The alto mesayoq is a high level of paq’o, a shaman of the Q’ero in the Andes. There are three levels of alto mesayoq. They all specialize in the cultivation of a relationship with the apu, the spirits of the mountains. They are consecrated to the service of a mountain and are responsible for listening to and speaking to that apu. Each alto mesayoq is also consecrated into the service of a star that serves as the alto mesayoq’s guide, with the apu.

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An Encyclopedia of Shamanism written by Christina Pratt – Copyright © 2007 by Christina Pratt