At the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a unique occurrence unfolded amidst a plenary session on ‘Climate and Nature: A Systemic Response Is Needed.’ Chieftess Putanny Yawanaw, a leader of the Amazonian Yawanaw tribe, performed a shamanic rite as an integral part of the session.

Unraveling the Shamanic Rite

Representing the voice of nature and the forest, Chieftess Putanny’s ritual was an evocative spectacle. It comprised invocations, the symbolic rubbing of hands, and the blowing on the heads of participants. Among these participants were some of the most influential figures in global economics and business, including the managing director of the International Monetary Fund, the president of the World Bank, the CEO of IKEA, and billionaire Andr Hoffmann.

A Stir of Controversy

However, the shamanic rite didn’t go unnoticed by critics. Father Jesús Silva Castignani, a priest from the Archdiocese of Madrid, questioned the type of spirituality represented at Davos. He turned to social media to probe into the appropriateness and nature of the shamanic practice, contrasting it with Christian practices.

Defending Ancestral Wisdom

In response to the criticism, the host defended the inclusion of the shamanic rite, stating that it was an attempt to connect with the wisdom of ancestors to inform future actions. Chieftess Putanny echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of unity in the healing of the planet and spiritual wellbeing. The rite concluded with a powerful gesture of joined and raised hands by the participants, symbolizing their collective commitment towards a sustainable future.