WRITTEN BY: Ashley O’Connell. Peaces Of You Manitoulin
When I first met Dona Berna years ago – I wanted to know everything she knew. I like so many others, wanted to walk the path of the Shaman. I wanted to know what it was like to work the way they worked, have that strong connection. “ You don’t want to be a Shaman” Berna would say. “ The path is difficult, what makes a Shaman is a hard life, a difficult upbringing.” This may not be true for everyone…but it was indeed true for Berna.
Bernardina Catari Alvarez was born in Puno, Peru. You may have heard of Lake Titticaca – which is believed by some of the Andean Culture to be the birthplace of humanity. Puno is located on the shores of Titticaca Lake.
Berna was orphaned at a young age, and had no one around her to love her. Through this came her deep connection with Creator and Pachamama ( Mother Nature).
Dona Berna started training as a healer at 9 years old and received her Star Wisdom at age 12. Chosen by Nature to be a communicator for Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (Sacred Mountains), Dona Berna reads coca leaves, cards, soil, candles, dung and fire. She is a Kawak (seer) of the luminous body, a Maichera (healer with herbs) and known as an Alto Mesayoc (highest rank of Shaman in Peru). What makes Dona Berna so special besides her many years experience in natural healing medicine, is her heart. Berna has a playful spirit, she is gracious, kind and humble. She walks the true path of the healer, and those who encounter her are elevated by her very presence.
My family and I have had the pleasure of hosting Berna many times in our home. I have witnessed her beautiful connection with nature her love and attention for plants and animals. She easily detects wounds in people and places and is always quick to offer blessings and her healings. Berna will be in Ontario over the next few weeks in different locations – please reach out if you wish to see Berna for an individual session or would like to be a part of a group ceremony!
For more details visit www.peacesofyoumanitoulin.com
Dates and Offerings in Ontario:
Session and Ceremony Dates: Mitchells Bay, Ontario: September 2,3,4,5,6
Washago, Ontario: September 8,9,10
Kirkfield, Ontario: September 11,13
Big Canoe Indigenous Market, Sutton: September 12th
Manitoulin Island, Ontario: September 15,16,17
Manitoulin Retreat @ Carraig Lodge: September 18-21st