WILD MUSHROOM MAGICK
MAGIC & MYSTERY OF THE SIERRA MAZATECA
AN 8-DAY MUSHROOM CEREMONY INTENSIVE IN THE SIERRA MAZATECA OF MEXICO
Connect with your essence and find the light
within in this medicine journey
April 21-29 and May 2-10
The Mazatec are an indigenous people of Mexico who inhabit the Sierra Mazateca in the state of Oaxaca
The Mazatecs' cosmovision represents a syncretism of traditional beliefs with Christianity brought by the Spanish conquistadors.
Mazatec tradition includes the use of entheogenic mushrooms for spiritual and ritualistic use.
We will be traveling through the Andes to reach our destination in Chavin. Our introduction to Chavin will be initiated with the ancient practice of prayer and offerings to the Earth and setting our intentions for our journey.
We will work with Cecilia, a medicine woman and gatekeeper of these lands, who will facilitate our ceremonies. We will particpate in 3 ceremonies, 2 at the Chavin temple and 1 at Hatun Machay (the sacred "stone forest"). Cecilia encourages integrity towards self with the guidance of love and ecouragement of remembrance.
Outside of ceremony we will spend time in nature where we will deepen our connection to the Earth through hikes, plant walks and the exploration of Andean cosmology. Clear relationship with the Earth and plants will empower us in our connection to self and responsibility for our own well-being.
Chavin Temple
Chavin Temple, birthed through the inspiration of Huachuma, means the Center.
This ancient temple was built at least 5000 years ago in dedication to the medicine, magic and mystery of the sacred cactus Huachuma. There is no evidence the Chavin peoples had a military, and thus all initiations were by graceful invitation and not conquest.
The plazas of the temple were for containing and spiraling the energy in very specific ways. The underground chambers were for dark retreats and initiations held within the womb space of the Earth, to find the light within the darkness.
We’ll work near each of the spaces, briefly enter the chambers and with each ceremony, deepen our connection with ourselves and with the medicine.
Huachuma
The sacred Huachuma, sometimes called San Pedro cactus, is a welcoming, benevolent medicine with a history of at least 8,000 years of ceremonial usage in South America.
The distinct variety of Huachuma that grows in this area has a deeply rooted and transformative spirit, and enables one to explore the realms of consciousness and healing in a safe and grounded way.
This medicine is willing to walk with you as a companion, but won't dictate how far you need to go. It encourages bringing you to your edges in a sustainable way, and helps you be present with what wants tending within you with new perspectives, directions and empowered presence.
Apu Huantsan
An ancient ritual of pilgrimage to a temple / holy mountain:
– Provides an opportunity to recognize the vastness of all that is
– Allows us to see ourselves reflected in archetypal energies we may not have seen before
– Shines a light on our place in the cosmos, and parts of ourselves that are ready to be honored, recognized & embraced
Meet the Alchemists
Yewyn
Yewyn is a healing arts practicioner and herbalist based in Mt. Shasta and the Peruvian Andes. He studied Polarity Therapy and Craniosacral Therapy in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts. He has worked with indigenous teachers of various lineages in Peru, Mexico and the US. He has been a student and practitioner of plant medicine and herbalism for 14 years. His story is one of discovering healing grace through honoring the shared essence of all creation. He is honored to support you on your journey to greater remembrance and alignment with who you truly are.
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Cecilia
Grandmother Cecilia Paniagua,
self-initiated medicine woman and investigator of the knowledge and values of the Quechua culture of the territory of Conchucos, Ancash.
“Of Quechua parents and grandparents, with the ritual use of the sacred cactus typical of my tradition, I delve into the reflection of the memories of my childhood and more precisely on the words used by both my parents and my relatives and my entire community. Words of vibration containing ancient messages that allowed me to decipher, together with the cactus and the Chavín temple, the cosmovision
of the peoples and the ancestral wisdom
that still lives on in the communities of Conchucos.”
Raul
Raul began apprenticing with his mother and the Tsunaq cactus years ago. He is an anthropologist and musician.
He has composed many songs directly inspired by his deep ceremonial work with the Huachuma in Chavin. His stories, music and presence are most welcome in ceremony. It is a blessing to experience an empowered mother-son dynamic in ceremony.
Retreat Itinerary
DAY ONE:
Meet in Lima
Bus to Huaraz
Overnight in Huaraz
DAY TWO:
Car to Chavin
Meet Cecilia
Hike up to the vista point
DAY THREE:
Introduction to Coca and how to pray with it
Offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth - Mother of Time and Space)
Ceremony Preparation
DAY FOUR:
Ceremony at Chavin Temple
DAY FIVE:
Rest and Integration
Hot springs
Council
DAY SIX:
Journey to Laguna Purhuay
Ceremony Preparation
DAY SEVEN:
Ceremony at Hatun Machay
DAY EIGHT:
Rest and Integration
Hot springs
Council
DAY NINE:
Trek to Apu Huantsan
Offering to the Mountain
Camp
DAY TEN:
Return to Chavin
Final ceremony at Chavin temple
DAY ELEVEN:
Rest and Integration
Hot springs
Council and closing ceremony
Retreat cost $3188
What's Included?
INCLUDED:
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11 nights & 12 days of shared accommodation in a hotel in Chavin. (Private rooms are available upon request for a fee).
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3 Huachuma ceremonies.
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Guided pilgrammage to Apu Huantsan.
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3 hot spring soaks
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15 nutritious, vegetarian meals. Breakfast and dinner is included on all days with the exception that only an early dinner is included the day after ceremonies. This is is to allow for rest and integration.
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Ground transportation during the program.
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Integration sessions.
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English - Spanish - Quechua translation.
NOT INCLUDED:
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Flight costs
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Visa costs
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Lunch/snacks not included
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Drinking water not included. Bring a water filter with you to avoid buying plastic bottles.
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Travel insurance or any other travel expenses, including any COVID tests required for travel
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Additional hotel bookings (if arriving early or staying later)
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Additional tours/treks/excursions
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Private accommodation
~~ A note on sacred reciprocity, or ayni ~~
We encourage an attitude of generosity and circulation of giving/receiving, which humbles us to Spirit and opens new pathways to give from an authentic place, trusting we will receive at the same time
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What airport do I fly into?You'll fly into Lima (Jorge Chávez International Airport, LIM). The group will gather with Yewyn in Lima, where we'll take a bus through the Andes up to Chavin. Flight costs are not included in the program.
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Do I need a visa to come to Peru?It depends where you are flying in from. Most places in the Americas and Western Europe do not need a tourist visa ~ you can stay for 90-days with a valid passport (minimum of six months validty from the date of entry to Peru). For more information, visit the peru.travel website.
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Are there any vaccination requirements for Peru?There are no other vaccination requirements to enter Peru.
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What is the weather like?The weather in the Andes can be fairly varied and a bit unpredictable, so it's recommended to pack layers and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Temperatures may range from a high of 75° F (23° C) to a low of 32° F (0° C), and because of the altitude, the sun can feel extremely warm and the wind can make the cold feel quite crisp. Rain is also possible, so please bring a rainjacket!
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What's the altitude of Chavin?Chavín de Huántar is at an elevation of 3,180 meters (10,430 ft). Some of our hikes will take us even higher into the mountains. We will work with plant allies, such as muña and coca to assist with the altitude adjustment.
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What type of currency do I need to bring?The Sol (S/) is the Peruvian currency, and necessary in the smaller communities for markets, transport and restaurants. You'll be able to exchange at banks or exchange offices, or take cash out of ATMs in soles. As these are not always reliable, and can have higher exchange rates, it's helpful to bring plenty of cash upon arrival (and make sure the bills are in excellent condition!)
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How do I prepare for the retreat?An intentional preparation before a Huachuma ceremony can support your journey and change the quality of your experience. Before partaking of the medicine it is beneficial to clean your diet. Avoid pork, alcohol, excessive sweets and fats, processed foods, and recreational drugs (including cannabis). A clean healthy diet is recommended, with lots of whole foods and fresh fruits and vegetables. Setting an intention can be an important aspect of working with Huachuma. Intention is different from expectation; an intention is a focused request for help in a certain area without attachment to outcome. Every ceremony is unique to each individual, so it is recommended not to have any expectations but rather be open to receive what the medicine brings.
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What's the cancellation policy?A deposit of $888 USD is due by September 1st, 2022 to reserve your space. This may be paid using Venmo or PayPal. The balance will be due in US Dollars upon arrival in Lima. If cancelling before September 11th, deposits are refundable minus a $100 processing fee. If cancelling on or after September 11th, we can refund your deposit minus the processing fee only if we are able to fill your space. If we are unable to fill your space, your deposit is not refundable. We recommend that you take out adequate travel insurance for any cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances. If you decide to depart early, there will be no refunds or partial refunds given.
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When do I have to confirm and pay the deposit?The deposit is due September 1st, or as soon as you're ready to commit. The deposit is $500, payable online, and the remaining $1800 will be due upon arrival in USD.
TRUST THE CALLING
This is a beautiful space for people who are just opening to plant medicine, and for experienced journeyers. The distinct variety of huachuma we will work with has deep roots, and is willing to walk with you without dictating how far you will go. It is like putting on a new transformational lens as we are guided to tending to what is asking for tending within.
You will have the support of Cecilia, Raul, Yewyn, the mountain, temple, and these sacred lands. We will be there with presence and tools to help with integration and nervous system regulation, as well as learning the practices of prayer and offering for you to continue at home.
