Ayahuasca: A detail of the divine root
The word Ayahuasca is memorable, even those who have no knowledge of its origin and history somehow can make the faintest connections of what it is; jungles, hallucinations, spirit animals, and shamans. That’s because even without its rich history, it’s a word that clicks in the mind and settles in.
The name Ayahuasca refers to both the plant root and the medicinal tea brewed from it and other natural plants found native in the Amazon Rainforest. This brew has been used for centuries in long-standing traditions associated with the philosophies and teachings surrounding shamans.
Typically Ayahuasca is popular among those non-native to Peru, because of its reputation for giving powerful hallucinations to the drinker, but its true purpose has always been to heal. Ayahuasca is not only used to heal the body by killing parasites and expelling toxicity by inducing purging but also it is believed that the properties of the vine can heal the mind and soul as well. Its name in Quechua translates roughly to “vine of the dead” and other phrases including the words “spirit, soul, and corpse”.
This is because as the individual falls under the hallucinogenic properties, the world around them seems to unravel and reveal something sacred. People who have taken Ayahuasca have gone on to say that they’ve seen their spirit animal, met dead relatives, felt horror and fear within themselves, and discovered secrets that only the universe could have provided.
While Ayahuasca is meant to provide clarity, self-healing, and even transformation for those who partake, it is important to understand that it is still a medicine and not something to be taken lightly. For those interested in experiencing the power of Ayahuasca, you must undergo a strict diet and lifestyle change for at least three weeks prior to taking the tea as well as maintain it for at least three weeks afterward.
What is most important however is to acknowledge that Ayahuasca is of its own influence and potential. This means there is no guarantee of any pre-existing medical condition being cured or that you’ll get the exact experience you hoped for while under the influence. Ayahuasca requires the right mindset and energy coming into the ceremony, and in turn guides the cleansing of your energies, and since no two people are exactly alike each personal journey will appear different. The unpredictability of the Ayahuasca is as astonishing as it is dangerous, and it is always strongly recommended to not take Ayahuasca without the presence of a trained and experienced shaman.
We at Flower of Life encourage those looking to further their progress of self-discovery and personal growth, to research more about Ayahuasca and its healing properties. For information on our retreat package, schedules, and the shamans we work with, feel free to explore our webpage and see if Flower Of Life is right for you.