Journeys Testimonials

<<When I landed in Iquitos I had the first realization that what I was going to see and experience was going to be something completely new and far beyond my imagination. The simple view of an airport surrounded by trees and dense vegetation was something quite impressive for me, coming from London and having mainly only travelled through Europe and USA. The journey from the airport to Onanyan Shobo, the village run by the Shipibo family who was hosting me, took about a hour or more and despite the skills of the boy who was riding the motor-bike taxi, the road and the mud gave me their special welcome.

On the way I saw a lot of poverty, villages inhabited by people and kids who struggle to survive and suddenly the thought that I was there to seek a mystical experience made me feel uncomfortable. This feeling changed when I reached Onanyan Shobo. This village in the heart of the Iquitos’ jungle was prosperous. Everything from the houses to the paths through the woods expressed a harmony, which is the result of a lot of hard work, love and westerners’ money!
I was again glad to be there, knowing that I was contributing to the growth of their economy and helping them to stand on their feet by proudly sharing their culture, their beliefs and the hidden treasure of the plant medicines and the sorcerers’ knowledge. Even before the ayahuasca ceremonies took place, the jungle was introducing itself with its variegated sounds. I’m pleased that I decided to avoid the use of earplugs, because I would have missed the enchanting spells of the insects at night and the birds at sunrise and therefore the possibility to tune with the jungle’s rhythm. I think the second day I felt already at home! In certain occasions I felt the profound and spiritual power of the jungle (especially when walking at night after the ceremonies) and perceived all its elements as forming one entity, which could be benevolent and welcoming, and at the same time threatening if not respected. Such a setting has been naturally the perfect realm in which to encounter the medicine: the ayahuasca. After the first few sessions, the first powerful experience had effects predominantly on the physical level. It was like a gradual crescendo until I realized a resistance of my body, and that is what produced a frightening sensation; the need to hold to something, to what is known and safe, to not let it go. At some point there was nothing more to hold on. The medicine showed me its power. Generally there was a constant communication aimed to bring me back and listen to myself, my body, my breath rather than listening to my fearful mind. It is at the fifth session that a curtain moved and I had this very strong and emotional realization to have found what I was seeking, to have met that invisible world or reality that I thought existed but that I never encountered. I saw the possibility to contact it, visit it and be part of it. A Pan spirit introduced me to this world, as a positive and friendly presence looking at me with a neutral, calm and trustful expression. The pervading awareness that everything is energy, alive and vital energy everywhere, in any movement, even in the gesture of passing a hand through the hair to nourish them, was an overwhelming feeling. Suddenly I had a comprehension of what was before only an intellectual knowledge of disciplines like tai chi or qi gong as ways to develop the contact of the physical body with the subtle energy flowing in the air; attracting, directing, letting it go; a dance with the invisible energy; a magic dance; a way to enter in communion with this world, which can reveal itself to you whenever you want. The other powerful influence experienced during the ceremonies has been definitely manifested by the shaman Don Alberto Vasquez, known as Puma. To be someone who has always been attracted by magic and esoteric knowledge, I’ve also always been very sceptical at the same time. Puma brushed away any scepticism and possible doubts I could reserve when in few occasions, transmitting his energy to me, I could perceive the air around me shaking; and that was real as much as my flesh is. When the energy was descending I was conscious of its motion from my head down to my body and at the height of my chest I could feel an uncontainable joy; a contentment that was difficult to contain within the limits of my body.

I smiled. I laughed. I smiled for happiness. I laughed because suddenly I realized with a different clarity that all this, this reality, this potential, this possibility is there and it has always been there, but it has been hidden from us. Perhaps because it would be inconvenient and difficult to manipulate and control the belief system and social behaviour of people if anyone could get directly in touch with an infinite creative source. Get in touch to my own creativity has been an important insight that the medicine pointed up; creativity as a means to learn the language to communicate with this reality. In certain occasions I felt like the medicine was challenging me, was pushing me towards my limits, through physical discomfort, and when in that state I found myself and calmed down (also thanks to the influence of some benevolent giant beings!) knowledge followed. There was a price to pay, in this case the physical discomfort. For any teaching there is a price to pay, this can be physical, actual money, a test of your own will power, but in any case there is always an exchange…a sacrifice. Ultimately the most pervading insight was related with the consciousness that this knowledge is fundamentally love. I felt the desire and urge to give back what has been received, to heal others, to alleviate their suffering, to comfort and eliminate fear.

I would like to thank Francesco Sammarco and Ignazia Posadinu of El Mundo Magico (www.ayahuasca-shamanism.co.uk) to have given me the possibility to live this life-changing experience in the best possible way. In many different ways I felt to be in a safe place and the people who work there showed care and in their simplicity love and natural knowledge. I have a lot of affection and respect for you guys, not only because you’re Italians like me, but also because I think you did a great job in helping the Shipibo family to stand on their feet by creating an amazing and welcoming environment, while retaining a pure and unaltered encounter with this culture. Such encounter between two worlds so far geographically and culturally wouldn’t have been easy without you building a bridge with care, professionalism and great knowledge.

Grazie mille! >>
 

Gennaro Ambrosino, Interaction Designer, U.K. http://urbanmystics.blogspot.com/

<< How do I convey a lifetime’s experience in two weeks? I arrived at Onanyan Shobo without my baggage, still in New York. Though this did mar things a little, from the outset I knew that this was the place where – perhaps this would be asking for too much - I could be healed and purged of a lifetime’s depression and self doubt. It was like paradise, but with mosquitoes. I had felt some trepidation about taking ayahuasca. From past ‘bum trip’ experiences of my youth I feared the unpredictability of being taken somewhere I had no control over… god knows what demons I might encounter, would I go mad and never return? Despite my initial misgivings my first ayahuasca ceremonia was sheer bliss. It was like the prelude of a classical symphony, a taste of all the leitmotifs that were to come, moments of tension, moments of sweet resolution. The jungle embraced me like a child allowed back into the Garden of Eden. I marvelled at the beauty of the ‘surroundings’, a lush luminous world that the ayahuasca allowed me to see. ‘She’ (I see ayahuasca as a very powerful and bountiful woman, albeit a little possessive) seemed to like me - what a pleasant surprise. I had the revelation that the world is indeed a magical place and that there are literally spirits everywhere, especially in the jungle. If only everyone could see them! I laughed out loud (which I thought I could never do) and cried, not out of self pity but from empathic connection to humanity. I wished that my friends and family could feel what I felt. Each ayahuasca ceremony was different, alternating between ecstatic and more ‘challenging’ experiences. Though I learnt that I could ‘intend’ certain things I was not (consciously at least) the author of each story. It was as if ayahuasca has a very uncanny way of getting to the heart of each place and part of myself that I wished to explore; throughout each experience I sensed a current that propelled me along which I can only describe as healing.

I do not wish to wax lyrical too much about my eight ayahuasca experiences. Not meaning to sound like a crackpot, for it has been a little difficult to describe to the friends and folks at home that I have a jaguar as a spirit ally, ‘saw’ my ex wife as an (angry) duck, and (sounds to good to be true, but you can have a lot of fun when taking ayahuasca) also ‘saw’ Led Zeppelin in concert the very night they performed in London (a dove taught me how to ‘fly’ there, you see). And to my psychotherapist’s chagrin, I underwent a recapitulation of my life, from my infancy through to adulthood. Years of therapy in two weeks, and at a fraction of the cost. Have I been ‘cured’ of depression? It’s too early to tell. Some ‘thing’ was purged out of my system, which seemed to take the form of a phorescent squid-like creature. Yet I now feel like a healthier person, physically and emotionally, having discovered an inner strength and resources that I never believed I had, and which I know will be there no matter what vicissitudes life will throw at me. I lost a bit of weight, too. But I am still the same old person, albeit happier, more confident, and with tons of insight. The challenge for me now is to find a way to integrate all this into my personal and professional life. This could take a lifetime. I would have been lost if it was not for the hard work and passion of Don Alfredo, my shaman, my ‘hermano’ and soon to be, my ‘tio’ (that’s another story). Do not be deceived by his humble demeanour and short stature! He must be the most powerful and impeccable person I ever met. And he works so damn hard. His icaros sustained me throughout each ceremony; he would make sure that everyone is contained within his the sphere of his protection. Sometimes bad spirits would come to spoil the ceremonies which he would fend off, occasionally he left me alone to test my mettle against some of the lesser imps that I was able to swat away mentally. At the end of each ceremony there were feelings of euphoria, heralded by the many ‘espiritos buenos’ that descended onto the cabin, like revellers at a party who do not want to leave. In a nutshell, within the space of two weeks I have met a man who embodies the warrior spirit of the shaman, from whom I want to learn a lot more. So I think a longer plant diet would be in order the next time I go. In addition to the day and a bit that I spent in ‘non ordinary’ reality I had a wonderful and enjoyable experience at the retreat. Not having amenities was not too much of a hardship – simply you go to bed when it becomes dark, and wake around daybreak. Though there was not much to ‘do’, there was plenty to digest and meditate on. I enjoyed many moments in my hammock smoking mapachos and reading Dickens. The ‘banos’ were curious yet very cleansing experiences. Being coated in clay for two hours was actually quite pleasurable. The shamans make sure that you are prepared for the ayahuasca ceremonies, cleansed and smelling like the jungle. I understand that you don’t get this same level of preparation anywhere else around Iquitos. Life became very laid back (and never boring) for two weeks. I’m sure that I never saw anyone rush about apart from the one time I saw someone run to answer a mobile phone. The people of Onanyan Shobo made it a very special experience for me. The Garcia-Ramirez family looked after me like I was one of their own – I experienced an unconditional warmth and generosity that makes British families seem emotionally stunted. I left having made friends for life. Clever proved to be more than a translator, he was a companion and guide who showed me around Iquitos and the surrounding areas. Though he seems laid back, I was struck by his conscientiousness and warmth. Don’t get me started on the food… local grown fruit and vegetables that have real flavour (unlike the miserable specimens you might find in a supermarket), comforting fried plantain and rice, and grilled freshwater fish never tasted so good. Even the pre ayahuasca vegetable broth for lunch had a certain je ne sais quoi. But it was dish of venison that proved to be a real treat, as cooked for me by the beautiful Ester, who I have vowed to marry…

I cannot endorse enough Onanyan Shobo. I realise that it may not be for everyone, for ayahuasca is not a experience that can be ventured into lightly. Though I remain agnostic (I’m not really concerned if there is a god or not) I now certainly believe in spirits, I saw them. My immense gratitude goes to Francesco and Ignazia for their hard work and dedication setting up El Mundo Magico, and for enabling pilgrims like myself to see beyond the veil of consensual reality. >>

David Maggs, Psychologist, U.K.
 

Eleanor Niblock, Journalist, U.K.

<< Where it begins and where it ends it's in two different places. The present journey started with a trip to the Amazon, to an Ayahuasca healing retreat. The journey began way back in September of 2005, and resulted in the reconnection of me to my self. The account below is a little piece of that journey to my reconnection to my self, described below is the trip to the Amazon, with thoughts, the ceremony’s that took place and the visions that I saw during that time.

Also included is some of the wisdom shown to me during my time there. [...] >>.

Anthony J. O'Reilly, Shamanic Practioner, U.K.

Click here to read the full testimonial: "Ayahuasca. The Journey to Me." by Anthony O' Reilly

<< I have to say that the experience of the people and the place has had a profound effect upon me, in the positive I hasten to add. Strange as it may appear, I have brought a little piece of the selva home here to Scotland, thank you for the opportunity, and to Peru and it's people for their kindness, understanding and knowledge. Regarding my one week in Onanyan Shobo,I could not have dreamt of having such a relaxed, insightful and wonderful time and experience. On my arrival at Iquitos airport I was met by Heberto the eldest son and taken to the Shipibo lodgings. On arrival I was given a beautiful wooden bungalow for the duration of my stay, I felt very lucky to have such a fine place to stay, the Shipibo family were grace personified, the family looked after me, we went walking and canoeing, I learned much about the environment of la selva and it's peoples, the quality and variety of food and meals I was offered and accepted was truly astounding. Frankly I was in la selva for the shamanic experience, and was not pondering upon quality of accommodation and food prior to my arrival. I also liked the location of the lodgings, reminded me of the forests I walk in the highlands in Scotland ( albeit much colder) with little streams or burns to wash and swim upon, after a few days, the place felt very much like home and I felt very comfortable, and the understanding and kindest of the Shipibo family cannot be overstated. In fact when the day of my departure arrived I was very sad to be leaving such a wonderful people and place. With regard to the actual ceremonies, Don Rosendo (the shaman), had to depart urgently to oversee a family difficulty. Nevertheless the Shipibos, on my arrival, already had other reliable and able shaman to conduct the ceremonies on my behalf in the absence of Don Rosendo: Don Alvarez, Don Rosamilla, Don Alfredo. I participated in three ceremonies, two ceremonies involved all three shamans, after drinking the vine of the soul, only on one instance did I purge a little, the remainder of the time, I did not purge whatsoever, I think this has much to do with diet el at, I only eat vegetable and fruit and bread, nada carne, pescado, pollo, even in the U.K. Anyhow the actual ceremonies were beautiful, the shamans softly sang icaros, a shamanic form of lullaby or incantation, protected me, and covered me in watered perfume, after drinking the vine of the soul, my visions and travels on other planes were immense, I could write a book about the experience under the influence of the vine!! Without the skill and talent of the shamans during the ceremonies, I doubt my experience would have been an experience, the shaman guide you along the path and protect you. The day prior to my departure I informed the shamans of my experiences et al, my thoughts were that Don Alvarez was the shaman of the mountains, ocean and sky, that Don Rosamilla was the shaman of the rivers and colour, and that Don Alfredo was the shaman of the flowers and herbs and plant life. The shamans agreed that my sentiment mirrored each shaman's unique personal skill during ceremonies involving the vine of the soul. >>

Roger Green, Fund Manager, U.K.

<< What I learned at Onanayan Shobo:

Expect magic.

Just be present, it works.

Respect magic

Never ever is anything the same.

Believe in apparent connections and relationships.

& listen to the whole.

When talking, speak to heal.

Let yourself be transformed towards wholeness,

Through presence, laughter and love.

Let yourself be lifted by air, water, forest and stars.

And be carried around by warm hearts of people.

By animals, spirits and earth

Don´t be afraid.

Be courageous.

Carry in yourself

The power to heal

& Your experiences are real.

Let's  sit together

In a graceful afternoon

At Onanyan Shobo:

It´s drawing to dusk

And light

Of dawn >>

Torkel Lundberg, Filmmaker, SWEDEN

<< How is it possible? This transformation? Anyway, it is possible. I know that now, after spending some time at Onanyan Shobo, with shaman don Rosendo and the loving Shipibo family Garcia Ramirez.

I came like a stumbling, kind of depressed, half living, pale person, not able to laugh in a relaxed way, only worrying about my future, punishing myself with disrespect. But this medicine, the deeply bitter brewery - Ayahuasca, knows everything, finds each and every difficulty and dissolves it. PUFF! This doesn't mean that the dissolving process was easy. The black shadows have to get out , and they get out one way or the other. And behind the black shadows I found a new part of this world, more or less unknown to me before. Bright in colours, flowers floating down from the sky, lights of Ra, the God of the sun, sounds that mingle with the forest and the trees at night, songs from cosmos..

Don Rosendo is a Buddha from the rainforest. He was by my side, not always in person, but in spirit, and still is, and always will be.  He would guide me through the transformation, making the medicine even more potent. Though I know his human - so called - age I also know that he is eternal and a newly born child.. His face and body appearing in the ceremonies as if carved in ancient wood. His laughter filling the entire world. His icaros like curing lullabies, irresistible.

I have found the light and come to know the spirits of the plants, the knowledge of the plants. They know everything about us. There is no doubt about that. After spending some time at Onanyan Shobo alone my husband came. It was a fantastic meeting, out there in the forest. He didn't really recognize me. Something with the eyes. He went through the tough teachings of the ayahuasca. and together we were born into a new marriage. We will do a Shipibo wedding next time.

Yes, what more can I say?  I love my new family. The ever smiling faces. The hospitality with no limits. The talks in the hammock. The sounds of the night, the frogs and the birds. Swimming in the  golden brown water of the creek.

I will be back to get deeper in to the Shipibo shaman traditions. I want to understand more of our universal connections.>>

Gunilla Hamne, Journalist, Shiatsu and Reiki Therapist, SWEDEN

<< We spent 7 days on a jungle expedition from Iquitos up the Yanayaku river with a little group. We used the few days we had most intensely - we went on walking tours to see typical wildlife and experience the jungle atmosphere, visited local villages, undertook night expeditions in search for alligators, organized canoe trips to fish for Piranhas and see the pink dolphins. Everybody in our little group of hosts and guides was most welcoming and enthusiastic - eager to show us everything possible that the jungle has to offer.

It was amazing to see how well Adriano, our guide, knew all the different wildlife species and was able to point them out for us with his 'jungle trained' eyes  - half of it we surely would have missed otherwise!  Teddy - our cook prepared the most fantastic and authentic meals with delicious ingredients we had never heard of before. We saw birds, butterflies, fish and monkeys of all shapes and sizes and went on several night expeditions to see alligators. We loved the little jungle camps where  we pitched our tents at night before putting up a fire for dinner and sitting down for a relaxing meal and chat with our hosts. The village people of Arequipa, where we stayed for two nights were warm, friendly and welcoming and it was a pleasure to see and be part of the village life. >>

Marco Belcastro, Architect, U.K. & Katja Ackermann, U.K.

A touching piece of beautiful poetry, more than a testimonial......

<< How Lucky to be me and part of a Shipibo family.

My arrival to Iquitos was nothing but the unknown

I thought I was going to be alone but little did I know.

Nestled away in the Amazon Jungle

Lived a Shaman, his family the Shipibos, and the magical spirits who look after.

The mornings we passed cooking bananas over the fire.

If we had fish nothing in the world could matter.

We all worked together breaking many sweats.

Jumping in the swimming holes never felt so great.

The afternoons were filled with great conversations and laughter.

To be around the Shipibos there could never be a disaster.

Living the life of simplicity

I should feel so honoured to be me.

As the sunset went down we sat around the fire.

Sipping on fresh pineapple tea,

always surrounded by the family.

Upon my departure there was a ceremony for me:

I was given a Shipibo name along with a new godmother.

I was covered in beads and bright colored clothes.

The name I was granted was “Sangun Chonon”

The Beautiful Golondrina!

So now the time has come.

This beautiful Golondrina “BIRD” must go.

I will fly away until the next time

I can be me and live in the natural world

Barefooted with my Shipibo family. >>

Christina Perez, Postgraduate Ethnobotany Student, USA

<< How can I write about things that are invisible? How can I write about things that are unheard of? How can I write about feelings never felt before? Which words should I use to talk about a relationship with plant and tree spirits that bless you with healing and teaching, that welcome you in their land unconditionally, and burn with the desire to show you their world.. the interior of their trunks, the interior of their leaves and roots, teaching you to see the world with THEIR eyes…It is very hard indeed. But once the spirits are with you, with you they remain always. And in this manner, before writing this piece, I have sung [icaros] to them in order to ask for advice and suggestions. Therefore, I will use this space to thank my plant teachers, with whom I have dieted and learned so much: Ajo Sacha, Altaruna, Rosa Rosas, the tree Chullachaki caspi, who are all still with me in this grey London. I want to thank the other trees and animal spirits who have accompanied me from the very first days at the Sachamama Ethnobotanical Garden, in particular: the big tree Yana Caspi, Yana Tahuari’ and Huaira Caspi, but also my little friends the butterflies and humming birds, always playful and happy.  I will never forget your teaching. Thank you father and mother Cielo Ayahuasca and Chacruna, for making all of this possible, for having called me back to South America, for having directed me to the site of El Mundo Magico and the two wonderful friends Francesco and Ignazia, for having me inspired to change my profession, and dedicate myself to healing with plants and herbs. And thank you Francisco Montes Shuna for having created the space for us to learn about this world of wisdom. Thank you all. >>

Paola Garavaglia, Herbal consultant, U.K.

<< ...L'esperienza di Onanyan Shobo ci è rimasta nel cuore e in poche righe cercheremo di dire perchè. La famiglia allargata di Don Leoncio...è l'elemento di calore che accoglie, rasserena e ti riporta al sapore vero ed autentico delle cose. Ester è una ragazza dolcissima, che aggrega e distende. Clever si è sempre mostrato disponibile e vicino a tutti, e ha svolto il suo ruolo di traduttore con tatto e riservatezza. Un + anche a Roberto, per la sua dieta (ci ha consentito di perdere 3  kg in una settimana!), ma anche molto per il suo lato umano, dolce e  disponibile - ben aldilà del suo ruolo di "cocinero". E anche tutti i personaggi che ruotavano nella famiglia allargata, si  sono sempre mostrati delicati e vicini.

E don Leoncio?  Un uomo semplice ma profondo, che tanto ci ha dato -  dal punto di vista umano, che non potremo mai dimenticare. Le cerimonie di purificazione di fumo e ayahuasca sono state  esperienze uniche, che ci hanno svelato aspetti misteriosi della natura nella sua essenza.

La correttezza che emergeva in queste persone era evidente ed era  avvalorata dalla loro capacità di comunicare la stessa lingua senza tante parole. Indubbiamente, l'aspetto determinante e vero di questa esperienza è stato il valore umano delle persone incontrate.

Esperienza, quindi, davvero positiva, che speriamo di ripetere quanto prima - e che suggeriremo agli amici più cari. >>

Sonia Battistutta, Manager & Marco Cestari, Freelance, ITALY

<< Six months after my experiments with Ayahuasca, the sacred brew of the Peruvian Amazon, I feel the need to write about it in order to clarify my thoughts and share them  with others. I knew that the first encounter with Ayahuasca could be very demanding and puzzling, so I wanted to prepare myself the best I could. Therefore I am very grateful to El Mundo Magico to have eased my access to this Peruvian shamanism. Indeed, when you feel that the outer practical details of your trip are very well taken care of and in a very personalized way, then some of your fears may diminish and you can concentrate on the inner preparation...>>

Cyril Lanier, Artist and Film Director, SWITZERLAND