Peru - Jungle Elders (Shamans) and Ayahuasca



This is a continuation of my accounting of my time in Peru. As I mention in all my Peru articles, I found the people of Peru to be genuine and warmhearted and treasure the time spent in their presence, especially in places far from the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities. It was much cheaper back them, but if you look, you can still find great deals. 

From the jungle it was back to Iquitos where I spent a couple of days in town before I would be brought to spend time with Shamans, the tribal elders that I was put into contact with through connections I made in the states. I was ready for my next adventure and after checking into my local hotel, I took my now damp and dirty clothes and dropped them off at the local laundromat, utilizing their washing services.

As I waited for my laundry to be ready, I found a local bar owned by a retired British expatriate. The food was good considering I was having fish and chips right outside the jungle, the beer, not so cold, but  it was the atmosphere and conversation that was priceless from these crusty old gents lined up at the bar telling stories of their adventures to the pretty girls who entered in the hopes to impress.

After a good nights sleep I met with my local contact and set off into other parts of the jungle, not quite as far as the 3 hour boat ride from the previous week with my guide and interpreter.

I spent time in quiet meditation in the morning and got an overview about the healing techniques of these Shamans for most of the rest of the first day. Although my language skills were limited, I could tell that one of the elders spoke Spanish with the other speaking some native dialect that I could not recognize. 

The first evening's dinner was sparse which I found out later was because of the upcoming ceremony preparations. There was more time to meditate the next morning before the ceremony began where I was handed a cup filled with a foul smelling drink. I was told I should drink it all, but it was all I could do to take a good sip of this swill without gagging as I held my nose, then tossed out the rest while no one was looking. I was one of the lucky ones, getting only mildly ill about an hour later. The drums were beating and I was purging and clearing. I would later find out that this drink was Ayahuasca, although back then I knew little about it. All I knew was that it had quite a kick and allowed one to experience more of themselves. 


Although I didn't drink the entire amount, my experience was still pronounced yet memorable so I could write about it. The first thing I noticed was that my hands glowed, as trails of colors followed their movements in the great open air room. I became very introspective as I asked myself questions like “What was God thinking when he designed man?” and “What is my divine purpose on this planet?” It was in this ceremony that I got the answer that I was here to help people on their path and I felt that I had a grasp of the answer for questions of the Universe.

I had the full effect of the ceremony as I witnessed one of the Shamans put his hand through a small round solid wood table without effecting its structure. Was I really seeing this or was it my imagination? I sat there for confused, amazed and bewildered. Was it the Ayahuasca that made me see that or had I temporarily released all my inhibitions? All I know is that it was a special time and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to connect and experience. 

 I spent a few weeks learning along side the Shamans as they showed us different healing techniques and was grateful for the opportunity. 


While in Peru I visited Lima, Cusco, Arequipa, Titicaca, the Amazon and other cities, so look for those posts in this series.  
Wishing you your own Travel Awakenings,LeeZa Donatella
Here are some links to items I enjoy, that you may find useful 

All my Books  available on Amazon 

 Other authors books that have helped me on my journey.
The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz
The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield
The Essential Rumi  by Jalal al-Din Rumi
Carlos Castaneda's books

Leeza Donatella is an author, speaker and teacher

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