individual animal and every single plant and to understand why each species has its necessary place in the circle of life. The shaman utilizes the visionary effects of ayahuasca to travel to this place of “true reality”, often referred to as the ‘blue zone’ where he can explore the secrets of the world and heal sick members of his tribe.
The shaman believes that all that happens in the mundane or visible world finds its causes in this true reality. This is what we see when we drink ayahuasca with a shaman: our true nature as we are naturally intended to be and where we fit into the great web of life.
This is also why I recommend that people trying to overcome an addiction drink ayahuasca first and San Pedro some time later. Ayahuasca shows the participant the truth of his life and this is often a harsh reality to come to terms with. San Pedro is a gentler teacher. With San Pedro we are shown the beauty of the natural world and our place within it. This can still be difficult, especially for those who have grandiose ideas about their own importance as they will have to confront their new awareness and understanding of the equality of all life. For an addict who has felt separate and alone for much of his or her life, however, it can be a very powerful, life-changing and life-enhancing experience.
Having the right setting in which to experience these teacher plants is almost as important as having a good shaman and therapist. The addict needs to be away from everyday stressors and situations that exacerbate his or her feelings of separateness and isolation. The best setting is somewhere in nature, in the jungle, a forest, or a mountain; somewhere where we naturally feel more connected to and at