One of the main reasons that Arkana is special, is our authentic connection to the original lineage of Shipibo healers. Their connection to ayahuasca dates back thousands of years, and we now have the privilege to working with some of the most gifted healers in the world. Every shaman, or ayahuascero, has dedicated years and even decades of their life to working with the power of plant medicine. Their relationship with these plants is based on a profound respect that they are now generously sharing with the world.
Now, let’s dive deeper into their backstories and understand how they came onto this unique path of sharing their wisdom as healers.
Meet the Healing Force, Maestra Justina
Maestra Justina carries an impressive legacy: she has 41 years of unparalleled expertise as a master healer. As a direct descendant of the esteemed lineage of Merayas, the highest-ranking Shipibo Shamans, she is a proud bearer of ancestral wisdom. Her journey unfolded in the serene community of Vencedor, along the banks of the Pisqui River in the upper Ucayali. From an early age, her intuitive connection with the Chaikunis, ascended spirits safeguarding the jungle, kindled her bond with nature's abundance.
Answering her calling in her teenage years, Maestra Justina embarked on a path of plant medicines under her uncle's guidance, a traditional Shipibo Onanya. Her transformative journey was marked by a two-year dieta with Camalonga, a master plant enabling her to perform Shamanic Surgeries — an extraordinary skill she practices at Arkana. Over time, she enriched her medicine chest, dieting over 50 plants and trees, all while serving as a community healer.
We are honored to have Maestra Justina lead our Arkana Shaman team. She embodies the essence of a jungle healer, radiating virtues that transcend time. Immerse yourself in her presence and wisdom during our Ayahuasca retreats, and witness the real life magic she imparts to all seekers.
Introducing Maestro Samuel
In the heart of the Amazonian rainforest, Maestro Samuel, also known as Run On Rawa in Shipibo language, draws his lineage from a family of revered Ayahuasca Shamans. Born within the native community of Vencedor, a 24-hour boat ride away from Pucallpa, Samuel's journey into the world of healing began.
As the nephew of Maestra Justina, our lead shaman, Samuel's upbringing was steeped in Ayahuasca traditions. Growing up amidst the ceremonies and plant dietas led by his extended family, he found inspiration in aiding his community. This motivation prompted him to embark on his own path, guided by Maestra Justina, opening his first plant dieta. These dietas are necessary to create deep relationships with the many plants the Amazon is filled with. Each plant has different healing properties, so it’s keys to cultivate a deep understanding of each to become a skilled healer. One of the plants Samuel has dieted includes the potent Ayahuma, a guardian tree known for its energetic shield.
For the past year, Samuel has been an integral part of the Arkana family, contributing to profound healing experiences for those who seek transformation. A true light-bearer, his warmth and jovial spirit radiate positivity wherever he goes. Rooted in his mission to serve others, Samuel envisions a prosperous future for his community and family, spreading healing and light to all he encounters.
Embark on Healing Journeys with Maestro Misael
From the tranquil town of San Francisco de Yarinacocha emerges Maestro Misael, a testament to the rich tradition of vegetalismo shamanism. Nestled along the Ucayali River in the Peruvian Amazon, this town boasts a heritage steeped in medicinal plant wisdom. Born into a lineage of devoted healers, Misael's destiny unfolded under the nurturing wings of his father, Maestro Herminio.
From an early age, Misael's affinity for plants bloomed, nurtured by his father's guidance. A poignant turning point at 16 led him to his first prolonged dieta, an immersive experience with the revered Ayahuma tree. It was during this time that he encountered Maestra Justina, a meeting that set the stage for his apprenticeship in the town of Vencedor.
A journey of over 15 years has seen Misael working intimately with plant medicine, dieting a diverse array of plants and trees. His dedication to healing resonates deeply, a commitment that stems from the core of his being. With a heart full of light and an unwavering devotion to service, Misael leaves no stone unturned to ensure profound healing for all who enter the embrace of Arkana. You will witness his warrior spirit in action as he imparts transformation on every level.
Enter the Realm of Maestro Luis
Maestro Luis, known as Soy Metsa in Shipibo, is a beacon of promise in the realm of healing. Born in the native community of Vencedor, Luis inherits a legacy of healing from his lineage of Meraya Shipibo Healers.
A remarkable tale unfolds from Luis's early years, when he was introduced to Ayahuasca at the tender age of 7. His dose back then consisted merely of the size of a bottle cap. A profound turn of fate catalyzed his commitment to healing as he witnessed his mother's, Maestra Justina’s illness. An arduous boat journey for her recovery became a pivotal moment, propelling Luis to follow the path of a healer, supported by his mother's heritage.
Guided by her, he embarked on a 2-year plant dieta, which marked the initiation of his journey as a Maestro. He started working a variety of potent plant energies, such as Sapote Renaco, Nihue Rao, and Sirenita Bobinzana. For a decade, he has refined his skills alongside his family at Arkana, transforming lives across the globe. Luis embodies the wisdom of his forebears, infusing his work with youthful vitality as well as ancient insights. His mission remains steadfast: to guide holistic healing for the spiritual, physical, and mental realms.
Energize Your Path with Maestro Herminio
Hailing from the Shipibo village of San Francisco de Yarinacocha, Maestro Herminio embodies the legacy of Ayahuasca Shamans. Growing up amidst the rhythms of healing ceremonies and plant dietas, he emerged as a beacon of his generation. His connection to the ancient Ayahuasca traditions is palpable, a torchbearer of his family's legacy.
Initiated into plant dieta at 16 under the guidance of Maestra Justina, Herminio's journey took flight. His path has been defined by a fervent commitment to learning, embracing the wisdom of different master plants. A recent 8-month dieta with the powerful jungle lemongrass, Chaikuni Rimu Ininti, stands as a testament to his dedication. Despite his youth, Herminio is a healer of extraordinary talent, his gentle nature harmonizing with his healing work. His knowledge of plants runs deep, each dieta a step towards greater mastery. Immerse yourself in the vibrancy of his icaros, the healing songs that resonate with pure joy. Herminio's empathy and devotion create a safe space for healing, while his expertise in plant medicine provides profound transformations.
Unveiling Maestro Eligio's Radiance
Maestro Eligio is affectionately known as Wexa Pico in Shipibo. With Maestra Justina and Maestro Cesar being his parents, it’s no surprise Maestro Eligio landed on the transformative path of Ayahuasca.
He started to embrace the master plants at the age of 14. His first Noma Rao dieta, guided by his mother, marked the beginning of a 12-year journey honing his plant medicine skills. Collaborating with his family at Arkana Spiritual Center, he has dedicated himself to the realm of plants, contributing to healing journeys spanning the globe. A father of five, Eligio represents the burgeoning generation of Shipibo healers, embodying ancestral wisdom beyond his years. His energetic resonance uplifts all he interacts with, a radiant force weaving the threads of ancient traditions with youthful fervor.
Experience the Ayahuasca Shamanic Legacy at Arkana
When you venture into one of our retreats, you will see and feel what true authenticity means. Our healers are a family and at the very heart of bringing deep transformation to the thousands of guests who have passed through our doors. Going to the place where Ayahuasca originates from is like nothing else. The profound internal shifts that the jungle, the Peruvian mountains and the spirit of these native plants bring is indescribable, and can only truly be understood once experienced for yourself. That’s why solid guidance is crucial, and we’re here to connect you to the best in the field.
