One of the Ancestral Medicines used in our ceremonies is peyote, also known as hikuri. Learn more about this powerful Master Plant and what it is like to join a ceremony.
What is peyote?
Peyote, which is also known as mescal button, is a hallucinogenic cactus. Its origins trace back to the limestone soil in the Chihuahuan desert in southern Texas and northern Mexico. Now it also gets cultivated globally.
In the wild, the cactus takes an incredible 10 to 30 years before it is mature and flowers. The plant has a bitter taste and the tops of the cacti, or crowns, get dried.
Although peyote contains 28 alkaloids, the main hallucinogen is mescaline. Its use dates back over 5000 years and currently over 40 tribes include it into their ritual practices.
The effects of peyote
Mescal buttons are prepared in different ways. They are first dried and can then be chewed, boiled in water or ground to a powder. Once ingested, the effects last between 10 to 12 hours.
It's very common to feel nauseous during the first period, where a variety of effects start to appear. This can range from a change in smell or taste to visual hallucinations.
It's quite common to experience synesthesia, where the senses intermingle and you can "feel colours" or "see sounds". Besides its recreational use, it is also used medicinally to heal certain ailments such as snake bites, rheumatism or skin conditions.
OUR SHAMANS
Our peyote ceremonies in Mexico are held by the Wixárika, or Wixáritari (plural for "The People") as they call themselves. The people who are the spiritual leaders of this tribe are the Mara'akáme, which translates to "those that know".
Their role is integral to the community and they're seen as the link between the earthly world and the spirit world. From a very young age, they are chosen and groomed by their elders to learn how to heal others.
The most powerful tool in their medicinal arsenal is Hikuri, their name for the peyote cactus. Once a year they set off on a sacred pilgrimage to gather the plant in Wirikuta, the desert of their ancestors.
This journey starts off by a full preparation, including cleansing their bodies through a proper diet and fasting as well as sexual abstinence to become absolved from worldly desires.
This powerful entheogen is used in a ceremony around Tatéwari (Grandfather Fire) where they chant all night to open interdimensional portals called nierikas to invoke the blessings and healing of the medicine.
We are truly honored to support and respect the Wixárika people and their traditions. Their wisdom is a treasure that must be protected for future generations.
during the ceremony
First, a fire is lit which is the Grandfather Fire (Tatewari).
Everyone gathers around Tatewari and forms a medicine circle for the entire night.
Peyote, or Hikuri, is passed around and the Mara’akame, or leading healer, commences the ritual songs. These sungs are directed to Mother Nature, the spirits and the elements to help participants in their quest for healing.
The ceremony has 4 distinct stages:
Invocation: The Mara’akame protects the space and opens the medicine calling upon the spirit of peyote to be with us for the ceremony.Presentation: The Mara’akame introduces the ceremony’s participants and intentions to grandfather peyote.
Active Healing: The medicine songs are channeled to help each one in their process.
Ceremony Closing: Gratitude is offered to grandfather peyote and the elements for the blessings and healing received.
We would love for you to join us in experiencing the magic of a Peyote ceremony at Arkana Yucatan. Find out more about our 7-day or 14-day retreats here.