Mother Ayahuasca: Mysterious Meeting With Divine Mother

What is Ayahuasca?

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Ayahuasca, a powerful and sacred brew originating from the Amazon rainforest, has garnered significant attention in recent years, both within indigenous communities and the broader global context. This ancient concoction, traditionally made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis plant, has been utilized for centuries by various indigenous tribes for spiritual, medicinal, and ceremonial purposes. Its significance transcends mere recreational use; for many, it serves as a profound catalyst for introspection and healing.

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For the full background on Ayahuasca experiences, and retreat info, check out the full article here.

The term "Ayahuasca" itself translates to "vine of the soul," reflecting its deep-rooted connections to the spiritual and metaphysical realms. Shamans and healers, often regarded as guardians of ancestral knowledge, have long facilitated Ayahuasca ceremonies, guiding participants through transformative journeys that can lead to personal revelations and emotional healing. These experiences are often characterized by vivid visions, intense emotions, and a heightened sense of interconnectedness with oneself and the universe.

As interest in Ayahuasca spreads beyond the confines of the Amazon, it raises important conversations about cultural appropriation, ethical usage, and the responsibility that comes with engaging in such profound practices. Many individuals from diverse backgrounds seek out Ayahuasca retreats, drawn by the promise of enlightenment and healing from traumas and mental health issues. However, it is crucial to approach these experiences with respect and understanding, recognizing the rich cultural heritage from which ayahuasca originates.

In recent years, scientific research has begun to explore the therapeutic benefits of Ayahuasca, examining its potential to address and potentially cure conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Preliminary studies suggest that the brew may promote neuroplasticity and provide insights that facilitate emotional healing. Yet, the intersection of modern science and traditional practices invites a careful examination of how these two worlds can coexist harmoniously.

As we delve into the complexities surrounding Ayahuasca, it is essential to honor the wisdom of the indigenous peoples who have safeguarded this sacred tradition for generations. Their stories, practices, and insights provide invaluable context for understanding the multifaceted nature of ayahuasca and its potential role in contemporary society. By fostering a respectful dialogue around this powerful brew, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for its significance and the profound journeys it can inspire.  is a potent plant medicine that is known to instill life-changing insights in those who drink it.‍ To read more about the Ayahuasca experience itself you may check out further reading here, otherwise we will get into some of the particular visions one may encounter during the Ayahuasca ceremony, and why those visions came to be so universal.

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The brew has been revered by Amazonian indigenous tribes for centuries who use the brew to reach higher states of consciousness. Over time, the word has spread, and with thousands of Ayahuasca tourists looking to embark on their own transformative healing journey, multiple Ayahuasca retreats have been popping up from Costa Rica to Portugal.

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Ayahuasca tourism’s lure can be attributed to multiple factors. This sacred plant medicine has incredibly revelatory and purgative (vomiting) effects and carries within it the potential of of engendering spiritual awakenings in those who drink it. Others may wish to partake in a ceremony in order to learn how to cope with trauma and depression, while others seek to be healed of addictions and serious physical and mental illnesses.

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Even though one’s motivating reasons and the subsequent visions are deeply personal, there is one striking parallel in many people’s experiences: the presence of a divine entity in the form of a motherly teaching figure -- Mother Ayahuasca.

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Would you like to begin your own life-changing Ayahuasca healing? Behold Retreats can assist you in finding the right shamans and healers that best fit your needs! Schedule your consultation here, and let's begin.

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General Visions with Ayahuasca Use

Ayahuasca is generally made by mixing two components: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (or ‘Ayahuasca vine’) and the Psychotria viridis leaves (or ‘chacruna leaves’).

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B. caapi vines are medicinal plants that have been used in South American shamanism for many years. They contain monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, which are needed for the brew’s other component to have an effect when ingested: the DMT-containing P. viridis leaf. 

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Dubbed ‘the Spirit Molecule’, DMT is one of the most potent entheogens on this planet. It is a naturally occurring compound that can be found in a multitude of plants, animals, and human beings. Besides ingesting it, we can also simulate DMT-like psychedelic experiences through other spiritual healing modalities, such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.

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The compound acts on specific subtypes of serotonin receptors by activating them*. While scientists generally categorize DMT as a hallucinogen - the journeys it evokes are quite different compared to those of other psychedelic substances.

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DMT generally puts users in a trance-like state and induces a deeply spiritual journey filled with vivid visual experiences, emotions, and insights [1]. 

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In addition to gaining spiritual wisdom through these revelatory insights and incredible visionary experiences many users describe being transported to a distant realm where they meet seemingly autonomous entities. These otherworldly beings shine a light on our (un)conscious selves. While the meanings of Ayahuasca visions are extremely personal, the same entities tend to appear to different people. So, the question remains: who or what are they?

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Activating serotonin networks is a commonly used strategy for treating major depression, and many modern antidepressants contain drugs with similar effects. This is why Ayahuasca should never be consumed while using antidepressants.‍

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When one consumes Ayahuasca, the effects can be deeply personal and transformative. Since it is known as a powerful psychoactive drug, Ayahuasca has long been used in ritualistic settings in the Amazon, particularly in countries like Peru or Costa Rica, where it holds significant cultural and spiritual importance. Following Ayahuasca ingestion, many participants report vivid visions, which often include encounters with "Mother Ayahuasca," a feminine presence considered a guide and healer. She is commonly described as a wise and compassionate figure, leading Ayahuasca users through their emotional and psychological challenges. The therapeutic potential of Ayahuasca in such settings is profound, as this psychoactive brew has been shown to assist in the healing of traumas, personal insights, and spiritual growth.

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The effects of Ayahuasca on mental health are notable, with many studies highlighting its antidepressant effects, especially in treatment-resistant depression. Mother Ayahuasca, encountered in these altered states, plays a significant role in this process, gently but firmly guiding participants to confront repressed emotions and unresolved memories. Reports of Ayahuasca ceremonies suggest that the ritual use of Ayahuasca not only provides a window into one’s subconscious but also fosters a deep connection to the spirit world, offering transformative therapeutic effects. The potential benefits of Ayahuasca extend far beyond personal healing, as it may aid individuals in confronting long-standing emotional blockages and finding a deeper sense of purpose.

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Who is Mother Ayahuasca?

The words we use have meaning and they often reveal our attitudes and perceptions of things around us. The name one chooses to give to Ayahuasca, is no exception.

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For example, “the medicine” is an often-used naturalistic metaphor, while “entheogen” suggests that the brew allows one to experience the divine directly.    

Among ritual users of Ayahuasca, the words “Mother Ayahuasca,” on the other hand, are usually associated with a wise entity that possesses selfless and loving traits. This recurring maternal entity is particularly concerned with a drinker’s well-being, and it often shows itself in a comforting female presence that can take numerous shapes.

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While Mother Ayahuasca’s presence may initially come as a surprise to many Westerners, indigenous people have long viewed her as an Amazonian goddess who is to be worshiped...

Known as "Mother Ayahuasca," she is revered as a wise, loving, yet firm guide who helps those under her influence confront their deepest emotions, traumas, and spiritual questions. Her presence has been a central figure in the ceremonial use of Ayahuasca among Amazonian cultures for centuries, where the brew plays a critical role in healing and spiritual growth.

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The concept of Mother Ayahuasca transcends the physical experience, representing a powerful symbol of healing, particularly in Ayahuasca in the treatment of emotional and psychological wounds.

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Mother Ayahuasca is deeply associated with the ritual Ayahuasca use in the Amazon, where she is thought to be a living, conscious force working through the psychoactive beverage Ayahuasca. The effects of ritual Ayahuasca use are not only physical but also spiritual, where participants often feel her maternal energy steering them toward deeper understanding, release, and compassion towards themselves. Almost as if an external force is needing to come in, in order to show us how to mother our internal-selves.

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In clinical settings, Ayahuasca in controlled settings has been found to help with a wide range of issues, from emotional trauma to addiction recovery. The antidepressant effect of Ayahuasca has been well-documented, with four weekly Ayahuasca sessions leading to increases in emotional regulation and self-awareness. For many, this encounter with Mother Ayahuasca represents a journey not only into the self but into the ancient wisdom of the Amazon, where the first Ayahuasca ceremonies have been practiced for generations. Found that Ayahuasca and its long-term effects are closely connected to its ceremonial roots, where healing is guided by this maternal figure, further enhancing the profound therapeutic effects for those who seek her guidance.

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Below are some online reports of people who describe their experience meeting Mama Aya during one of their journeys:‍

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Report #1
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“She sat across from me and had a feminine motherly feel to her. During the trip, my own inner voice was mixed with hers, like my thoughts belonged to both of us. She appeared to tell me that I wasn't ready to break through yet, that I wasn't ready to let go. Even though she was holding me back from the tunnel, she still showed a gentle and firm affection towards me. It was like she was the spirit of the DMT molecule.”‍

https://www.reddit.com/r/DMT/comments/80ibb1/did_i_meet_mother_ayahuasca/ 

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Report #2

“The Ayahuasca spirit came to me in that space. She held me lovingly with my head against her chest as my soul wept like it never had before. I asked her what she had to teach me. She said to stop using drugs. There was a kind of fury in her message, but immense love as well […] I was frustrated, I knew I needed to stop. I asked her again and again what she had to teach me. She only ever said to stop doing drugs, more sternly each time. I finally stopped asking. Her anger instilled in me a hint of fear. Once I was silent she held me for a few moments without saying anything. I felt such peace as I never have before or since. She engulfed me in one last ephemeral embrace of pure light and love before disappearing, leaving me alone and sober in the darkness of my room.”

‍https://www.reddit.com/r/DMT/comments/nk53lu/meeting_the_mother/ 

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Report #3

“The peak brought me to the Source of Being. The face of a female deity, large and hovering, made of swirling geometric patterns and neon pinks, greens and blue, welcomed me home. […]”

‍https://erowid.org/experiences/exp.php?ID=85981 

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Report #4

“Then I felt a presence, as if I was surrounded by dozens of people. They were there to comfort me, to calm me down, and I began to feel wonderful. I heard, or possibly felt, a woman assure me that everything was going to be ok, and she beckoned me to come with her into the spirit world. She felt very motherly, which evokes images of “mother earth”, “mother nature”, or “Pachamama.”

‍https://erowid.org/experiences/exp.php?ID=91566

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What can Explain these Motherly Visions following the use of Ayahuasca?

As you can see, terms such as ‘boundless love’, ‘benevolent teacher’, and ‘welcoming presence’ seem to be commonly used to describe Mama Ayahuasca’s attributes. But what can explain the parallels in these experiences?

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The effects of a single dose of Ayahuasca can vary greatly depending on the individual, but many ritual users of Ayahuasca consistently report encounters with a motherly figure, often referred to as "Mother Ayahuasca." This recurring vision may be explained by the mind’s interpretation of the medicine's powerful effects, which encourage deep introspection and emotional release. Ayahuasca may work on a subconscious level, tapping into archetypes that many associate with maternal care, love, and guidance. As participants take Ayahuasca, their inner psyche, guided by the psychoactive brew, seems to project these motherly traits, creating an image of a nurturing figure. The effects of a single dose are often intense enough to bring repressed emotions to the surface, and the mind may symbolize this process through the comforting presence of a maternal figure who helps facilitate healing.

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In addition, some research on the dose of Ayahuasca in patients with recurrent trauma or emotional blockages suggests that Ayahuasca activates deep-seated memories, often presenting them in ways that are easier to process. For those with long-standing emotional wounds, Ayahuasca in patients with recurrent trauma or depression often manifests as a journey guided by a motherly figure. This may be the brain’s way of making the challenging process of healing feel safer and more supportive. The effects may be both therapeutic and symbolic, allowing participants to confront their inner struggles under the perceived care of this guiding presence. Therefore, whether seen as a spiritual entity or a manifestation of the mind, the appearance of Mother Ayahuasca serves a critical role in the transformational experience that often follows when people take Ayahuasca.

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Effect of Ayahuasca - Shaped by Our Expectations

As the words that are used to describe mama Ayahuasca also share a lot of commonalities with how we generally view mother figures in everyday life, some have suggested that these Mother Ayahuasca images may perhaps be projections of our own consciousness.

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Many of the insights that are granted during an Ayahuasca session are not entirely new. More often than not, they already exist within us but simply need to be rediscovered by unearthing the layers of conditioning and trauma that had been covering them.

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Take the second report, for example, in which someone shares how grandmother Ayahuasca helped them come to terms with the fact that they had to stop their drug intake. Whether this person was consuming magic mushrooms (shrooms), cannabis, or cocaine, does not matter much. What is interesting, however, is that the insight was something that they themselves already knew deep down, but perhaps were not quite ready to accept.

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The seemingly contradicting benevolent sternness with which the motherly figure shines a light on all that is no longer serving us, is also an often-reported anecdote during Ayahuasca sessions. And it is a quality that you would expect from any loving mother.

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In this way, this common image of a strict yet gentle mother figure may be based on concepts that have been shaped by our individual developmental experiences and/or our shared cultural beliefs. This may explain both the individual and shared characteristics of one’s encounter with this maternal Figure.

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Genuine encounter with a Mystical Entity

Another possibility to consider is that people actually do encounter foreign worlds and mystical entities, such as Mother Ayahuasca, during their experiences. This is in line with many people’s reports that these entities not only seem to be entirely separate from themselves but that they also carry such vividness and autonomy that they can find it hard to imagine that they could have created them with their own minds.

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In addition, as the reports above indicate, people appear to not only see and feel Mother Ayahuasca’s presence, but they also communicate with her and learn about her teachings. 

The belief that Mother Ayahuasca exists as a real entity is not only present during the Ayahuasca experience, but can also persist long after the psychoactive effects have worn off. This may be true even for those who were skeptical of her existence before participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony. As the anthropologist Christine Holman states in her interview with Science Notes: “Some people come away from drinking Ayahuasca thinking it is a very real, living entity. [...] The people that believe in her believe that very strongly. They call her Mother Ayahuasca.” [2]

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Many people believe that Ayahuasca gives those who drink it a glimpse of the true nature of reality. What kind of reality this may be thought to be, is, however, varies between individuals. The eminent psychonaut, Terence McKenna, for example, believes that what we see could in fact be a peek into life after death, a parallel spirit realm in which otherworldly beings reign supreme [3].

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Whether or not you believe Mother Ayahuasca is a real entity, one thing is certain: her benevolent and wise presence can evoke transformational insights and engender long-lasting and much-needed changes in one’s life.

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Are you ready to start your transformative healing journey through an Ayahuasca retreat? Apply for a consultation here.

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Ready for a big shift?

In conclusion, Ayahuasca has been used for centuries in traditional Ayahuasca ceremonies, known for its profound spiritual and therapeutic benefits. From the ritualistic use of Ayahuasca to its rising popularity in modern ayahuasca tourism, this powerful psychoactive beverage continues to transform lives globally. Many ritual Ayahuasca users report life-changing visions, including encounters with "Mother Ayahuasca," who guides individuals through their healing journey. Research has shown the therapeutic use of Ayahuasca is effective for a range of conditions, from treatment-resistant depression to trauma recovery. The antidepressant effects of the psychedelic have been well-documented, with studies suggesting Ayahuasca may be beneficial even with a single dose. While the side effects of Ayahuasca can include purging, the overall therapeutic effects of ritual Ayahuasca outweigh these short-term challenges, providing long-term mental health benefits.

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For those seeking a deep, transformative journey, Behold Retreats offers the best option to experience the therapeutic effects of Ayahuasca in a safe, luxurious, and supportive environment. With a team of experienced doctors, healers, and facilitators, we ensure that every step of your Ayahuasca preparation, ceremony, and integration is handled with the utmost care. Unlike other options in Ayahuasca tourism, we focus on creating small, intimate groups of no more than 10 to 12 participants to ensure personalized attention. Whether you're participating in an ayahuasca ritual for the first time or have engaged in long-term use of Ayahuasca, our retreats in Mexico, Peru (coming soon), Portugal, Costa Rica, and The Netherlands are designed to provide a profound healing experience. Reach out today for a one-on-one discovery call to begin your transformative journey with Behold Retreats, where the power of psychedelic Ayahuasca can help unlock your true potential and bring you to your peak performance.

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Are you ready to start your transformative healing journey through an Ayahuasca retreat? Apply for a consultation here.

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References & Sources

[1] Shanon, B. (2002). The antipodes of the mind: Charting the phenomenology of the ayahuasca experience. Oxford University Press on Demand.

[2] https://sciencenotes.ucsc.edu/2011/pages/ayahuasca/ayahuasca.html

[3] https://bigthink.com/the-present/dmt-beings/ 

[4] https://www.wired.com/2000/05/mckenna/ 

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