San Pedro, also known as huachuma, andachuma, aguacolla, or wachuma is a less known shamanic medicine, but one that some consider “the greatest of all plant teachers” on the South American continent.
Huachuma (San Pedro cactus) has a long history of shamanic use, specifically by the shamans in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador and Peru. It is easy to cultivate and grows at the high altitudes of the Andes abundantly. Andean tribes have used San Pedro for decision making, healing, spiritual guidance and travel in the other dimensions, as well as for maintaining balance in the physical world.
First you will drink the prepared tea that the shaman has brewed, and then it takes about 1 hour for the effects to begin, which will last about 12-14 hours. Ayahuasca only lasts about 4-5 hours, but San Pedro lasts much longer.
Depending on the emotional and mental condition of the ceremony participant, it will seem chaotic or tranquil. It all depends on you and your inner landscapes. The presiding shaman and your environment will also be part of the equation as to how you perceive the movement of San Pedro (Huachuma) through your consciousness.
You will then find yourself in an awake dreaming state while the body falls asleep to some extent. You will most likely find yourself unable to move around very much, although you’ll be able to go to the bathroom and such. However, you will not feel like taking a walk or doing anything active. Your body may even feel fairly numb. After a while, you will detach from the body somewhat, although you can always return to awareness of your body whenever you want.
However, you are encouraged to go with the energy of detaching from your physical identity and move into knowing yourself as soul or spirit. Dimensional travel will be the result. You will feel as though you can walk the different worlds, and indeed you can.
You will see colors differently, and light as well. Things will seem to radiate and look “unreal.” You may feel as though you are literally seeing the energy of things. You might remember things you have long forgotten, you might dream things that are otherworldly, and possibly meet spirit beings in various forms and situations.
Emotionally, you may experience both extremes, positive and negative, and also every shade in between. If you feel like laughing, laugh. San Pedro (Huachuma) is teaching you joy. If you feel like crying, cry. You are healing something deep inside you. If you feel fear, go directly into it. This is a place you are retrieving your power again that you have given away to some experience, person or situation long ago.
San Pedro (Huachuma) will heal deep wounds from the past so that you can go on living your life in freedom, instead of being fettered by past injuries. This cactus is used for healing inner afflictions, physical, mental and emotional. San Pedro is also used for attaining guidance from the spirit worlds, so don’t be surprised if you meet some angels along the way!
San Pedro (Huachuma) will heal deep wounds from the past so that you can go on living your life in freedom, instead of being fettered by past injuries.
In Peru, curanderos have used huachuma to treat depressive symptoms, alcoholism, and mood disorders. Those who have undergone the ceremony report that they are able to connect to their divine, true self. A feeling of universal belonging—the sense that we are all one—is common. Uniquely, many users report that the huachuma presents them with “tests” that teach valuable lessons. Practitioners often report a deep and heightened perception of the world as it truly is. For those struggling to know themselves or understand others, huachuma presents a unique way to specifically explore your inner psyche and your greater place in the world.
Ayahuasca is the plant teacher of the Amazon, while San Pedro is the plant teacher of the Andes Mountains. Ayahuasca is considered the feminine plant teacher of the jungle, offering healing and knowledge of oneself. San Pedro is considered the masculine plant teacher of the Andes mountains, expansive and macro-cosmic. Ayahuasca plant medicine has DMT in its makeup, or the God Molecule, as some people call it. San Pedro contains many alkaloid compounds, the chief of which is mescaline which contributes to the plant's hallucinogenic properties.
As with all plant teachers/plant medicine families, each has a slightly different effect and feel. One plant teacher is never the same as another plant teacher, and each of them have something special to teach us. Ayahuasca plant medicine is a very different experience than San Pedro plant medicine.
It is suggested to work with Ayahuasca plant medicine in order to be healed. San Pedro plant medicine is not as lenient as the vines of Ayahuasca in the healing process. Most shamans suggest working with Ayahuasca plant medicine first, or at the same time, so that the San Pedro plant medicine experience is more enlightening.
If you are taking antibiotics, medications for arterial blood pressure, diabetes or infections, pain relievers/analgesics, antifungals, antidepressants, sleeping pills, anti-convulsives, anti-anxiety or anti-psychotic medications, we need to know (medical information form). Some medications have to be stopped at least 5 days before the ceremony, some for over 2 weeks or more and some are contraindicated to the Sacred Medicine.
It is very important not to be depleted the day of the ceremony so that you can have the energy necessary. Be rested and have a good nights sleep the previous night. The day of the ceremony you may have a light breakfast and a late lunch/early dinner, no later than 1 pm. Drink only water.
Define the intention of your desire to take the plant medicine and come to the ceremony with an open mind and heart, as well as a clear positive intention. Leave behind any expectations and approach the ceremony with an attitude of surrendering and gratitude. It may help to write down your intention, which could be centered around health and well-being, nature, connection, understanding and spiritual knowledge, healing, or any question you may have in your heart.
Enter this experience with a positive attitude of respect, reverence, receptivity to the sacred medicine, and with the trust that you will be provided with exactly what you need. The day after the ceremony, spend time in a quiet natural environment and reflect on your experience, journal, and meditate.
If you need support with this preparation, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Our coaches are available to individually assist with these steps.
Have your last and light meal by noon, but no later than 1 pm. Bring water and remember to be well hydrated before the ceremony. Wear comfortable clothing with extra layers, as your body temperature can fluctuate during the session. Please do not bring a mattress as one will be provided. You may bring a pillow and blanket or sleeping bag to keep warm and comfortable. Your space will be about the size of yoga mat dimensions. If you have allergies, bring your inhaler or medication, in case of emergency.
Cell phones and other electronics will need to be turned off and left outside of the ceremony space. Filming, photographing or recording the ceremony is strictly prohibited.
If you are taking antibiotics, medications for arterial blood pressure, diabetes or infections, pain relievers/analgesics, antifungals, antidepressants, sleeping pills, anti-convulsives, anti anxiety or anti-psychotics medications, we need to know (medical information form). Some medications have to be stopped at least 5 days before the ceremony, some for over 2 weeks or more and some are contraindicated to the Sacred Medicine.
It is very important not to be depleted the day of the ceremony so that you can have the energy necessary. Be rested and have a good nights sleep the previous night. The day of the ceremony you may have a light breakfast and a late lunch/early dinner, no later than 1 pm. Drink only water.
Define the intention of your desire to take the plant medicine and come to the ceremony with an open mind and heart, as well as a clear positive intention. Leave behind any expectations and approach the ceremony with an attitude of surrendering and gratitude. It may help to write down your intention, which could be centered around health and well-being, nature, connection, understanding and spiritual knowledge, healing, or any question you may have in your heart.
Enter this experience with a positive attitude of respect, reverence, receptivity to the sacred medicine, and with the trust that you will be provided with exactly what you need. The day after the ceremony, spend time in a quiet natural environment and reflect on your experience, journal, and meditate.
If you need support with this preparation, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Our coaches are available to individually assist with these steps.
Have your last and light meal by noon, but no later than 1 pm. Bring water and remember to be well hydrated before the ceremony. Wear comfortable clothing with extra layers, as your body temperature can fluctuate during the session. Please do not bring a mattress as one will be provided. You may bring a pillow and blanket or sleeping bag to keep warm and comfortable. Your space will be about the size of yoga mat dimensions. If you have allergies, bring your inhaler or medication, in case it proves necessary.
Cell phones and other electronics will need to be turned off and left outside the ceremony space. Filming, photographing or recording the ceremony is strictly prohibited.
If you are taking antibiotics, medications for arterial blood pressure, diabetes or infections, pain relievers/analgesics, antifungals, antidepressants, sleeping pills, anti-convulsives, anti anxiety or anti-psychotic medications, we need to know (medical information form). Some medications have to be stopped at least 5 days before the ceremony, some for over 2 weeks or more, and some are contraindicated to the Sacred Medicine.
It is very important not to be depleted the day of the ceremony so that you can have the energy necessary. Be rested and have a good nights sleep the previous night. The day of the ceremony you may have a light breakfast and a late lunch/early dinner, no later than 1 pm. Drink only water.
Define the intention of your desire to take the plant medicine and come to the ceremony with an open mind and heart, as well as a clear positive intention. Leave behind any expectations and approach the ceremony with an attitude of surrendering and gratitude. It may help to write down your intention, which could be centered around health and well-being, nature, connection, understanding and spiritual knowledge, healing, or any question you may have in your heart.
Enter this experience with a positive attitude of respect, reverence, receptivity to the sacred medicine, and with the trust that you will be provided with exactly what you need. The day after the ceremony spend time in a quiet natural environment and reflect on your experience, journal, and meditate.
If you need support with this preparation, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Our coaches are available to individually assist with these steps.
Have your last and light meal by noon, but no later than 1 pm. Bring water and remember to be well hydrated before the ceremony. Wear comfortable clothing with extra layers, as your body temperature can fluctuate during the session. Please do not bring a mattress as one will be provided. You may bring a pillow and blanket or sleeping bag to keep warm and comfortable. Your space will be about the size of yoga mat dimensions. If you have allergies, bring your inhaler or medication, in case it proves necessary.
Cell phones and other electronics will need to be turned off and left outside of the ceremony space. Filming, photographing or recording the ceremony is strictly prohibited.
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