Numerous travels to the Peruvian and Brazilian Amazon jungle have taught me the ways of

the indigenous tribes & traditions. Intensive dietas with Master Plant teachers have

enabled me to learn from & build relationships with the Sacred plant spirits directly, as is

the indigenous custom. I’ve primarily studied in the Shipibo tradition, particularly with the

Mahua lineage and have worked directly with Doña Wilma Mahua, Papa Gilberto Mahua &

Don Enriqué Lopez. On my last trip to Peru, I was given the blessing of a Shipibo name:

Ranko Meraya. This name was given by Noya Rao, the Tree of Light, my most important

teacher and guiding Light in this sacred work.

Those that haven’t done an authentic Master Plant Diet(Dieta) may not truly understand

the wisdom and relationship that is cultivated during these sacred ventures of commitment

and Sacrifice with a Master Plant teacher. Generally it takes many Diets to cultivate a

deep relationship with the Plants. Once this connection & these relationships have been

nurtured and established they will stay there for life if the commitment(s) made during the

diet(s) are honored. The Plants become family and allies that are always there in support.

The process of dieting Master Plant teachers is what gets us back in tune with Nature like

we used to be a long time ago and is the route to becoming a shaman. His Holiness Swami

Vidyadhishananda has stated ‘Plants have a higher consciousness than humans’. My

experience with my Plant teachers thoroughly supports this and this is why I rely on their

guidance wholly for the duration of Ceremony and with the work I offer. Thanks to the

work the plants have done with me in my training and life, I navigate the Ceremonial space

in their guidance with Love, compassion and reverence to their magical workings.