7 Master Plants
These master plants are revered as sacred allies in shamanic traditions, each offering unique pathways to healing, wisdom, and spiritual growth. These plants are revered in various cultures for their profound effects on the mind, body, and spirit, often used in traditional rituals and healing practices.
MAMITA COCA
Sacred to the Andean peoples, coca leaves are revered for their ability to connect the physical and spiritual realms. Traditionally chewed or brewed into tea, coca enhances endurance, eases hunger, and combats altitude sickness. It is considered a gift from the gods, providing energy and clarity to those who partake in its blessings.
Tayta Shairy (Nicotiana rustica)
Known as the sacred mapacho, Shairy tobacco is a powerful plant used by shamans to purify and protect. Its smoke is a conduit to the spirit world, used in rituals to cleanse energies, offer prayers, and establish a sacred space. Shairy embodies the spirit of transformation and communication with the divine.
Wilka (Anadenanthera colubrina)
Also called Vilca, this ancient visionary plant holds profound spiritual significance. The seeds of Wilka are used in sacred ceremonies to induce deep, introspective visions, allowing shamans to journey into other realms. Through its guidance, seekers receive wisdom, healing, and divine messages.
Yakukilla (Echinopsis pachanoi)
Known as Yakukilla or Wachuma is a revered cactus with the spirit of a wise elder. Used in Andean shamanic rituals, it opens the heart and mind to profound spiritual experiences. Yakukilla guides the soul through healing, self-discovery, and communion with the cosmos, fostering a deep sense of unity with all life.
Wachuma, commonly known as San Pedro, is a traditional medicinal cactus native to the Andes, particularly in Peru and Ecuador. The name “San Pedro” refers to Saint Peter, who, in Christian tradition, is the gatekeeper to heaven. This name was given because the cactus is believed to open the “gates of heaven” for those who consume it, offering profound spiritual and healing experiences. The use of San Pedro in shamanic rituals dates back thousands of years, with its psychoactive properties facilitating deep introspection and connection with the divine.
WANTO
Wanto is a mystical plant spirit, esteemed for its ability to alter consciousness. Shamans use Wanto in sacred ceremonies to access higher states of awareness, diagnose spiritual ailments, and heal the soul. It is a bridge to the unseen world, revealing hidden truths and guiding spiritual journeys.
Chamico (Datura spp.)
Chamico, or Jimsonweed, is a plant of great power and caution. Its spirit is invoked in shamanic rites for its profound hallucinogenic properties. Chamico opens the gates to other dimensions, allowing deep exploration of the subconscious. Its use requires respect and guidance due to its potent and potentially dangerous nature.
Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi)
Ayahuasca, the vine of the soul, is a sacred brew central to Amazonian shamanism. Prepared with chacruna leaves, it unlocks the spirit’s visions, facilitating profound healing and spiritual insight. Ayahuasca ceremonies are sacred journeys led by shamans, guiding participants through realms of the spirit for transformation, enlightenment, and connection with the divine.