AYAHUASCA
The Medicine
Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis Caapi) is the name of a vine that grows in the Amazon Rainforest. In Native cultures it is regarded as the “Vine of the Soul” or “Vine of Wisdom.” It is also the name given to the psychoactive brew prepared by combining and slowly boiling the vine with leaves from the Chacruna plant (Psychotria Viridis). The resulting beverage is used for spiritual ceremonies, divination, and healing a variety of psychosomatic complaints. Each shaman or curandero has their own recipe; often adding other medicinal plants to increase the healing potential of the brew.
Ayahuasca contains Beta-Carbolines and Tryptamines which influence brain function and exhibit antioxidant effects and anti-cancer properties. Ayahuasca’s primary Tryptamine, DMT (DiMethyltryptamine) is known as The Spirit Molecule which can also be found in the human brain. DMT spikes during transformative human experiences such as birth and death.
Ayahuasca is the Sacred Feminine; she represents the Mother and Grandmother. She is both gentle and firm. She can nurture us, heal us lovingly or take us on a dark ride where we must face our greatest fears. She unleashes our potential, gives us clarity and deeper understanding. An Ayahuasca Ceremony is a spiritual journey within, guided by the Spirits of the plants. The medicine interacts dynamically with the participant, the healer’s intention, and the Spirit World.
Preparing The Brew
Preparing Ayahuasca is no easy task; it is a process of physical labour, deep prayer and patience, taking a minimum of 12 hours. First, materials must be collected: a large amount of Ayahuasca vine is needed. It is cut down, then clubbed, breaking down its’ outer layer in order to pull out the medicine during the cooking process. You also need to collect a large amount of Chacruna leaves, which are the carriers of DMT. Some curanderos (healers) also add various other healing plants to their brew. Each medicine has its own vibration.
Once the materials are layered in a large pot, water is added and the cooking begins. Water is added several times during the process and is cooked down to a honey-like texture. Curanderos monitor the process without taking their eyes off of the medicine. They use Mapacho (strong tobacco) to pray and bless the medicine, infusing it with their intentions.
Ayahuasca In Action
Ayahuasca increases our state of consciousness. She moves us in the direction of wholeness and loosens the grip of the ego. She activates the part of our brain where the subconscious memory is stored. One may access memories that have been locked away for years. These, often traumatic or unprocessed memories come up to be examined from a different perspective, accepted and released with love. Ayahuasca also activates the part of the nervous system where integration occurs; new connections are made allowing us to let go of long held beliefs, habits and conditioning.
Ayahuasca is a powerful tool which can support healing of the mind, body and Spirit:
Trauma
Addiction
Fear
Anxiety
Depression
Psychosomatic illness
Limiting beliefs
Negative programming
Heart opening & unconditional love
Spiritual awakening
Drinking Aya produces visions that vary in intensity depending on the plants added and the dosage taken. Most participants describe a profound purification process, often involving a physical purge. Personal challenges or traumas are uncovered to gain deeper understanding and inspire new insights which can lead the individual to a place of healing and closure. Messages may emerge prompting us to reflect on our life’s path with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. Most experience Ayahuasca as a spiritual undertaking.
Effects can include:
- Visions (sacred geometry, colours, patterns, life events, flashbacks, memories, messages)
- Body sensations (euphoria, pleasure, pain, fatigue)
- Physical purge (vomiting, diarrhea, gas, sweating, crying, laughing)
- Emotions
- Downloads
The Ceremony
Before we begin, I will smudge you with sage and offer Rapé. During your Rapé process, I will chant the Mantra to Ma Anandamayee, calling in Her guidance and protection.
Be prepared to face themes of darkness and light. There is no telling which way the ceremony will go, but everything comes up for healing. Trust the process and face it with curiosity, openness and humility. See what needs to be seen and feel what needs to be felt. Know that emotions and visions can shift rapidly and that sometimes we may need to go through discomfort to receive clarity. Surrender to the channel that is opened within you. It is common to receive messages, but processing and interpreting one’s experience can take time. Visions may be interpreted through many perspectives.
Each ceremony is unique and typically lasts 3 – 5 hours and involves singing Icaros (songs for the plants), playing instruments, chanting and using Mapacho (ceremonial tobacco) and Agua De Florida (flower water) for healing and purification.
The person is asked to remain in silence for the duration of the ceremony, concentrating on what’s coming up. If the person is struggling or needs specific assistance, they are welcome to voice their concerns at any point.
Medicine is offered at the beginning of the ceremony and once again approximately 1.5 hours after drinking the first dose. The second offering is to enhance the potency of the experience especially for those unable to connect with the medicine after the first dose. Please take into consideration that certain people have slow digestion and can even start feeling the effects of the medicine well after the formal ceremony. The medicine can work for many hours and sleepless nights are not uncommon. If you drink a second dose, the effects will typically last longer.
Once a person commits to a ceremony, it is necessary to remain in the space until the ceremony is officially over. Once the ceremony is closed, open dialogue is welcome and the person may stay the night or return to their home.
Contraindications
- Medications (especially anti-depressants)
- Schizophrenia
- Heart disease & pacemakers
- Pregnancy
- Supplements and protein extracts
- Teas and substances that alter the nervous system
- Cocaine and other street drugs
