Inside the Ecuadorian Amazon, you can find and explore the biodiversity and richness of the history of the communities; however, culture goes further. It is knowing that the worldview within the communities takes on a role where the protagonist is the “spiritual world.” Thus, within this environment, animals play an important role for daily practices (health, messengers, protection) in the jungle habitat.
Energy carriers and spiritual guides
Now, it is important to know that within the communities (Kichwa, Shuar, Siona, Secoya, Waorani… among others) the rituals, myths, and legends that talk about fauna are part of a spiritualist concept where animals acquire a role of connection with the “beyond” in order to be protagonists and provide reflective messages to communities as well as visitors. Under this context, the most representative animals considered energy carriers and spiritual guides are presented.
- Jaguar: In addition to being the main predator of the Amazon and the largest feline. This animal plays an important role in the worldview. Based on his strength and size, he is considered a guardian spirit. Shamans invoke it in rituals such as ayahuasca to protect the jungle and the person.
- Snake: This being, symbolized in the boa, plays a crucial role in communities. Most native communities think it is a supernatural entity that communicates with spirits and fosters human-nature harmony.
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Dolphin: The communities’ folklore states that it was a person before becoming an animal and transforms into a man on full moon nights to capture ladies. This creature protects water and guides spiritually “lost” humans today.
- Eagle: The harpy eagle is considered a connecting entity between heaven and earth. From above, it watches over the more than 800 hectares of the Woaranis area in order to protect its ecosystem. Additionally, in the worldview, this animal symbolizes wisdom, leadership, and freedom.
Moments That Echo
The deep connection between communities and spiritual beings provides a sense of cultural belonging and teaches us to respect the biodiversity of this Amazonian place.
As for the essence of animals and their importance within the indigenous worldview, it translates as teachings, resilience, and adaptability that each individual acquires and develops in their living environment to safeguard the heritage of the Amazon.
