Amazon Plant Spirit Medicine, Ayahuasca Experience, Shamanic Apprenticeship, San Pedro and Jungle Adventures…
Reyna A., Houston, Texas, USA
Photo Courtesy: Reyna A.
“The tree that moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way.”
William Blake
To start off with, my flight out of the United States was canceled and because of that getting to Ashi Meraya was a bit more difficult as all plans needed to be rearranged and remade. Once my vessel finally planted me on Peru terra firma, albeit two days late, all was well. Francesco and Heberto did a fantastic job of revising my itinerary last minute without any hitches.
After arriving at Ashi Meraya I was graciously received by the family and being the only guest at that time, I was made to feel completely comfortable and at home. Being alone gave me much time to rest, reflect and remove myself from the bustling city in which I call home. I was able to slowly detach from the tethers of everyday life and transform into the forest, a land so strange, mystical and raw.
Nothing could prepare me for what I experienced on Ayahuasca. Even though I had been advised not to go with any expectations, I still had expectations. The earth shattering experience of Ayahuasca didn’t arrive until my 6th ceremony. I had given up and given in. I felt that I was just not meant to have the “Ayahuasca” experience. At that very moment in ceremony when those thoughts streamed from my mind, I begin to feel her energy move up through my legs, my torso and then into my head where instantly, I was gone. It seems trivial to try and verbalize what happened after this point. This precious, terrifying, agonizing, beautiful and thunderously powerful experience cannot and probably should not be illuminated with words, only experienced. I feel that Ayahuasca answered every question that I asked for and gave me the gift of healing that I so needed. For this, I thank the spirit of Ayahuasca and Maestro Alfredo and Claudia for so gently guiding me through this very tough and enlightening experience. I also thank my friend Eric for introducing me to Ashi Meraya and for leading me with his spirit to the healing that he knew I needed.
When I think about the family at Ashi Meraya, I think about laughter and smiles. They are a beautiful, happy, communal unit that should serve as a template of for all families. I sincerely thank them their hospitality and warmth.
So just a few last words of advice for the next seeker:
1) Don’t be afraid to ask the spirit of Ayahuasca for your very specific desires or questions
2) Rest assured that Ayahuasca will come to you when she feels you are ready and it is highly likely that it will not be on your time-frame!
I will return to Ashi Meraya.
Reyna A., USA
Martial Chapeau, London, UK
Photo Credit: Martial Chapeau
First I’d like to thank you Francesco for your help and your support all the way through my journey. This has been truly a great experience. Everything I wished for, I found it. All Ashi Meraya people have been so kind and helpful to me. I cannot thank them enough.:)
Walter has been a truly great shaman and a guide trough that experience, caring and always there when I needed him. His icaros were the most remarkable extraordinary songs. He, knows, I think, how much I appreciate it…
Clever Hoyos has also been a great, truly great interpreter and beyond his job taught me a lot about the jungle…
Thanks also to Marlon and Dady, two wonderful children who brightened up my days: miss you guys, hope you are doing well at school!
Might not be coming back next year but I will definitely be back …
Thanks a lot.
Martial Chapeau, UK
Stephen C. Witte, New York, USA
Shaman’s apprentice Steve Witte in Ashi Meraya
Photo Courtesy: Steve Witte
What I gained from Ashi Meraya is very precious and has changed my life. The relationship I have with my teachers, the trees and my maestro, Don Alfredo, have given me strength and knowledge for myself and to help other people. What greater gift can there be than to be able to be more of who you are and be able to help others? As a Dietero and an apprentice to Don Alfredo I received a lot of personal attention and received many gifts of knowledge and power from his 40 years of shamanic practice.
To the staff and family who run Ashi Meraya, Clever, my translator, and Nymfa who did much heartfelt work, I am grateful for their kindness, efforts and attention to detail.
If you are a serious student and are looking for the place to learn shamanism, Ashi Meraya is the real deal. I do not hesitate to recommend them for the student or those looking for a healing experience.
Stephen C. Witte, USA
Michael Boyer, USA
I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to El Mundo Magico and all the amazing people at Ashi Meraya for facilitating one of the most significant experiences of my life. My initial exposure to Ayahuasca can most honestly be summed up as both the single most terrifying and the single most fascinating and revelatory experience I have ever undergone.
Besides the Ayahuasca medicine itself, perhaps one of the most healing aspects of the experience was the hospitality and care of the wonderful people of Ashi Meraya, who were absolutely outstanding and showed me as much warmth and kindness as I’ve ever known. They were without doubt some of the most beautiful and genuine people I’ve ever met, who radiated caring and support. For that alone I will be forever grateful and will always remember each one of them. The beauty and tranquility of the natural jungle setting at Ashi Meraya also contributed substantially to the peaceful and grounded feeling I was infused with during my stay. And one of the most surprising aspects of the retreat was the amazing food, some of the very best I’ve ever had!
To anyone seriously considering the Ayahuasca retreat, I can advise that it is not one to be taken lightly, that it can be both one of the most difficult as well as one of the most rewarding and valuable experiences one could ever participate in. And I recommend the professionalism of El Mundo Magico and the sanctity of Ashi Meraya wholeheartedly as a safe and supportive place to experience it. I very much look forward to returning soon to continue to learn and heal.
Michael Boyer, USA
Erika Celeste’s Article on ”Voice of America”, U.S.A.
Journalist Erika Celeste wrote the following article: “Potent Jungle Vine Brew Has Potential to Treat Addiction” for Voice of America (USA) online magazine , after her retreat in Ashi Meraya. Enjoy!
