(10-06-2011, 10:15 AM)Gemini Wolf Wrote: I have never tried ayahuasca, but its counterpart pharmahuasca (the active ingredients measured to the mg). It's a way to experience ego loss, loss of identity, a more expansive view of reality, but can be quite unsettling for one who is unwilling to let go.
It can be unsettling for those unwilling. Yes!
What I learned from various sources were that "set and setting" were key to getting the best outcome from the experience. Set, meaning mindset - how do you feel before you you start, what is your intention for the experience. Setting, meaning the place where you have the experience and the items around you. I used a rug, a candle, a ring, and played shamanic drumming by Sandra Ingerman. I also wrote my intentions down clearly in front of me. Having a guide or shaman with you is very helpful, although I managed without one, but had very clear intentions that I held onto when the going got 'tough'.
Once you let go of the ego, you are truly in the realm of spirit, in time/space, where time has no concept, and you can see your entire life in an instant. I found the whole experience to be very similar to records from people who'd had out of body experiences due to death or trauma, who'd returned. The good thing about pharmahuasca or ayahuasca, is that after it's over, you gently come back to your body, without any risk. I found it 'interesting' that I was currently attached to this person 'Edinburgh' and at one point looked down on him with compassion and generosity ... I wanted to help him.
In some South American reglions, they take it together every two weeks in group services. Its a very healthy way to be I think. There's a growing number of people doing it in Europe and America. It's not for everyone though. The key to a successful useful experience is research, preparation, set and setting.
Peace.