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The Andean Cross: The Chacana

The Andean Cross: The Chacana

The Chacana or “Chakana” or Inca Cross is an ancient geometric symbol over 4,000 years old representing the Southern Cross constellation and it was seen as the center of the universe to the Incas. This geometric symbol is shaped like a stepped cross with 12 points surrounding an empty thirteenth circle in the center. Furthermore, it is important that we know that it derives from the Quechua word “chakay” which means “to cross”or “bridge” .

Chacana and Andean wisdom

This complex symbol had layers of meaning, firstly, Its 12 outer points signified the 12 months and festivals of the Inca calendar tied to agricultural seasons or cycles, furthermore we find inside the Chakana, guardian spirit animals, realms of existence, and ideal community values like hard work, love, reciprocity and responsibility. Secondly, the thirteenth central circle symbolizes the bridge or “portal” to enlightenment and the primordial source of all creation, as well as integration with the higher self.

The Chakana also mapped out Inca cosmology – the upper realm of gods and spirits (Hanan Pacha), the earthly plane of existence (Kay Pacha), and the underworld (Uku Pacha).

At Inca sites, the Chakana’s positioning tracked solstices, equinoxes and lunar cycles based on where sunrays struck it, allowing ceremonies and agricultural activities to be synced with those cosmic events. So, it was important to have the presence of the Chakana in those places since part of its meaning encompassed ethics, spiritualism, community values, and their holistic ancient wisdom traditions, already mentioned.

Chacana at the Machu Picchu

You will see something amazingly at Machu Picchu, the Chakana in the Temple of the Three Windows only shows the upper half sculpted in stone. But when the sun hits it just right, the lower half appears as a shadow – representing the integration of the material and spiritual worlds in one powerful symbol.

The Chakana served as a powerful syncretic symbol that encoded the Inca worldview of living in harmony with the natural world and cosmos through unified consciousness, ethics and sacred reciprocity between all beings.

Scientific Achievements of Chacana

Much like their predecessors the Maya and Olmec in ancient Mexico, the Inca of Peru were an incredibly sophisticated civilization, making major advancements across mathematics, art, dance, architecture, astronomy, and engineering. However, they were also a deeply spiritual people.

The symbolic meaning embedded within the Chakana encapsulates the core Inca philosophical principles and worldview. It represents their profound reverence and spiritual connection to the earth and natural elements that sustained life. It honors the divine forces and sacred guardian spirits they believed governed the cosmos. 

Beyond metaphysical concepts, the Chakana also encoded more practical knowledge – serving as a map representing the vast expanse of the Inca empire as well as their sophisticated perception and marking of celestial time and seasons.

At its heart, this powerful symbol reveals the Inca desire to live in harmonious reciprocity within their communities and with the greater, cohesive yet mystical universe they inhabited. It hints at their ultimate questioning of humanity’s place within the grand scheme of existence.

In essence, the multi-layered meanings of the Chakana fused the Inca’s incredible scientific and artistic achievements with their transcendental spirituality into one syncretic symbolic vision.

The true meaning of the Chacana

While much more could be said, this introductory overview aims to provide an informative glimpse into the symbolic meaning of the Chakana (Andean cross) for those unfamiliar. Though books have been written about this ancient symbol, we must recognize that any one interpretation does not capture its full significance for the Andean cultures by which it was cultivated. Finally, thank you for reading, we are Natourandes and you can trust our team of Guides to know more about this ancient symbol.