Before I found myself on the plane returning to Peru, Ayahuasca had 'magically' helped me complete my homework (from the last ceremony) by bringing the people and opportunities into my life right up until a few days before I left. So I went to Peru ready for the next phase in my journey. I trusted 100% and knew everything was going to be wonderful.At the airport my good fortune resulted in my bumping 3 lines. I do not know why, but airport staff moved me a few times to a faster line or had me bypass lines altogether. (I was not flying first class either) My 'too heavy' bag was tagged without a comment. (I had envisioned myself with bag open, articles all over the floor attempting to repack) I was trying to go on this trip with one checked bag. I knew I was allowed two, but I was attempting to travel 'light'. So the ease of checking my luggage was a relief and I gratefully acknowledged all of the 'airport magic' I experienced. I thought to myself, if this continues this will be the best trip ever!My flight left around 6pm. I had been up since 5am for bootcamp, so I was tired but I do not sleep well on planes and slept maybe 30 minutes total. Arrived in Lima at 12:30am. Had to wait in the airport until 7am to take my second flight. I tried to sleep in the chairs with little luck. It was my birthday and I felt like I had been partying all night. I had now been awake for 24 hours. I arrived in Pucallpa around 9am, was picked up and had a motor taxi ride. That was fun. Pucallpa does not have many cars. The main form of transport is motor car-a kind of buggy attached to a motorcycle that seats 2 comfortable or 3 squishy. We were 3. The luggage goes on a small rack on the back and you need to hang onto your bags so that they do not go flying into the street. The motor cars are loud and they are zooming everywhere. also Pucallpa is hot. around 33-35 degrees. I was melting most of my time there. I was then taken to the casa I would be staying at. I thought we were going to be taking the 6 hour boat to the jungle right from the airport, but learned that we would be staying in Pucallpa for a couple of days first. At first I was not too sure about that (Pucallpa is noisy and hot) but it ended up being a good thing as the ceremonies in Pucallpa were excellent.So I arrived, got organized. I was beyond tired at this point and it was so noisy I knew I would not be able to sleep. So we went to the market to get hammocks for the boat, some fruit and then to the internet cafe.
When we returned I learned we would be doing ayahuasca that evening. I was not sure what to think about that. I was beyond exhausted and Ayahuasca ceremonies are traditionally done in the evening. This one was to start around 10pm. Needless to say I did not nap. I tried. too noisy. So I ended up staying up till around 3am....about 46 hours without sleep...a new record for me. In Pucallpa they have a tradition that you stay up all night on your birthday and do not sleep. I did not find out about this tradition until a few days later but am happy to say that I followed it just like a local would..and not by choice. But I survived and the ceremony was fantastic.(photo-Ayahuasca being prepared)The place we were at was near a church that had service every night from 8:30 -9:30pm. It was loud. They had microphones(that sounded like megaphones). You soon learn Spanish words for 'light', 'holy spirit', and so forth. Apparently some nights it could get very loud. That is also why the Ayahuasca was done after 9:30pm.There was a ceremony house used for the medicine ceremonies. Around 9:30 we gather inside with a mat or blanket or cushion to sit upon, water and whatever else you wish to bring. I had a few ceremonial objects with me.You are then given a bucket just in case you purge. They place the bucket right in front of you but (seeing as I believe your mind creates your reality), and I did not want to look at 'such a bucket' in ceremony, I put it behind me. I have been lucky so far that I have never been nauseous or had any ill effects from Ayahuasca.The maestros are rarely sick unless they have been working on someone who is really unwell and they often purge on their behalf. The maestros are very clean and clear from working with the medicine so often.The more you do the medicine, the cleaner your body becomes and you no longer become sick, or purge. That is what I was told.Having said that, vommitting is quite common on Ayahuasca and is considered normal, and encouraged (as your body is releasing toxins). To give you an idea, out of a room of 10 people at least 6 usually vomit. Some people get diarrea that same evening or the next day.Regarding visions some people can have violent or terrifying experiences. Ayahuasca is wanting to clear you of all negativity. If you have traumas or illnesses or horrors in your past all of those come to the surface to be released. The clearer you become the lighter your experience with this medicine becomes.The maestros sing healing songs during ceremony called icaros. They are designed to lead you on an inner journey and to facilitate healing on all levels of being. They are incredibly powerful. The icaros on their own are powerful healers. The Ayahuasca on its own is a powerful healer. The two together create a formidable team in which illness and imbalance does not stand a chance. Nor does the ego. This medicine will lay you down to your base level in seconds. The icaros also calm you if any fears come up. They give the mind something to hold onto, as an anchor to this reality, if the medicine is too strong and the person becomes lost and frightened. They are beautiful calming, lulling songs. I love the icaros. The first time I heard one I remembered my past. The same way I felt when I smelled sage for the first time...it felt like home....my real home.
When I heard my first icaro I wept with joy that I had found it again. It was like discovering a long lost best friend..one you forget about until you see them again and upon recognizing them all of the old memories of how much you love them come flooding back.More to come.....(picture above-sample of the colours in an Ayahuasca vision)