Ayahuasca: Surviving A Dark Ayahuasca Experience
By Satesh Narain November 25, 2016
Before I left to Perú, I extensively researched various Shamans in South America. My objective was to seeking the best Shamans and Curanderos in the world to write about in my book. I also wanted to gain knowledge of medicines for various aliments and to bring that knowledge to North America and the wider world. In addition, I intended to learn more about the Shamanic Path, as I desire to be a good Shaman and Curandero.
After many hours of extensive research, in libraries, the Internet and YouTube, I selected four Shamans.
Ayahuasca is now becoming a trend and more people are becoming aware of it. It is known as “La Madre de la Medicina,” the Mother of Medicine - a sacred medicine that has been used for thousands of years in South America. It is traditionally taken in sacred ceremonies for healing purposes, to see into the future and to connect with the ancestors.
Today, many from around the world go to South American countries such as: Perú, Brasil, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia for Ayahuasca ceremonies. Lots of information is out there on the Internet, YouTube videos, documentaries and various books. There are many Shamans, however, it is of extreme importance to take my personal real life experience into account when choosing which Shaman/Camp to go to.
In Iquitos, Perú, and throughout Perú, where there are many Shamans, the real challenge is to find a good Shaman/Curandero, one that has love and compassion in his/her heart and works with the light.
Some of the good Shamans/Curanderos told me that no one can die from Ayahuasca except those who take other drugs along with Ayahuasca. To an extent, this is true, but I now believe that there is more to this.
Just recently, my belief of the above point changed completely from my experience with one Shaman.
This Shaman is also on the Internet and cited in a book. He was selected, based on the information out there and on his knowledge of plant medicine.
With my naïve thinking, thinking that all Shamans are good, I thought it would be okay for me to go alone at this specific jungle camp and spend a few days there. My Peruvian friend, Dante, was with me that day and I told him I would go there alone.
In the afternoon, I left by coche (a three wheel motor cycle with a carriage at the back) to visit and spend the night there. It was about 30–45 minutes from Iquitos city. The location of the camp was not as described on the Internet, the camp is in the jungle, and about 20–30 minutes walk in the jungle. From the main road, there were several trails and it was not easy to figure out which one to take.
One day, I went to the nearby village to make a phone call and to eat something. On my way back to the camp, I was lost for about an hour in the jungle with no water to drink. Anyway, being calm, I eventually found the camp.
The camp is small and is located in the middle of the jungle. The scene, view and surroundings are beautiful with birds and parrots flying overhead all the time.
The camp contained living and sleeping quarters. These living quarters are very substandard and extremely dangerous. I have never seen any thing like that before and I was born in South America.
The individual quarters/cabinas, had a bed, mosquito net and a secure roof, but no doors to keep jaguars, snakes and other predators from entering.
I was born in South America and my mother’s family is from the jungle parts of South America. They live in secure houses with strong doors and always carry a shotgun for protection.
I thought that this is very dangerous and insane, but I can survive this for 2 days. Mind you, this Shaman slept in a different area, in a secure quarter with secure locked door and with guard dogs.
On the day of Ayahuasca Ceremony, it started at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony was performed outside in an open hut with a roof. There were six of us (from France and USA) and the Shaman.
This was not my first Ayahuasca ceremony, as I have been in 24 ceremonies before with Shamans from Perú and Colombia. At the beginning I told the Shaman that I was not feeling that well and I will only have a little of the Ayahuasca to drink. Before he started he went around and checked every one’s pulse. He told me, “just a little for you, your body is weak, but mind is strong”. He poured a full cup of Ayahuasca for me, I did not want to drink it, but I know that I was in the jungle alone and I had drunk that amount and more many times, that my body can handle it.
Usually it can take about 45 minutes for the Ayahuasca to take effect. Just after 5 minutes of consuming the ayahuasca, my body went into a spiral twist with excruciating pain all over, in my bones and joints. It was something that I have never experienced before with Ayahuasca.
I knew that he had tricked and drugged me, as this was not the traditional Ayahuasca, for which contains Ayahuasca and chacura leaves. This brew contained a toxic mixture with other drugs in it, possibly from other hallucigenic plants such as Toé. I wanted to throw up, but I could not. All my bones in my body, my shins, knees, muscles, stomach was in excruciating pain. My body / spine would twist in a rotating way to the left and right along my spinal axis. I screamed and groaned quietly in pain all through the night. The Shaman was chanting hypnotic stuff all night. Suddenly at one point, all the pores opened and my body was just sweating profusely. I could not help thinking, this is an example of how darkness is all around us and tries to extinguish light.
I took off my shirt and later my Shamanic chain. My Shamanic chain is a special amulet that was made specifically for me. Don Agustín Rivas Vásquez blessed it during a sacred ceremony in his temple, infusing it with special protection only for me.
After I sweated so much, my body started to feel cold and I felt like a fever inside of me, so I put my shirt back on. My tongue was very dry and hot as I was dehydrated and very thirsty. I asked for “agua por favor” meaning ‘water please’ several times and but the Shaman ignored me. As I continued to ask, he finally replied and said “ceremonia” – in a mean voice (indicating that the ceremony is going on and that I am interrupting it), and refused to give me water for more than 9 hours. This was inhumane.
The place was dark as there was no light. I was searching for my amulet, feeling with my hands close by my sides where I was sitting but I could not find it. Suddenly I experienced a strange phenomena. My right hand started to move and was guided to the right side where my necklace was in a mesh bag. I took it and held it with me all the time. I knew that the Shaman took it and was trying to change the energy to dark energy. I knew that I was in danger, as I was drugged and capable of limited mobility.
The Shaman was trying to make me dehydrated, so that I could pass out and loose consciousness thereby allowing him to steal the white light from me, for he operates with dark energy. At times I can see the energy from people and spirits under the influence of Ayahuasca. It was clear now that this Shaman was of dark energy.
At one point, I wanted to go to the washroom, but I could not get up and there was no one to help, unlike the camp of Don Agustín (Viejo), where there are staff members to provide assistance all the time. I had to control myself, because it would have been very dangerous with the hilly terrain in the jungle to go where the washroom was located.
Others were heard screaming in pain and throwing up, but I could not and did not throw up. There were also no visions with the exception of one.
As the Shaman was hypnotic chanting and was working on me, I was also counteracting his stuff with my own shamanic protection which consisted of silent chants of mantras. I was also calling on the masters for help. I called on God, Ave Maria, Jesus, all the Entities from the Casa de Dom Inácio, Médium João de Deus, Dr. Agusto, Dom Inácio, Don Agustín Rivas Vásquez, Don Agustín (Viejo), Swami Rama, Swami Veda (Himalayan Masters who have left their bodies) and all the Himalayan masters to help me (as I am from the Swami Rama linage of yoga, an initiate of Swami Veda).
The only vision that I had was the spirit of Don Agustín Rivas Vásquez. I would like to think that the dark Shaman had seen the spirit of Don Agustín as well.
It was a very long night. Thoughts of what some of my friends, John Spizzirri, Dante and Paula Sanchez told me, came to mind - that “you have to be careful of how some carry about their healing, they can work with dark forces that can affect you.” I always thought that if one is of a higher vibration and light, a lower source couldn’t affect that person. The lesson learned here was that, you have to be mindful of duality.
Throughout the night I was in excruciating pain, weak, dehydrated, fever, dry and scorched tongue and very thirsty. As drops of sweat was rolling down my face, I would stick my tongue out to collect the sweat and drink it so that I would not collapse from dehydration.
At some point, my body moved into an erect, upright and still meditative posture. My breath was regulated on its own, slowing down my heart rate as I went into deep meditation. I felt that it was the help from Swami Rama or Swami Veda who came to my assistance and took over my body and regulated by breath, slowing down by heart rate.
Suddenly, the light from a flashlight was on and a voice said that the ceremony has ended. The Shaman told me that he had to stop that it was 4:00 a.m. and he could not read me. As I looked around, I was the only one there. I realized that I did not hear any one leaving and I was only waiting for the time for the ceremony to end. I thanked the Shaman and asked him to help me to walk down the hill to my open jungle camp, which he did.
I had about half a bottle of water and took a few sips, saving it for later and then went under the mosquito net to bed. Now I knew that I had to survive a few hours more until daylight, as I was in danger in the open jungle with all the predators. I took my cell phone and wanted to call one of my sisters, Sharada, to tell her that I was in danger - drugged in the open jungle with no protection or weapon, and give her my location - but there was no signal. Sharada is very tough in spirit and I know that she would go after any one who hurts me, she also have the spirit of “El Otorongo” the Jaguar. I prayed all the time until daybreak. Throughout the time it was very difficult as I was awake but in a hallucinating state.
As daylight broke, I got out of the mosquito net, soaked my head in the barrel of water that was nearby and struggled to walk the long path on flat ground, to where the helpers’ quarters were, as I could not walk up the hill, the shorter path. I asked one of them to help me, to take me out of the jungle to the main road to get a taxi to my hotel. The helper was very nice, an older gentleman, and he helped me along the difficult jungle terrain to get to the main road for a taxi.
As I was waiting for a taxi in the shade of a small shop, some of the local people there saw how weak I was, and informed me that three persons died in the area from taking ayahuasca. I asked if the store had any yogurt, biscuit or anything to eat, but they did not have anything except water, which I bought and drank. After waiting, which seemed a long time, a mini bus taxi came and I got in to go to my Hotel.
As soon as I reached the city of Iquitos and the Hotel where I was staying, I entered the main entrance in the lobby and collapsed. I pulled out my Rogers cell phone and asked one of the ladies at the Hotel desk to help me call Don Agustín (Viejo). My vision was blurred and I did not have the dexterity to make the phone call. Luckily Don Agustín (Viejo) was in cell range in the jungle in Tamshiyacu and contact was made. The lady from the Hotel told him that I was in a delicate condition and that I needed his help. The lady told him they were scared, that I was not well and needed assistance.
The phone was passed to me and I briefly told him what happened and he said “Oh Satesh! Satesh! Go take a shower and blow mapacho (smoke from jungle tobacco) on yourself. Nina Caspi (Andrea Márquez) is in Iquitos and she will be there in 15 minutes.” He told me that he would be there in Iquitos at 2:00 p.m.
As I was lying in the sofa in the hallway of the hotel, I asked for some pineapple juice and the kind staff brought it. Shortly after, I went to my room and into the shower, Nina Caspi arrived and immediately started to do Shamanic work on me. I was very weak, wanted to sleep, but was too scared to close my eyes, afraid that they will not open again. I asked Nina not to leave, to stay close by and so she did until Don Agustín arrived and took over.
Immediately Don Agustín worked very hard taking out all the bad energy that the Shaman had put on me. Together Nina Caspi and Don Agustín worked about 6 hours to bring me back.
Later I called my sister, Satie, and told her. She told me to get the next flight out and leave for Canada, which I did the following morning.
In the evening, Don Agustín and Nina left. Don Agustin told me that he would come in the morning to check up on me. I stayed in my room and went to bed early. At about 4:00 a.m., I got up feeling like El Otorongo – The Jaguar that roams the jungle from Colombia to Perú. I felt revived and strong. I had recovered all my strength. The spirit of the jaguar was awakened and I felt like confronting the Shaman like a true Colombian. I did not.
Later in the morning, Don Agustín came and I told him what occurred. Don Agustín told me “Satesh, think about the good things.” He was right, there were many good things and now I was better and wiser. It was a scary experience and a lesson for me which was: all Shamans do not operate out of love and compassion and also never attend a camp alone. More so, Viejo and Nina were my earth angels that were instantly available and saved my life.
Don Agustín and I spent a few hours in the morning. We then left the hotel to do some errands, as he was preparing to leave for Europe for 45 days to do healing there. He was on his motorcycle and I sat at the back.
The following morning was my flight to Lima. It took two days to reach Toronto, Canada, as I had to spend the day in Lima, then early morning the next day, the flight was from Lima to San Salvador to Toronto, Canada.
My family was happy to see me. My mother cried and expressed that she felt something was wrong.
This is a long story and it took a lot of time and of course it has always been fresh in my memories. However, I felt if I tell people they can benefit from this story. By the way, I would like to share another piece of the story, which is fascinating.
The morning when I collapsed in the hotel lobby, I received a text at 10:20 a.m. “Como esta tu salud?” from someone who I did not recognise, “How is your health?” Later I replied “Cual es tu nombre?” What is your name? The person replied “Soy la hija de Don Luis Panduro”. “I am the daughter of Don Luis Panduro.”
On a previous trip, I was looking for her father, because I heard a lot of good things about him from the local people in Tamshiyacu and from some foreigners, as well. He is the nephew of Don Agustín Rivas Vásquez. At the time when I was looking for him and went to his home, he was not there. I left my telephone number with his daughter. I replied to her text that I was ‘fine thanks’. She replied that she had bad dreams - she dreamt that I was sick.
That same night at 2:00 a.m., my mother woke up feeling that some thing was wrong with me and could not sleep and was worried all day. We did not want our parents to know of my bad experience because they will worry.
My sister, Satie, had a similar experience. Satie, saw half of a face and could not recognise it at 2:00 a.m. the same morning. One of my aunts, Gyn, was also very worried about me and called my sister, Satie, the same day asking about how things were with me, but my sister did not tell her anything to sound the alarm bell to all in the family, especially my parents. What a phenomena that four people simultaneously, got signs, even Don Luis Panduro’s daughter, someone that I had only met once.
Thanks to God and all the Angels of Light for all that they have done to keep me safe and well. Before this experience, I took part in 24 Ayahuasca ceremonies with Shamans / Curanderos, including some of the biggest names in Perú, namely Don Agustín Rivas Vásquez, Don Agustín (Viejo), Don Luis Panduro and Don Juan Paima and I have never witnessed or experienced such inhumane treatment or attitude.
I have been in ceremonies many times with Colombian Shamans, Mario Restrepo and with his teacher Fabio in Medellín, Colombia. What a contrast between that Shaman from Perú and the others such as Shaman Mario and his wife, Beatrice (there is so much love and compassion with them). They are always nearby to assist anyone, this includes giving water, and assisting people to the washroom or talking to them during ceremony, if required.
This article was written to educate people who are traveling to Perú or other South American countries seeking Ayahuasca Retreats. The awareness of the dangers associated with some of these Centres/Retreats is paramount. On the other hand, there are a few good Centres/Retreats where Ayahuasca is properly supervised and the experience is magical.
The ultimate goal is “healing”.
For safe arrangements to properly supervised Ayahuasca Centres/Retreats, contact: www.casasdehealing.com
By Satesh Narain November 25, 2016
Before I left to Perú, I extensively researched various Shamans in South America. My objective was to seeking the best Shamans and Curanderos in the world to write about in my book. I also wanted to gain knowledge of medicines for various aliments and to bring that knowledge to North America and the wider world. In addition, I intended to learn more about the Shamanic Path, as I desire to be a good Shaman and Curandero.
After many hours of extensive research, in libraries, the Internet and YouTube, I selected four Shamans.
Ayahuasca is now becoming a trend and more people are becoming aware of it. It is known as “La Madre de la Medicina,” the Mother of Medicine - a sacred medicine that has been used for thousands of years in South America. It is traditionally taken in sacred ceremonies for healing purposes, to see into the future and to connect with the ancestors.
Today, many from around the world go to South American countries such as: Perú, Brasil, Bolivia, Ecuador and Colombia for Ayahuasca ceremonies. Lots of information is out there on the Internet, YouTube videos, documentaries and various books. There are many Shamans, however, it is of extreme importance to take my personal real life experience into account when choosing which Shaman/Camp to go to.
In Iquitos, Perú, and throughout Perú, where there are many Shamans, the real challenge is to find a good Shaman/Curandero, one that has love and compassion in his/her heart and works with the light.
Some of the good Shamans/Curanderos told me that no one can die from Ayahuasca except those who take other drugs along with Ayahuasca. To an extent, this is true, but I now believe that there is more to this.
Just recently, my belief of the above point changed completely from my experience with one Shaman.
This Shaman is also on the Internet and cited in a book. He was selected, based on the information out there and on his knowledge of plant medicine.
With my naïve thinking, thinking that all Shamans are good, I thought it would be okay for me to go alone at this specific jungle camp and spend a few days there. My Peruvian friend, Dante, was with me that day and I told him I would go there alone.
In the afternoon, I left by coche (a three wheel motor cycle with a carriage at the back) to visit and spend the night there. It was about 30–45 minutes from Iquitos city. The location of the camp was not as described on the Internet, the camp is in the jungle, and about 20–30 minutes walk in the jungle. From the main road, there were several trails and it was not easy to figure out which one to take.
One day, I went to the nearby village to make a phone call and to eat something. On my way back to the camp, I was lost for about an hour in the jungle with no water to drink. Anyway, being calm, I eventually found the camp.
The camp is small and is located in the middle of the jungle. The scene, view and surroundings are beautiful with birds and parrots flying overhead all the time.
The camp contained living and sleeping quarters. These living quarters are very substandard and extremely dangerous. I have never seen any thing like that before and I was born in South America.
The individual quarters/cabinas, had a bed, mosquito net and a secure roof, but no doors to keep jaguars, snakes and other predators from entering.
I was born in South America and my mother’s family is from the jungle parts of South America. They live in secure houses with strong doors and always carry a shotgun for protection.
I thought that this is very dangerous and insane, but I can survive this for 2 days. Mind you, this Shaman slept in a different area, in a secure quarter with secure locked door and with guard dogs.
On the day of Ayahuasca Ceremony, it started at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony was performed outside in an open hut with a roof. There were six of us (from France and USA) and the Shaman.
This was not my first Ayahuasca ceremony, as I have been in 24 ceremonies before with Shamans from Perú and Colombia. At the beginning I told the Shaman that I was not feeling that well and I will only have a little of the Ayahuasca to drink. Before he started he went around and checked every one’s pulse. He told me, “just a little for you, your body is weak, but mind is strong”. He poured a full cup of Ayahuasca for me, I did not want to drink it, but I know that I was in the jungle alone and I had drunk that amount and more many times, that my body can handle it.
Usually it can take about 45 minutes for the Ayahuasca to take effect. Just after 5 minutes of consuming the ayahuasca, my body went into a spiral twist with excruciating pain all over, in my bones and joints. It was something that I have never experienced before with Ayahuasca.
I knew that he had tricked and drugged me, as this was not the traditional Ayahuasca, for which contains Ayahuasca and chacura leaves. This brew contained a toxic mixture with other drugs in it, possibly from other hallucigenic plants such as Toé. I wanted to throw up, but I could not. All my bones in my body, my shins, knees, muscles, stomach was in excruciating pain. My body / spine would twist in a rotating way to the left and right along my spinal axis. I screamed and groaned quietly in pain all through the night. The Shaman was chanting hypnotic stuff all night. Suddenly at one point, all the pores opened and my body was just sweating profusely. I could not help thinking, this is an example of how darkness is all around us and tries to extinguish light.
I took off my shirt and later my Shamanic chain. My Shamanic chain is a special amulet that was made specifically for me. Don Agustín Rivas Vásquez blessed it during a sacred ceremony in his temple, infusing it with special protection only for me.
After I sweated so much, my body started to feel cold and I felt like a fever inside of me, so I put my shirt back on. My tongue was very dry and hot as I was dehydrated and very thirsty. I asked for “agua por favor” meaning ‘water please’ several times and but the Shaman ignored me. As I continued to ask, he finally replied and said “ceremonia” – in a mean voice (indicating that the ceremony is going on and that I am interrupting it), and refused to give me water for more than 9 hours. This was inhumane.
The place was dark as there was no light. I was searching for my amulet, feeling with my hands close by my sides where I was sitting but I could not find it. Suddenly I experienced a strange phenomena. My right hand started to move and was guided to the right side where my necklace was in a mesh bag. I took it and held it with me all the time. I knew that the Shaman took it and was trying to change the energy to dark energy. I knew that I was in danger, as I was drugged and capable of limited mobility.
The Shaman was trying to make me dehydrated, so that I could pass out and loose consciousness thereby allowing him to steal the white light from me, for he operates with dark energy. At times I can see the energy from people and spirits under the influence of Ayahuasca. It was clear now that this Shaman was of dark energy.
At one point, I wanted to go to the washroom, but I could not get up and there was no one to help, unlike the camp of Don Agustín (Viejo), where there are staff members to provide assistance all the time. I had to control myself, because it would have been very dangerous with the hilly terrain in the jungle to go where the washroom was located.
Others were heard screaming in pain and throwing up, but I could not and did not throw up. There were also no visions with the exception of one.
As the Shaman was hypnotic chanting and was working on me, I was also counteracting his stuff with my own shamanic protection which consisted of silent chants of mantras. I was also calling on the masters for help. I called on God, Ave Maria, Jesus, all the Entities from the Casa de Dom Inácio, Médium João de Deus, Dr. Agusto, Dom Inácio, Don Agustín Rivas Vásquez, Don Agustín (Viejo), Swami Rama, Swami Veda (Himalayan Masters who have left their bodies) and all the Himalayan masters to help me (as I am from the Swami Rama linage of yoga, an initiate of Swami Veda).
The only vision that I had was the spirit of Don Agustín Rivas Vásquez. I would like to think that the dark Shaman had seen the spirit of Don Agustín as well.
It was a very long night. Thoughts of what some of my friends, John Spizzirri, Dante and Paula Sanchez told me, came to mind - that “you have to be careful of how some carry about their healing, they can work with dark forces that can affect you.” I always thought that if one is of a higher vibration and light, a lower source couldn’t affect that person. The lesson learned here was that, you have to be mindful of duality.
Throughout the night I was in excruciating pain, weak, dehydrated, fever, dry and scorched tongue and very thirsty. As drops of sweat was rolling down my face, I would stick my tongue out to collect the sweat and drink it so that I would not collapse from dehydration.
At some point, my body moved into an erect, upright and still meditative posture. My breath was regulated on its own, slowing down my heart rate as I went into deep meditation. I felt that it was the help from Swami Rama or Swami Veda who came to my assistance and took over my body and regulated by breath, slowing down by heart rate.
Suddenly, the light from a flashlight was on and a voice said that the ceremony has ended. The Shaman told me that he had to stop that it was 4:00 a.m. and he could not read me. As I looked around, I was the only one there. I realized that I did not hear any one leaving and I was only waiting for the time for the ceremony to end. I thanked the Shaman and asked him to help me to walk down the hill to my open jungle camp, which he did.
I had about half a bottle of water and took a few sips, saving it for later and then went under the mosquito net to bed. Now I knew that I had to survive a few hours more until daylight, as I was in danger in the open jungle with all the predators. I took my cell phone and wanted to call one of my sisters, Sharada, to tell her that I was in danger - drugged in the open jungle with no protection or weapon, and give her my location - but there was no signal. Sharada is very tough in spirit and I know that she would go after any one who hurts me, she also have the spirit of “El Otorongo” the Jaguar. I prayed all the time until daybreak. Throughout the time it was very difficult as I was awake but in a hallucinating state.
As daylight broke, I got out of the mosquito net, soaked my head in the barrel of water that was nearby and struggled to walk the long path on flat ground, to where the helpers’ quarters were, as I could not walk up the hill, the shorter path. I asked one of them to help me, to take me out of the jungle to the main road to get a taxi to my hotel. The helper was very nice, an older gentleman, and he helped me along the difficult jungle terrain to get to the main road for a taxi.
As I was waiting for a taxi in the shade of a small shop, some of the local people there saw how weak I was, and informed me that three persons died in the area from taking ayahuasca. I asked if the store had any yogurt, biscuit or anything to eat, but they did not have anything except water, which I bought and drank. After waiting, which seemed a long time, a mini bus taxi came and I got in to go to my Hotel.
As soon as I reached the city of Iquitos and the Hotel where I was staying, I entered the main entrance in the lobby and collapsed. I pulled out my Rogers cell phone and asked one of the ladies at the Hotel desk to help me call Don Agustín (Viejo). My vision was blurred and I did not have the dexterity to make the phone call. Luckily Don Agustín (Viejo) was in cell range in the jungle in Tamshiyacu and contact was made. The lady from the Hotel told him that I was in a delicate condition and that I needed his help. The lady told him they were scared, that I was not well and needed assistance.
The phone was passed to me and I briefly told him what happened and he said “Oh Satesh! Satesh! Go take a shower and blow mapacho (smoke from jungle tobacco) on yourself. Nina Caspi (Andrea Márquez) is in Iquitos and she will be there in 15 minutes.” He told me that he would be there in Iquitos at 2:00 p.m.
As I was lying in the sofa in the hallway of the hotel, I asked for some pineapple juice and the kind staff brought it. Shortly after, I went to my room and into the shower, Nina Caspi arrived and immediately started to do Shamanic work on me. I was very weak, wanted to sleep, but was too scared to close my eyes, afraid that they will not open again. I asked Nina not to leave, to stay close by and so she did until Don Agustín arrived and took over.
Immediately Don Agustín worked very hard taking out all the bad energy that the Shaman had put on me. Together Nina Caspi and Don Agustín worked about 6 hours to bring me back.
Later I called my sister, Satie, and told her. She told me to get the next flight out and leave for Canada, which I did the following morning.
In the evening, Don Agustín and Nina left. Don Agustin told me that he would come in the morning to check up on me. I stayed in my room and went to bed early. At about 4:00 a.m., I got up feeling like El Otorongo – The Jaguar that roams the jungle from Colombia to Perú. I felt revived and strong. I had recovered all my strength. The spirit of the jaguar was awakened and I felt like confronting the Shaman like a true Colombian. I did not.
Later in the morning, Don Agustín came and I told him what occurred. Don Agustín told me “Satesh, think about the good things.” He was right, there were many good things and now I was better and wiser. It was a scary experience and a lesson for me which was: all Shamans do not operate out of love and compassion and also never attend a camp alone. More so, Viejo and Nina were my earth angels that were instantly available and saved my life.
Don Agustín and I spent a few hours in the morning. We then left the hotel to do some errands, as he was preparing to leave for Europe for 45 days to do healing there. He was on his motorcycle and I sat at the back.
The following morning was my flight to Lima. It took two days to reach Toronto, Canada, as I had to spend the day in Lima, then early morning the next day, the flight was from Lima to San Salvador to Toronto, Canada.
My family was happy to see me. My mother cried and expressed that she felt something was wrong.
This is a long story and it took a lot of time and of course it has always been fresh in my memories. However, I felt if I tell people they can benefit from this story. By the way, I would like to share another piece of the story, which is fascinating.
The morning when I collapsed in the hotel lobby, I received a text at 10:20 a.m. “Como esta tu salud?” from someone who I did not recognise, “How is your health?” Later I replied “Cual es tu nombre?” What is your name? The person replied “Soy la hija de Don Luis Panduro”. “I am the daughter of Don Luis Panduro.”
On a previous trip, I was looking for her father, because I heard a lot of good things about him from the local people in Tamshiyacu and from some foreigners, as well. He is the nephew of Don Agustín Rivas Vásquez. At the time when I was looking for him and went to his home, he was not there. I left my telephone number with his daughter. I replied to her text that I was ‘fine thanks’. She replied that she had bad dreams - she dreamt that I was sick.
That same night at 2:00 a.m., my mother woke up feeling that some thing was wrong with me and could not sleep and was worried all day. We did not want our parents to know of my bad experience because they will worry.
My sister, Satie, had a similar experience. Satie, saw half of a face and could not recognise it at 2:00 a.m. the same morning. One of my aunts, Gyn, was also very worried about me and called my sister, Satie, the same day asking about how things were with me, but my sister did not tell her anything to sound the alarm bell to all in the family, especially my parents. What a phenomena that four people simultaneously, got signs, even Don Luis Panduro’s daughter, someone that I had only met once.
Thanks to God and all the Angels of Light for all that they have done to keep me safe and well. Before this experience, I took part in 24 Ayahuasca ceremonies with Shamans / Curanderos, including some of the biggest names in Perú, namely Don Agustín Rivas Vásquez, Don Agustín (Viejo), Don Luis Panduro and Don Juan Paima and I have never witnessed or experienced such inhumane treatment or attitude.
I have been in ceremonies many times with Colombian Shamans, Mario Restrepo and with his teacher Fabio in Medellín, Colombia. What a contrast between that Shaman from Perú and the others such as Shaman Mario and his wife, Beatrice (there is so much love and compassion with them). They are always nearby to assist anyone, this includes giving water, and assisting people to the washroom or talking to them during ceremony, if required.
This article was written to educate people who are traveling to Perú or other South American countries seeking Ayahuasca Retreats. The awareness of the dangers associated with some of these Centres/Retreats is paramount. On the other hand, there are a few good Centres/Retreats where Ayahuasca is properly supervised and the experience is magical.
The ultimate goal is “healing”.
For safe arrangements to properly supervised Ayahuasca Centres/Retreats, contact: www.casasdehealing.com