The imagery of the magical deer spirit can be found throughout the art of the Wixárika. Seen as our ally and spiritual intermediary or guide, the deer represents the heart and intuiton.

The peyote cactus is seen as a mirror of the deer, offering healing and vision through its physical use and spiritual imagery.

Divine protection and spiritual insight, serving as a reminderof the interconnectedness of all beings and the importanceof balance in life. Its design reflects the watchful eye of the divine, guiding individuals on their spiritual journeys.

The Sun is often illustrated with bold radiating lines – each ray of light seen as an individual spirit (uru-kame), bringing light to the earth and all of life on her altar.

Presenting the healing of the body, corn is seen as a mirror of human life, standing tall with arms reaching outward and long wispy hair. The colors of the corn reflect the various races of humans around the world.

The feminine watersnake wraps herself around the earth,while the masculine rattlesnake (raiye) guards the fire – the sound of the rattle mimicking the crackling of burning green branches.

Bringing the breath of life, Grandmother Eagle helps us have clear vision and represents the connection between earth and sky. The eagle also has a deer heart, creating a special trifecta between humans, deer, and eagle.

Known as “The Healing Feathered Ones,” the Wixáritari use feathers to heal, summon, and paint kupuri (energy / lifeforce). The muyeri is one of the key tools of the mara-akame(shaman).

The mara-akame helps bridge the worlds, acting as an intermediary for the entire community. The life of the shaman becomes that of people they serve.

The traditional Wixárika drum stands on three legs, representing the healing of the individual, the community, and all that lives on Mother Earth.