This summer, you are invited to participate in a rare and life-transforming opportunity as you join Richard Grossman, Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Shamanic Sound Healer on a Sacred Journey he is leading to the upper Peruvian Amazon.

Plant Spirit Medicine

For thousands of years, the native healers of the upper Peruvian Amazon have worked with ancient plant sprit medicines that have the capacity to heal and transform on the deepest physical, emotional and spiritual levels.

One of the foundational medicines native to the upper Amazon is called Ayahuasca.  It is a mixture of two plants, b.caapi and p.viridis.  When they are properly cooked together a synergistic effect occurs and one of the most powerful and ancient of healing medicines is created.

Many refer to it as "medicina". Ayahuasca works on all levels at once: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. The medicina has been used in this manner for perhaps tens of thousands of years. As a Spirit, Ayahuasca is related to the energies of the Earth Mother.  Deeply compassionate and, at the same time, profoundly powerful, she (for she is a she) enters our being on the deepest levels, finds those places that are out of harmony and balance, and allows them to be brought into the light and healed.  Memories and wounds long unremembered float to the surface of awareness and are finally released. Sometime this is intense, a battle between that which wants to maintain its pain and that which is longing for healing.  Sometimes it is as beautiful as a flower unfolding, a breathing out of that which no longer serves, a breathing in of that which is full of life.  And this, always this…surrounded by the beautiful guidance and songs of the Shaman and the music of the jungle. 

The Ceremony

Shortly after dark, we will gather in the Maloca, a large round structure open to the air of the jungle.  Often there is the excitement and anxiety of entering the unknown and, perhaps more accurately, the unremembered.  When all have gathered, a single candle is lit.  The ceremony is beginning.  At the front of the maloca, the shaman lights a cigar or pipe made with mapacho, jungle tobacco. He blows into a bottle, while singing and whistling ancient songs and prayers.  Then one by one, each participant stands and walks to him to receive their medicina.  Each person receives the exact dosage he or she needs for that night’s healing. You drink. The taste is strong. Yet familiar. Tasting of the earth, the soil, the soul of the plant itself. You walk back to your mat. Sit. And wait.  Soon, the sounds of the jungle take on a new characteristic. The shaman begins the first of many icaros, sacred songs inspired by and created from the medicina. And the journey begins. 

After 3-4 hours, the medicina begins to wear off.  Yet the lightness and wisdom from the ceremony remain. You have discovered things that you didn't even know you had to discover. Perhaps you have uncovered elements within that need to be discussed to be understood.  This will happen. Perhaps you have discovered issues that could only begin to heal, that will need to be taken up in the next ceremony.  That will happen.

You now know something of this ancient wisdom. The Spirit of the medicina has worked on you and with you.  A deep peace pervades your being. Lulled by the songs of the creatures of the jungle, you fall into a deep sleep, to awaken in the morning truly renewed.

The Leaders 

We will be working with an astounding indigenous Shaman, known for his wisdom and his songs. You will receive personal counseling from him that will include a daily herbal program and a diet tailored to your individual needs. Dr. Grossman will provide healing sessions, both and private, to help remove blocks and to increase understanding of the processes that will be opened up during the evening ceremonies.

Schedule

The intention of the Journey is one of healing and transformation. To facilitate this, the schedule will be simple and focused.  Every day will begin with the group gathering for group counsel, meditation, and healing work. On the days we have evening ceremonies, the late morning and afternoons will be spent in quiet contemplation and journal writing, individual sessions, group conversations and lectures, or enjoying the quiet and serenity of the jungle. The evening ceremonies last until after after midnight. Then deeply restful sleep, accompanied by the beautiful music of the jungle creatures. 

Non-ceremony days will also begin Counsel and group exercises.  Then the day will allow for more individual and group work or excursions to the many points of interest in the area. 

Accommodations

The food is excellent, consisting of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, as well as abundant (and often unusual) tropical fruits and vegetables.  Rooms are basic (actually luxurious by jungle standards), but nice and very clean, and fully screened in. Each cabin has a private bathroom and shower.  Swimming pools, the river, and a natural creek provide opportunities for swimming.

Cost

The cost, excluding airfare and overnight accommodations in Lima, is $1750.00 (US) for 10 days and nights.  This includes all ceremonial work, individual work with a Shaman, personal healing sessions with Richard, lectures and discussions, all food at the lodge, purified water, ground transportation, special excursions, and laundry.  There will be a discount for those who have attended previous Journeys. Contact us for more information.

In addition, Richard will speak with you prior to the Journey about your goals and how you can use diet and purification practices to best prepare yourself for this experience.

To keep this experience as focused as possible, we are limiting the journey to 15 participants.  

Andean Shamanism Journey - June 14-24

On this Journey, we will experience the extraordinary Andean Highlands including Cusco, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley.  This would include several medicine ceremonies led by an Andean Shaman, with a possible excursion to Lake Titicaca.  Please let us know if this interests you. For more information about this, please visit heartfeather.com. 

Application

Our intention is to make this one of the most incredible travel and growth experiences you have ever had. Toward this end, participants will be carefully chosen.

To start this process, please download the application by clicking here: Peru Application.  Please complete the application thoughtfully and return it as soon as possible.  We are only accepting 15 people, and far more than that will likely apply.

Please also send a $500.00 deposit via Pay Pal (to acudoc@acudoc.com) or via check. This deposit is refundable if the Journey is canceled, or if all the spaces are filled before we receive it, or if for any reason I feel that the Journey is not right for you at this time. If all the spaces are already taken you can have the option of being placed on a waiting list.  The balance will be due by April 21, 2007

Once accepted, you will receive more information, including what to bring, what precautions you need to take in Peru, and most importantly, what you can begin to do today to prepare yourself, body, mind, and spirit, for this remarkable Journey.

Blessings and Peace,

Richard