mexicans refer to it as the tianguis, mercado sobre ruedas ("market on wheels" - a term used mostly in Mexico City...
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Comprehending shamanism in the Huichol world
Shamanism is humanity's oldest form of relationship to Spirit. As such, it is the underpinning beneath all religion. But shamanism is not a religion. It is a complex set of practices, beliefs, va...
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Huichol artwork: the ceremonial bowls
The ceremonial bowls or jícaras, as they are called, are made of gourds which are prized for their light weight and durability as water vessels and storage containers.
The bowls hold visions and crea...
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Flowers of Wiricuta - book excerpt: chapter 6 Responsible Ecstasy
Ecstasy is a real human need...
a state of consciousness beyond concept.
And if it does not come through...in positive ways...
it's going to come out in violence.
-- Elizabeth C...
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Yarn painting - images of a vanishing culture
The Huichol Indians, whose pre-Hispanic culture still survives in the remote Sierra Madres ranges, live a life woven of magic and sacred mythology. Believing themselves to be that part of creation whic...
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The Huichol people of Mexico and their symbols
Deer. Maize. Peyote
These are the most important symbols for the Huichol.
They represent a culture in transition from hunting and gathering strategies to that of a sedentary agrarian lifestyle...
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Huichol artwork: celestial things
The eclipse has special meaning for the Huichol, because it represents the eclipse of July 11 1991 at 10:21 A.M. Pacific Coast time. This is the sixth sun according to the ancient Meso-American Calenda...
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The Huichol of Jalisco and Nayarit
The Huichols are a hearty and enduring people numbering about 18,000, most of which live in the Jalisco and Nayarit, two rugged and mountainous states in North Central Mexico.
They are descendents of ...
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