Eric Bhark, Hydrogeologist, USA
“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 [Ashi Meraya], it’s difficult to express in words what an honourable hard-working group the ‘Ashi Meraya’ family is.
Hydrogeologist Eric Bhark with Don Rosendo, Shipibo master shaman, in Ashi Meraya
Photo Courtesy Eric Bhark – Copyright © Eric Bhark
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 ‘Ashi Meraya’ 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 Ashi Meraya 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!”
Javier Regueiro, Shamanic Facilitator, PERU
“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 [Ashi Meraya] 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.”
Christina Perez, Postgraduate Ethnobotany Student, USA
“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.”
Sonia Battistutta, Manager & Marco Cestari, Freelance, ITALY
“…L’esperienza di Ashi Meraya 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.”
Cyril Lanier, Artist and Film Director, SWITZERLAND
“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…”
