Ayahuasca: La Abuela
Have you ever heard of Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca, meaning “vine of the soul” in the Quechua language (1), is a natural psychoactive plant brew traditionally used for medicinal and spiritual purposes by indigenous populations throughout the Western Amazon basin. I, Cherelle, like other foreigners, seek out ceremonies for improved insight, personal growth, and emotional or physical healing.
Ayahuasca, or as she’s affectionately called, “La Abuela,” can provide the deep all knowing medicine that is like a love that only a grandparent can give. I must note she’s not for the faint of heart, nor is she one to be trifled with. She’s to be revered, period.
After learning about ayahuasca years ago, I’ve always known I’d take the leap one day, and I can’t believe that day has come and gone so quickly. Living in Mexico has afforded me access to so many amazing cultural and spiritual traditions and I never want to take my privilege for granted. After a surprise pop-up visit from one of my line sisters who just so happens to be a naturopathic doctor, I knew that time would come soon after. I shared that I felt I was being called to ayahuasca and she said “If she’s calling you, answer her,” and let me just say, I’m grateful I did.
I’ve always been intrigued by plant medicine and the ways that Mother Nature provides us with the things we need to live and heal ourselves. I’d been seeking reconnection and getting to the root of some deep seeded traumas and whew, it was a journey! As the shaman who led the ceremony explained, One can’t be certain about what they’ll experience during their journey, but with the trust that I’d receive what I’d need, I went all in and have zero regrets. One thing I know for certain is that we are all connected, person, animal, plant and all of the elements, earth, water, air, and fire have cleansing properties. I’m grateful for that simple truth.
This past weekend, I experienced my first ayahuasca ceremony and it was powerful beyond words. Something that’s common of most who experience a ceremony is a purge. “It is true that ayahuasca can involve purging including vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to note that the concept of purging can take many different forms for different people, including crying, yawning, sweating, shaking, and laughing, among other things.”
And baby, let me tell you, the purge was real and oh so necessary. I’m not going to lie and say the process was fun cause it wasn’t, however the release and clarity La Abuela provided created so much space for me. Honestly, I’m still unpacking and decompressing from the experience and not sure if or when I’ll be able to put it into words that describe the magnitude and depth of the experience for me. It was profound, it was cleansing, it was transformative. I’m forever grateful for this first experience and looking forward to the next. There’s so much to uncover, so much still buried, and through more ceremonies and soul searching, I’m believing I’ll continue to be provided with the loving guidance and medicine my soul seeks.
Have you ever participated in an ayahuasca ceremony? What was your experience like? Would you do it again? If you haven’t yet and are seeking further insight or healing, it just may be calling you, too.
