What is Ayahuasca?

For the peoples of the upper Amazon, Ayahuasca or Yagé is a brew of two plants used to consult the spirits and ancestors. There, it is called "the medicine" by some shamans and "the science" by others. They use it both to detect illness and seek cures, and to find game. Now, in the modern world, this ancient plant technology brings our own healing power to our awareness through powerful visions and emotional messages.

Ayahuasca, also called yagé, is a visionary brew prepared by boiling a mixture of two plants: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, or ayahuasca itself, and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis tree, the Chacruna. These two are boiled for hours until the liquid concentrates meanwhile some chants or Ikaros are sung to give the brew an intention.

When this brew is consumed, usually at night, visions begin, guided by the shaman's Ikaros. Spiritual beings, ancestors, animals, or simply messages will appear and tell us what we need to know. It is important to allow yourself to be guided by the shaman and the visions, to surrender.

• The ceremonies are held at night on an empty stomach. The shaman prepares and spiritually protects the place and the participants and distributes the Ayahuasca. After thirty minutes, powerful visions begin, guided by chants learned from generation to generation, which aid in the process of guiding the visions. It is important to let yourself be carried away by them. If after an hour and a half there is no effect or it is weak, a booster, a second dose, is usually given to initiate the process in those less sensitive to Ayahuasca. The Ikaros (chants) are generally followed by periods of silence. The ceremonies usually last about four hours, although some people may finish earlier or later. There is always a facilitator present to care for those who last longer.