How to Open and Close Sacred Space

Opening Sacred Space

Before getting the Rite I encourage each of you to open sacred space in your own environment.

Opening sacred space allows you to create a container of safety, clarity, and divine connection, inviting in the energies of the four directions, Mother Earth, and the cosmos.

This practice not only grounds you but also aligns your energy with the intention of the evening, deepening your connection to the teachings and rites I will share.

By opening sacred space, you honor the lineage of the Munay-Ki and invite the wisdom of the unseen realms to support and guide your journey. This preparatory act helps you step into the sacred with an open heart and a clear mind, ready to receive.

HOW TO CALL IN THE DIRECTIONS

• South (Serpent): Represents shedding the past.

• West (Jaguar): Embodies courage and protection.

• North (Hummingbird): Symbolizes joy and guidance from ancestors.

• East (Eagle/Condor): Offers vision and the ability to rise above.

Sacred Elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air. Integrate these elements into the ritual space.

Example of Opening Sacred Space - Please change as your heart sees fit making sure to acknowledge all directions. 

"To the winds of the South, Great Serpent, wrap your coils of light around us. Teach us to shed the past as you shed your skin, to walk softly upon the earth. Aho!

To the winds of the West, Mother Jaguar, protect our medicine space. Teach us the way of peace, to live impeccably, and to show courage in the face of fear. Aho!

To the winds of the North, Hummingbird, Grandmothers and Grandfathers, ancient ones, come and warm your hands by our fires. Whisper to us in the wind. We honor you who have come before us, and you who will come after us, our children's children. Aho!

To the winds of the East, Great Eagle, Condor, come to us from the place of the rising sun. Keep us under your wing. Show us the mountains we only dare to dream of. Teach us to fly wing to wing with the Great Spirit. Aho!

Mother Earth, Pachamama, we gather here in your embrace, the heartbeat of all creation. Thank you for all your gifts, for the waters that purify us, the fire that transforms us, the air we breathe, and the earth that sustains us. Aho!

Father Sky, Grandfather Sun, Grandmother Moon, Star Nations, and He who is known by a thousand names yet no one knows what to call Him, we thank you for bringing us together and for the light you give to illuminate our path. Aho!

Spirit, Creator of all that is, we call on you. Be here with us. Guide our thoughts, our actions, and our intentions as we step into sacred space. Aho!"

Opening the Medicine Wheel after calling in the Directions

"The sacred circle of life turns as I open the Medicine Wheel. May the spirits of the South, West, North, East, Earth, Sky, and Heart guide and protect me as I walk my path in beauty and balance. Aho!"

CLOSING SACRED SPACE

How to Close Sacred Space

Closing sacred space is an essential practice that ensures the energies you have called upon are released with respect, gratitude, and intention. It also helps restore balance and protects the energetic integrity of the space. To close sacred space, begin by acknowledging each direction—South, West, North, East, as well as Mother Earth below and the Heavens above. While physically turning to face each direction can enhance focus, it is not strictly necessary. Simply stating your thanks and closing the space with clear intention is sufficient. For example, you might say, “To the winds of the South, Great Serpent, thank you for your wisdom and support. The space is now closed in your direction. Aho!” Repeat this process for all directions and elements, expressing gratitude as you go.

Once you have acknowledged and closed all directions, visualize the energetic container you created gently dissolving back into the Earth and sky. Imagine the space being cleansed and returned to balance, leaving it clear and grounded. Conclude with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to all the spirits, guides, and energies that supported the work, such as, “Thank you for your presence and blessings. The sacred space is now fully closed.”

Why Closing Sacred Space Is Important

Closing sacred space is vital for maintaining energetic boundaries and protecting the integrity of the space. When you open sacred space, you create a portal to the spiritual and energetic realms. By intentionally closing it, you ensure that this connection is respectfully sealed, preventing any lingering energies from remaining in the space or affecting those who come into it later. This practice also shows respect for the spirits and energies that supported your work, honoring their presence and releasing them in a balanced way.

Closing sacred space helps you ground and integrate the energy and insights from the session. It marks a transition from sacred work back into everyday life, ensuring you are fully present and energetically whole. Leaving the space open could result in unintentional energy drains, feelings of fatigue, or ungroundedness. Furthermore, an open space may attract residual energies that could disrupt harmony for yourself or others.

By closing sacred space with intention and gratitude, you complete the cycle of connection and ensure the energy remains contained, clear, and supportive. This practice protects both you and your environment while honoring the sacred work that has been done.

Using a Rattle to Open Sacred Space

A rattle is a traditional tool often used in shamanic practices to help call in the directions and open sacred space.

The sound of the rattle serves multiple purposes: it clears stagnant or heavy energy, helps create a focused and intentional vibration, and acts as an auditory signal to invite the energies of the South, West, North, East, Mother Earth, and the Heavens.

The repetitive rhythm of the rattle can also assist in altering consciousness, allowing for a deeper connection to the spiritual realms.

To use a rattle, you simply shake it rhythmically while calling in each direction. For example, as you invoke the energies of the South, you can gently shake the rattle and say, “To the winds of the South, Great Serpent, thank you for teaching us to shed what no longer serves. Join us and bring your wisdom. Aho!” Repeat this process for each direction. The sound of the rattle acts as a bridge, strengthening your intention and energetically cleansing the space as you move through the invocation.

Opening Sacred Space Without a Rattle

While a rattle can be a powerful tool, it is not necessary to use one to open sacred space. Your intention is the most important element in this practice as I always talk about and most of you have already learned with your teachings in All Things Frequency.

If you do not have a rattle, you can clap your hands, snap your fingers, or use a simple percussion instrument like a drum or even a stick tapped gently against another surface. Alternatively, you can visualize sound waves radiating outward as you speak your invocation, imagining the vibrations clearing the energy and inviting in the directions.

For example, without a rattle, you might say, “To the winds of the West, Great Jaguar, thank you for your protection and teaching us the way of courage. The space is now open to your energy. Aho!” Adding physical gestures, such as holding your hands out or tracing a circle in the air, can also help anchor your intention.

Rattles for Purchase 

For those who wish to enhance their practice with a rattle, there are many options available, ranging from handmade ceremonial rattles to simple, affordable ones. Here are a few websites where you can purchase a rattle:

1. The Four Winds Society
   https://thefourwinds.com
   Offers authentic rattles used in shamanic practices, often crafted by artisans connected to Andean traditions.
   

2. Amazon
   https://www.amazon.com
   Provides basic and affordable options for beginners or those experimenting with shamanic tools.

Why a Rattle is Less Essential for Closing Sacred Space

While a rattle can be beneficial for opening sacred space by clearing energy and setting the tone, it is not typically necessary for closing sacred space. Closing is more about sealing the energy with gratitude and grounding yourself, which can be done effectively through words and visualization. However, if you enjoy using a rattle, gently shaking it while thanking each direction can add an extra layer of intention and completeness to the process.