Cuchama - The Mountain

The Mountain, Cuchama

Searching for a new way to be in the world, Cuchama reached into the shamanic tradition for help. Old, destructive habits and emotional baggage, however, continued to blur her vision. She began to fast periodically and to pray for a clear path. Sources suggested she go to a "high place" and wait for a "sign." Mt. Tecate, known to the indigenous Cochomí peoples and the Yuman Kumiyai tribes as Mt. Cuchama, "the exalted high place," sits on the U.S.-Mexican border. Barely over 3,000 feet, it is the highest place in coastal San Diego county. More important, it is thought to be the oldest mountain on the geologic plate and a ceremonial center for local tribes for millennia.

Confused and unhappy with the direction of her life, Cuchama began to fast and pray for an answer. "Am I on the right path?" was the question.

On a clear and beautiful Winter Solstice, late in the afternoon, Cuchama and her friend, Magpie, drove to the north foot of the mountain on the U.S. side, parked the car and began to climb, bushwhacking through the rough scrub. They reached the summit at sunset and found a smooth depression in which to spend the night. The sky was cloudless, the stars within reach. The temperature was cool.

Determined to wait and watch, Cuchama crawled into her sleeping bag. Just before drifting off to sleep, a great wind began to shake the sleeping bag like an angry giant was trying to dislodge the occupant. That was certainly a sign! The mountain was speaking in no uncertain terms. "Do I have your attention? Change or die! Find your life!" the mountain seemed to be saying.

With the dawn came the realization that something very basic had changed. Nothing was the same, would ever be the same. A sparkling morning ushered the two pilgrims down the south side of the mountain into Tecate, Mexico -- just ahead of the imigra. Cuchama and her new life had been born of the mountain.

The Huichol Connection