Kulusu Bilula Npanguila

Munanso Kulusu Bilula Npanguila (4 Viento Vira Mundo) has transformed yet again!   

Around the new porch with the transparent roof on it, we have constructed a dry stack wall which is a combination of local quartzite stone and our local boulders in this area which are a dusky turquoise color.  The combination of the two types of stones crafted into both a courtyard type area and a retaining wall, together with a set of steps, benches, and sitting areas has created a "mundo nuevo" for the Nkisis, Bilongos of the Munanso..  

Once the wall was constructed Nkisis found their way into the structure itself, and some of the carved stones made by the Taino-Babalao-Palero Ciba Jaguar have found their way into perfect locations within the wall.  

The wall has enabled us to have a relatively flat area in the porch of the Munanso which makes it easier to work with the Medicine.  It has also defined the space in a powerful way and brought much energy to the space!  While having a Munanso on a loma (hilltop) is sometimes challenging, it also allows us to create these types of terraces which brings a creativity and energy to the space that would not be possible, in this way, if it was flat.

This photos is a view from the door of the Munanso looking out.  You can see that the porch is now "enclosed" with this stone wall, many are standing stones.

The photos above and below show a view from one of the entry pathways coming into the Munanso clearing, the stones create a barrier that guides one to move right and come in the step entrance to the courtyard.  It is an energy of creating a boundary so that greater respect is given entering into the house of the Misterios!  

At the same time we embarked upon a massive clean up and reorganization of the Munanso, creating a space behind Nsasi's Munanso where there are cabinets and worktables for the Ngangulero, Tatas and Yayis to work.  It is also an area where we keep all the supplies.

Above and below are photos of views of the Munanso clearing two other entry paths.

And another view from what is going to become the kitchen eventually, in the distance you can see the Yayi's Munansos.

The central Tree is all cleaned up, this is a space that we utilize to bring any of the various Bilongos to work.  It can be accessed from 360 degrees and we have worked with the tree from all directions!

A view from a higher elevation looking down on the central Tree.

On the right photo above and the photo below you can see the pathway that goes along the wall that leads to the Yayis Munansos!  You can also see some of the Bano plants on the right.

Above there is a view into Anani's "Munanso"(this is her term for her space which she defends wholeheartedly!) and you can see stone benches created right into the wall which gives her places to sit or to place things on.   Above an Ancestral Baton is seated.

Carvings by the Taino-Babalao-Palero Artist and Poet Ciba Jaguar!

Above two horse skulls which sit on both entry posts in front of Nsasi's Munanso!

Jalapenos!

Jalapeno peppers are an important ingredient in Palo Medicines and  Materials.  They are used for chamba, to refreshen fundamento, and as offerings to Nsasi, and for other purposes.  We are fortunate to be able to grow our own Jalapeno which are grown totally organically, are grown with a consciousness and appreciation for their spiritual purposes and nutritional purposes, and are not shipped from a distant place but are grown right here in the same place as the Nkisis live.  For those who live in urban areas or have restricted access to land, Jalapeno peppers can be easily grown in a container on a sunny deck or porch, even on a roof top.  One plant alone is very prolific and fruits many peppers!  We have about 4 plants this year that are more than adequate for our needs.  They will continue fruiting right up to the first frost, and we will gather all jalapeno on the plant just prior to the frost and they will store very well in the fridge for further use.  Jalapeno can also be easily sliced up and frozen for year round use, if so desired.  

  As Paleros it is ideal to have your own hands and sweat involved in the cultivation and harvesting of important ingredients used within the Munanso!  For example this whole year we have not needed to order any plants from any Botanica because there are so many that we grow here now, including tropicals which come inside for the winter.  Below they are pictured outside in the Munanso Garden next to a large Bejuco (root).

The Movements of the Mysterios

We spend a great amount of time looking at the different manifestations of the Mysterios that are "captured" through these photos.  We look for the various Spirits who show their faces and the vibration and movement of the energies of the Mysteries.  It is important for us to spend this time looking at this.  We have been able to enter a place in our lives with the Mysteries that we have the luxury to spend time understanding and "seeing" more and more.  We have moved on from bombarding these Mysteries with heavy cases and heavy loads to exploring more and more the Earthly and Cosmic Energies of the Mysteries, understanding the Essence of them more and more through the wisdom and knowledge that we have gained.

In the first set of photos here you can see Nsasi in front of his huge Thunderstone.  The Thunderstone is about 4 feet high, and is sunk about a foot deep into the ground.  As we have worked with this Stone it has brought a new dimension to the energy here.  It is very wonderful to be able to get this stone and to utilize it in this way.  We are very grateful that we have the space to be able to put it outside of Nsasi's Munanso and to be able to bring Nsasi out to it.

Note:  Click on photo to enlarge and then click again to further enlarge.  This enables you to see some things that you cannot see from afar.

More photos of Nsasi with his Thunderstone.

Here you can see the variety of plants that have been placed around the bejuco.  There are many bano plants among them, as well as other healing plants.  Most of them are sensitive to the cold and come indoors through the winter.  The photo reveals some of the energies of these plants and how much larger their energy fields are than their physical "bodies".

More photos of Nsasi with his Thunderstone from various angles and magnifications.  Again if you look closely you will see some interesting things.