Amazon Plant Spirit Medicine, Ayahuasca Experience, Shamanic Apprenticeship and Jungle Adventures
Thank you Don Jose, Ines, Maestro, Claudia & Family for welcoming me with open heart and arms. I have enjoyed a wonderful week in your company. Thank you for showing me the Great Love you have in your own Family & also for me. I leave Ashi Meraya but I do not leave you all. My Love & Light to you Always. Thank you to the Plant Spirits & Mama Ayahuasca!!
Izetta Dorling, SOUTH AFRICA
Grazie per questa favolosa esperienza e per l’affetto mostrato da questa amorevole famiglia. Grazie alle piante maestro, all’Ayahuasca, al Toe’ al San Pedro, per averci trasmesso la loro conoscenza e saggezza. E’ stato un viaggio nel viaggio, un’occhiata alla realtà non ordinaria, al nagual, per vedere quanto meravigliosa e’ la Natura e gli esseri che la popolano. Grazie agli spiriti del luogo, agli spiriti guida, ai maestri spirituali per la loro presenza e il loro supporto. Ora tutto e ‘ più chiaro, ora che la porta della percezione si e’ aperta definitivamente.
E. Patriarca & P. Ponti, www.ilcerchiosciamanico.it, ITALY
This has been the most relaxed and tranquil week I have ever experienced. The careful attention of Don Alfredo and the helpful advice from Heberto have given me a deeper understanding of the Shipibo culture and the magical experience that Ayahuasca was. I have learned a lot, love prevails. Thank you for everything.
Marshall Buxton, USA
Photo Courtesy: Mark Williamson
I stayed a month at the retreat last September and I just wanted to say it still was one of the best experiences I’ve had.
Please give thanks to Don Alfredo from me next time you are in contact with him. I also would like to thank my two female interpreters, Mariela Noriega and Ingrid Svetlana Ramirez. They both gave so much time and energy to me not only in the jungle but back in Iquitos. Two new guitars that I’ve acquired need names and I can think of no two women who deserve it more. Thanks so much to you and all Alfredo’s family!
Mark Williamson, USA
Photo Courtesy: Reyna A.
“The tree that moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way.”
William Blake
To start off with, my flight out of the United States was canceled and because of that getting to Ashi Meraya was a bit more difficult as all plans needed to be rearranged and remade. Once my vessel finally planted me on Peru terra firma, albeit two days late, all was well. Francesco and Heberto did a fantastic job of revising my itinerary last minute without any hitches.
After arriving at Ashi Meraya I was graciously received by the family and being the only guest at that time, I was made to feel completely comfortable and at home. Being alone gave me much time to rest, reflect and remove myself from the bustling city in which I call home. I was able to slowly detach from the tethers of everyday life and transform into the forest, a land so strange, mystical and raw.
Nothing could prepare me for what I experienced on Ayahuasca. Even though I had been advised not to go with any expectations, I still had expectations. The earth shattering experience of Ayahuasca didn’t arrive until my 6th ceremony. I had given up and given in. I felt that I was just not meant to have the “Ayahuasca” experience. At that very moment in ceremony when those thoughts streamed from my mind, I begin to feel her energy move up through my legs, my torso and then into my head where instantly, I was gone. It seems trivial to try and verbalize what happened after this point. This precious, terrifying, agonizing, beautiful and thunderously powerful experience cannot and probably should not be illuminated with words, only experienced. I feel that Ayahuasca answered every question that I asked for and gave me the gift of healing that I so needed. For this, I thank the spirit of Ayahuasca and Maestro Alfredo and Claudia for so gently guiding me through this very tough and enlightening experience. I also thank my friend Eric for introducing me to Ashi Meraya and for leading me with his spirit to the healing that he knew I needed.
When I think about the family at Ashi Meraya, I think about laughter and smiles. They are a beautiful, happy, communal unit that should serve as a template of for all families. I sincerely thank them their hospitality and warmth.
So just a few last words of advice for the next seeker:
1) Don’t be afraid to ask the spirit of Ayahuasca for your very specific desires or questions
2) Rest assured that Ayahuasca will come to you when she feels you are ready and it is highly likely that it will not be on your time-frame!
I will return to Ashi Meraya.
Reyna A., USA
