AST was both one of the more powerful and peaceful ceremonies I’ve had in the U.S. Its aya brew is top notch, both in flavor (rare!) and in effect. The ceremony space in the house is beautiful, and Maestro Ricardo’s icaros are truly incredible. His introduction to ceremony for newcomers was one of the better ones I’ve heard, and the ceremony itself is an ideal blend of tradition and adaptation for U.S. culture.
Maestro Jay has really effectively synthesized the Peruvian shamanic practice with American styles of ceremony and celebration. His and his facilitator’s holding of space via icaros, drums, and other songs and instruments was particularly powerful. The two-day retreat was very chill and let the participants bond nicely between ceremonies.
I attended a three-ceremony weekend, co-lead by Mark and Maestro Gaspar, and staying on site, which I highly recommend. Part of the power and magic of these retreats are the instant communities formed by the participants, and AyaWaken truly supports that kind of healing bond between the facilitators and healers and those coming for the healing. Mark’s deep connection to the Peruvian shamanic tradition is evident in his performance of the icaros, but if you’re lucky, he’ll be joined by his teacher, the Shipibo Maestro Gaspar Rengifo, whose stillness and depth set the tone for the whole weekend.
AST was both one of the more powerful and peaceful ceremonies I’ve had in the U.S. Its aya brew is top notch, both in flavor (rare!) and in effect. The ceremony space in the house is beautiful, and Maestro Ricardo’s icaros are truly incredible. His introduction to ceremony for newcomers was one of the better ones I’ve heard, and the ceremony itself is an ideal blend of tradition and adaptation for U.S. culture.
Maestro Jay has really effectively synthesized the Peruvian shamanic practice with American styles of ceremony and celebration. His and his facilitator’s holding of space via icaros, drums, and other songs and instruments was particularly powerful. The two-day retreat was very chill and let the participants bond nicely between ceremonies.
I attended a three-ceremony weekend, co-lead by Mark and Maestro Gaspar, and staying on site, which I highly recommend. Part of the power and magic of these retreats are the instant communities formed by the participants, and AyaWaken truly supports that kind of healing bond between the facilitators and healers and those coming for the healing. Mark’s deep connection to the Peruvian shamanic tradition is evident in his performance of the icaros, but if you’re lucky, he’ll be joined by his teacher, the Shipibo Maestro Gaspar Rengifo, whose stillness and depth set the tone for the whole weekend.