MEXICO MY LOVE
The idea to create the no_mad brand came during my second trip to Mexico. Well, that’s right – a nomad or nomad, leading a nomadic lifestyle, but also a person who is constantly traveling. It’s the perfect name combining my love of travel and perverse non-crazy.
Even before I visited the country for the first time, I subconsciously felt that this was my place on Earth. Those demented colors, the delicious spicy food, the vitality of the people living there and the amazing attitude to both life and death. Life and death are two sides of one and the same reality for Mexicans. Here time flows cyclically, and death means at most a transition to another state, part of the same cycle. In Mexican homes, figurines of Saint Death stand next to images of the Virgin Mary or Catholic saints. On the altar, the faithful place sweets, fruits, as well as alcohol and cigarettes for her. Apparently, Saint Death also likes to be blown on with marijuana smoke ☺.
My fascination with Mexico began a long time ago. Even before my first trip to the Mayan land, I went to a workshop on shamanism, led by a Mexican woman (now living in Poland), the daughter of a local healer. I was enthralled by the stories of spirit guides, the power of breathing and meditation, connecting with one’s subconscious and healing by opening the chakras, or energy sites in the body. With such an open mind, I went to explore this magical country.
I did not hesitate when I was offered to participate in the Temazcal ritual – the “house of hot stones.” This peculiar Mayan sauna can be encountered near pharmacies, or in the courtyards of city hospitals, as it is an accpetable method of treating many ailments, such as rheumatism or wildlife venom poisoning. But still, its key role is as a place of spiritual transformation and contemplation. Hot stones are poured with water and touched with copal-scented incense, which spreads aromatic steam. The ritual is a meditative experience – abiding in darkness and silence, it allows you to hear your own heartbeat.
The ceremony is divided into 4 parts, which are dedicated to the 4 elements: the round of Earth, Fire (the hottest), Water and Air (or they correspond successively as the rounds of the child, father, mother and ancestors). Between them, the entrance to the grotto is opened to let in some fresh air, but also to add more flared stones. The leader says intentions, prayers, chants and pours water over the stones and touches them with incense. In Temazacal, it is forbidden to leave the shack during, as it means leaving the mother’s belly. Everyone individually perceives what’s going on inside differently: some have visions, some find answers to questions, feelings rise in others. The body goes through many processes, even if they are not realized.
After this ritual, which began my second trip, I felt the closeness of Mexico even more strongly. I was even more intensely captivated by nature, the landscapes, its wildness and beauty. Beautiful murals and symbolic art, repeatedly referring to nature, are in perfect harmony with it.
That’s how I came across the work of an artist from the Huichol tribe and their energetic jewelry. The Huichole are an ethnic group living in the mountainous areas of the Sierra Madre Occidental. This tribe is considered one of the last surviving pre-Columbian cultures in the world. And unfortunately, like many indigenous peoples around the world who are facing modernity, their living culture is in danger of disappearing. They are supported by the Huichol Center for Cultural Survival, through which you can both purchase their art, but also learn a lot about their beliefs.
For me, the mega-interesting information was that every year they go to the sacred land of Virikuta, following in the footsteps of the mythical first people – witnessing the first sunrise, which rose right here. According to them, this is where the world was born. Once after making a large jewelry order I did not get feedback for 2 weeks.I was afraid that something had happened, but it just turned out that Angelica who handled my order was in the desert with no way to contact me. The Wixáritari believe that without the pilgrimage to the desert, the world would simply cease to exist. The pilgrimage covers about 600 kilometers. The route used to be traveled on foot, but currently the Huichols use cars. During the journey, peyote, a cactus that induces is hallucinogenic, is ritually harvested and eaten. Unfortunately, their sacred land is threatened by the Canadian First Majestic Silver Mine, which will devastate nature and upset the balance of the local ecosystem. The Huichols are fighting for their sacred land and agitating for support around the world. They were even in Poland with their film showing their perspective.
Huichols believe that every person is an artist. If someone lacks invention he should take peyote, thanks to which inspiration returns. In this way, paintings are created with the sacred symbols of Huichola: deer, animals, plants, corn, deities and nature. I have quite a collection of these energetic images and every time I see new pieces of them.
The Huichol Center for Cultural Survival was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize this year – for supporting Huichol to coexist with the outside world on its own terms and maintaining its spiritual, artistic and cultural heritage. The Huichol Center provides jobs for Huichols that use their traditional skills, and a school for Huichol children. Their goods are sold according to the fair trade principle.