inca cross necklace from sustainably harvested palo santo. with a waxcord adjustable in size. handmade with an eye for the well-being of the artisans and nature. length (min/max): 40-80 cm. the inca cross or chakana talisman inca mythology believes that the chakana symbol has mathematical and geometrical significance; holding within the key to the incan understanding of the secret of life. It was of great meaning and importance for the quechua people. Traditionally the chakana (or in spanish: cruz cuadrada four-sided cross) represents the constellation of the southern cross which can be seen when looking to the sky from the southern hemisphere. According to the opinion of the old andes population this formed the centre of the universe and was easy to find when they looked to the 4 stars alpha beta gama and delta forming the andean cross. each star is at a cardinal point and represents a region: chichansuyo-north kollasuyo-south kuntisuyo-east antisuyo-west symbolising also the elements water earth fire and air. when the chakana is used as a tool for meditation it is said to bring mental balance and a deeper understanding at many levels of consciousness. The hole in the middle of the cross is the axis through which a shaman's consciousness enters to the other levels of cosmic existence. qualities of palo santo (holy wood or sacred wood) the indigenous people of the andes have for centuries been using palo santo to ward off negative energy. When this holy wood is burned negative energy is purified peace and harmony is restored and the connection with mother earth is empowered. According to tradition palo santo has a natural pain relieving stress relieving and relaxing effect. Palo santo has a pleasant refreshing and uplifting scent. The aroma of palo santo can help to clarify the aura and/or promote positive feelings and joy. serfor certified palo santo products this palo santo comes from forests that are managed authorised and certified by the ministry of agriculture and irrigation (serfor) of peru. Only palo santo trees and branches that have fallen naturally and remained on the land for at least 3 to 4 years are used. This way of harvesting does not harm nature and only wood with a rich aroma is used.
