Wikipedia:
Ayahuasca (UK /ˌaɪjəˈwæskə/; US /ˌaɪjəˈwɑːskə/), also commonly called yagé (/jɑːˈheɪ/ or /jæˈheɪ/), is an entheogenic brew made out of Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Psychotria viridis leaf.[1] The brew is used as a traditional spiritual medicine in ceremonies among the Indigenous peoples of Amazonia.
Indigenous tribes in Colombia also practice rituals involving Yage. In past times it was used by Taitas (Colombian shaman / medicine mans) to aid their transformation into their totem animal (usually a jaguar, a boa, or some kind of bird). Today is mainly used as sacred medicine in long indigenous rituals that provide cleansing from harmful toxins as well as thoughts and habits. Through the guidance of the Taitas you also start of spiritual journey to discover your true purpose, needs and heal long forgotten psychological traumas..
There are numerous stories about poorly trained Taitas who gave Yage to tourists just to earn some money (with some pretty bad outcomes). So I was very torn if I should really risk joining one of these rituals. I am less afraid of the drug itself but I don´t want to support a questionable practice.
I stumbled across an indigenous community that preserves and practices the old shamanistic Colombian traditions around Colombia. One of their Taitas also offers Medicine Retreats for “extranjeros”. One happens to take place in a little town near Medellin next weekend. It is a whole long weekend (3 nights) of continuous rituals, herbal treatments, baths, songs, and gatherings with the indigenous community.
I have been traveling now for almost 10 months I still haven´t found some of the answers I was looking for. I am not entirely ignorant of spiritual journeys, but in recent years my abilities in that field deteriorated more and more. So I decided to give this a try (also I am super curious about the Shamanic rituals)
When you read this, if am probably already back in the civilization. So expect my report soon.
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