Though their use is not as common today, psilocybe mushrooms have been a trusted companion for vast amounts of indigenous cultures throughout history.
María Sabina and Niños Santos
What are Niños Santos?
Niños Santos (Holy Children) is what the Mazatec healers call Psilocybe mushrooms.
Archeological evidence shows the use of these mushrooms dating back to around 500-700 BCE.
The mushrooms are an important part of ceremonial healing rites and initiations to help guide members of the society towards fulfilling their lifetime purpose.
They are traditionally collected in solitude, accompanied by song and during a full moon.
The healing effect
“”Cure yourself with the light of the sun and the rays of the moon. With the sound of the river and the waterfall. With the swaying of the sea and the fluttering of birds.” ”
Niños Santos are known for their ability to induce altered states of consciousness and their profound healing properties.
When taking them, your perception of the world as you know it slowly changes and dissolves. You journey into a profound experience, where you're invited to see reality in a new light.
It is hard to know precisely where this journey will take you as it varies for each individual, but with the wise support of the healers you are able to embed lasting changes into your life.
These mushrooms are very effective at treating diseases like depression, social anxiety, PTSD and addiction. They also heal traces of trauma stemming from physical, mental and sexual abuse.
The Mazatec
Niños Santos ceremonies at Arkana Yucatan are lead by the Mazatec shamans from Oaxaca, Mexico. The Mazatec see the mushrooms as very sacred beings, with their own spirit and voice.
One of the most known Mazatec people is María Sabina, considered a sacred figure, who hosted countless velada (healing rituals). She's also part of the story of how mushrooms gained popularity in the Western Hemisphere.
Though she only spoke Mazatec, she ended up becoming the subject of a wide variety of books describing her ceremonies and songs at length.
OUR SHAMANS
From the present Mazatec lineage, one of our key healers is Maestra Eugenia Pinedo Casimiro. She is the daughter of Abuela Julieta, a former member of the Council of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers.
The generational wisdom Maestra Eugenia got passed down is immense and her knowledge of Niños Santos started at a very young age.
Now her mother has passed away and she has inherited all of the responsibilities among her community. We are blessed to have her with us.
Come experience the magic of Niños Santos at our luxury retreats in Arkana Yucatan, in the time tested Mazatec Ritual.⠀
Find out more about our 7-day or 14-day retreats here.
