Huichol Cosmos

Many cultures in the Mexico area has been absorbed into the mainstream of the modern world. But the Huichol people have been able to keep themselves secluded from civilization being able to keep practicing their way of life.  But in the recent years, the Huichol people have felt the pressure of society. There are about 7,000 remaining Huichol people that may soon have to adapt to the world that is happening around them.They believe in their own religion and religious practices but they know that they aren't a major factor in the Mexican government and will soon have to abandon their culture and way of life and join into the national society. All sorts of new construction, such as roads, timbering, and mining has entered their lives in the past few years. Illegal timbering has been starting to happen, and even though the Huichol people are constantly protesting to stop this. The Huichols believe that everything that is alive is sacred and the timbering of trees around them is very upsetting for these people. Some of the Huichols who were already exposed to the mainstream way of life have gotten involved in the wrong way. Some have already grown an alcohol problem, suicides have happened, and most have turned into beggars because they are having trouble with the transition to this new way of life. Through all of these new changes to their lives, they still manage to stick to their culture. Every year they keep their tradition of the peyote hunt for their gods to forgive their sins. They face new challenges each of their journeys to their sacred land, such as roads and other new man made things. But through all these new troubles, they still manage to make it and partake in these religious practices.