I’ve heard it said that the medicine is everywhere, we just need to learn how to find it. Last week, I was taught a lesson that took my understanding of this concept to the next level.
I had the honor of sitting down with two distinguished medicine workers from the high Peruvian Andes. You often hear us speak about the crucial role that shamanic apprenticeship plays in keeping these ancient traditions alive – well these two individuals are living proof of the power this time-tested model holds.
Upon first meeting Sebastian and Santiago, you are struck by the difference in their outward appearance. Sebastian, a native Hatan Pampamisayuq (meaning “high level ceremonialist and healer” in Q’ero tradition), wears the bright-colored garb that is customary in the Ausangate region of the high Andes. By contrast, Santiago (who goes by Dr. J.E. Williams here in the States) is a fashionably dressed American in his mid sixties. Within minutes of watching their fluid interaction, it becomes very clear that Sebastian is mentor and Santiago is student.
I had an extensive list of questions prepared for this long-awaited meeting, but once the conversation started I realized that my outline was not going to serve me. Sebastian and Santiago were not here to give me a vivid rundown of the ancient Q’eros – the last of the mighty Incans, or to regale me with miraculous healing feats they had performed. They were here as representatives of their boss, Pachamama, and we were going to be sticking to simple and potent truths. Medicine for the masses.
There were five thunderbolts of wisdom shared over our intimate three-hour discussion, but they wouldn’t all fit into this article. I will do my best to illustrate one major concept today, and with Sebastian and Santiago’s permission, I will post more in the weeks to come.
The following teaching is best summed up in three words: patience, permission, and respect.
Toward the beginning of our conversation, Sebastian (who only speaks Spanish and Quechua) asked if I had ever tried Ayahuasca before. When I answered yes, he asked why I had chosen to seek out this powerful plant medicine. The word “curiosity” came out without hesitation and this elicited a big and wise Q’ero smile from the elder. “That’s 99.9% of the people who use Ayahuasca now.”
The rest of his response was in Quechua, so Santiago jumped in to assist with the translation. “Sebastian is saying that the indigenous cultures from which these powerful plant medicines originate treat these rituals with great respect. The plant ceremonies are not learned without the permission of the spirits. Only when one has the fortitude and patience to sit and listen to his or her natural surroundings will they begin to notice the signs and synchronicities that indicate whether they are on their spirit’s intended path. These portals or bridges will communicate whether a seeker has permission to pursue a mighty plant ally like Ayahuasca. Without this permission, and the guidance of an experienced ceremonialist, the power plants can be quite dangerous.”
Sebastian’s eyes were an impossible combination of childlike glee and timeless wisdom. “She is called Mother Ayahuasca for a reason – she should be approached with humility, respect, and permission.”
The next piece is what struck me the deepest and has already been the catalyst of a major personal shift. Santiago continued his stirring translation of Sebastian’s words, “And even when you’ve learned to listen, and the portal has opened granting you permission, you do not just barge through. This is the American way, but it won’t serve you on the spirit path. Once you have permission, you pause with deep respect and proceed to make a series of offerings, waiting for some indication of what to do next. This itself can take years, but in the process you will learn how to connect deeper with nature and yourself.”
Santiago continued in his own words, “So many people come to Peru to have a big experience with the entheogenic plants, but most haven’t yet cultivated a relationship with the common plants that grow in or around their own home. If you don’t know how to care for a small garden or a house plant, what business do you have requesting a one-on-one meeting with the mother of all plants, Ayahuasca?
Perhaps we should take a step back before we lean forward.”
Later on, I brought out a San Pedro cactus that my wife and I had rescued from the local Target nursery, and we discussed the irony that a sacred plant like this was being sold in such large quantities as a yard ornament. Santiago pointed out that this was a perfect opportunity to demonstrate how to properly respect a plant. They prepared a small ceremony – intended to clear stagnant or negative energy and infuse the young San Pedro cactus with a blessing.
Sebastian withdrew a pouch of coca leaves from his bag and Santiago did the same with a sack of uncured tobacco. Sage and palo santo were lit, and a rather intense ceremony for our prickly friend ensued. The leaves of coca and tobacco were blessed and buried in the soil around the cactus and the ceremonial act was complete.
Washing his hands with the traditional Agua De Florida, Santiago instructed, “Remember, this particular variety is quite partial to morning sunlight and likes it on the dry side, so don’t over water. Place it right underneath that window and it will thrive.”
Spoken like an individual who decided long ago to make the medicine path a life endeavor, and hasn’t taken any shortcuts along the way.
Patience, permission, respect.
Stay curious,
Nick Polizzi
Director, The Sacred Science
Thank you for sharing this precious wisdom of the elders. May all beings benefit!
A good texf explaining that access to spirit depends on inner spirit and one’s inner alchemy.
However, be aware that many highly respected native americans of the 1800’s have reincarnated in Europe over the past 60 years and are held in utmost respect by wisdom keepers around the planet – and they wield even greater medicine than in their past life. And traditionals are learning FROM THEM!
Therefore, careful with any kind of “box” associated with body molecules… it is SPIRIT that matters.
And it comes in all shapes and surprises.
hello eric,
your comment has piqued my interest. may i ask you to share more, please?
thank you!!
patrice
dear nick i read you are from ct
i live in ct, wondering if you could inform me of any scared sites here ?
thanks for your help
love&light
Thank you for this post. I am an avid gardener, and actually consider myself to be a plant, although in human form. Thank you for the reminder to be respectful and patient…. I am looking forwrd to the continuation.
Thanks for sharing this Nick. I look forward to the rest of the interview.
I journeyed to Peru in July 2013 for the primary purpose of shamanic healing. It concerns me that so many people venture to this sacred land in search of their next drug trip. The purity, power and grace of Mother Ayahuasca deserve far more respect and understanding.
Nick,
Thank you so much for sharing about the words you had with Santiago and Sebastian. It is such confirmation to me that my intuition has been correct to take my time in approaching Mother Ayahuasca. Each time I felt the opportunity arise I did not feel ready…and while I deeply desire to experience her wisdom, I find my learning more here in the us about Herbs and Holistic healing could greatly prepare me not only to approach her, but also to be of deeper service to the people who are stewards of her precious lands. It is always a great honor to receive your updates about Paititi and the wisdom you are all embracing. It is nothing short of humbling to even be involved in your network. Know I am with all of you in my spirit, and look forward to the present moments to come in which I am called to the rainforest in my physical body. Love and Light Always ~Miss Alberta Qamar
This was amazing and insightful. Please tell us about experience with Ayahuasca
Thank you for this! I took once the plant with respect, but not with patience – and the experience was not nice. I totally understand this conversation!
Thank you Nick for another interesting article. Your curiosity and exploration of shamanic practices and plant medicines feeds my own yearning to know more about these subjects. Your articles ring true with integrity and an honest desire to communicate what you are learning. Thanks and “stay curious”!
I love your work and am very interested in healing and South American healing traditions. Could you please put the pronunciation of these unfamiliar words beside said word; ie Ayahauasca and Quechua? What does Ayahausasca mean?…I am hungry for more knowledge in these areas…Thank you so much Nick for what you do…Warm regards ..D S
Wonderful article! I recently watched a film which exemplified the complete opposite of the 3 tenants expressed here…it was funny, however! It was called “Crystal Fairy and the Magical Cactus”. It was filmed in Chile…
Thank you for the above which has made me consider my plants more sensitively. I also appreciate the written word over videos which are difficult to hear. Blessings.
Thank you, Nick. Work of synchronocities made me read your post. I cannot wait for the next!
BLESS YOU NICK FOR CONTINUING YOUR JOURNEY AND CONTINUING TO SHARE THESE BEAUTIFUL TEACHINGS WITH US.jOYA
My walk on the medicine path started when I was 13 with a gift from my grandfather, but not centered around herbs. It’s easy to forget that one can learn and extend healing in many ways. Nevertheless I love the respect indigenous people have for plants and how they tend to their use according to moon cycle and time of day.
Aloha,
/Alexandra
This brings tears into my Heart. Years ago, under instruction from a jesuit priest, I experienced the arena of healing. It was a moment when dimensions faded and I felt love and creation around me. The only other time I have known this was looking into the eyes of my new born sons. I deeply regret walking away from further learning as I ‘assume’ I would now be of assistance to others. This morning when I read how we must first learn to respect plants before seeking their healing gift I felt the past come forward and regret part of what held me back was a deep fear of using any form of mind altering modality without supervision or training. So many people are obsessed with drugs. I wonder if they are lost spiritual warriors seeking to reconnect with creative love. I do not know the answer but now wish I’d stayed to learn and be a positive influence to prevent people from further wounding their lives.. walk gently
I almost never leave a response, but i did some searching and wound
up here Patience, Permission and Respect
I’m no longer certain the place you are getting your information, but great topic.
I needs to spend a while learning more or figuring out more.
Thank you for magnificent information I used to be searching for
this information for my mission.
my blog post – Game of War – Fire Age Hack & Cheats Tool
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis.
It will always be interesting to read articles from other authors and practice a little something from
other web sites.
Also visit my website :: download spider man unlimited
hack (Yvonne)
Hi there! I know this is somewhat off topic but
I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having
difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!
my blog :: spider-man unlimited cheats
Awesome article.
Here is my blog post :: spiderman unlimited hack
I simply could not leave your web site before suggesting that I extremely loved the standard
info a person provide on your visitors? Is gonna be again regularly in order to inspect new posts
my webpage head soccer hack
A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment.
I do believe that you need to write more on this subject, it may
not be a taboo subject but typically people don’t talk about
these topics. To the next! All the best!!
My website spiderman unlimited hack
It’s enormous that you are getting thoughts from this post as well as from our discussion made at this time.
Also visit my homepage :: hack spiderman unlimited (Eunice)
What’s up, I log on to your blog regularly. Your story-telling style is witty,
keep up the good work!
Also visit my blog post … head soccer hack
Fantastic beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your site, how can i subscribe for
a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
Check out my web page: gt racing 2 hack.zip [Lorrine]
sensitivity. They have a distinct search in conditions of style and shades, such as Camo types.
But people are doing it every day.
Here is my web page moviestarplanet hack tool
Wow, this paragraph is pleasant, my sister is analyzing
such things, so I am going to convey her.
Also visit my page … head soccer hack
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you
writing this write-up and also the rest of the website
is also really good.
Here is my homepage: spider man unlimited iso 8 hack (Reuben)
Whats up very nice web site!! Guy .. Beautiful ..
Superb .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds additionally?
I am satisfied to find so many useful information here in the publish, we’d like develop more techniques in this regard,
thank you for sharing. . . . . .
Feel free to surf to my blog – spiderman unlimited hack
Your style is really unique in comparison to other people
I have read stuff from. Many thanks for posting
when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark
this blog.
My weblog brave frontier hack apk
you are truly a excellent webmaster. The site loading pace is
amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick.
Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you
have done a wonderful activity on this matter!
Visit my page cheat head soccer
It’s impressive that you are getting ideas from this paragraph as well
as from our discussion made at this time.
my blog post :: solar electric san diego ca
Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!
Take a look at my web page … roofing shingles repair Fayetteville
A person necessarily assist to make severely posts I would state.
That is the first time I frequented your website page and thus far?
I surprised with the analysis you made to create this particular publish amazing.
Great task!
Visit my weblog: brave frontier hack download (Elba)
Undeniably imagine that that you said. Your favorite justification appeared to be at the net the easiest factor to understand of.
I say to you, I certainly get irked even as other folks consider concerns that they
just do not realize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top as neatly as defined
out the whole thing with no need side-effects , people could take a signal.
Will likely be back to get more. Thank you
My web blog … seo and link building
Great blog you have here but I was curious if you knew of any community forums that cover the
same topics talked about here? I’d really love to be a part
of community where I can get feedback from other knowledgeable individuals
that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Kudos!
Here is my page Heaven Sent Floor Care Plano Texas reviews
I am sure this article has touched all the internet viewers,
its really really fastidious piece of writing on building up new web site.
Also visit my page :: roof replacement cost estimator Newnan
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you writing this article plus
the rest of the site is very good.
Feel free to visit my web page EPDM rubber industrial roofing experts in Fort Worth
Great blog here! Also your website loads up very fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Also visit my site raleigh North Carolina garage door prices
I am in fact thankful to the owner of this site who has shared this enormous article at at this time.
My blog post teeth cosmetic Dallas
Great blog you have here but I was curious if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics talked
about in this article? I’d really love to be a
part of community where I can get comments from other experienced individuals that share the same interest.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know.
Thanks a lot!
Here is my web-site … hail damaged roof Peachtree City
I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or weblog posts on this kind of space .
Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this website.
Studying this info So i am satisfied to convey that I have a
very good uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed. I such a lot indisputably will make certain to do
not overlook this web site and give it a look on a relentless
basis.
Look at my web page; plumber bath Dayton Oh
If some one wants expert view concerning blogging and site-building afterward
i suggest him/her to pay a visit this webpage, Keep up the nice job.
Feel free to surf to my webpage – Video Production Company Dunwoody
It’s very trouble-free to find out any matter on net as compared
to textbooks, as I found this post at this web page.
Here is my web site … how to get a loan for a car san antonio
Hurrah! Finally I got a blog from where I be capable of genuinely get valuable information regarding my study and knowledge.
Look into my weblog; commercial plumbing supplies Springfield Oh
We’re a gaggle of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your website provided us with useful info to work on. You have
done an impressive activity and our whole neighborhood might be
grateful to you.
My site; endodontist queens ny
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your website.
It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire
out a designer to create your theme? Superb work!
Also visit my weblog … commercial roof repair company Suwanee
I visited multiple blogs except the audio quality for audio songs existing at this site is actually fabulous.
Feel free to surf to my webpage … drain services Dayton Oh
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.
Here is my homepage: top search engine optimization Dallas
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after looking at many of the posts I realized it’s new to me.
Anyhow, I’m definitely pleased I stumbled upon it and I’ll
be book-marking it and checking back often!
Have a look at my page :: residential re roofing contractor Duluth
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
You definitely know what youre talking about, why waste
your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could
be giving us something enlightening to read?
my blog post :: discovery beijing
Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an extremely long comment but
after I clicked submit my comment didn’t appear.
Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again.
Anyhow, just wanted to say excellent blog!
Review my page solar panel facts san diego ca
I’m curious to find out what blog system you’re working
with? I’m experiencing some small security problems with my latest site and I would like to find something more safeguarded.
Do you have any suggestions?
Also visit my web site … alternative medicine boston atlanta ga
We are a gaggle of volunteers and opening a
brand new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable info to work on.
You’ve performed a formidable activity and our whole neighborhood will probably be grateful to you.
my web-site – head soccer hack
This article will assist the internet people for setting up new web site or even a blog from start
to end.
My weblog best criminal defense lawyer in New Orleans
I visited various sites however the audio quality for audio songs present at this site is
really excellent.
Feel free to visit my web blog; clinic dentist philadelphia pa
Great article, just what I needed.
My web blog :: best garage door durham
Simply desire to say your article is as amazing. The clarity to your put up is
simply great and i could assume you’re an expert
in this subject. Fine with your permission let me
to grab your RSS feed to stay updated with drawing close post.
Thanks 1,000,000 and please keep up the rewarding work.
Stop by my web-site storm damage roof Smyrna
Hello, all is going sound here and ofcourse every one is sharing data, that’s genuinely fine,
keep up writing.
Review my web-site; link building outsourcing
Wow, marvelous blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you make blogging look easy. The overall look of
your website is excellent, let alone the content!
Feel free to visit my blog – best dental office philadelphia pa
If you wish for to obtain a good deal from this paragraph then you have to
apply such methods to your won website.
Feel free to visit my web page :: roof damage from storm Snellville
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thanks, However I am
encountering problems with your RSS. I don’t know why
I am unable to join it. Is there anybody
having the same RSS problems? Anyone that knows the solution will you kindly respond?
Thanx!!
Feel free to visit my blog how to repair shingles Covington
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty.
You’re amazing! Thanks!
Check out my web blog :: roof replacement estimate Marietta
If you are creating a cabling system to be utilized in the Usa or Canada, you need to comply with
the ANSI/TIA -568-C criterion.
My page :: data cabling contractors perth
Specific hydraulic course escapes, not alone dirty the surroundings,
but you will also slow up the having access to products function as well as the providers time.
Also on-board the Bolt concept car is advanced driver assist features like an automated
park-and-retrieval system where the car parks itself in a parking garage,
and retrieves itself via a smart phone app. This really is
potentially because of the adrenaline issue; the shock towards the animal is much more significant by using a superior powered rifle than that of a crossbow or compound bow.
my web blog energy alloys houston (Lea)
What i do not understood is in truth how you are not actually a lot more well-liked than you might
be right now. You are very intelligent. You already
know thus considerably when it comes to this subject,
produced me for my part believe it from numerous various angles.
Its like women VideoPages by Aravindh Sridhar and Josha Zamora men don’t seem to be interested unless it is one thing to do with Girl gaga!
Your individual stuffs nice. Always take care
of it up!
A good lesson on patience and listening for the next step. Thankyou.
Thank you for sharing your experience and these beautiful & powerful teachings from the elders . This was very helpful to me today . Many good blessings .
Life – Breathe…
Thanks for the reminder.
I agree, more info would be nice!
Beautiful reminder of the simplicity of life that needs our surrender and acceptance before our Ego’s want to take the giant leaps they ‘think’ they need. Great blog x
Thank you for this website, blog and the Sacred Science film. Wow. Any news on the patients in the movie (I’m curious)?
Thank you for this wisdom and sharing it with the world. Blessings
Thanks Nick, I have this San Pedro Cactus. Growing it for some 18 years. I am wondering if the flower holds and medicine. I do know that it smells amazing! Most other cactus flowers that I have smelled are not a nice smell. This one you can smell from several feet away. I thought it was interesting that he said “plant it under a window” mine is under my window on the south side of my house. So, I am on the right track with caring for her!
A deep and humble Thank You, it made me cry.
This comes at such a great time. We are heading into Mercury retrograde period. Many people get so frustrated with that energy, computer break down, meetings postponed, headaches and so on. I was just talking about my husband this is not most to be like that. Mercury retrograde is suppose to slow us down to take it easy. Otherwise to remember; patience, permission and respect.
Just wish to say your article is as surprising.
The clearness in your submit is just spectacular and that i could think you’re a professional on this subject.
Fine with your permission allow me diet plans for women to lose weight grab your feed to
stay up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks
a million and please keep up the gratifying work.
ONE SHOULD PAY ATTENTION BEFORE TAKING AYAHUASCA AS IT NOW HAS BECOME A FASHION IN THING AND SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE NO CLUE
I usually take trades in the overall direction around the 4-hour chart.
When negotiating the sale price for the car you try to bargain on the dealer if you don. The background to case starts simply
then veers off into one with the most complex legal cases Scotland has ever
seen. Because of the it’s best to work with a financial advisor or stock broker while you might be learning the right path throughout the
world of investing inside stock market in addition to mutual funds.
This can be done because suppose you risk about 10 pips per trade, so you can require a
position of approximately 5 mini lots ($1 per pip movement), that will
lose you $50 or cause you to be about $75 if the
average gain is 15 pips. If you would like to learn more reading my Russ Horn Forex Income Boss tips to those two forex indicators here,
there are plenty more details available if you benefit
from those two indicators and employ them within your
foreign currency trading strategies.
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.
My site frequent urination
Wonderful blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers?
I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go
for a paid option? There are so many choices
out there that I’m totally confused .. Any recommendations?
Thank you!
my webpage DonteNZambrana
Having read this I thought it was extremely enlightening.
I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this short article together.
I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time
both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still
worthwhile!
my page spiderman unlimited hack
Hi there, after reading this awesome article i
am too delighted to share my knowledge here with mates.
My homepage spiderman unlimited hack
This post presents clear idea for what are the best running shoes for men new people of blogging,
that really how to do blogging.
Orthopaedic Best Trail Running Shoes for Men are
specialized and also under physician’s suggestions to be able to address a specialized ft.
Nowadays most of us tend to purchase a unique variety of boot depending on our own routines.
For these runners stress injuries are a particular
problem.