History of Sacred Plant Medicines
For centuries, various indigenous tribes scattered across the Amazon region have used sacred plant medicines such as the vine Banisteriopsis Caapi (is Ayahuasca) as an integral part of their traditional medicine and religious rituals. Following ancient recipes, local shamanic healers (ayahuasqueros and curanderos) brew a potent tea. This is consumed to induce a so-called holotropic state of consciousness, which promotes both physical and emotional healing.
The plant medicine tea Ayahuasca is made from the vine Banisteriopsis caapi, called Caapi for short. The name comes from the indigenous Quechua language and means " Vine of the Soul". Traditionally, in and around the Amazon, Ayahuasca has been regarded by local healers as a sacred medicine (La Medicina), due to its purifying, healing and spiritual properties for the body and mind.
The original version of Ayahuasca contained only Banisteropsis caapi vine, but in later times other sacred teacher plants such as Chacruna (Psychotria viridus) were added to make the experience deeper and more intense.
In recent decades, the use of this traditional South American Plant Medicine is spreading rapidly around the world, for therapeutic purposes and to promote personal or spiritual growth. Consequently, the setting in which the Medicine is used takes many different forms. There are the more traditional ceremonies, often led by indigenous* shamans from the Amazon region; the religious use of Ayahuasca by Brazilian religious church denominations Santo Daime and União de Vegetal; the neo-shamanistic way, where ancient tradition is combined with contemporary therapies; and the (clinical or non-clinical and) mainly therapeutically oriented method. At Sattvaya, our setting and the way we use the medicine fall between the latter two categories.
The healing power of sacred teacher plants
Many plant medicines like the vine Ayahuasca are referred to as entheogenic, a relatively* new term, which can be translated from Greek as "awakening the God within us". This term describes the powerfully purifying and healing effect on the energetic body, the connection that can be experienced with our higher selves and the feeling of unification with the universe.
The experience is considered a journey, and varies from journey to journey, from person to person, in both intensity and content. During a journey, there are usually distinctly different stages. Experiences of pure love, inner joy and (intense) peace may alternate with more challenging or confrontational moments. Thus, we are prompted to face our shadow, the shadow that each of us carries. In addition, all kinds of emotional and physical discharges can be triggered, such as crying or laughing, trembling or vomiting. This is also called "La Purga", a nickname for Ayahuasca, which translated from Spanish means purification.
Undergoing this process precisely with an open and curious attitude, and gradually surrendering to it, literally creates space on a physical, emotional and mental level. Thus, the veil of existing, limiting patterns is lifted, to behold our true selves with love and gratitude. This paves the way to develop supportive patterns and make powerful choices, when it comes to living from our essential core in all aspects of life.
The concept of the shadow self, as described by Carl Jung, refers to hidden or repressed aspects of the self that can include negative emotions and impulses. By acknowledging and integrating these aspects of the self, one can gain a better understanding of themselves and improve their overall well-being. Although confronting the shadow can sometimes be uncomfortable, it is an important step in self-awareness and personal growth.
Caution
Since the process can be deep and can also be intense and erratic, it proves very important to undergo such a journey only under the supervision and guidance of experienced, knowledgeable and empathetic facilitators. Under such supervision, you are provided with a safe setting and environment, and you are supported with attention, love and knowledge in navigating the experience optimally during any difficult parts.
Furthermore, it is of the utmost importance to know that the plant medicine from the Ayahuasca vine or Peganuam Harmala is not suitable for everyone. There are risks involved. We therefore advise you to always inform yourself well in advance about what sacred plants, like the Ayahuasca vine, are and about possible contraindications with regard to specific physical, emotional or mental conditions and certain medicines.
Sharing: Integration and aftercare
After a ceremony, most people feel a lot lighter, as if a burden has fallen off their shoulders or chest. However, every participant will have a unique experience. Combined with the right guidance and (skilled) care, the master teacher plants will ultimately give you what you need, at that moment, in your own process.
After the ceremony, grounding and integrating the experience into daily life becomes the key to true healing and transformation. This creates more clarity and insight, to access the integration (of the experience), and to (help) achieve the reversal of patterns. When necessary and if desired, we also offer aftercare in the form of therapy, in consultation
Botanical compositions and biological action
Originally, Ayahuasca contained only the vine Banisteriopsis Caapi. It was only at a later stage that ayahuasceros & curanderos added another master plant: the leaves of Chacruna (Psychotria Viridus).
The vine, Caapi contains the so-called harmala alkaloids, namely: harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine. Besides having a mild psychoactive, sedative, calming, visionary and cleansing effect, these substances inhibit the action of MAO enzymes in the human body. This effect ensures that the active ingredients of the other Master plants are not broken down, but rather absorbed by our bodies in an active state.
Caapi itself is attributed a motherly, heart-warming energy, and is therefore also called Mother Ayahuasca or Mama Aya.
The other Master plants used contain substances/components that make the experience more luminous, brighter and more colourful, making it more visionary and profound One of these substances is also known as "The Spirit Molecule".
Sometimes it feels as if Mother Nature, Pachamama, Mother Earth wants to connect and communicate with us through plant medicines like Ayahuasca, to share her love, healing and universal wisdom with us.
What we work with
At Sattvaya, we work with various sacred teacher plant medicines and always inform participants of our retreats clearly and distinctly which master plants we will be working with. We never work with ready-made concoctions or concentrates - the plants we use are invariably carefully selected for quality and origin. With respect for the original traditions, we brew our tea ourselves, in an appropriate, ritualistic setting, with the setting of intentions, prayer and music
Maria
"I could have never expected a better setting, so safe and loving. Surrendering was possible thanks to all the help that I received which I’m eternally grateful for. The music was magical, the vibe, the singing and dancing, the sharing circles – all had a massive. positive impact on my experience."
Marise
"I deeply appreciated the loving care we received from the facilitators of the group and Ronald’s wisdom, skill and reverence for the sacredness of the plant spirits, creating a safe container where magic can happen. The music was also perfect and very inspiring in my inner journey, I will keep it in my heart forever"
Joel
"Ik overdrijf absoluut niet als ik zeg dat naar deze retraite gaan het beste was wat me ooit is overkomen! De muziek en de steun van de begeleiders was veel meer dan ik ooit had kunnen dromen en maakte het voor mij relatief gemakkelijk om me over te geven. Ik probeer aan iets negatiefs te denken, maar ik kan het gewoon niet! 10/10."
Alison
"Thank you so much to all of you that held such a nourishing, safe and creative space for my first ever Sacred Plants experience. It was a beautiful struggle at points but I felt truly secure to surrender into the journey and attune to my process and intention. I felt so much love, universal love and a very deep connection to myself and loved ones."
