Well sadly and happily im currently at the Lima, Peru airport awaiting my flight back to good old Texas. During this journey I went to the amazon capital Iquitos for my first journey into the world of ayahuasca. I had a post about my retreat, I actually spent quite some time writing it, but because I put the cost of the retreat it got removed . Anyways I went about 4 hours up river from iquitos to the Ayahuasca Satsangha retreat with La Familia Medicina and my life is forever changed. I only partook in two ceremonies, but I got so much from that and more than I could have ever anticipated.

One thing I think was particularly special about the dieta we had was that we also had a tree bark dieta, which was litterally tea with various trees cooked in it.(A million times more tasty than Aya ). The Idea of this was to have the mighty spirits of the trees within us for extra protection, and I for one am a tree hugger so that was so awesome to think of.

The first ceremony was a bit intense for everyone, being that everyone was also first timers. Also if you read my post Demon at ayahuasca satsangha youll know why it was extra scary. Anywho, the first ceremony began about 6:30 PM and we all got individual matresses and purge buckets, and waited as one by one the Maestro sang his icaros into the brew and passed around a cup each of the ayahuasca. We sat in silence for a moment, about 15-20 mins, until demon boy started to do his thing and then the singing and chanting began. People were beginning to purge and cry and it seemed like a whirlwind of bad energy was all being released during the first hour.

I laid on my back, with my heart pounding out of my chest hearing all this commotion, wondering what in the hell was about to come of me. I began to move my hands up and down my body slowly, something im familiar with doing in DMT sessions so I just let the natural flow happen. The hand movements began to turn a bit into tai chi sort of movements with thoughts of my chakras in the mix. I would build energy around my root, balling it up, and slowly bring it up in a sweeping type motion until I reached my crown and strecthed my arms above my head. I did this for quite some time because it felt like I was building up my aura and making a protective bubble from anything that may want to harm me.

Then it got interesting, I remembered reading that I should focus on the Icaros and let them guide the experince. So I did, and when I did my spine began to jerk sparply side to side until it began to move fluidly. I was transforming into a snake, and at the time I thought it was either a power animal I never knew, or kundalini rising. Both Ideas got me very excited so I just let the snake energy flow naturally until even my hands were two slithering snakes. I dont know how long this all went on, the ceremony lasted about 3-5 hours, and I was in total snake bliss imagining swimming down the mighty amazon. Occasionally though it gave me moton sickness so I just relaxed until I felt the snake urge again.

Then suddenly the icaros stopped and fear began to consume me. Fortunatley a friend was on the same level and cried out for the singing to continue, but I think the maestros were just a bit tired and taking a quick breather, which seemed like an eterinty. I focused on my breathing, tryng to think of only love and light, but before the fear got too strong, another transformation took place. I felt my hands and feet tighten up and claws extend, annd suddenly I was the tiger. All fear vanished and I felt powerful and safe. I have had ideas of this being one of my power animals, and for the first time here he was, and I was him. After that no fear could get to me because I could just go back to the tiger mode and nothing could harm me. I was in total awe and excitement, and I just enjoyed these wonderful thoughts of finally meeting and becoming power animals.

Eventually I settled down, the whole snake experience really made my bones sore so I just relaxed and waited for the sun to rise. I was unaware We were two days from a full moon, and with the sesitivity to light, and the moon glowing radiantly outside, it appeared that dawn was always near. NOPE. The ceremony must have ended around midnight, because that was the longest wait for the sun I have ever experienced. I could not sleep, or feel safe walking to my bedroom so I just waited and waited. The mariado lasted long into the morning, and finally around 8am I got my sleep.

I was so exausted that the idea of a second ceremony the following night seemed downright impossible. After I forced down breakfast and lunch, took a dip in the river to cleanse the energy, and got the much needed sleep, I had a better attitude. The second ceremony will have to be another story, because the enlightenment that came was so profound and amazing, ill need some time to make sure I properly address it.

So that was my first experience with ayahuasca, an experinece ill never forget. In that experince, I conquered mostly my fear of being in a dark and silent place while in such an intense state of mind. Something that has plauged many psychedelic experiences in the past. I hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoy writting it.