Modern researchers tend to argue that ayahuasca rituals began to be conducted as early as the 9th-11th centuries. This is evidenced by the remnants of shamanic brews that have been discovered in caves in modern Bolivia. The first mentions of ayahuasca were made by representatives of the oldest indigenous tribes.
Currently, it is impossible to accurately determine the year and day when ayahuasca spread, giving people the opportunity to gain new knowledge. The plant has deep roots in the culture of indigenous peoples of the tropical forests of the Amazon, in countries such as Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil.
If you ask the Brazilians living in the jungle what ayahuasca is, none of them will say that it is a drug or a chemically active substance. They will say that it is medicine, the Spirit of the plant, which locals call Mãe or Maestro.
According to the spiritual practices of Latin American shamans, people can have a rich experience and better understand themselves. Ayahuasca is a beverage used for shamanic rituals. Such a drink can only be consumed in a circle of people and under the guidance of a shaman.
The significance of the ritual lies in the fact that every person who desires it has the opportunity to enter the world of spirits, better understand the world, and find answers to all pressing questions. After the ritual, each individual obtains exactly what they needed. This means that the result will be unique for everyone.
Ayahuasca is a dark-colored beverage with a distinctive taste. Its preparation requires a special recipe. It is based on two types of plants of tropical origin. The first is chacruna or psychotria, and the second is the vine in which alkaloids are present.
According to the beliefs of shamans, a connection is formed with the spiritual world, and the sedative effect is reduced, allowing one to meditate for some time. This benefits mental health, helping to deal with anxiety, depression, spiritual pain, and addiction.
Ayahuasca has a pronounced psychotropic effect, but it is not classified as a narcotic substance. It is actively used in Amazonian regions such as Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia. The guardians of these traditions are the shamans who conduct these rituals. Consuming this beverage requires mindfulness, and the process must be led by a genuine shaman who knows how to conduct such rituals.
A true shaman is well aware of the peculiarities of the effects of ayahuasca and the experiences that arise from consuming this beverage. They can determine the appropriate dosage based on ritual experience. The location where the beverage is consumed also holds special significance. The ritual must always be conducted in a natural environment, and its calming effect is felt by all participants.
During the ritual, the shaman chants sacred songs, prays to the spirits, and calls upon them for assistance in healing all those who desire it. Music also has its specific effect, facilitating quick entry into a meditative state and warding off evil spirits. Instruments such as drums and guitars are often used during the ritual.
During the intense effects of ayahuasca in the ritual, the mind calms down and opens up. People begin to release emotional, mental, and physical ailments, freeing themselves from negative energy and confusion. Amazonian shamans use ayahuasca to balance their own energy and connect with the world of spirits and nature. The ritual is also considered a form of purification and detoxification of the body.
This medicinal remedy awakens the body, relieving sleepiness. The level of immersion in the ritual and the experience that one can gain from it hold special significance.
Those who have undergone the Ayahuasca ritual describe their experience as something indescribable. And this can be understood literally. Many cannot even explain what really happened to them. Some can recount a sequence of visions, thoughts, states, and sensations.
Various figures, images, and symbols from the past flash through their minds, all of which hold special significance. Many note that they go beyond their own physical space and begin to feel a unity with the Universe. The overall effect of the potion lasts for about 3-4 hours, but the peak of hallucinations only lasts for 15-20 minutes.
Therefore, it can be noted that in the traditions of indigenous people, Ayahuasca is used as a means of healing the soul and body. Many representatives of indigenous communities start taking Ayahuasca in appropriate ceremonies from the age of five.