grandmother ayahuasca

Vine of the Soul History

In Amazonian mythology, Ayahuasca is seen as the Mother of all plant medicines and the Grandmother. Ayahuasca is called grandmother because it’s like a mother that heals you with her love, but also gives you tough love when needed. Ayahuasca teaches us lessons and offers wisdom, while also being there to comfort us when we are in pain.

Ayahuasca is a sacred medicinal plant growing across the amazon region in South America. Translated from Kichua to English the word literally means “vine of the soul” as “aya” translates to “spirit/soul" and “huasca” is vine. Ayahuasca is used primarily as a shamanistic medicine, traditionally served in a ceremonial session under the guidance of an experienced drinker.

How the native tribes came across the plant, and how they learned how to prepare the brew remains a mystery. Archeological evidence of comparable native plant use proves as evidence that its use dates back to at least 2,000 years ago. In recent decades the medicine is slowly gaining interest from the West. Academic researchers in the field of psychotherapy and psychonatus are showing an increased interest in confronting themselves with the untouched spaces of the mind, the vastness of the universe, facing their strongest fears. By recognising and honouring shadows from the past, traumas of emotional, mental and physical character, the process of healing and resolution begins and new found awareness/mentality can be gained.

The Interplay of Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca induces a visionary state, and people drink the brew for various reasons. The shamans and medicine healers drink the brew to connect with nature and spirit, in order to receive information about the cause of an individuals disease on a spiritual level. In Brazil and the Unites States, churches drink ayahuasca for divinatory purposes, where large groups of people come together, drink the medicine and dance together.

The spirit of the plant is here to help us remember the ancient wisdom imbedded in the DNA of our soul, and to bring into balance our connection with nature, humanity, the universe, our ancestors, other spirits and energetic forces. A powerful healer; Ayahuasca is here to help us heal and to learn how to live in harmony within ourselves and in our community here on earth and the universe.

The experiences people have prior to, during, and after meeting with Ayahuasca varies greatly between each individual, as we all have our own unique experiences and need for healing. Some people report having a gently stimulating experience, while others have highly visionary experiences.The chemicals in ayahuasca are of interest for reducing symptoms of depression and improving mood. Ayahuasca is used for suicide prevention, depression, grief and many other conditions.

Effects of Ayahuasca

Ayahuasca is an entheogen – meaning that it is a plant with the ability to bring spiritual experiences and insights.
When consumed, users can experience powerful emotions and visions.
The experience of ayahuasca can be intensely positive, but it also has the potential to be harrowing.
You see, there are many stories of people who have had traumatic experiences while on ayahuasca or other psychedelic drugs.
The experience is largely determined by intent and set/setting – your mindset going into the experience, as well as your surroundings during the experience.
Ayahuasca can help uncover toxic traits that have been picked up over the years and can help overcome them.

types of ayahuasca

Types of Ayahuasca

The marvel of Ayahuasca is apparent upon trying it and experiencing the plant’s healing powers. Like any plant native to the Amazonian jungle, it has a variety of brothers and sister plants which are all classified to be part of the Ayahuasca vine. According to botanists there are 20 different Ayahuasca plant types of vines. The classification of the vine comes from the colour flowers and the colour of the vine when you scrape it. For the purpose of spiritual guidance there are two ways in which we classify Ayahuasca, by its vine type and by its mixture.

Common Vines used for Spiritual Awakening

Yellow Ayahuasca (Master Ayahuasca) is softly prepared so that users experience small amounts of visions and purge. It is perfect for first time users as it does not have a strong taste and the visions are not as overwhelming.
Pink/Red Ayahuasca (Sky Ayahuasca) is much stronger than Yellow Ayahuasca and is recommended with people with more experience with Ayahuasca. It cleans the soul and body deeper. It is also the most popular.
White Ayahuasca is used to help understand and channel sexual energy. Users experience a deeper understanding of their sexual and spiritual beings.
Black Ayahuasca stimulates a dense black cloak of visions. The strongest of in the Ayahuasca family, it is known to have the largest potential for healing and energy protection. Users experience shorter visions but they are much more intense.

Traditional Brew of Ayahuasca

The Ayahuasca vine is named Banisteriopsis Caapi, and the secondary ingredient is Chacruna (Psychotria Viridis), a plant which contains a high amount of the psychedelic substance DMT, known to induce altered states of consciousness. The finished traditional brew is a trans-dimensional energy portal working for 4-8 hours after ingestion. Under the influence of ayahuasca, most people will purge (vomit) and some may experience diarrhea. The drink is named “la purga” in Spanish which translates to “the purge" as the physical release cleanses out anything not serving of an individual. The meaningful psychological experiences, insights, or visions cleanses the mind. After a ceremony, it is common to feel reborn and refreshed.

When taken with other common botanical plants, users experience different ceremonial values and spirits

Ayahuma bark which provides protection and healing of susto (soul loss from spiritual trauma).
Capirona bark providing cleansing and protection.
Chullachaki caspi bark containing the tools to cleanse the physical body ailments.
Lopuna blanca bark: Provides protection.
Punga amarilla bark: Used to pull or draw out negative spirits or energies.
Remo Caspi Bark: Comes from an oar tree. It is used to move dense or dark energies.
Wyra (huaira) Caspi bark, comes from an air tree. It is used to purge the gastro/intestinal ailments, calm the mind, and bring tranquility to the body and spirit.
Shiwawaku bark: A purple medicine used to calm the mind, and bring tranquility.
Uchu Sanago is the head of the sanango plants also known to cleanse the body and soul.
Huacapurana is a giant amazon tree which helps stimulate and protect its users.

Ways to target problems more specifically by adding a third or fourth plant

Ayahuasca + Chakruna+ Tabacco: This combination is very powerful and is used for protection and cleaning.
Ayahuasca + Chakruna + Bobimsana: It is used to open the heart and get in touch with all the magic inside and outside of us.
Ayahuasca + Chakruna + Toe: This mix is one of the most powerful mixes, and it is a very visual Ayahuasca, like crystal water.

Overall the mixtures are unique and with the guidance of each shaman, you will learn to discover and experience what your particular soul’s needs in order to achieve the awakening you are seeking.