Ayahuasca: The Visionary and Healing Powers of the Vine of the Soul
I have long known of Ayahuasca, in terms of the basic concept and the pharmacology of the plants used, but knew very little about the actual Ayahuasca rituals and experiences. When attending the World Psychedelic Forum, I attended a screening of the movie Other Worlds by director Jan Kounen, detailing the preparation of the brew, the traditions of the Shipibo people, and his own psychedelic experiences spanning four years. I found the film captivating and have since been reading more about the subject.
A friend recently lent me the book Ayahuasca: The Visionary and Healing Powers of the Vine of the Soul. The author, Joan Parisi Wilcox, was trained in the Q'ero shamanic practices and rituals in the Andes of Peru. She had never used psychedelics before her Ayahuasca experiences, as this was not a part of her spiritual practice or training, and came upon the opportunity rather unexpectedly.
Wilcox begins the book with a vivid description of her first session with the brew, then proceeds to a basic overview of the pharmacology and the history of Ayahuasca. She states that while there is much knowledge about the chemistry of the plants, the history of its use, and the psychedelic experience in general, she feels that one of the most important aspects, the rituals and the context in which it is used, is often overlooked. She also addresses the broader issues of culture, in that the cultural environment influences the ayahuasca tradition, and that one's cultural background impacts their perceptions and experiences with it. I think this is a good point in general, and also speaks to the fact that while Westerners can seek out the brew and learn from it, our culture in its current state could never give rise to such a ritual. The Ayahuasca ceremonies speak to the sense of community and spirituality that allows for psychedelic ritual to be embraced and accepted, and an entirely different schema regarding non-ordinary states of reality and the nature of healing.
The author weaves together her autobiographical account of her work with Ayahusca and the broader rituals that impact her experiences. The descriptions of the jungle surroundings and her gradual adjustment to them, the dietary restrictions, the interaction among the group, and other details add a certain vividness to her writing and gives the reader a sense of her internal progression. While it may seem that a written document is inadequate to describe such a personal and visionary experience, she does a commendable job of bringing the visions to life and making them relevant.
While the book is mainly focused on Wilcox's experience, she also discusses her husband John's experiences, as they participate in the sessions together. Her cousin Karla is also present for some of the sessions, and she dedicates a segment of the book to including John, Karla, and others' experience reports, as well as including their experiences throughout the other segments of the book. This was one of my favorite aspects of the book, that she was able to portray the importance of the group dynamic, and to convey the overlap and energy that existed within the group. I have long believed that when individuals enter the psychedelic space together in such rituals, there is a melding of consciousness, and this book is a beautiful example of that- while there is not much outward interaction among the participants, neither are they completely turned inward- in fact, it seems that such an experience strengthens the connection among the group, so that ordinary means of trying to connect or feel connected or to offer support are no longer necessary, that these interactions are taking place in a different realm. It is fascinating to read the author's description of her experiences, and to relate that to what others were experiencing at that time, a sort of group conscious and yet also very personal.
Another interesting aspect was the portrayal of the role of the Ayahuasquero, in this case Don Luis (a pseudonym). It was emphasized that this role is essential to the Ayahuasca experience, that the leader is responsible for guiding the experience and providing the healings. They emphasize that healing is a part of the ritual, but that learning and gaining insight is just as important. The icaros, the chants and songs, were also portrayed as central to the experience.
The book also includes a conversation, actually more of an interview, between Joan and Don Luis, as well as Jack, an interpreter. One thing that stood out to me was when Joan asks Don Luis what he actually sees and feel when guiding a session. He tells her that more than seeing, it is feeling of energies that guide him. When she asks him if he is seeing individual energies, the group energy, or both, he replies, "Both... It's always a collective and an individual experience." To me this is really profound, and sums up both this book and the ayahuasca ritual in it's traditional context.
The difference in cultural context is clearly revealed when Luis comments on Ayahusca "straightening one out" and they misunderstand. It is later clarified that in the Shipibo tradition they perceive energy as a grid of sorts, and that Ayahuasca helps align the energy circuits by literally straightening them, not "straightening someone out" in a moral sense. The interview included within the book also addressed the idea of Ayahuasca tourism and the concept of non-native people seeking it out. Don Luis replies that of course there are the bad aspects, those who do not respect it, but that in general he is pleased that some non-native people are showing an interest in the traditions and helping to keep them alive. He states that he sees his own people losing interest in the rituals, losing the knowledge of plants, and that the important thing is that people who take an interest are able to learn about it. He also states that he feels the most important aspect of Ayahuasca is the context of a group ritual, and while he does not discourage anyone from exploring it, he discourages casual exploration without the right set and setting.
Overall, these themes come back again and again- the idea of the proper set and setting for partaking of Ayahuasca, and the fusing of the individual and group energies. I really enjoyed this book and found it a worthwhile read, both for insight on the traditions surrounding Ayahuasca, and for the stories of the individuals' experiences while participating in these rituals. It contains a balance of perspectives and approaches, and I would recommend it as both a good introduction to those who are unfamiliar with Ayahuasca, and as a worthwhile read for those who are experienced with it as well.
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