Journeying with Ancient Plant Medicine
Embarking on a pilgrimage to Peru which included plant medicine is more than just a physical journey; it is a journey of the soul. This beautiful country is not only renowned for its rich history and stunning landscapes but also for its potent healing traditions. If you choose to walk the path of healing in Peru, you will discover ancient practices that have been passed down for generations, connecting you to the spiritual energy of the land and guiding you towards inner peace and transformation. Whether you are seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, Peru has much to offer on this sacred journey.
A Smooth Arrival at Eco Amazonia
We often speak about life being the journey as opposed to the destination; however, when travelling, it’s all about the destination. Preparation can determine the success of your arrival. My journey to Eco Amazonia was a smooth and event-free one. The last 24 hours have been about being present, connecting, and aligning with the energy of the jungle to connect to the land and its vibrations.
My jungle hut turned out to be far more comfortable than I had imagined, with no glass windows but instead a mesh box on stilts – a perfect design for the surroundings. Tired and ready for sleep, I slipped into bed, and just like that, it felt like someone turned the volume up on the jungle remote control! Unfamiliar sounds, strange shadows in the room, and the sense that I was not alone! A tin roof hides no secrets, and footsteps from an unknown source added to the mystery. I had two choices: to lay awake and wait for the jungle to fall asleep or to surrender to the strange sound of the night.
I awoke in the middle of the night, and it took a moment to remember where I was; the jungle was quiet… deeper and deeper… a sweet surrender into the darkness of the night. When you’ve been managing on four hours of sleep, seven hours feels like such a long slumber. Before the sun rose, I made my way to the river to meditate and be one with nature as another day full of new adventures began.
The Journey with Plant Medicine Ayahuasca
Meaning “vine of the soul” or “vine of the dead” in the Quechua language, Ayahuasca is a traditional Amazonian decoction. Deep in the jungle, I sense a profound energy, a stirring that whispers of lifetimes long past. Embracing the sacred plant medicine of this land, I surrender not just to its healing power but also to a timeless facet of myself.
As the essence of the medicine begins to wind through me, a challenging unveiling unfolds—an intense dance with my shadow, a shedding of old layers that clings to familiarity. Amidst the struggle to release, there’s a palpable pause, a breath suspended in the non-linear realm where time loses its grip. The process becomes a series of mini-deaths, a necessary shedding of skin. Through the struggle emerges a slow emergence—a flicker of light, a burst of colour, a blooming flower, sacred geometry, visions, insights.
In this moment of expansion and breath, I find myself at the threshold of oneness, having traversed the painful terrain, embracing the profound beauty of rebirth. After two such ceremonies, the deepest level of healing unfolds. Thank you, Medicine of Ayahuasca… You probably won’t see me again!
One might wonder why I would do something like this. The call was so intense that I couldn’t deny it; I saw parts of my life unfold before my eyes, deeper spiritual coaching offerings awakening in my awareness. This sacred journey has forever changed the way I approach healing and inner peace.
San Pedro (Wachuma)
For more than 3,500 years, the visionary cactus, San Pedro (Trichocereus Pachanoi), has been used by many different civilizations within the Andes for its profound healing and visionary properties. This ancient plant medicine is sometimes referred to as “the doorway,” punku, as it allows passage to a realm of heightened consciousness, enhanced creativity, wisdom, and deep healing, thereby reawakening one’s passion for life and restoring equilibrium of mind, body, and spirit.
Like Ayahuasca, San Pedro allows you to receive what you need and teaches you the tools to bring your life back into balance. This powerful healing brew offers the opportunity to work within your shadow and move deeply into your subconscious and ego to unearth the underlying issues preventing you from leading a life of love, harmony, and balance.
The Power of Plant Medicine
In conclusion, the vast world of plant medicine holds significant potential and power that is intricately connected to our overall well-being, not only physically but also mentally and spiritually. The Earth has provided us with countless plants, herbs, and fungi with amazing therapeutic properties that are steadily gaining scientific backing.
Beyond symptom management, plant medicine encourages a deep connection with the natural world, empowering us to address the root cause of our ailments. The interplay of these potent botanical allies helps cultivate a deeper understanding of the self, improves mental health, enhances clarity, facilitates profound spiritual experiences, and boosts emotional resilience.
I recognise the journey has just begun, as processing the medicine can take months, if not years. I have gained so much over the last two weeks; it feels like months. Of course, it is challenging being away from Luna, family, friends, morning spirals, students, and clients. You have been in my thoughts as I savoured every moment, excited to return with new insights and offerings.