AYAHUASCA AND ITS PHENOMENOLOGY
The Pentagram:
Inspired by the flowers of Mariri and Chacrona, which have five petals, I schematize the phenomenology of Ayahuasca with the use of a pentagram. A pentagonal experience, where each of the petals of the mystical flower represents one of the facets of the experience.
Psychosomatic experience (strength and health)
Characterized by the emergence of new personal contents, previously unconscious or pre-conscious. A healing psychodynamic where abreactions and catharses allow one to relive experiences stored in memory with the resolution of conflicts. Catharsis may precipitate at the physical level for the purpose of cleansing and detoxification. Spiritual catharsis occurs at deeper levels, purging difficulties, toxins and traumas accumulated over the course of life. The depth of this process and its benefit depend on the individual, on the intensity of his spiritual quest, on the will and willingness to surrender the ego.
Abreaction implies a regressive process to the situation or source of a problem, or trauma. This process allows the person to relive the experience, gain understanding, new perspectives, build new meanings in search of a closure or resolution in the form of a liberation from guilt, fear, anxiety, or any feelings binding the individual to the situation. The process results in a re-evaluation of the way of being, with a strong tendency for positive changes, renewal of life purposes and missions.
Illuminating experience (light and consciousness)
Cognitive, noetic facet of the experience, from which arises a knowledge characterized by intuitions and luminous thoughts. Problems are seen in an expanded way and the interrelations between the various levels and dimensions are better grasped; deeper, more comprehensive and wise visions and understandings emerge.
Aesthetic experience (beauty and harmony)
Artistic and creative facet of the experience, greater art, where the coordination and intensification of the sensory system allows the emergence of synesthesias — nature pulses with beauty, brilliance, power and life. New forms and harmonies are revealed — music makes itself heard with all its soul, the imagination overflows with images, colors and productions never seen before.
Affective experience (love and compassion)
An intuitive and palpitating response in the presence of reality, a sense of the sacred is installed, with feelings of humility, reverence and liberation. Feelings containing jubilant elements, peace and love, of greater degree and intensity manifest, opening in the thoracic region a sensation of a flower blossoming, emanating benevolent sensations. An intense harmonizing, healing and balsamic feeling settles in, awakening love for nature and people: love happens.
Mystical experience (union and transcendence)
The essence of the mystical experience provided by Ayahuasca can be detailed in some essential aspects, such as:
UNITY — an experience of cosmic union in which the sense of self dissolves (consciousness and memory are not lost); the subject becomes conscious of his greater dimension, he feels integrated into the totality, one.
TRANSCENDENCE — time and space, subject and objects, are experienced and perceived beyond three-dimensionality; an infinite ensemble of force, light and resplendent beauty.
MYSTERY — the experience is far beyond the power of words, ineffable, essentially indescribable, but can nevertheless be suggested, pointed to by art. Logical paradoxes seem to reconcile, individuals may feel finite and infinite, limited and unlimited, all at once. The mysteries of life, of existence, of consciousness, become evident. The wisdom of Tao, Nirvana, Buddha, Glory, the secrets of the Trinity, the mysteries of Tupã, Wiracocha, Inti, may manifest — transcendental metaphors and experiences, deep and precious.