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What Are Icaros?

Icaros are sacred songs used in traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies as powerful healing tools. Originating in indigenous Amazonian spiritual practices, these songs are considered to carry profound spiritual and medicinal energies. Icaros are learned in various ways: a healer, known as a "dietero" or "ayahuasquero," may receive an icaro directly from spirits during a ceremony. In such moments, the dietero hears the melody, receives the lyrics intuitively, and thus channels the song from the spirit world. Alternatively, icaros may be passed down from teacher to student in a lineage of shamanic knowledge, preserving ancestral wisdom and techniques for spiritual healing and protection.

How Icaros Work?

Each icaro is believed to carry a unique energy signature. The power of an icaro can be linked to specific medicinal plants, elemental forces, celestial bodies, or earthly spirits, and may even resonate with religious or spiritual figures. When an icaro is sung, the practitioner becomes a vessel for the song, allowing it to flow through them as if the song itself has taken form. In this way, the singer embodies the song, and their voice acts as a conduit for the icaro's energy, which reverberates throughout the ceremonial space. Through the vibration and rhythm of the voice, the icaro interacts with energy patterns within the participants and the environment, creating shifts in perception, releasing emotional blockages, and guiding the healing process. These songs help to focus the ceremony, lifting or grounding the energy as needed to foster safety, healing, and insight.

Types of Icaros and Their Purposes

Icaros serve many functions within Ayahuasca ceremonies and are chosen according to the needs of the participants or the guidance of spirits. Common purposes include:

Protection Icaros: Used to establish a protective shield around the ceremony space, guarding against negative energies or influences.
Healing Icaros: Focused on addressing physical, emotional, or spiritual ailments, these icaros channel energies intended to cleanse, rejuvenate, and balance the body and mind.
Divination Icaros: Invoked to bring insight, clarity, and guidance on personal matters or broader life questions, opening channels to receive spiritual messages.
Energetic Clearing Icaros: Used to remove stagnant or negative energies from the space or from individuals, facilitating an environment conducive to healing and transformation.
Defensive or Attack Icaros: In cases where the healer believes the space or participants are under psychic attack, specific icaros are sung to dispel or counter negative forces, especially in contexts where "bruheria" (black magic) is perceived.

The choice of which icaro to sing is often directed by the spirits, as healers sense the energy of the ceremony and the needs of each participant. By directing the path of the Ayahuasca journey, icaros play a central role in the ceremonial experience, acting as both a map and a guide through the realms of healing and self-discovery.

About Bojan

My Icaros

Inonito (Llamando el espiritu de Ayahuasca) (Passed by Percy Lozano)
Ayahuasca Mama (Passed by Percy Lozano)
Ajo Sacha Manta (Learned from Francisco Montes Shuna)
Sogita del flor azul (Passed by Percy Lozano)
No me Dejes Madre Mia (Passed by Percy Lozano)
Soplo de vida (Passed by Percy Lozano)
Ayahuasquita (Passed by Percy Lozano)
Jesuchristo se ha perdido (Passed by Percy Lozano)
Espiritos de la Curacion (Received in Training)
La Madre Piadosa (Passed by Percy Lozano)
Ayahuma (Passed by Borka Cafuk)
O Poderoso Apu (Mariri) by Norma Panduro, passed to me by John Moore (Student of Norma)
Cerrando de Ceremonia (Learned from Francisco Montes Shuna)

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Ayahuasca: The Sacred Medicine of the Amazon

Ayahuasca is revered as a sacred medicine within various indigenous cultures of the Amazon basin. This powerful concoction is traditionally prepared using the Ayahuasca vine (Banisteriopsis caapi) and the leaves of the Chacruna plant (Psychotria viridis), which contain the psychoactive compound DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine). The combination of these two plants is fundamental to the Ayahuasca brew, but it is not uncommon for experienced Ayahuasqueros—shamans or healers—to incorporate other plants that are native to the Amazon rainforest. These additional botanicals can enhance the brew's effects, targeting specific physical or spiritual needs of the participants.

The Unique Craft of Each Ayahuasquero

Every Ayahuasquero has their unique recipe and method for creating Ayahuasca, often passed down through generations. This recipe is highly personalized, reflecting the healer's own experiences, spiritual practices, and the specific intentions behind the ceremony. The preparation process typically involves a meticulous ritual that may include singing Icaros (traditional healing songs), performing prayers, and invoking the spirits of the plants. The lengthy brewing process allows the medicinal properties of the plants to be fully extracted, resulting in a potent and complex mixture that carries both healing and transformative potential.

Meaning of the Name

The term "Ayahuasca" itself can be translated in various ways, with interpretations such as "Vine of the Soul" or "Vine of the Dead." The word "Aya" can refer to the spirit, soul, or the dead, while "Huasca" translates to vine or rope. This nomenclature reflects the profound spiritual significance of the brew, which is often used in rituals aimed at connecting individuals to their inner selves, the spirit world, and the cosmos. The experience of drinking Ayahuasca is frequently described as a journey of self-discovery and healing, where participants confront their fears, traumas, and emotional blockages.

The Healing and Transformational Potential

Ayahuasca is not merely a psychedelic experience; it is often considered a holistic healing tool that addresses physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. Many individuals report significant personal transformations, healing from past traumas, and deep insights into their life’s purpose after participating in Ayahuasca ceremonies. The brew is believed to facilitate communication with ancestral spirits, allowing participants to gain wisdom and guidance that can lead to profound shifts in perspective and understanding.In essence, Ayahuasca embodies the intertwined relationships between nature, spirituality, and healing, making it a vital element of indigenous Amazonian culture and an increasingly recognized pathway for personal growth and transformation in contemporary society. Through the careful stewardship of traditional knowledge and practices, Ayahuasca continues to inspire individuals on their journeys toward self-awareness and healing in our modern world.

MY PLANT DIETAS

Ajo Sacha – Mansoa alliacea
Chullachaqui Caspi – Myroxylon balsamum
Cumaceba – Swartzia polyphylla
Chiric Sanango – Brunfelsia grandiflora
Lupuna Blanca – Ceiba pentandra
Huancahui (Huanquavi) – Petiveria alliacea
Rayabalsa – Ochroma pyramidale
Bobinsana – Calliandra angustifolia
Ayahuma – Couroupita guianensis

Ayahuasca Diet

In the healing and learning journey, two primary types of diets support the body, mind, and spirit:

1. Food Diet ("Dieta")

The food diet, often referred to as "Dieta," is a simplified diet aimed at cleansing the body. This diet requires the elimination of certain foods to ensure a clean, receptive state. Foods to avoid include oil, fats, sweets, meat, salt, spices, fried foods, and alcohol. Instead, you focus on nourishing your body with simple, natural foods like cooked vegetables, rice, and some fruit. By following this diet, the body becomes less burdened, creating a foundation for further spiritual and physical purification.

2. Plant Diet ("La Dieta")

The plant diet, or "La Dieta," accompanies the learning process and is often introduced after the food diet has cleansed the body. During the plant diet, specific plants are ingested in the form of teas to facilitate a deeper connection with the spirit and energy of the plants. Each plant carries a unique purpose and energy, assisting in spiritual development and inner healing. This diet often serves as a bridge to the spirit world, allowing one to tap into the unique teachings of the plants.

Example of Healing Plants

Here's an example of healing properties of plants that I have personally dieted over the course of my shamanic learning in order of dieting.

1. Ajo Sacha – Mansoa alliacea

Ajo Sacha, also known as "wild garlic," is often one of the first plants introduced in an ayahuasca diet. It is considered a gentle yet powerful opener of the spiritual senses, helping cleanse the body of impurities. Physically, it is used for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Spiritually, Ajo Sacha fosters a connection to the spirit world, enhancing dream states and aiding in developing intuitive abilities, often revealing itself in dreams as a wise healer.

2. Chullachaqui Caspi – Myroxylon balsamum

Known as the "tree of protection," Chullachaqui Caspi is believed to shield against negative energies. Physically, it has a long history of use for respiratory and skin conditions, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Spiritually, it is seen as a guardian that enhances a person’s connection with nature, grounding and stabilizing the mind. It is often used to help cleanse energy fields, reinforcing personal boundaries.

3. Cumaceba – Swartzia polyphylla

Cumaceba is valued for its purifying effects on the body and spirit, thought to cleanse deep emotional wounds and encourage forgiveness. Physically, it is known for its antifungal and wound-healing properties. On a spiritual level, Cumaceba fosters emotional resilience, helping to release repressed feelings and supporting heart-centered awareness, which is integral to inner healing.

4. Chiric Sanango – Brunfelsia grandiflora

Chiric Sanango, often described as a potent healer, is primarily used to break through deep emotional blockages. Physically, it is noted for its analgesic and muscle-relaxing properties, frequently aiding those with rheumatic pain. Cleans the blood. Removes cold from the body. Spiritually, it is thought to empower courage and confront fears, providing profound clarity and introspective insight. Due to its strong effects, it is approached with caution and respect.

5. Lupuna Blanca – Ceiba pentandra

Lupuna Blanca, also known as the "white lupuna," is a master plant believed to impart strength and grounding. Physically, its bark has traditional uses in treating respiratory and circulatory issues. Spiritually, Lupuna Blanca is known to instill a sense of authority and calm confidence. It is considered a stabilizer of personal power, often helping individuals reconnect with their sense of purpose and resilience. Gives strong protection against spiritual and energetic attacks. Teaches patience.

6. Huancahui (Huanquavi) – Petiveria alliacea

Huancahui, sometimes called Huanquavi, is considered a cleansing plant that helps clear energetic blockages and purify the body. Deep physical cleansing. Can induce vomiting. Physically, it is known for its immune-boosting and antimicrobial qualities. On a spiritual level, Huancahui is thought to release stagnant energies, clear mental fog, and support personal renewal, making it valuable for breaking through personal limitations. Warrior spirit.

7. Rayabalsa – Ochroma pyramidale

Rayabalsa, often seen as a “lightener” of the spirit, is used to facilitate gentle emotional release and improve spiritual receptivity. Physically, its lightweight wood has traditional uses in crafting, symbolizing lightness and flexibility. Spiritually, Rayabalsa helps release stress and provides calmness, enhancing meditation and helping individuals to see beyond personal attachments.

8. Bobinsana – Calliandra angustifolia

Bobinsana is known as a heart-opening plant that helps individuals connect with compassion and empathy. Physically, it is used to support circulatory health and reduce inflammation. Spiritually, Bobinsana encourages emotional healing and clarity, making it ideal for those seeking to process grief or emotional trauma. It strengthens the connection to the heart, aiding in forgiveness and self-acceptance.

9. Ayahuma – Couroupita guianensis

Ayahuma, often referred to as the "cannonball tree," is considered a powerful master plant that supports inner transformation. Physically, it is noted for its antibacterial and skin-healing properties. Spiritually, Ayahuma is known for its grounding qualities, facilitating deep introspection and inner strength. It is sometimes viewed as a protector of the spirit, helping individuals confront and transform their deepest fears. Ayahuma is a master tree that is connected to all other jungle trees and plants and contains all the knowledge of other plants.

The Challenge of Dieting Plants

Plant diets are not just a physical challenge but also an emotional and spiritual one. By opening up the subconscious, they allow repressed emotions, memories, and traumas to surface, promoting healing and self-discovery. However, maintaining the integrity of the diet is crucial. Breaking the diet, for instance, by consuming meat or alcohol, is believed to bring significant consequences. Such disruptions can result in physical illness or spiritual repercussions, like bad luck, as the plant "punishes" the breach.

Isolation During Plant Diets

For the duration of a plant diet, practitioners, known as "dieteros," are encouraged to live in isolation. This means refraining from contact with others, avoiding all forms of technology, and spending time alone in a quiet, natural environment—often in a secluded hut in the jungle. Isolation helps maintain a focused, introspective state, enabling the dietero to fully connect with the plant's energy and teachings without external distractions. Through both food and plant diets, practitioners embark on a profound path of self-discovery and healing, guided by the wisdom and spirit of nature's offerings.

MY LEARNING INSIGHTS

Learning Through Tests in Shamanic Practice

In the journey of shamanic learning, students inevitably encounter numerous tests. These tests are similar to academic exams, as shamanic practice is also considered a form of schooling, albeit a deeply spiritual and experiential one. Through these tests, students face challenges that teach resilience, humility, and spiritual insight.

The Nature of Tests in Shamanic Learning

Tests in shamanic practice can come from several sources:

Spirit Plants: The plant being dieted (one chosen for its unique properties) often presents tests to help the student grow in understanding and spirit.
Master Spirit Ayahuasca: This powerful spirit guide offers lessons that may challenge the student’s perceptions and beliefs.
The Teacher: A human mentor or shaman can create tests to encourage growth, instilling discipline and grounding in the process.

One unique aspect of these tests is that they often come without forewarning. Students may not even realize they are in the midst of a test until they have either succeeded or failed, reflecting the unpredictable nature of shamanic learning. The journey is often described as a continuous process, with students only able to understand the meaning of each experience after they’ve come through it.

Types of Shamanic Tests and Their Lessons

Tests of Doubt and Self-Trust
One of the most common challenges is the test of doubt, which often stirs questions about the process and even the student’s own abilities. These tests are designed to challenge and strengthen the student’s inner trust, requiring them to navigate uncertainty and reestablish faith in their path.
Confronting Fears
Tests may also manifest as encounters with personal fears. Students may experience visions or sensations that confront them with their deepest anxieties, often symbolized through imagery or memories. By facing these fears, students build resilience and courage, clearing emotional blockages that hinder growth.
Tests of Ego and Humility
Sometimes, students are given powerful experiences or visions that instill a sense of god-like omnipotence or heightened power. These "ego tests" can be deeply misleading, making the student feel untouchable or overly superior. To pass this test, they must recognize it as a lesson in humility, grounding themselves and letting go of self-centered notions. In doing so, they reconnect with their true purpose of service and respect.
Tests of Acceptance and Letting Go
Not all tests are meant to be passed in the conventional sense. Certain tests emphasize the importance of accepting failure and understanding that surrender is a strength, not a weakness. To "fail" one of these tests is, paradoxically, a success, as it helps the student find peace with their limitations, building self-compassion and inner peace.
The Long Test: Endurance and Patience
Some tests stretch throughout an entire dieta (a dedicated period of working with a spirit plant), requiring the student to cultivate endurance and patience. These prolonged challenges can be extremely taxing, both physically and emotionally. The student may face loneliness, temptation, or doubt but is encouraged to hold on and trust the process.

The Outcome of Passing (or Failing) Tests

For those who remain committed to their path and the teachings, there is often a profound reward at the end. When the journey of learning comes full circle, everything makes sense. Students typically experience an emotional and spiritual lightness, an inner clarity, and a newfound strength. What they have gained is not just knowledge but also a greater harmony with themselves, a deepened resilience, and a stronger spiritual foundation.

Embracing the Journey

The process of shamanic learning is as much about inner transformation as it is about skill acquisition. Each test serves as a stepping stone in the journey of self-discovery, pushing students beyond their perceived limitations. While the tests are often challenging, they pave the way for enlightenment, clarity, and spiritual strength, illuminating the student’s path toward mastery.