Have you ever wondered what a shaman really is? Maybe, like many, you imagine a distant and exotic character you see in documentaries. But let me tell you something: that image is a bit outdated. Today, shamanic practices have left remote places to adapt to modern life, and today's shamans are closer than you think.
A shaman is, above all, a doctor of the soul. Their primary skill is traveling to what experts call non-ordinary reality. Imagine them as an explorer of a spiritual world we can't see. Their mission isn't just to go, but to return to help you. They immerse themselves in these realms to understand the profound nature of the human soul and help you on your journey back to yourself. What they do isn't magic; it's the use of ancient knowledge—a technique of deep immersion with a very real purpose.
The shaman can perceive illness not only in your body but also in your soul. They understand that physical pain, anxiety, or the emptiness you feel can be viewed as psychic darts, just as the native and mestizo shamans of the Amazon jungle understand them. It’s like a dark or heavy energy that has attached itself to us, something we carry without realizing it. Therefore, their work is to help you cleanse and undergo a healing process, restoring the balance between you and your environment. They will help you release those blockages, find harmony in your mind, and reconnect with the wisdom inherent in nature.
On an Ayahuasca retreat, the shaman is more than just a guide: they are your traveling companion, your doctor, and your guardian. At a place like Sapan Inka, the shaman isn't just a facilitator; they are an expert who takes care of you, who has dedicated years to the discipline and to understanding the correct use of Ayahuasca medicine. They don't just use the plant; they work with it as an ally, a spirit full of wisdom.
With their chants and presence, the shaman creates a safe space for the medicine to act. They support you if the journey becomes difficult and help you understand the plant's messages, acting as the interpreter between the Ayahuasca and you. In the end, the shaman is not far from your reality. On the contrary, they are ready to be a bridge between ancient wisdom and your own need for healing.