Ayahuasca is known throughout the world as a powerful visionary brew. It’s made from a combination of the ayahuasca jungle vine and the chacruna shrub. Recent studies have suggested that drinking the tea makes the visual cortex in the brain more active. And this can create intense and dramatic images. You can read about how to interpret ayahuasca visions here…
Understanding the Ayahuasca Ceremony
This ancient ceremony has been carried out for thousands of years by rain forest shamans and over the last few decades it is being adapted to modern contexts to help bridge the cultural gap while still respecting traditions. The ayahuasca ceremony is a journey into the unconscious and in our retreat we explain the process and have workshops so that you get the most from your experience.
Ceremonies are held at night as this is the ideal time for introspection. We use global music that is selected with the purpose to lead you through your journey. The dosage for the ayahuasca varies for each person as everyone has a different level of sensitivity.
The Ayahuasca Visions
The meanings of ayahuasca visions are extremely personal. We see ayahuasca as a wise teacher that shines the light on our unconscious. Through metaphorical visions, memory flashbacks, and insights, it attempts to show the person what they need to work on most in this time of their life. Long-term trauma, failed relationships, and gender issues are all examples of things that may be causing a lifetime struggle.
Below we list some broad categories to explain the deep emotions and insights that accompany the ayahuasca visions:
Nurturing
Many people that have trust issues and have a difficult time forming connections can experience a loving nurturing presence that is often referred to as Mother Ayahuasca. While this gender label is representative of the cultural belief of feminine qualities, it is universally present in everyone, irrespective of their gender. Many people, irrespective of gender, discover this nurturing caring side within themselves and develop a deep compassion for themselves and other people, and transform the way they treat themselves and consequently their relationship with the world.
Other Worlds & Magnificent Structures
Visions of other worlds, ancient and futuristic cities, alternate and parallel realities, worlds described in religious texts and mythological stories are common occurrences in an ayahuasca trip. Majestic and intricate environments can be awe-inspiring. These visions can bring out the artistic side in many and can also be representative of transitioning from a life of monotony and dullness to one of beauty and happiness.
Animals and Plants
Visualizations of jungle fauna and flora are often shared. Visions of jungle animals include monkeys, big cats, serpents, eagles, frogs, and can include practically all beings that inhabit the jungle. Many times personal connections like pets or house plants can appear in visions and these dear beings transmit important messages to help deepen the connection.
An Experience of Deep Connection
One of the things most people miss today is a deep authentic connection to themselves and the world around them. Experiences and visions of the connection between all beings, commonly referred as the experience of Oneness, is common when people drink ayahuasca. This is a profound experience and each person takes a different lesson back with them, though what is common is the transformation which results in deeper and more meaningful connection with nature and people. This experience helps many people overcome feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression.
Opening the Door to the Unknown
Depending on the individual sensitivities of each person, beings that are encountered through ayahuasca may be sensed, seen, or heard. They can be defined as hallucinations triggered by drinking a chemical substance. Or viewed as aspects of the individual’s personality. Or interpreted as metaphors, symbols, or archetypes from the personal and collective unconscious. The way we rationalize them will vary for each individual, what is most important is the message we take from the experience and how it can help transform our life.
Ayahuasca can open new possibilities as it works through the unconscious. Visions can be intense and colorful but they are just a small percentage of the potential of ayahuasca. Induced experiences can be extremely tactile.
Thoughts through imagery often have an obvious meaning. And once the ceremony is over personal beliefs and patterns can be identified. Trusting the revelations and the guidance is a powerful key to live a more fulfilling, enjoyable, and loving life.
Inspired to Take an Ayahuasca Trip?
Visiting the Spirit Vine Ayahuasca retreats in Brazil will give you the opportunity to meet this ancient plant teacher in it’s natural habitat. We grow our own ayahuasca plants organically and the tea is also prepared at our center. The ayahuasca ceremony here is both safe and supportive, with the intention for each person to go within themselves. Before each ceremony we have a workshop where you can learn techniques to navigate the experience and after the ceremony there are integration sessions to share the experience and get help to understand the content of the ceremony when required.
