Chullachaki
The keeper of the forest animals
Nature of the Chullachaki
The Chullachaki is a forest spirit from the Peruvian Amazon. His name comes from Quechua: chulla means «uneven», chaki «foot». One of his feet is human, the other is the foot of an animal or twisted – that is how you recognise him. It is said that he takes on the shape of familiar people and lures the careless deep into the forest until they lose their way. He is regarded as a guardian of the forest and its animals, who demands respect for the forest.
Inner attitude
The Chullachaki is playful, cunning and unpredictable. He tests who enters the forest – with what intention and how awake. His power is that of a guardian who does not reveal himself.
The essential qualities
- cunning
- watchful
- shape-shifting
- guarding
- wilful
Whoever looks closely recognises him by his feet.
Meaning
The Chullachaki appears when you let beautiful images lure you away without minding your path. He invites you to stay awake and look closely. And he reminds you to meet the forest and its inhabitants with respect.
Voice of the being
«Look closely before you follow. The forest does not belong to you.»
Encounter & working together
You meet the Chullachaki in the stories of the forest or on a forest path, when you are fully awake. Stop, look back and memorise the way you came.
Pay attention to
- where something tempting draws you off your path
- where appearances deceive
- where you owe nature more respect
The Chullachaki works when you are ready to walk awake and attentive.
Essence
I walk through the forest awake and stay on my path.
