WHAT SOUTHERN AFRICAN WISDOMS HAVE TO OFFER THE WEST #13

“Drugs (and sacred mind altering plants) allow us to taste the beyond but do not make us masters of the transcendental.”
Sri Satyananda

I thought that I would devote the last blog of the series to my personal ideas on entheogens. My disclaimer is that I am not an expert but maybe that enables me to have a broader view of the subject especially in the light of my sangoma training. Entheogens (sacred mind altering plants used in ceremony) are not part of sangoma initiation so I am going outside of the title of the blog. 

They are, however, a powerful tool for shamans that use them especially in North and South America.

In Southern Africa using entheogens for divination or healing is extremely rare today. There are very few mind altering plants in Southern Africa that are safe. Certain plants were used previously but the method of preparation has been lost in time. Otherwise they are extremely dangerous. 

The Native American, Chumash of California's central coast used Datura in the past but this too can be lethal and the details of its safe use have also disappeared.

In Gabon, Iboga which contains Ibogaine, is used effectively by shamans but this plant does not exist in the south. Iboga is extremely powerful, as its South American counterpart, Ayahuasca. Both have been used successfully in the treatment of drug addiction. It seems as if the plant allows one to "see exactly" who they have become in such a drastic way as to make remission possible.

 

The use of mind altering plants are now becoming main stream in the West. Mind altering plants have become popular especially since they are non addicting. This was not true for musicians using drugs to increase their creativity and which had serious and often fatal consequences. A few have now used Ayahuasca and crafted songs out of the experience.

Entheogens should always be used in sacred space with the right set and setting, the "right" folks attending and a competent shaman or guide. This is not always the case. There is mastery required in facilitating the process. Some participants may be bringing heavy personal baggage to the ceremony. Since the "Field' is now open negative energy can effect others in the group. Moreover, if the Field is unprotected, tricksters can potentially pollute the sacred space. Competent shamans  know how to manage the demons inside the ones partaking and also outside of them resident in the Field. Deciding on who to go to for the experience should be like looking for a neurosurgeon to correct an ailment. One should do one's homework before embarking on this "trip."

Although I had two Ayahuasca experiences in 1987 in Peru's Amazon, and I found them enlightening I chose to go the sangoma way for initiation as a sangoma in Swaziland, South Africa in 2000. 

For myself I found the experiences rewarding but a little like going up in a helicopter to the top of a high peak with a broad view of the landscape that would have been impossible otherwise. I experienced things that I could never see in my prior yoga practice or in meditation a few of which were clairvoyant. I confirmed that many of the phenomena I had read in yoga and other texts were true and now could be true for me too. I felt I had been privileged to experience them and they were real even if I would never see them again until I left the planet and crossed over the veil between the worlds. I also had a near death experience and no longer fear death. No longer fearing death can be a vital part of the encounter.

Everyone's experience with these plants will be unique to themselves and often also to their culture and even religion.

In sangoma tradition connection to the spirit world is achieved during initiation through drumming and dancing. Entheogens are not used. The word Sangoma (Zulu for the equivalent of a shaman) comes from the word Ngoma which means a drum. It is the drum and the dance that call the attention of one's guides during initiation and bring them home to the sangoma in trance, divination or dreams. Sangomas (also called Nyangas) use "possession," bones and dreams for diagnosis and rituals using sacred plants for treatment of the condition/s. The bones are like a psycho-spiritual C.T. scan and in experienced hands should be about 80% accurate.

A few words on sacred geometry which can be found in some of these  plants of power.

“Everything the Power of the World does is done in a circle. The sky is round and … the earth is round like a ball and so are all the stars. The wind in its great power whirls. Birds make their nests in circle, for theirs is the same religion as ours. The sun comes forth and goes down again in a circle. The moon does the same and both are round. Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing.” 
Black Elk

Some shapes and designs of themselves lend themselves more easily and align more truly to a natural connection, for instance, the circle and the spiral. Their very form speaks to essence in creation.
 

There are other shapes and designs that represent sacred geometry apart from the circle and the spiral.

If one looks carefully at the design in certain entheogens we can see the symbol of a hexagon which is also the symbol of the heart chakra. The hexagon represents sacred geometry which we can see throughout the ages.

These entheogens can open the heart chakra. This principle also can be extrapolated to the Law of Similars.

 If something resembles the other, it can affect the other. 

Cross section of San Pedro cactus which contains mescaline - many plants are hexagonal in their shape.

The affect of mescaline is similar to that of psilocybin in magic mushrooms and tends to be gentle. 

The FDA has now cleared psilocybin for use in selected patients and for research. 

The F.D.A. are way behind what is now evolving in popular culture.

Stanislav Grof was using LSD in his experiments in the 60's with amazingly beneficial results until its use became illegal.

Cross section of Ayahuasca which contains D.M.T. demonstrating the hexagon - if one connects the dots.

Ayahuasca grows as a liana often spiraling much like the Sun and Moon main channels of the chakra system or like the Caduceus. 

Hermes who carried the Caduceus was the Messenger of the gods (the master of the Field...) 

It can open the heart chakra and balance the Sun and Moon channels to allow Kundalini energy to move up the spine and open the Third Eye. The Sun channel expands, is hot, red in color and represents the masculine energy. The Moon channel contacts, is blue in color and represents the feminine energy. This sacred geometry can also be seen as the perfect combination of masculine and faminine during the mating of two snakes.

Even in Peyote used by the Native Americans in ceremony - one can see a semblance of a hexagon in the grooves. 

The hexagon's symbol of the heart chakra signifies that it can help us open this most challenging chakra. These are examples of sacred geometry in the plant kingdom. The Ancestors affirm that like all the Beings of Nature the Growing Beings have a profound consciousness that we can tap into.

In spite of the transformational power resident in entheogens and their use there are certain concerns regarding their being used unethically. When I did ceremony in the jungle in 1987 it was free. If one wanted to, one could give a donation. 

There is nothing wrong with charging for facilitating the experience but to be in compliance with the sacred power of the plant and the Field any exchange of energy should not be abused. Ideally one should have another source of income and not have to rely on the financial rewards of the plant spirit to be in complete compliance with spirit. 

Union do Vegetal in Brazil is an Ayahuasca church whose ministers receive no payment. The translation of União do Vegetal is, Union of the Plants. 

“A mere glimpse of reality can be mistaken for complete realization.” Gampopa

There are some who after several experiences portray themselves as "shamans" without having had formal training which can take many years. Furthermore, they may not have an intimate relationship with the plant and may not even know what it looks like in the wild or how best to prepare it. The more attention and intention one gives to the details, the more the power of the medicine and the more the Field responds. The plants I believe if possible are best imbibed in their own ecosystem rather than being prepared and used remote from it.

Regarding Ayahuasca, the vision vine of the Amazon, the Icaro or sacred song which is sung throughout the ritual is key to the effect of the plant as is the Chacruna additive which activates the D.M.T. The Icaro comes to the Ayahuascero shaman out of initiation from the spirit world or some believe from the plant itself. The Icaro drives the experience.  

Yes, the facilitator can sing someone else's Icaro but singing or playing Western music will not be the same. The plants requires a certain simple but profound vibration that comes from spirit.

Even though entheogens (Ayahuasca, San Pedro cactus, Peyote) can lead to transcendental experiences, as Westerners we have to be very careful and respectful when using them. They should only be taken in sacred space with an experienced shaman, guide, therapist or mentor who can protect the participants and the sacred space. 

The use of entheogens continues to increase amongst Westerners.

To paraphrase Huston Smith about his own experiences with enthreogens, that once

one has opened the door one does not have to keep on knocking. 

The inner work still needs to be done after the door has opened. 

There are other lesser well known entheogens apart from the ones discussed . In the Americas indigenous peoples depend on these entheogens for healing and wholeness whereas we Westerners may want to consider ourselves occasional visitors to this powerful experience.

 When we have a special request, the Rolling Stones remind us that

 

"You dont always get what you want but if you try you might get what you need." 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT SOUTHERN AFRICAN WISDOMS HAVE TO OFFER THE WEST #12

“All healing is in the hands of the Creator . It can be delegated to intermediaries for designated moments.” Rev Ben Shimon

If you want to ask the "Field" for help, 

and for those that are healers, 

it is best to open Sacred Space as a container for your prayers and intentions.

Sacred Space

Open formally - call in your Guides or Spirit

Drum, rattle

Light Incense 

Allow Healing to occur

Close the Space and give thanks

All healing comes through the Field, through our guides and from the Infinite One to help, heal, inspire, transform and protect. This energy is essentially universal love that emanates from the Creator. Some living beings are chosen more powerfully to channel this energy be it a person or even a pet but we all have some ability to do so. 

"Only love can generate the healing fire." Agnes Sanford

There are several essential, basic intentions that we can send out to the Field for help when calling our guides 

Healing 

Protection

Cleansing 

Asking for a dream

Asking for anything else ...

One or two plants can serve for any of these requests. If one is a plant lover, specific plants can be chosen and individualized for certain requests. Cedar and white sage (or any sage) are plants of power and can be used for our requests. They can be used for incense and smudging or be placed in water to cleanse. 

I will not discuss sacred plants used in Southern Africa where sangomas use the same principles without formal knowledge of the so called laws of Similars and Contagion.

Each ecosystem has it own unique incense and aromatic plants like  juniper, lavender, mint, rosemary all of which can be used. 

Imbibing the sacred has benefits too. Aromatic and savory plants can be used in cooking in a ritual to cleanse and clear negativity. 

Placing a sage leaf in a water bottle can change the vibration of the water and protect. 

Without the intent to carry the message, the process alone will hold less power. It is strong intention and the plant that become the container for that request and that give it traction.

One does not have to have an extensive knowledge of plants to be effective. One can use any plant. 

Community creates Coherence 

providing everyone involved has positive intent. Even a few participants can create a bigger container for Coherence with the Field.  Sometimes "it takes a village." The sum of the parts become greater than the whole creating synergy.

Red is a protective, cleansing, color in sangoma medicine as well as universally. Wearing red clothing or a wrist band fortified by a sacred plant infusion can protect. One can use plants that are red in color for ritual purification from intrusive spirits (bad blood) or organic red wine in a bath for the same reason.  It is important to meditate and imagine in the bath. Breathe in the white light of positive intention and breathe out the thick black smoke of whatever it is you need to get rid of. 

The Law of Aposematism supports red as being a warning color. Traffic lights are red to tell us to stop and beware. This Amazonian red frog is deadly if eaten.

The Castor Oil plant's stems and fruit are red. The whole plant has ricin in it which is deadly poisonous. 

The leaves of the poison oak are red and although attractive warn us not to touch or we will get a terrible rash.

The Law of Similars

“By similar things a disease is produced and through the application of the like is cured.” Hippocrates

If things resemble on another they can be used in ritual to affect the other, usually favorably.

Fig wort has been known to help with skin rashes. Their inflorescence resembles a rash.

The Law of Contagion

"The law of contagion is a magical law that suggests that once two people or objects have been in contact a magical link persists between them unless or until a formal consecration, cleansing, or exorcism is performed."

If objects are in contact with one another they can affect one another.

The Law of Contagion can have dangers and benefits.

Benefits

To experience the Still Beings we need to touch them

(or they can touch us.)

Benefits include the holiness of figures and relics in places of worship.  Articles (and photos) on your alter that belonged to one's loved ones connect us more powerfully to them. If one can wear or use them, even more so.

Talismans and Amulets work beneficially through the Law of Contagion.

A locket can house protective plants, symbols or holy words to enhance the effect. The outside can be engraved with a favorite saints name or the symbol of the hexagon of the heart chakra. 

Precious and semiprecious metals, crystals and stones with positive vibrations can protect. 

Gold and silver have high vibrations and have previously been used  as such apart from their material value. 

Psychics and mediums using an article of clothing to find a lost child or person. To a rescue dog the scent of the person's clothing acts similarly.

Dangers

Witches may us a victim's nail clipping, hair, clothing or make an effigy of the person to empower a hex.

 

To experience the Growing Beings we must listen to them

If we want to learn from the plants we have to "listen" to them - listen with all the senses including sight smell, touch, and if safe, also taste. We need to ask them how they can be of assistance and give gratitude when we harvest them. 

 

Being of the breath of God, all creation is responsive to love, gratitude and petition.

Each as it is acknowledged becomes receptive to giving and receiving. That is how we experience the other.

 

Sacred plants are there to help us but they also have to be honored and respected. Only what is needed should be taken for the task at hand and one should show gratitude in some way when harvesting - for instance – giving a little water to enliven them, since they enliven us.

 

WHAT SOUTHERN AFRICAN WISDOMS HAVE TO OFFER THE WEST #11

 

REMEDIES FOR SPIRITUAL PROTECTION

We are not limited by the laws that we have made concerning the natural world.

"Miracles happen not in opposition to Nature (and Spirit) 

but in opposition to what we know about Nature (and Spirit).

Augustine of Hippo

Treatment and Rituals

Containers

“Blessings must have a container otherwise they cannot be received… 

Containers can be a stone, an animal, a plant, a prayer, a chant, a bit of bread, a sip of wine, a mystical incantation…

“With our potions and charms 

we arouse in the sick one’s brain the will to be healthy. 

...” Credo Mutwa

Ritual is more powerful than prayer alone and can become a "container" or a "vessel" for amplifying our requests 

 both for receiving, as well as for giving gratitude for what has been received. 

Ritual takes more effort, has an effect on our subconscious and will be more indelibly imprinted in our limbic system than prayer alone. Ritual shows a greater commitment when making a request of Spirit - the stronger the will, intention and passion the greater the response.

We all have supporting spiritual guides usually from family loved ones who have passed on. 

An altar or some"container" for making requests is required to honor and thank them for their service. Gratitude, love and forgiveness are how we honor them. 

We may also have unrecognized spirit helpers, from past lives who can help us that we will not recognize but are not "foreign." 

Some have a "foreign" spirit" guide who has been assigned to help. A muse is an example. 

Rituals in any form can be containers for a healing outcome and for protection.

 Sound and Incense

Sound and incense repel tricksters and dark forces (both within and without.) They cannot withstand the high vibration of sacred sound  or incense. Chanting sacred verses is protective as are certain high vibrational forms of sound or music.

In the past the church would support the great composers, many of whose compositions had the power to dispel dark forces.

 

With song you can open the gates of heaven.” The Talmud

 

“We pray by singing and dancing.”  

The San Bushmen and Bantu peoples of Southern Africa

…Sound shatters and crumbles barriers to the mind and heart. Sound speaks to one's vibrations. One of the best ways to cleanse and clear oneself … is with sound.

Rattles, drumming, Tibetan or crystal bowls etc. can repel dark forces.

”The incense offering is the most potent antidote against dark forces…”  The Zohar

Incense repels and clears dark forces related to our own shadow but also outside of us, from entities on both sides of the veil between worlds. 

When we light incense or vocalize or use sound in drumming, rattling, blowing a wind instrument (didgeridoo), chanting, using a mantra or singing we are protecting and cleansing ourselves. 

We can also invoke the Wild Beings to help by using a feather for smudging.

Smudging and blowing cleansing smoke purifies and can be considered a "spiritual shower. "

The incense offering is a powerful antidote against evil forces and it is important to chant before making the incense offering …

Chanting when using incense will release the spirit of the plant and strengthen the effect. 

Immersion in Water 

Remember the wisdom of the Wild Beings, the holiness of the Growing Beings, and the healing powers of water.

“God says, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities.” Ezekiel

Religious Jews use a Mikva for regular ritual bathing and purification.

John the Baptist would baptize as a form of transformation from a life of sin to that of a new life with Christ. Bathing in the Jordan river  was a symbol of cleansing and salvation.

The Egyptians believed that water was a source of spiritual energy, life and renewal as do many cultures.

There are sacred sites throughout the world where the water is considered to be holy (e.g. Lourdes in France).

The Kumbha Mela and immersion in the Ganges river (and other sacred rivers) is the largest peaceful gathering on earth. Bathing is believed to wash away sins and even free participants from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Masaru Emoto believed and showed in his experiments that water has resonance, vibration and consciousness . There are only two essential feelings Love or Fear. He exposed water essentially to two vibrations love (positive) or fear (negative) using words, prayer, differing genres of music and even photos. For instance Mother Theresa's photo or that of Hitler, Motzart's music or Heavy Metal. When he froze the exposed water and looked at the crystals under a dark ground microscope he found the love vibration created exquisite crystals and fear ugly ones.

German scientists and Veda Austin in New Zealand have discovered similar findings in their experiments.

So how can we use this information in our own lives?

Southern African sangomas have used baths for centuries for healing and getting rid of intrusive energies or spiritual intrusions. After the harvesting and meticulous preparation of sacred trees and plants, their powder is placed in the ritual bath thereby changing its vibration. The water is no longer the same as that coming out of the faucet.

80% of our cells contain water. When we immerse in such an environment we are aligning our body with the same vibration as the water.  With the help of intention expressed best aloud we can give permission to the Field and the spirit world for a healing outcome or a request for protection. Free will is the cosmic law and we have to ask to receive. We have to ask very specifically for this reason. Our guides are living in a non space-time reality. For them free will is in the moment. They are living in the moment and so it is wise to affirm, sustain and maintain that intent with repeated baths, rituals or even only a mantra containing a summary of one's request. Repetition confirms our commitment to the request.

 

In using plants for immersion, incense and sound can be added as well. These and their sensory affects on the body can enhance the healing effect. Intention is key to invoking help from the Field, our guides, the Great Spirit and or Jesus. 

Water infused with sacred plants combined with intention and words (best expressed allowed) is a message or informed consent to the spirit world asking for help. 

Certain plants hold more power than others especially if they have aroma and when dried create incense. There are certain universals that we can learn from indigenous peoples concerning those plants of power when we make requests.