Ayahuasca in Ecuador
So, the snowball is rolling, it seems. Ayahuasca in Ecuador is kicking off (although it was most likely where it all began) with a Natural Medicine Gathering, in Tena, April 11-15, 2017. That’s Easter, so a good chance to get away for some sunshine and medicine. Ayahuasca ceremonies with groups of shamans in sacred places, all organised collectively by an association of traditional, Ecuadorian healers called CYRAE. Should be good! More info here:
www.naturalmedicinegathering.com
or:
https://twitter.com/NatMedGathering
https://www.facebook.com/NaturalMedicineGathering/
colonos 
Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 09:45 (448)
I would like to go to this. I was last in Ecuador in 2000, when i very naively paid a very large amount of money to a gap year company to volunteer at Jatun Sacha – yes, THAT place, and I can well believe they are living in Big Pharma’s pocket. Alejandro was the most obnoxious man I’ve ever met, and when I wanted to leave early his American wife told us that was fine but I wasn’t to expect any of our money back. I didn’t mind at the time because I thought at least it was going to a good cause… How dumb was I.
While at Jatun Sacha a few of us went to an Ayahuasca ceremony with one of the guys who worked there, who was also a shaman. Nothing happened for me, no visions, no sickness, (although a couple of the the others who drank from the same bowl did have visions, and one was throwing up everywhere) except that my life seemed to go on a downward trajectory from that point on. Bad things happened to me, I got very self-destructive and depressed, which continued when I returned home and started university.
Either that shaman didn’t like me much, or it might be one of those things I just shouldn’t mess with.
Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 14:17 (637)
Hi Louise,
I am very sorry to hear your story. That’s rather unfortunate and it does sound like some unfinished business, you and ayahuasca.
Not having visions or strong physical reactions is not unusual. Every drink is different, it seems. Personal issues between people – envy, jealousy, ill intentions – can indeed have lasting negative effects and if the shaman facilitating the ceremony does not properly protect you and the space, then you can be very vulnerable.
In other words, it is probably a really good idea to return and close the case.
/colono/
Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 09:46 (449)
Edit – should read, I wasn’t to expect any of my money back!
Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 07:28 (353)
Caso cerado, caja cerado.