CHAKANA
The Chakana, or Inca Cross, is a powerful symbol of the Andes ancient cultures and is considered the most complete sacred geometrical design for the Incas. This symbol is often seen at ancient sites and sacred centers though out the Andes of Peru and Bolivia.
Traditonally, the Chakana (cruz cuadrada meaning square cross in Spanish) represents the Southern Cross constellation which the ancient Andeans believed to be the center of the Universe and was easily distinguished while gazing upon the night sky.
The Chakana held great significance to the Incas and has numerous meanings in its design. It's three dimensional levels are said to represent the three worlds, which in Quechuan, the ancient Andean language, were called:
Janan Pacha - Representing the Upper World/Above/Universe;
Kay Pacha - Representing the Middle World /Here & Now/Mother Earth
Ukju Pacha - Representing the Lower World/Inner Realms/Other World
Interestingly, these three worlds seem to correspond with the Holy Trinity; the Father, Son and Holy Spirit seen in Christianity, as well as the Body/Mind/Soul (Spirit) idea seen in Eastern Religions.
The Inca's had three spirit animals that they felt symbolized the three worlds; the Condor, Puma or Jaguar, and the Serpent. You will find symbols honoring spirit animals in many of the ancient sites and structures in the Andes. In fact, the city of Cusco, Peru was built in the shape of a Puma.
In addition to the Three Worlds, there are twelve steps that surround the Chakana. Each of the twelve steps is said to represent a level of initiation and an attainment of consciousness. The Chakana can also represent within its design the four directions, North, South, East & West, as well as the four elements, Earth, Air, Water & Fire.
The top of the cross is said to represent God, or Wiracocha, with the highest level of consciousness being expressed as the Great Spiritual Central Sun.
Mother Earth, Pachamama, anchors the bottom of the cross bringing vertical alignment to the equal armed cross, which ultimately leads society to the raising of the Sacred Cross.
Even today, the people of Peru and Bolivia honor the Southern Cross or Chakana each year on the 3rd of May. May is the month of harvest and during this celebration people give thanks to the cross for the protection of the their crops.
The Chakana, when used in meditation or in teaching, is said to bring spiritual balance and deeper insight into the many levels of consciousness.