3 Common Plant Medicine Retreats
Plant medicine retreat programs have been recently exploding in popularity as a powerful means of experiencing a spiritual awakening. There are several different types of retreats, but they all share many common characteristics. Each type of plant medicine healing program has a shaman leading the experience and—at the core of every ceremony—an enigmatic drink made from ancient entheogenic plants. However, as you explore the world of plant medicine, you'll find that different cultures use different plants to produce their unique spiritual drink. Here are the three most common plant medicines used in these retreats.
Ayahuasca
The ayahuasca ceremony is the most powerful and intense healing ceremony. Originally a staple in ancient Mayan and Aztec culture, ayahuasca has been used in religious ceremonies throughout Central and South America for thousands of years. These ceremonies are now most commonly found in certain South American countries such as Brazil and Peru. Unlike the other sacred healing drinks, the powerful ayahuasca spiritual drink is made by combining two plants that grow naturally in the Amazon Basin. These plants are the ayahuasca vine and the leaves of a small Amazonian jungle shrub known as the Chacruna. Only when combined do these incredible healing plants unleash their full potential to create an intense spiritual experience.
Peyote
The peyote ceremony is a type of ceremony that is currently most commonly found in Mexico and the southwestern area of the United States. This is due to the fact that the peyote plant itself is a cactus that is native to Mexico and southwestern Texas. Interestingly enough, the peyote plant has no spines despite being a cactus. This unique characteristic is thought to be potentially reflective of its healing properties. Peyote has also been used in religious ceremonies for thousands of years and has been a staple of Aztec, Huichol, and Navajo culture. The peyote spiritual drink is made from the top portion of the peyote cactus—otherwise known as the crown or button. This portion of the plant alone is enough to induce a heightened state of spirituality.
Cacao
The cacao ceremonies can be found throughout the Americas. However, they are originally a staple of Mayan and Aztec culture going back hundreds of years. The cacao fruit is native to Central and South America, where it is harvested, fermented, and ground to produce the cacao spiritual drink. While the other ceremonies involve a more intense spiritual experience, cacao ceremonies tend to gently uplift the soul. Due to being relatively easy on one's mind and spirit, they are a great way to begin one's journey into the world of plant medicine healing.
Conclusion
As you can see, plant medicine retreat programs can vary from culture to culture, but the spiritual benefits of each ceremony can't be denied. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, there's a healing ceremony that's built just for you!
Look into a plant medicine retreat program, like at The Sacred House Eden, for more information.