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Preparation

from "Divine Moments of Trump", Stella Strzyzowska Guillen
Wisdom of the Purge, Part II AyahuascaNavigationPreparation

Wisdom of the Purge, Part II

In Part I of this post, we explored the many ways purging can manifest with ayahuasca, along with some tips for when things seem stuck. Here we continue with further esoteric mysteries of La Purga: In an essay titled "Ayahuasca and the Grotesque Body," anthropologist Stephen Beyer notes the split that many Westerners seem to carry into ayahuasca ceremony, between our extremely high expectations of fantastical visions, and the dirty work of vomiting. We find vomiting wretched and miserable; we…
Jan 1, 2022
Pablo Amaringo - Three types of sorcerers - purging
Wisdom of the Purge, Part I AyahuascaNavigationPreparation

Wisdom of the Purge, Part I

La Purga, "The Purge," is one of ayahuasca’s names in the Amazon, highlighting a most notorious aspect of its reputation. The ayahuasca vine is strongly purgative—indigenous people sometimes drink it simply to induce a good cleanse. The bucket is thus an essential element in most ayahuasca ceremonies, unless you are free to vomit on the ground. In this "Ode to the Bucket," I will explore some legendary aspects of the purge. I’ve heard people say “I don’t like to vomit,…
Dec 13, 2021
Tourist or Pilgrim? Approaching Ayahuasca AyahuascaPreparationSocietySpirituality

Tourist or Pilgrim? Approaching Ayahuasca

Delphi. Eleusis. Kailas. Mecca. From ancient times, people have traveled to sacred places to be initiated into the mysteries. Power places like these connect humans with the Divine, bringing the earthly plane into alignment with higher worlds. Now the initiatory substance is coming to us. In living rooms across North America and Europe, people are gathering for ayahuasca ceremonies. Underground, yes, as ayahuasca is illegal in most places. But this doesn’t stop the surge in interest, nor the need. You…
Feb 17, 2018
Ayahuasca What to Know
10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Drinking Ayahuasca AyahuascaIntegrationNavigationPersonal ExperiencePreparation

10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Drinking Ayahuasca

Here are some details I might have wanted to know before my first cup of ayahuasca five years ago. (Despite the not-knowing, it’s all worked out perfectly okay.) 1. It can change your life, big time. And for the better, which is why a lot of people are turning to it. But the scale and pace of transformation can rock your world. Sometimes it opens up Pandora’s Box (I’m thinking of repressed memories here), in a way that dramatically alters…
Jan 26, 2018
What to Bring to Ceremony AyahuascaNavigationPreparation

What to Bring to Ceremony

Along with bucket, blanket, red-light flashlight, and something white to leave on your mat so you can find it when you’re coming back from the bathroom in the dark: Let's start with intention: This serves as focal point and compass needle for your session. It can be specific and complex (“Help me release my anger at my ex-wife; show me what right relationship might look like; how can we handle the kids’ schedule?”) or as simple as “Show me what…
Sep 30, 2017
Book a Session Depth PsychologyIntegrationPreparation

Book a Session

Integration is the process of deepening and grounding your work with ayahuasca. The plant can show you the problem and even the solution, but the work is yours alone to do. Drawing on my lengthy experience as a psychotherapist and meditator and my 10+ years of intensive personal work with ayahuasca and master plants, I offer skills and support to strengthen and inspire your process. Hour-long consultations are by Zoom, or in-person at my home in Huaran, Peru. Please note…
Feb 19, 2017