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<<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.

<< A month at
Onanyan Shobo
has changed my life forever in so many positive
ways. The graciousness and congruent service of
Heberto's family and staff was beyond my
expectations, five star resort managers could
learn many lessons about humanism based service
at its purist form from these lovely people. I
will remember them forever for displaying
kindness, generosity and Zen-like magical
abilities to carry out daily chores without
interruption to the client’s experience of being
in the middle of the Amazon jungle. The
accommodation and surroundings were perfect. The
food far surpassed what I imagined possible from
an electricity-less jungle kitchen. All the
staff would spend time with you sharing their
love and reverence for their Amazon world. From the
first day the
Shamans
displayed their amazing reverence and connection
with nature; saunas, flower baths, sweat lodges
and mud cleanses did for my physical body what
the Ayahuasca did for my mind and soul. They
guided each and every ceremony with such
ritualistic perfection and worship for the plant
and its cosmic connections that I have never
experienced in European ceremonies. I believe
that Don Alfredo and Don Mariano are the plant
personified. They turned what could have been
simple walks in the jungle into mystical
experiences. (Ask for a night walk to see the
glowing universe of the phosphorescent world)
The Icaros and the Ayahuasca journeys they
guided me on definitely transported me beyond
this 3D world into many realms of universal knowings, learnings and beings, of which I shall
be processing for many years to come. Even now,
back at home, drowned in work stresses, I see
and feel Don Alfredo visit me and poor a fresh
dose of love into my soul.
The
organisational talents and friendliness of
Francesco and Ignazia from
El Mundo Magico
was flawless, every aspect of our stay went
smoothly. The
day trips are highly recommended,
each one connects you closer to the experience
of being one with nature and enhances the Aya
journeys. They are both living examples of the
purity of what they are achieving in Peru
(unlike many materialistic organisations
disguised as Ayahuasca camps that I looked at
before choosing El Mundo Magico).
I can
never thank everyone connected to Onanyan Shobo
enough for playing their part in such a
transformational experience.>>
Malcom Rossiter,
School Principal, Istanbul, TURKEY
<<
The family
were
the most genuine people I have ever met. The
service they provided was far beyond what I
expected, one example is this: I took enough
clothes so that I didn't have to do any washing,
it was only when I was back at the Manhattan hotel
looking for my immigration card that I realised it
had all been washed. After walking through the
jungle our boots were caked in mud but the next
day when we got back from the market they were
cleaned, it all amounts to an unbelievably great
service. The
shaman Alfredo
put a great deal of effort into the ceremonies. All of the family played a part, some of whom I
will truly miss. >>
Martin Ross,
Security Officer,
U.K.
<<
My sister and I had a very heart-warming time in
Onanyan Shobo. Heberto
and his family and all the people of the
Albergue were indeed graciousness personified
and we felt so welcome and taken care of and feel
that a deep bond has been created with the people
and the place. In addition, our Ayahuasca
experiences were very intense and eye-opening and
we received many of the answers that we had come
looking for. I felt a connection to la madre
of Ayahuasca which strongly reminded me
that the spiritual side of life is just as real
and as important as the material side and I don't
intend to let that reminded fade away.
Furthermore, the simplicity of the life in the
selva was a much needed respite and rejuvenation
for the mind and the body; just being able to see
that stars every night, to eat wholesome food, to
be away from a constant ringing phone, etc. etc.
was wonderful and yet another reminder of how
vital nature and spirit are for my mental and
physical balance. Thank you for creating a space
where others can come to be part of something
beautiful and spiritual.
Before I close off, I don't want in my enthusiasm
for the Albergue to forget to mention the
rest of our trip: I would like to extend my
sincere appreciation for having arranged such an
interesting and safe trip for us. The food was
superb, the staff: helpful and friendly, the
sites: MAGNIFICENT!! We met so many nice warm
people along the way, even a vendor in Lima who
knew all the Greek football teams (he knew more
names than I!) and the word for 'Ciao' in Greek!
We loved Peru and left a piece of our heart behind
us. We even encountered toilet paper at most
places! Un milagro! Thank you Francesco and
many blessings. >>
Coco-Belle ('nom de plume'), U.S.A.

<< Wooooooov!!!
It's hard to find the words for the gratitude
I feel towards
Don Mariano
after the ceremonies at
Onanyan Shobo.
It was simply excellent and he's a true master
- even though it sounds a bit corny - my life
has definitely changed after the ceremonies.
It's hard to describe it, but you have been
there, so you know what I'm talking
about...The place is so warm and positive and
the family and staff are brilliant - so a
million thanks to you and
El Mundo Magico for the opportunity to experience that.>>
Thomas Gosta Svensson, Journalist, Denmark
<< Literally days ago
I returned from a two week trip to the deep
dark jungles of Peru to experience a shamanic journeying
in the
Amazonian rainforest. I was initially
terrified by the whole idea of travelling half
way around the world in order to partake of
one of the strongest entheogens
known to man (Ayahuasca) in the middle of a
rainforest far from civilisation, and arriving
in the jungle in the middle of the night
during a tropical downpour and having to trek
for half an hour into the pitch black jungle
certainly did nothing to calm my rapidly
fraying nerves. But by
midday the next day I had fully settled into
camp life, which revolved around the
ayahuasca ceremonies (up to four a week)
and other shamanic work including flower
baths, mud baths, spiritual healing and much
more. Drinking ayahuasca for the third
time turned out to be one of the most magical
profound a beautiful experiences of my
life. In no particular order of relevance, I
realised so much, my bad habits were placed
before me and dealt with, problems and
patterns that I had encountered through life
were dealt with whilst the patterns changed
before my very eyes. My family life and
relationships were contextualised and I felt
sorrow for some relationships but realised
that this was part of the healing process. I
became conscious of my body as a temple that
should be treated as such - I could almost
enter into dialogue with parts of my body to
give me information about what I should
change. There were shadows at times but I felt
I was passing through with the help of the two
deeply knowledgeable shamans. The
monkey like chattering in my head ceased to be
replaced by a feeling of intense peace. At one
point during the trip I felt pure pure
brilliant unconditional love all around me and
washing over me and I gave my love back to
this source I was part of everything and
everything was part of me - it was so
beautiful all I could do was cry with joy. The
next day I had no "come down" feelings of
ingesting the ayahuasca, only the
feelings of elation continued. I drank
ayahuasca again another two times but none
of those experiences produced the same kind of
intensity of this trip.
Ayahuasca
is a profound, wise and magical healer and not
everyone will have a great experience with it,
but it promises to change you unreservedly.
Back in London I can say that this magical
encounter has stayed within me - my only gripe
being I have still not stopped smoking (if
anyone has any ideas please let me know!) but
my relationships have improved, I feel active
and alive and the sense of peace is still
firmly within me.
The jungle and various expeditions I took part
in were awe inspiring and my accommodation by
jungle standards palatial - the family who
looked after me whilst I was there made me
feel like one of the family.
I travelled with
El Mundo Magico - which arranged all my internal
flights, transfers and accommodation at the
retreat as well as a translator. The
communication and organisation from
El Mundo
Magico
was outstanding. >>
Eleanor Niblock, Journalist, U.K.
<< Happy New Year! I hope you had a
wonderful time. I wanted to let you
know that I had a fantastic experience in Peru.
I was amazed at how smoothly all of the
connections went, especially as I don't speak
Spanish, it was incredibly reassuring to have it
all arranged so perfectly. Don Francisco picked
me and I went into the jungle on a Honda
Motorbike!! Another first for me! I can't
believe how much I experienced in two weeks and
how much it has helped me work out my life going
forward! Its amazing how much environment and
the type of people you are around can affect
your thinking. I found the staff and the people
staying incredibly friendly and positive, a lot
of spiritual development going on and a complete
sensory immersion ...the silence, the amazing
sounds of the jungle, the simple living and the
very strict diet!! Everything I needed in
December!!! I could have stayed two months, or
even two years, two weeks was just such a small
taster! I can completely understand your
passion for Sachamama.
It was a real relief
to me that Don Francisco and his team had such
integrity. It is so hard to know when you are
booking on the internet, especially with the
stories you hear about unscrupulous shaman.
Most people I met at Sachamama were there on
personal recommendations and I can see why. So, this is to say thank you for organising my amazing trip
and I hope you have a wonderful time next time
you visit Sachamama too!!
Kindest Regards
>>
Emma Clacher, Ideation Manager,
U.K.
<< Overall, the retreat was fantastic. Personally, it was difficult in many ways and I was forced to face my demons and come to terms with myself. Although I did not find exactly what I had hoped to, I nevertheless came away with a a taste of peace and tranquillity beyond my highest
expectations. The facilities at
Onanyan Shobo were
clean and comfortable. I was never lacking
anything, the food was excellent, etc. More
than anything, I was struck by the kindness of
the native family. I have rarely, if ever,
encountered such giving, concerned and caring
people. Even after the week was over, they
insisted on accompanying me to Iquitos to help
me set up travel plans to Leticia, taking me
through the markets to buy supplies and
explain the medicinal plants being sold. We
even went to the zoo! They only seemed
concerned for my health and well-being and
never asked for anything in return, This gift
of kindness meant the world to me. Thank you
for your help and for offering such a
wonderful retreat. I would highly recommend
it. >>
Petra Stevenson, Student, U.S.A.

<<
It was the
best time we had in Peru. The people who
are working there were very nice and they did
their work very well. Carlos translated very
well, so we hadn't problems to understand each
other. And we liked the shaman very much. He
led us on the right path of life. So, go on
this way!! Lovely greetings>>.
Julia Koopman and Rene Beining, GERMANY

<<
Mad, mad, mad...It blew my mind away! It's
hard to find words to explain what I have just
lived! It is the most surreal and crazy thing
I have done and will probably be to the day I
die! Mind blowing in every sense of the way,
the whole thing is so raw! The
retreat itself, the culture of shamanism,
the rainforest, the settings, the Ayahuasca,
the head rush! The purging, the healing, the
release of emotions, the beliefs, the feelings
you experience during and after! Yourself
alone, the spirituality of it, the kindness of
these people, the other people who come to the
retreat!! I am so glad I came here and I feel
privileged to have had an insight into
Shamanism and it's magic. I feel richer in
many ways. It was tough but made me even
stronger. I feel healed from the past...
I
feel like Shamanism took a piece of me. A
part of me will stay here, with these people
and the spirits of the plants. I know it's too
soon and only time will tell, but I think it
was life changing and I certainly hope this
will stay with me forever! I will never forget
this experience - it was truly beyond anything
anyone could ever imagine!!!!!!! I wanted to
thank you for having given me the opportunity
to come here.
Barbara Stagno, Psychologist, U.K.
|
<< The memory of my
journey still stays with me. Especially in the last
ceremony where the Shamans told me they had a vision
and asked if I would wear their Shaman costume. It was
a very unique experience and one which I will never
forget. I did also learn however how Ayahuasca can
promote healing. My journey was one of discovery and
the healing is something that is taking place now that
I have willingly taken that journey. There is something very
unique the process which has been near impossible to
explain to anyone on my return. Physically, I felt
bad, emotionally I felt raw and yet there was part of
me that kept telling myself that I chose this and that
everything that was happening was necessary. There is
real truth in the saying that "you need to experience
death in order that rebirth can take place". How do
you explain to someone what the concept of death means
in this example? Certainly I can now say that it was
the hardest thing I have ever done and yet it was the
most amazing experience, I would not have changed a
thing. The people at
Onanyan Shobo
made
the process even easier and although I did not speak
the local language or Spanish, they made feel welcome
through the gesture of kindness and love. When I waved
goodbye on my last day, my heart ached to have to
leave them. I believe I will return to Onanyan Shobo
one day, I would like to meet the Shamans again. I am
not sure if you will be able to get this message to
Dom Emisael but I have heard him singing even here and
it has woken me in the early hours of the morning. I
will stay in touch but I truly wanted to thank you for
this wonderful life experience.
You organization made this
trip very easy and as a woman travelling alone, I felt
very safe with the people around me. >>
Lorraine
Bassett, Business Development, U.S.A.

<<
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.

<< What a wonderful year 2005 we had!!! Thank you
for organising and arranging our fantastic stay at
Sachamama. An unforgettable and magical experience
which will remain with us for the rest of our
lives. The weather was great, the jungle symphonies
wonderful, the icaros and plant diets excellent, the
ceremonies unforgettable and rewarding...
Don Francisco and Ruperto were superb guides into
our inner selves. The jungle at night became
another world when Rachel played her flute.
Everyone at Sachamama was welcoming and helpful.
Our
voyage to Peru and back was without problems thanks
to your brilliant organising.
Nothing could keep us from experiencing all
those wonderful trips to the the
nature reserve,
the Yagua Indians, the butterfly farm,
Pachacamac
and Lima.
We
are still singing our icaros, and have even had some
come to us during our stay at Sachamama! Now we wish
you all the best for 2006 with lots of success,
health, happiness and prosperity. >>
Marian Howard,
Translator, USA &
Armelle Guerin, Horticulturist,
France

<< I found the travel arrangements to be well
organized and seamlessly timed. The travel advice
provided had me well prepared for what I was to
encounter in the jungle. In Lima, Nestor provided
excellent service, as well as excellent company.
Once in Iquitos, Willy and Roseanna took care of all
arrangements - I didn't have to worry about a thing.
Willy also apparently knows the Iquitos area well
and seems to be very well connected within the
social structure there. I felt that I was in safe
hands and I followed him here and there. Regarding
my experience at
Onanyan Shobo,
it's difficult to express in words what an
honourable hard-working group the 'Onanyan Shobo'
family is. Of course the accommodations were quite
comfortable (excluding the mosquitoes!), but most
importantly, the family provided a heart-felt, open,
and spiritually-safe clearing in the jungle for me
to settle in to, let go, and accept healing. For
reasons still not quite clear to me (sometimes I
found it difficult to get a clear explanation - lost
in translation), I was fortunate to have both Don
Leoncio and Don Rosendo participate in 5 out of 7 of
the ayahuasca ceremonies. To experience such
a power is something I will not forget. and it
provided a great lesson in how shamans may use
different methods and visions for the same healing.
Why the ayahuasca sessions have changed my life in
ways unthinkable to me before I stepped onto the
plane for Peru, I want to stress that the experience
of living with the 'Onanyan Shobo' family was nearly
as great of an experience. These are really
the type of humans that are good for this planet.
For their dedication and hard work to their love and
laughter, it is a pleasure to know them.
My experience at
Onanyan Shobo was, in total, inspiring. Years from
now when I look back, this experience will have been a
crucial turning point. Many thanks for making this
experience possible. I’m already considering returning
at some point in the future when their new operation is
up and running, if for no other reason than just to say
hi! >>
Eric Bhark,
Hydrogeologist, USA

<< In the
middle of a thousand choices and charlatans, I can
only recommend
El Mundo Magico's lead to those
interested in exploring Amazonian shamanism. I spent 3
weeks in
Onanyan Shobo
with Don Leoncio and had the
chance of doing ceremonies with him in a space so full
of spiritual light that there was simply no space left
for insecurities, fears and doubts - something most
welcome when dealing with the powers of ayahuasca. In
such a safe space it was easy to fly and receive the
blessings and healings of this teacher plant. Don
Leoncio's family was very welcoming and loving -
despite the simplicity of the place, I received the
hospitality of royalty. Wonderfully sweet! After
Onanyan Shobo, I spent one month at
Sachamama
as
well. Sachamama is a beautiful place and ideal for
those wanting to have a taste (or a deep immersion) in
shamanic plant diets. Don Francisco's open attitude
was most helpful in finding my own way in this
astonishing world of plants - a world that is only
waiting for you. Thank you all for an amazing
experience of total renewal and expansion! >>
Javier Regueiro, DJ, SPAIN
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
Click here
to read the full account "An Artist
Encounter with Ayahuasca", by Cyril Lanier
<< Writing about
one's own experience places a responsibility towards those
considering doing something similar, and I feel it is
important to stress that ayahuasca is not for the
faint-hearted. Psychoactive substances tend to be used
in the West for enjoyment, with any unpleasant effects coming
afterwards. Parts of an ayahuasca session, conversely, can be
truly horrible, but I at least always emerged feeling
that what I had experienced was important and worthwhile.
Nothing could have prepared me for the experience of an
intelligent
force introducing itself to my psyche that was definitely not
my own. I experienced the
horror that strikes everybody when the brew really
starts to take a hold: "My God, what have I done?"
Afterwards I realised that I had done what everybody who takes ayahuasca has done: to place their trust in a spiritual force,
one that has nurtured millions of human beings through the
battles of their lives. The humanity and strength of the
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