What is a Mesa? | The School of Shamanic Initiation

An altar may be interpreted as a metaphysical workstation or a ritual structure made out of different components, some of which might be very particular materials and used for their intended purpose only, depending on the tradition.

For example, in Andean shamanism, the altar serves as a functional center for the performance of ceremonial events of community integration, curing, and healing ceremonies. The altar is also called a Mesa - missa- is part of an ancient tradition that stretches back over centuries to the earliest evidence of human life in South America. 

The Andean Paqos (shamans) altar is a fairly well-known but still mysterious ritual object that Andean people have been using for a long time. See it as similar as a shrine to communicate with spirits, ancestors, and other supernatural beings and is being used in ceremonies. From curing diseases and giving good luck to hunting and fishing and speaking with the Apus (mountains).

An Andean altar can represent different levels, for example:

For protection

For health

For guidance

For cleansing 

For Abundance

Also can represent the sacred Andean triad: 

Hana Pacha (upper world),

Kay Pacha (middle world) and 

Ukhu Pacha (lower world). 

The three levels of existence are believed by Andean shamans to be interrelated, and it is feasible to communicate and traverse between them. The Missa uses a tangible form of the mystical concepts that they can interact with the subtle energy world and the tangible world. Understanding the ritual components aids in the transfer of forces across levels so that they may communicate between them. Each level cab be represented by power animals:  serpent - lower world -, puma - middle world - and condor - upper world -. 

Andean cosmology has been present for centuries and is still very much used today. There is a strong belief in the duality of all things, as an Initiation culture, it is thought that everything has its spirit or essence. Everything is alive and speaks to you. 

Every aspect of nature, from rocks to mountains to trees and even people possesses essence - energy -  or presence that can be felt by interacting with whatever it may be. 

The missa or mesa, is one aspect of this essence in which individuals may materialize the sacred within themselves. Textiles, goods utilized, fragrances introduced to singing and dancing are all examples of this Art performed by this ancient artists.