Sumak Kawsay and Wachuma: A Guide to Personal Growth and Spiritual Awakening
Updated: Aug 30, 2023
In this part of this series, I want to delve deeper into the mystical journey that Wachuma (San Pedro) can take us on.
Wachuma is a plant medicine that has been used for thousands of years by the Andean people for spiritual and healing purposes. It's a powerful tool that can help us connect with nature and our own inner wisdom.
What is Wachuma?
Also known as San Pedro, Wachuma is a cactus that is native to the Andes Mountains in South America. It is also known as Huachuma, or Aguacolla.
The indigenous people of the Andes have used San Pedro for centuries as a sacrament in spiritual ceremonies and for healing physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. The cactus contains the psychoactive compound mescaline, which is responsible for its visionary and introspective effects.
San Pedro ceremonies are typically led by a Yachak or curandero, who is a traditional indigenous healer. The ceremony usually involves drinking a brew made from the cactus, which can cause a range of effects such as visual and auditory hallucinations, a sense of euphoria, and a feeling of unity with the natural world.
The effects of San Pedro can vary depending on the dose and the individual, but it is generally considered to be less intense and shorter-lasting than the effects of other plants containing mescaline, such as peyote.
San Pedro is often used for healing, self-discovery, and meeting of personal power.
It is said to have a gentle and nurturing energy, and is sometimes referred to as a Grandfather the "teacher plant." It is also said to have the ability to connect people with their ancestors and to facilitate communication with the spirit world.
It's important to note that San Pedro, like any psychoactive substance, should be approached with respect. It's essential to do your research and make sure that you are participating in a ceremony that is led by a trained and experienced medicine man or woman, and that it's the right fit for you.
When we take Wachuma, we embark on a journey to the center of the heart, where we connect with the Earth and the Sky, and understand the ancient wisdom that "As above, so below." This is a journey of self-discovery and healing that can help us to understand our place in the world and to connect with the natural world in a deeper way.
As a connector for community, I understand the path from one state of consciousness to the next. Wachuma can take us from the Puma consciousness of the ego to the Condor consciousness of the spirit.
This is a journey of transformation that can help us to understand our true purpose and to live in harmony with nature.
When preparing for a Wachuma ceremony, it's important to set intentions and to cleanse ourselves physically and mentally. This includes fasting and avoiding certain foods or substances, as well as doing spiritual practices such as meditation or prayer.
After the ceremony, it's important to integrate the experience by reflecting on what we've learned and how we can apply it to our lives. This can include journaling, talking to a trusted friend or mentor, or spending time in nature.
As a teacher and mentor, I believe in the power of ritual and ceremony to connect us with the divine and help us tap into our own intuition.
That's why I am so passionate about the importance of practicing rites of passage and going on pilgrimages in this modern world.
You see, I have a personal story to share with you about the profound impact that a rite of passage with the guidance of master plants can have on our lives.
When I was 33 years old, I went on a pilgrimage to Apu Fuya fuya, with the intention of giving thanks for my life, connect with my personal power and to pray for the support and blessings of the Apus.
It was a huge turning point in my life as I consciously integrated Sumak Kawsay to my path.
"There is something so grounding and transformative about making a physical journey to a sacred place, connecting with the natural world, and participating in rituals and ceremonies that have been passed down for generations".
It can be a way to reconnect with our own inner selves, to get clarity on our life path, and to activate our personal power.
In today's fast-paced world, it can be easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life. But taking time to go on a pilgrimage and participate in rites of passage can help us to slow down, reconnect with our spirit, and find a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.
So I encourage you to embark on your own pilgrimage, whether it be to a sacred mountain, a spiritual retreat, or a community gathering.
I promise that it will be a journey of self-discovery and transformation, one that will have a lasting impact on your life.
At last, if you are open to do it, I invite you to come with me on a sacred pilgrimage to the Andes in Ecuador, where we will visit one of my mentors, his name is Shairy Quimbo, a Native Otavalo Shaman from the lineage of the Kuntur Mallku, known as guardians of the Earth. Together we will experience the power of Wachuma and Sumak Kawsay in a sacred and traditional way. It is an opportunity to connect with nature, your inner wisdom and the ancient wisdom of the Andean people.
Huyayay!
Hey there, my fellow Rainbow Warrior!
In this blog series, I shared with you my personal journey of embracing the magic of plant medicine and finding my true path through Sumak Kawsay, or "good life" in the Andean traditions. I took you on a mystical journey with Wachuma and showed you how it can take us to the center of our hearts, connecting us with the Earth and the Sky, and understanding the ancient wisdom that "As above, so below."
I also shared with you the importance of pilgrimage and rites of passage in achieving Sumak Kawsay and how it can help us to connect with nature and our own inner wisdom. And I pointed out that Sumak Kawsay is rooted in the practices and beliefs of the communities that use it, rather than in theoretical constructions of idyllic community forms.
But let me tell you,
there's nothing like experiencing it in its traditional context.
That's why I invite you to join me on a shamanic pilgrimage to the Andes, the Pacific coast or the Amazon. Imagine yourself connecting with the ancient wisdom of the Andean people, embracing the power of Sumak Kawsay and plant medicine in a sacred and traditional way, surrounded by like-minded individuals in our VisionaryTRiBE community.
Don't miss this opportunity to transform your life and join me on this journey of self-discovery and healing.
Let's embrace the magic of plant medicine and find our true path together.
See you on the trail!
beloved Rainbow Warriors!
I invite you to embark on a transformational journey that will awaken the warrior within you.
Are you ready to dive deep into the realms of ancient wisdom and embark on a shamanic pilgrimage like no other?
Join me on the WarriorQuest, a soul-stirring expedition through the three worlds that shape our existence. Whether you choose the 1, 2, or 3-night experience, this is your opportunity to step into the frequency of the warrior and activate your higher self.
Imagine delving into the profound teachings of the Wisdom Path, learning from the spirits of the land, and connecting with the energy of the cosmos. This journey is designed for those who are ready to rise to their highest potential, who seek to understand the intricate threads that weave the fabric of existence.
We will traverse the sacred landscapes of Ecuador, venturing through its three main regions. As we walk this path together, we will open ourselves to ancient teachings, powerful rituals, and the resonance of the Earth beneath our feet.
Are you feeling the call, the resonance within your heart?
Are you ready to step into your power, to embrace your true essence, and to journey through the three worlds to become the warrior you are meant to be?
Click the link below to learn more about this profound journey and to begin your own sacred adventure today. The time has come to awaken your higher self and to walk the path of the warrior.
I can't wait to share this incredible journey with you!
Huyayay!
Who is Soniko ?
He is a Paqo or shamanic priest initiated in the Andean linage of the Q'ero who has dedicated half of his life to the study and practice of shamanic arts, trained in many different types of shamanic disciplines from around the world, mainly core shamanism from the Andes and Turtle Island.
