On Monday, a group of shamans gathered at the Miraflores hill, a sacred site overseeing Peru's capital, to execute their annual ceremonial tradition where they reveal their projections for the coming year. Clad in traditional Andean ponchos and headdresses, the shamans conducted their rites atop this elevated location, from which they shared their insights into the trajectory of international relations, ongoing conflicts, and the futures of global leaders.
During the ceremony, the shamans announced that they foresee the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, being removed from power. They also predicted that current world conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, are expected to continue into the next year. Ana María Simeón, one of the shamans, stated, "We have called for Maduro’s departure and retirement, hoping the U.S. president, Donald Trump, will succeed in ousting him, and we envision this occurring in the upcoming year."
The collective's historical accuracy in forecasting events has been mixed. In the previous year, they warned of a "nuclear war" erupting between Israel and Gaza, a conflict which has since been paused with a ceasefire in place. Conversely, in December 2023, they accurately predicted the death of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori, who was incarcerated for human rights violations. Fujimori passed away in September 2024 at the age of 86, succumbing to cancer.
Prior to initiating the Monday ceremony, the shamans consumed hallucinogenic brews derived from native plants such as Ayahuasca and the San Pedro cactus, substances believed to imbue them with foresight capabilities. They arranged blankets adorned with yellow flowers, coca leaves, ceremonial swords, and other symbolic items, invoking positive energy for the forthcoming year. Following dances performed in circular patterns and the playing of ancestral instruments, the shamans extended prayers for peace in the Middle East, an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, and the downfall of President Maduro.
The prayers to deities, amidst incense and floral offerings, and the ritualistic dances are intended to inspire leaders worldwide toward prudent decision-making. Additionally, the shamans predicted natural catastrophes, including earthquakes and climatic phenomena, which they incorporated into their forecast.