ABOUT US
Walking the Path of Sacred Healing
Huachuma Moonlight is a branch of the Oklevueha Native American Church, dedicated to preserving and sharing the sacred healing traditions of indigenous peoples through ceremony and community. Led by Oswal and Joann Pomaquiza — two immigrant shamans united by their calling to serve.
OUR GUIDE
Oswal Pomaquiza
Born in the highlands of Azogues, Ecuador — in the heart of the Andes — Oswal Pomaquiza immigrated to the United States as a teenager. Though he left the mountains of his homeland, the mountains never left him. A deep calling to serve others and preserve the sacred ways led him to the path of Wachuma medicine.
Through years of dedicated training under the guidance of his teacher, Taita Miguel Mendiburu Saavedra — a revered shaman from Peru — Oswal developed a profound connection with the sacred medicines and the ability to hold powerful ceremonial space. He carries forward the ancient teachings of the grandfathers, helping people break free from illusions and reconnect with their true selves.
Today, Oswal serves as a ceremonial guide offering sacred ceremonies in New Jersey and Bear Mountain, NY, as well as transformative retreats in Peru's Sacred Valley. His approach combines deep reverence for tradition with compassionate understanding of each participant's unique healing journey.
"The medicine helps people break free from illusions and reconnect with their true selves."
— Oswal Pomaquiza
CO-FOUNDER
Joann Pomaquiza
Born in Cuba and raised practicing Afro-diasporic spirituality with her mother — a healer — Joann Pomaquiza carries a rich lineage of healing wisdom from the Caribbean tradition. Her spiritual journey has been one of deep study and devotion, exploring many schools of thought including Tao and Buddhism.
Joann's path to Wachuma medicine was guided by the same calling that runs through her family line. The plant medicine, she shares, is known for its extraordinary ability to open the heart and foster gratitude — qualities that define her approach to ceremony and community.
As the leader of the New Jersey Chapter of the Oklevueha Native American Church, Joann brings together her Cuban healing heritage, her years of spiritual study, and her deep connection to the sacred medicines. Together with Oswal, she creates a ceremonial space where ancient traditions from the Andes, the Caribbean, and the Americas converge for the healing of all.
"The medicine opens the heart and fosters gratitude."
— Joann Pomaquiza
THEIR TEACHER
Taita Miguel Mendiburu Saavedra
The sacred lineage of Oswal and Joann's practice traces back to their beloved teacher, Taita Miguel Mendiburu Saavedra — a revered shaman from Peru who has dedicated his life to preserving and transmitting the ancient wisdom of Wachuma medicine.
Taita Miguel carries the traditional knowledge passed down through generations of Andean healers. His teachings emphasize the deep connection between humanity and the natural world, the importance of walking the path of the ancestors, and the transformative power of the sacred plant medicines to heal spiritual and physical ailments.
It is through Taita Miguel's guidance that Oswal and Joann learned the ceremonial practices they now share with their community — honoring the same traditions that have been preserved in the Andes for over four thousand years.
OUR FOUNDATION
Oklevueha Native American Church
Huachuma Moonlight operates as a branch of the Oklevueha Native American Church (ONAC), a religious organization that welcomes people of all races, nationalities, religions, and lifestyles without prejudice.
ONAC believes that ancient ways must be preserved, honored, and understood. In our fast-changing world, spirituality is often overlooked or masked behind dogma and doctrine. Oklevueha exists to bring brothers and sisters together in sacred circles where we can heal and empower ourselves physically, spiritually, and emotionally through Creator's bounty.
The practicing of Indigenous American spirituality empowers and strengthens those who participate as they create balance and remove toxic thoughts, actions, and substances from their lives. The ceremonies, sacred sacraments, and medicines we work with are powerful and assist people to overcome dependencies, self-defeating behaviors, and can assist the physical body to gain strength and healing.
TEANECK, NEW JERSEY
Our Sacred Temple
Nestled in the heart of Teaneck, New Jersey, our sacred temple is a sanctuary for healing and spiritual transformation. This dedicated ceremonial space has been carefully created to honor the traditions we practice and to provide a safe, sacred container for ceremony.
The temple grounds feature a traditional fire circle, sacred altar spaces, and areas for meditation and reflection. Every element has been placed with intention, creating an environment where participants can feel held and supported as they embark on their healing journey.
This is where our local ceremonies take place — a place where ancient wisdom meets modern healing, right here in New Jersey.
OUR VALUES
What Guides Us
Compassionate Healing
We approach each ceremony with deep compassion, creating a safe container for healing and transformation.
Sacred Protection
Our ceremonies are conducted under the religious freedom protections of the Native American Church.
Community Connection
We foster a supportive community of seekers walking the path of spiritual growth together.
Earth Honoring
We practice sacred reciprocity (Ayni) with Pachamama, honoring the land and plant medicines.
Watch Our Documentary
"WACHUMA | Sacred Plant Medicine" — A film by Natalie Romero-Marx
Begin Your Journey With Us
Whether you're seeking healing from trauma, spiritual growth, or a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you, we're here to guide you.