This episode explores the prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor, a gift from indigenous tribes of South America to all of humanity with the potential to heal our divided world. Listen Here
I’m not really sure how to describe my experiences in Ecuador, let alone understand how to return to the life I left behind when I flew down to the equator in late December 2023. Sitting here, it is difficult to conceptualize how to move forward because I feel like the same person as when I left. Many of us went with a bit of an expectation of change and profound shifts in our lives. While those shifts may have happened, I believe they were made subtly and at deep, cellular levels; shifts that are likely to be felt for weeks, months, and years to come. I am feeling what I tell many of my clients, that there needs to initially be a subtle shift. This shift is one that is sometimes so imperceptible that you don’t even know it has happened, but then you start to notice subtle changes in your patterns and reactions to certain things. It is my belief that the initial subtle shift is what opened the door for more changes to occur, like a set of dominoes lined up, each one ever so slightly off-center from its neighbor. Once the chain reaction starts, the healing can begin, and not only begin, but continue long after the dominoes stop falling. Read more
“Arley…brings big hope to his people and to the future of the greater world.”
In January 2023, a small group of international travelers joins Itzhak Beery for a healing apprenticeship in Ecuador, staying with the family of don Basilio Payaguaje of the Seiko Pāai tribe in the Amazon River Basin. Basilio invites his grandson over, 24-year-old Arley Payaguaje—a farmer and visionary—to share his amazing projects reclaiming and protecting their tribal lands—lands that are deeply intertwined with their ancestral knowledge, foods, spiritual practices such as drinking yaje, medicines, handcrafts, and sense of who they are. They are part of the forest just as the forest is part of them. Read and listen for more.
In January 2023, a small group of international travelers joins Itzhak Beery for a healing apprenticeship in Ecuador, staying with the family of don Basilio Payaguaje of the Seiko Pāai tribe in the Amazon River Basin. Basilio invites his grandson over, 24-year-old Arley Payaguaje—a farmer and visionary—to share his amazing projects reclaiming and protecting their tribal lands—lands that are deeply intertwined with their ancestral knowledge, foods, spiritual practices such as drinking yaje, medicines, handcrafts, and sense of who they are. They are part of the forest just as the forest is part of them. Read and listen for more.
For decades, the legendary Siekopai elder and healer Don Cesáreo Piaguaje had a clear vision: recovering the ancestral homeland of his people.
Over eighty years ago, as war broke out between Peru and Ecuador, the Siekopai people were forcibly displaced by militaries from their spiritual heartland known as Pë’këya (Lagartococha). Many Siekopai families tried to return, only to be met with abuse and detention by military authorities. Despite the setbacks, Cesáreo always insisted on dreaming of his people returning to their territory. Read More
Over eighty years ago, as war broke out between Peru and Ecuador, the Siekopai people were forcibly displaced by militaries from their spiritual heartland known as Pë’këya (Lagartococha). Many Siekopai families tried to return, only to be met with abuse and detention by military authorities. Despite the setbacks, Cesáreo always insisted on dreaming of his people returning to their territory. Read More
Michael Cutter
FaceBook post January 8th 2024
Today we wrapped up out training in Mindo and prepare to head into the Amazon early in the morning. I am exhausted. I’ve left out some details from my posts as I am integrating a lot. The healings and ceremonies during the first ten days of the trip were very strong and challenging. Equally magical. In contrast, the Ayahuasca ceremony on Saturday evening was one of the more powerful I’ve experienced and certainly one of the ‘easiest’. It was just what I needed before we head into the amazon early tomorrow morning. We will catch a bus to catch a plane, back into a van, then get on a canoe to arrive, hopefully, in time for dinner with the Seikopai family is taking us in for the next ten days.
We will be learning about that harvesting and preparation of some of the medicinal plants and participating in the Yajé ceremony, a powerful renewal ceremony with Ayahuasca. We hope to do about 4 ceremonies over a few days, but it all depends on what can happen. This is not a commercial retreat center, it is remote, wild, and will be run by a small family who harvest and prepare everything off their land. Local authorities have rationed gas supply for local boats that the locals use for transportation. It is one of the ways they control the indigenous people, to make their life hard and pressure them to sell their land to the oil companies.
We are very fortunate to be going here. A big thanks to Itzhak Beery for forging the many relationships with the indigenous people and doing so much to assist them in maintaining their traditional ways over the years.
For those who have never experienced ceremonies like this, there are no words to describe the profound connectedness and love that you become reunited with. We live in an artificial, human imposed reality dominated by superficial living and fearful existence. It is my desire that everyone experience the profound beauty.
I will be going off grid tomorrow, and will be in touch when I can.
FaceBook post January 8th 2024
Today we wrapped up out training in Mindo and prepare to head into the Amazon early in the morning. I am exhausted. I’ve left out some details from my posts as I am integrating a lot. The healings and ceremonies during the first ten days of the trip were very strong and challenging. Equally magical. In contrast, the Ayahuasca ceremony on Saturday evening was one of the more powerful I’ve experienced and certainly one of the ‘easiest’. It was just what I needed before we head into the amazon early tomorrow morning. We will catch a bus to catch a plane, back into a van, then get on a canoe to arrive, hopefully, in time for dinner with the Seikopai family is taking us in for the next ten days.
We will be learning about that harvesting and preparation of some of the medicinal plants and participating in the Yajé ceremony, a powerful renewal ceremony with Ayahuasca. We hope to do about 4 ceremonies over a few days, but it all depends on what can happen. This is not a commercial retreat center, it is remote, wild, and will be run by a small family who harvest and prepare everything off their land. Local authorities have rationed gas supply for local boats that the locals use for transportation. It is one of the ways they control the indigenous people, to make their life hard and pressure them to sell their land to the oil companies.
We are very fortunate to be going here. A big thanks to Itzhak Beery for forging the many relationships with the indigenous people and doing so much to assist them in maintaining their traditional ways over the years.
For those who have never experienced ceremonies like this, there are no words to describe the profound connectedness and love that you become reunited with. We live in an artificial, human imposed reality dominated by superficial living and fearful existence. It is my desire that everyone experience the profound beauty.
I will be going off grid tomorrow, and will be in touch when I can.
Michael Cutter
Facebook January 6th, 2024
Update: We’ve been in Ecuador for 10 days, officially into the teachings for four days. It seems like a month. I almost can’t believe the energy that’s moved; the richness and profound quality of experiences is incredible. I will give a little more detail from the first several days, now that I’ve had some time to integrate and recover. I received a Limpia from Maria Juana and Raul that was very strong. The detoxing from it, combined with overexposure to the elements left me exhausted and in bed for a few days. I’ve recovered (mostly). Day one of our official trip (we visited shamans and sites around Otavalo for a few days) began on the 2nd. We traveled up into the Andes to a beautiful restaurant at 12,000 elevation overlooking nesting area of Andean Condors. We watched a pair of them soar along the ridges. Last year we saw 14 here, but 2 is enough to pull you into the magic of the land they inhabit and take care of. Even at this altitude there are many hummingbirds and other birds including varieties of eagles and caracaras which we saw as well.After arriving at the Amaroo Sanctuary in Mindo on the 2nd, we jumped right in. We participated in a fire ceremony that would carry over to the Temescal (sweat lodge) the following evening. Temescal or sweat lodges disappeared for many years in Ecuador following colonization, but are now happening. They are quite different from North American sweat lodge. We did the typical 4 rounds, each with associated element/direction. It was HOT. In Ecuador it’s not uncommon to include plant medicines as a part of Temescal. We were served Wachuma (San Pedro) an hour or so before we went in.
The general idea is that the inside of the lodge is the womb of the earth. It’s also portal to the upper world through the sacred geometry of the roof, connecting us to the ancestors and spirit world. The 4 rounds, each associated with an element is honoring the fundamental aspects of the universe, cleansing and healing each one within ourselves to become realigned with the Creator.
It was intense, with prayer, drumming, singing, sharing, and celebrating life. My friend and medicine man José masterfully held the space, truly, uniting heaven and earth in profound way. As the Wachuma opens the heart and the powerful space purges everything that is not harmonious the stars descend and we became one.
Later the next morning we hiked to some waterfalls and swam in the creek before getting back into the teachings of la Limpia, the spiritual cleanse and healing so I can further my understanding of the ancient healing method. I truly believe that this ancient technology is the solution to our modern ailments in life. Not la Limpia alone, but the understanding of our humanity as stewards, not consumers, of Mother Earth. Answering my calling into the world of shamanic healing has completely changed my life. For me, this trip is about taking the next steps into my power, releasing fears, confusion, etc. At some point in the journey, even what seems like light years of expansiveness, healing and change is but tiny steps in the path. In our western society we tend to think we can in some heroic effort heal ourselves and be done. But I believe it’s more like we learn to tune our body, mind and spirit to that of the cosmos so we are free to walk this earth walk in our power. It doesn’t mean life becomes easy, it means fear, confusion, and feeling small doesn’t stop us from being in our truth and joy.
Right now as I write, people are stirring from a late afternoon nap before we head back into the maloca (healing space) to drink ayahuasca. Don Manuel Calazacon from the Taschila tribe, and family are serving and holding the space. I’ve done several ceremonies with them and they are fantastic. They are full of love and passion for helping others and are truly amazing people. I’m attaching a few photos, and will send more as I can. Wi-Fi is not guaranteed, let alone time, energy and resources to post, but I will do what I can. In a few days we will go to Coca, whare we will drive for a bit and get onto canoe to join the Seikopai deep in the Amazon. To all of my clients family and friends, you are all in my heart as I dive into the unknown. Maybe we will meet in the Dreamtime…
Shungo!
Facebook January 6th, 2024
Update: We’ve been in Ecuador for 10 days, officially into the teachings for four days. It seems like a month. I almost can’t believe the energy that’s moved; the richness and profound quality of experiences is incredible. I will give a little more detail from the first several days, now that I’ve had some time to integrate and recover. I received a Limpia from Maria Juana and Raul that was very strong. The detoxing from it, combined with overexposure to the elements left me exhausted and in bed for a few days. I’ve recovered (mostly). Day one of our official trip (we visited shamans and sites around Otavalo for a few days) began on the 2nd. We traveled up into the Andes to a beautiful restaurant at 12,000 elevation overlooking nesting area of Andean Condors. We watched a pair of them soar along the ridges. Last year we saw 14 here, but 2 is enough to pull you into the magic of the land they inhabit and take care of. Even at this altitude there are many hummingbirds and other birds including varieties of eagles and caracaras which we saw as well.After arriving at the Amaroo Sanctuary in Mindo on the 2nd, we jumped right in. We participated in a fire ceremony that would carry over to the Temescal (sweat lodge) the following evening. Temescal or sweat lodges disappeared for many years in Ecuador following colonization, but are now happening. They are quite different from North American sweat lodge. We did the typical 4 rounds, each with associated element/direction. It was HOT. In Ecuador it’s not uncommon to include plant medicines as a part of Temescal. We were served Wachuma (San Pedro) an hour or so before we went in.
The general idea is that the inside of the lodge is the womb of the earth. It’s also portal to the upper world through the sacred geometry of the roof, connecting us to the ancestors and spirit world. The 4 rounds, each associated with an element is honoring the fundamental aspects of the universe, cleansing and healing each one within ourselves to become realigned with the Creator.
It was intense, with prayer, drumming, singing, sharing, and celebrating life. My friend and medicine man José masterfully held the space, truly, uniting heaven and earth in profound way. As the Wachuma opens the heart and the powerful space purges everything that is not harmonious the stars descend and we became one.
Later the next morning we hiked to some waterfalls and swam in the creek before getting back into the teachings of la Limpia, the spiritual cleanse and healing so I can further my understanding of the ancient healing method. I truly believe that this ancient technology is the solution to our modern ailments in life. Not la Limpia alone, but the understanding of our humanity as stewards, not consumers, of Mother Earth. Answering my calling into the world of shamanic healing has completely changed my life. For me, this trip is about taking the next steps into my power, releasing fears, confusion, etc. At some point in the journey, even what seems like light years of expansiveness, healing and change is but tiny steps in the path. In our western society we tend to think we can in some heroic effort heal ourselves and be done. But I believe it’s more like we learn to tune our body, mind and spirit to that of the cosmos so we are free to walk this earth walk in our power. It doesn’t mean life becomes easy, it means fear, confusion, and feeling small doesn’t stop us from being in our truth and joy.
Right now as I write, people are stirring from a late afternoon nap before we head back into the maloca (healing space) to drink ayahuasca. Don Manuel Calazacon from the Taschila tribe, and family are serving and holding the space. I’ve done several ceremonies with them and they are fantastic. They are full of love and passion for helping others and are truly amazing people. I’m attaching a few photos, and will send more as I can. Wi-Fi is not guaranteed, let alone time, energy and resources to post, but I will do what I can. In a few days we will go to Coca, whare we will drive for a bit and get onto canoe to join the Seikopai deep in the Amazon. To all of my clients family and friends, you are all in my heart as I dive into the unknown. Maybe we will meet in the Dreamtime…
Shungo!
Michael Cutter
Facebook - January 1st, 2024
Happy New Year from Otavalo! We are here, enjoying the town and meeting with some of the local shamans. We will officially begin our training and apprenticeship tomorrow afternoon. It already feels like I’ve been gone for weeks and we’ve not even begun. I’m sharing some photos from our visits to old pre-Inca temples, local markets, a local weaver’s shop, and some of the shamans we spent time with and also, New Years celebrations. I am still resting from my Limpia with Maria Juana and Julio Raul Yamberla. It was strong and taking lots of time to rest. Enjoy! I will try to send more in the coming days, but time and Wi-Fi are in short supply.
Facebook - January 1st, 2024
Happy New Year from Otavalo! We are here, enjoying the town and meeting with some of the local shamans. We will officially begin our training and apprenticeship tomorrow afternoon. It already feels like I’ve been gone for weeks and we’ve not even begun. I’m sharing some photos from our visits to old pre-Inca temples, local markets, a local weaver’s shop, and some of the shamans we spent time with and also, New Years celebrations. I am still resting from my Limpia with Maria Juana and Julio Raul Yamberla. It was strong and taking lots of time to rest. Enjoy! I will try to send more in the coming days, but time and Wi-Fi are in short supply.
Grace Lee
Facebook - January 2, 2024
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My first limpia from Doña Mariajuana was 3 years ago, my first time in the Andes of Ecuador. She is a gentle yet powerful and loving shaman/midwife/medicine woman and she fixed me up so good!! I was wanting to see her again so much! It was such a treat to see her this year (I was so happy!!) and her son Raul, who is a powerful, brilliant, and kind shaman/medicine man. I had the privilege to get a healing from the both of them so much love is felt from their limpias, wow, such a gift. Want to share this with you as I have been an apprentice to these rich traditions of indigenous healing during my journeys to Ecuador, from the Andes, to the cloud forest, and the Amazon jungle. La limpia is a service I offer in my practice @transformgracefully. La Limpia is truly a transformative journey of cleansing, clearing, and renewal, and is guided by the wisdom of the earth and loving spirits. Do you see how I am beaming at the end?
I have received limpias from several different shamans and every practitioner has their own style and uses different tools. It would be a privilege for me to share la limpia with you! It’s truly a transformative, energizing and restorative practice and it is such an honor to share this wisdom and knowledge. Please let me know if you’d like to book a la limpia with me. I have in-person sessions available in Long Island City, Queens and Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Also, offering zoom sessions but not for limpias as they are done in person. I love to share these healings with you! Check out www.transformgracefully.com for more information
Facebook - January 2, 2024
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My first limpia from Doña Mariajuana was 3 years ago, my first time in the Andes of Ecuador. She is a gentle yet powerful and loving shaman/midwife/medicine woman and she fixed me up so good!! I was wanting to see her again so much! It was such a treat to see her this year (I was so happy!!) and her son Raul, who is a powerful, brilliant, and kind shaman/medicine man. I had the privilege to get a healing from the both of them so much love is felt from their limpias, wow, such a gift. Want to share this with you as I have been an apprentice to these rich traditions of indigenous healing during my journeys to Ecuador, from the Andes, to the cloud forest, and the Amazon jungle. La limpia is a service I offer in my practice @transformgracefully. La Limpia is truly a transformative journey of cleansing, clearing, and renewal, and is guided by the wisdom of the earth and loving spirits. Do you see how I am beaming at the end?
I have received limpias from several different shamans and every practitioner has their own style and uses different tools. It would be a privilege for me to share la limpia with you! It’s truly a transformative, energizing and restorative practice and it is such an honor to share this wisdom and knowledge. Please let me know if you’d like to book a la limpia with me. I have in-person sessions available in Long Island City, Queens and Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Also, offering zoom sessions but not for limpias as they are done in person. I love to share these healings with you! Check out www.transformgracefully.com for more information
Grace Lee
Facebook - January 21, 2024Filled with so much joy and gratitude for this amazing trip to Ecuador, 2024 fell in love with the beautiful and gracious spirits of the land 3 years to date! It is where my heart was given the space to open and expand, to receive the precious gifts Mother Earth has for us, something that I will cherish forever! As my heart expands with utter joy and love through this path of wholeness, I am committed to serving others and mother earth, AHO! And so much love and deepest gratitude to beloved Itzhak Beery for making it all happen and for sharing your love with the world. From my heart to yours shungo!
Facebook - January 21, 2024Filled with so much joy and gratitude for this amazing trip to Ecuador, 2024 fell in love with the beautiful and gracious spirits of the land 3 years to date! It is where my heart was given the space to open and expand, to receive the precious gifts Mother Earth has for us, something that I will cherish forever! As my heart expands with utter joy and love through this path of wholeness, I am committed to serving others and mother earth, AHO! And so much love and deepest gratitude to beloved Itzhak Beery for making it all happen and for sharing your love with the world. From my heart to yours shungo!
Yagé is Our Life is a documentary film captured in the Putumayo region of Colombia. For centuries the Indigenous peoples of the Amazon have been using yagé (sometimes known as ayahuasca) for the health, social cohesion and spiritual guidance of their communities. Yagé is rich in the potent psychedelic substance DMT and for these indigenous groups it is sacred, allowing them access to ancient wisdom and the spirits of nature. In their ceremonies, the taitas or traditional doctors use yagé to treat their patients for physical and emotional illnesses and as a guide for making decisions. The communities are now facing many new threats to their traditional way of life. Primarily, the commercialisation of their yagé medicine and foreign pressures exerted on their homelands by industrialized civilisation. This film gives indigenous leaders from the region a platform to discuss these issues and the importance of yagé as a living tradition in their communities. Winner of the 'Best International Short Film' at the Respect Human Rights Film Festival, Belfast, 2017. Watch on YouTube
Rachel Reid Wilkie
Facebook-February 12, 2024More Magic! Another highlight during our shamanic training week at the Amaroo Sanctuary on the edge of the Mindo River, was experiencing La Limpia with Manuel and Tigui Calazacón from the Tsáchila community, preparing us for Sacred Ceremony. That night, we embarked on the most magical journey under their guidance and protection carried aloft their sacred Icaros!
In deepest gratitude!
Facebook-February 12, 2024More Magic! Another highlight during our shamanic training week at the Amaroo Sanctuary on the edge of the Mindo River, was experiencing La Limpia with Manuel and Tigui Calazacón from the Tsáchila community, preparing us for Sacred Ceremony. That night, we embarked on the most magical journey under their guidance and protection carried aloft their sacred Icaros!
In deepest gratitude!
Rachel Reid WilkieWe came down from the Andes, stopping off to watch the magnificent Condors soaring gracefully above their cliffs, and made it to Mindo, home of the magical Amaroo Sanctuary, situated in the middle of the Ecuadorian cloud forest, on the banks of the River Mindo, a dream that was manifested by a beautiful couple who had traveled with Itzhak Beery on a previous trip - Chris & Paige - The Warrior Sanctuary Org. - and their wonderful Amaroo family.
One night, our Master of Ceremonies, Jose Zambrano, guided us through one of the most memorable experiences of my life! The Sweat Lodge! Crawling, almost naked, into the dark, moist, damp womb of the sweat lodge, we declared our intentions to each of the four sacred elements as each of the four rounds grew with intensity of heat as more scorching hot grandmother lava rocks were sung into the central fire. We sang and prayed for hours! We were drenched in sweat and earth - some purged! I felt layers and layers peel away from my being, revealing a renewed skin of self-authenticity!
The following day, we made a refreshing pilgrimage into the cloud Forest to a sacred waterfall that felt like a baptism and an embodiment into our new skin! Wow!
One night, our Master of Ceremonies, Jose Zambrano, guided us through one of the most memorable experiences of my life! The Sweat Lodge! Crawling, almost naked, into the dark, moist, damp womb of the sweat lodge, we declared our intentions to each of the four sacred elements as each of the four rounds grew with intensity of heat as more scorching hot grandmother lava rocks were sung into the central fire. We sang and prayed for hours! We were drenched in sweat and earth - some purged! I felt layers and layers peel away from my being, revealing a renewed skin of self-authenticity!
The following day, we made a refreshing pilgrimage into the cloud Forest to a sacred waterfall that felt like a baptism and an embodiment into our new skin! Wow!
Rachel Reid Wilkie
One of the most profound healing experiences I’ve ever had was receiving La Limpia Ceremony from Yachak Raul ( Julio Raul Yamberla ) and Mama Maria Juana! Wow!
La Limpia is an ancient purification ceremony to cleanse and purify the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. There are many variations of this ceremony, according to varying traditions, but they all call upon the four elements, earth, water, fire and air, to bring about balance and harmony in your physical temple and your light energy field.
During our trip we received intensive training in the art of La Limpia from Itzhak Beery
I was blown away by the vitality of Mama Maria Juana (now in her 80’s!) and the command of Raul as he ordered negative energy to be expelled from my whole being and renewed my energy field with light and protection!
I felt truly liberated!
What warriors of the Soul!
In deepest Gratitude!
One of the most profound healing experiences I’ve ever had was receiving La Limpia Ceremony from Yachak Raul ( Julio Raul Yamberla ) and Mama Maria Juana! Wow!
La Limpia is an ancient purification ceremony to cleanse and purify the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies. There are many variations of this ceremony, according to varying traditions, but they all call upon the four elements, earth, water, fire and air, to bring about balance and harmony in your physical temple and your light energy field.
During our trip we received intensive training in the art of La Limpia from Itzhak Beery
I was blown away by the vitality of Mama Maria Juana (now in her 80’s!) and the command of Raul as he ordered negative energy to be expelled from my whole being and renewed my energy field with light and protection!
I felt truly liberated!
What warriors of the Soul!
In deepest Gratitude!
Rachel Reid Wilkie
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We have returned from our four-week trip to Ecuador - Wow! We experienced some of the most profound magical, and transformative, moments of our lives!
Our dear friend Itzhak Beery, renowned shaman, Yachak and healer, our teacher from our years in New York, guided us and directed us along this journey, and created this trip from decades of experience of traveling to Ecuador and being in community with the Shamans of this magical land.
Thank you dear Itzhak !
We sat with Don Oscar Santillan and heard his story of revolution and protection for the indigenous traditions. We visited the local master weaver of exquisite traditional textiles, Miguel Andrango at Tahuantinsuyo Weaving Workshop, where I bought my amazing poncho!
We had the honor in sitting in sacred circle with a dear friend of Itzhak - Susana Tapia Leon - Medicine Woman, Shaman, ancestral birth doula, trained Chinese medicine practitioner and Sacred Sound Healer! Pure Heart Healing Magic!
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We have returned from our four-week trip to Ecuador - Wow! We experienced some of the most profound magical, and transformative, moments of our lives!
Our dear friend Itzhak Beery, renowned shaman, Yachak and healer, our teacher from our years in New York, guided us and directed us along this journey, and created this trip from decades of experience of traveling to Ecuador and being in community with the Shamans of this magical land.
Thank you dear Itzhak !
We sat with Don Oscar Santillan and heard his story of revolution and protection for the indigenous traditions. We visited the local master weaver of exquisite traditional textiles, Miguel Andrango at Tahuantinsuyo Weaving Workshop, where I bought my amazing poncho!
We had the honor in sitting in sacred circle with a dear friend of Itzhak - Susana Tapia Leon - Medicine Woman, Shaman, ancestral birth doula, trained Chinese medicine practitioner and Sacred Sound Healer! Pure Heart Healing Magic!