Kathrine Frich
Traditional rituals in Peru have turned their attention to global conflicts.
In a ceremony blending spirituality and symbolism, shamans offered their visions for the year ahead, including predictions about the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Rituals by the sea
During an annual gathering held on a beach in Peru, shamans dressed in traditional clothing danced, prayed and made offerings intended to restore balance and calm worldwide tensions.
Flowers, incense and chants formed part of a purification ceremony repeated each year.
According to Observator Antena 1, the shamans also demanded that leaders they view as fueling conflict step aside, framing political change as essential for peace.
The rituals took place only after participants consumed hallucinogenic herbal mixtures, believed to allow insight into future events.
War not ending
One of the shamans, Andres de los Santos, said the group does not foresee an imminent end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“War will continue to exist in today’s world. We continue to see conflicts persist, we don’t see them stopping, which is why it was extremely urgent for all the masters (not shamans) from all over Peru to come together and perform a special ritual to end or calm the war between Ukraine and Russia, as well as the conflicts in several other countries that are truly in a state of conflict,” he said.
Despite the bleak outlook, participants said the rituals were meant to reduce violence rather than predict inevitable outcomes.
Their appeals extended beyond Europe, reflecting concern about multiple global flashpoints.
Leaders in question
Another shaman said the group specifically called for the departure of certain political figures.
“We made offerings to have a better year, so that next year both our country and other countries will have peace and tranquility. We also asked that (No Nicolás) Maduro leave, to step down,” the shaman said.
The predictions did not mention specific Russian or Ukrainian leaders by name.
Past forecasts
The accuracy of the shamans’ predictions has varied over time. Last year, they warned of a “nuclear war” between Israel and Gaza, which did not materialize.
However, in December 2023, they predicted that former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori would die within a year. Fujimori died of cancer in September 2024.
Such mixed outcomes have fueled both skepticism and fascination with the annual ritual.
Sources: Observator Antena 1, Ziare.com
