SWIM had his first "Ayahuasca" experience over late Sunday early to mid Monday 27th/28th December 09.
There was an initial "light" dose then afterwards, a more "business like" dose. This last dose was the one that did it!
He put 8g of Syrian Rue with a capful of clear vinegar in a stainless steel pan (a wok, actually!)and covered it with about an inch and a half of water. This was simmered for an hour, the liquid filtered off and the same amount of vinegar and water was added to make a second extraction from the original 8g. This was simmered for another hour then filtered. The two liquid extractions were then mixed in a bowl, then heated to evaporate the liquid. This eventually left a semi solid gunk. The spent Syrian Rue was discarded.
40g of MHRB was put in the now scrubbed and cleaned wok, with a capful of clear vinegar, an inch and a half of water and simmered for an hour, stirring occasionally. It was then left to settle for about a half hour, making decanting the liquid easier. Then the MHRB went through the same vinegar/water/simmer/stir process for another hour. Then after all the liquid had most of the solids filtered out - coffee filters then an old cotton T shirt - it was poured into another bowl and heated until most of the water evaporated, leaving a semi plastic goo. The spent MHRB was carefully disposed of.
Right. The above residues were arranged as follows : The Syrian Rue extract was put into 2 capsules, the MHRB was put into a total of 8 capsules. There was some waste with the MHRB being the main culprit by solidifying. With a little more work and effort, more good stuff can be collected with less waste.
So, One capsule of SR was taken with a cup of tea, then a wait for 40 mins, after which one MHRB capsule was taken every 15 mins, in an attempt to minimize nausea as mentioned by experienced guides.
Well, after about an hour, SWIM began experiencing a head rush similar to ecstacy. There were geometric patterns beginning to form like a transparent overlay with eyes open. With eyes closed, the colours ! deep, bright, vivid, alive! There was an instance of a yellowish beige worm type entity near SWIM, raised its head to take a look at him as he did it. Remembering his original intentions for self healing, and that he was experiencing a deliberate altered state, SWIM ignored this worm entity as it did he and both returned to the business of the inner voyage.
Nausea came on and started in the form of a tobacco type aftertaste in the mouth. Probably the alkoloids. With water to drink and mint mouthwash to slush, as advised by others, the nausea became bearable, no purge happened - this time - and in the foetal position SWIM enjoyed gentle visuals with this head rush. Lasted about 6 hours. Then, a few hours later, SWIM decided that this was a good first test and went for it. One SR capsule followed by 3 MHRB capsules 30 mins later. Wow! After the hour, the head rush came on strong as did the visuals. SWIM's worm friend was there again, and after another "acknowledgement" both focussed on their ways. The open eyed visuals were strong and moving now, very much like a cubist video. The closed eyes visuals were, well, just absolutely stagerring, astounding and beautiful. Everything was becoming connected, and then that part journeyed beyond words. Swim had been keeping the nausea at bay with his now usual methods, drinking water and rinsing mint mouthwash. The general advice is to keep everything down as long as possible. Well, SWIM reached the limit!
A quick dash to the toilet to purge and - WOW !!!!!! What an experience that was! Whoever coined the phrase "Psychedelic Yawn" described this 100% and more! But you see, because all these experiences have been documented, and therefore are expected as a normal part of the journey, it put a totally different mood on SWIM's trip. Throwing up became so fascinating - it was the psychedelic part that made it so fascinating - expelling mental psychedelia was such a powerful experience, if it wasn't for the nausea SWIM would be doing this part all the time!
Afterwards, on reflection there was a warm satisfying feeling as SWIM came down gently, using some brainwave entrainment programs he made. Focussing on an intention - in this case healing - and remembering what is going on - the brew induced journey - made the purge seem a naural process that would be beneficial to healing.
So, SWIM enjoyed his first journeys and gives thanks and gratitude to all those who have shared their experiences. It has been most helpful and useful, and SWIM highly recommends others to read and research the journeys and comments of others. Without the input of others' experiences, this experience might have been interpreted as "bad" "unpleaseant" or in some other way negative. But it really was great! It will not only be a helpful guide, make your journeys more worthwhile and less daunting, but when you finally decide to take your first steps - if that is your choice - then there is a bonding and connection, a togetherness of all having been there that really is quite - beyond words.
SWIM hopes this could be of help to others who, like him, were reading and researching before deciding what to do.
Any comments welcomed and taken in the spirit of learning.
Peace, love and happiness
trancenut