Page 14 - AB
P. 14
Wednesday 25 OctOber 2023 locAl
A10
Yopo, plant of God’s Episode CCXXIX - 229
Every week, Etnia Nativa writes a new episode about cephala; however, the seed pods are Mother Earth, which can make your
culture and heritage, focusing on native knowledge, completely different. body feel refreshed and revitalized
transcendental wisdom, and the importance of de- since its medicinal features work for
fending Aruba’s true identity. Its articles connect the Native American tribes of the Carib- your body’s wellness as well as your
reader with the mystical aspects of the island, its cul- bean, Central America, and South spiritual health.
ture, and its traditional heritage, encouraging them to America, including our island ancestral
interact with the cultural environment and adopt an Caquetian’s groups, used to grind the Maybe you can compare the effects
authentic island state of consciousness. seeds of this mystical plant together of the Yopo to what could resemble
with other herbs, snails, or shells, which the effects of psychotherapy, how-
Today we share details of a plant scientifically called they cooked over a sacred fire. This ever mystical in nature. The common
Anadenathera peregrina, commonly known as Yopo, mixture was ground after it cooled and experience reported by most consum-
calcium tree, cohoba, parica, or cebil. Through ar- then stored in a container or pouch for ers is that Yopo helped them improve
chaeological evidence, we know that its seeds con- later use. In this way, they obtained a through introspection and new self-
tain a substance that has been used in healing ritual fine powder, essentially hallucinogen- knowledge. Those who practiced or
ceremonies for thousands of years. ic, that was inhaled or blown into the have participated in such ceremonies
nose of the participant. This was either affirm that Yopo frees your mind from
The seeds of this tree were originally collected from a remedy or a spiritual trance. Inhaling the ties that the person has placed on
the wild, but increased competition between differ- is the most effective way of administra- it themselves and affirm that it intensi-
ent Aboriginal tribes for its use caused the plant to tion as it allows for a larger amount of fies emotional experiences and raises
be intentionally cultivated and transported to other the plant powder to get in touch with the level of their consciousness; they re-
locations, thus expanding its distribution to areas be- the neuroreceptors, whereas a far less port major changes in their worldviews,
yond its original native habitat, which were the Carib- effective way of using yopo is by smok- as well as a greater focus on both
bean and other regions of South America. ing the seeds of the plant. themselves and their environmental
Science has yet to discover all the positive effects this surroundings, both inner and outer ex-
psychoactive substance has on the body and the The positive psychological and spiri- istence. Dispositions towards love, se-
mind. However Shamans have experimented with its tual impacts are the main focus of the renity, peace, and positive energy are
hallucinogenic powers for millennia. yopo’s ceremony. The Shaman guides also attributed to the usual experience
you so that you avoid slipping into a of participating in a Yopo’s ceremony.
Yopo is a tree that reaches a height of approximately state of distress by diving too deep into
20 m (66 ft) tall; its flowers are pale yellow to white your soul while purifying it from nega- The visions depend on the person con-
spherical clusters resembling Acacia inflorescences; tive energy accumulated through suming the plant, so no hallucinogenic
and it’s a plant that somewhat resembles a plant lo- time or stress. It will also bring your mind experience is the same. The visionary
cally known as “Garoti di San Jose”, Leucaena leuco- into a forgotten state in harmony with experiences show that many people
can be scared or frightened in the be-
ginning and might reflect suppressed
fears and phobias, which can affect
the heart rate, increasing palpitations.
Yopo ceremony takes you and reveals
your deepest fears as well as yearnings
and dreams. By seeing and confront-
ing them, you are allowed to manipu-
late them and revamp them if need
be.
Be informed that this is not a promo-
tion or encouragement for you to par-
ticipate in any shamanic or spiritual
ceremonies.q
Through the Island Insight platform, we
share the most interesting and reveal-
ing stories about Aruba as a tourist des-
tination to discover, and if you want
to explore the island’s deep heritage,
book a visit to Etnia Nativa, a private
residence that integrates natural and
reused materials and is full of art, cul-
ture, and island heritage. Each visitor is
guided through an authentic encoun-
ter with the owner-builder and cultural
expert. WhatsApp +297 592 2702 etni-
anativa03@gmail.com
