The shamanic dieta is a process of deep purification, transformation and learning within traditional Amazonian shamanism. It is an opportunity for you to commune directly with the plant spirits in the ancient traditions of the jungle in a setting of support, beauty, compassion and spiritual medicine. The focus of the workshop is on exploring and integrating the experience of the shamanic dieta in ways that translate to direct and meaningful changes throughout all aspects of your life.
Shamanic dietas can be utilized for physical, mental and emotional healing, as well as for spiritual growth, learning, and profound personal transformation. Over the course of the week, your relationship with the plant spirits will deepen and evolve. As this happens, you will also evolve. The learning is direct, experiential and entirely based upon your own connections.
Your transformation and evolution is our focus. Our job on this journey is to 100% support and guide your process the whole way through. Everyone comes to Blue Morpho and to plant medicine with a unique set of reasons and intentions. Our shamanic retreats are created to help facilitate and bring resolution to your reasons for embarking on this journey. Incorporating a number of shamanic and transformational tools, together we explore the mystical reality of shamanism, spirit, self, plant medicine, consciousness, transformation, and ultimately your life.
Led by Maestro Alberto Torres Davila, along with our full shamanic team, these retreats are limited to only 20 guests and awards the opportunity for ample time spent with the shamans and staff both in and out of ceremony, as well as the opportunity to take your work with the medicine very deep.
The dieta begins by ingesting the barks of several medicinal trees in a mild tea form. The tree spirits offer their medicine and through this communion, they transform and teach you from within your body. Once the bond is created, they become part of you. Over the course of the dieta and its integration into your life, you develop your own style of relating to these spirits and their medicine. The culmination of this process is continued growth, learning, connection and communion for the rest of your life.
The traditional shamanic dieta consists of a carefully restricted food intake for at least 6 days. You can eat only a few very bland foods, such as green plantains, yucca meal, chicken, eggs, and one type of fish. No salt, sugar, or oil is allowed. This limited food intake purifies your body so that the energy of the plants absorb and integrate within you. You offer the plant spirits your time, energy, dedication and focus; in exchange, you receive their medicine as the plant spirits teach and guide you.
There are certain restrictions that you will have to follow during and after the dieta. For instance, during the dieta, you are not allowed to use soap or toothpaste, and you must avoid direct physical contact with others (except for the shamans and assistants). After the dieta, you are not allowed to have ANY sort of sexual contact (including masturbation or fantasizing) for 30 days, and you cannot consume pork for at least 6 months. Dieters should stay in the shade (out of the sun) and spend most of their time relaxing (not hiking or taking part in any physically strenuous activity). There are several other restrictions that will be covered in detail during the retreat.
When participating in traditional medicine dietas at Blue Morpho, it is understood that the rules need to be heeded and followed. Not following the rules can bring affliction by traditional definitions. This does not mean that there need be any fear about the diet. On the contrary the diet takes its own path, making your job very easy. All you have to do is follow the process and the direction the medicine will take you. The result is a fulfillment of your own intentions for undertaking a plant dieta.
Traditionally, the shamanic dieta is only taken on by a shaman, shamanic apprentice, or as a part of certain types of healing. We suggest the dieta for people who are very interested in deep transformation through the practice of Amazonian shamanism. This requires the full commitment on the part of the dieter. One of the most significant elements of the dieta experience is maintaining the 30 day and 6 month restrictions following your time here at Blue Morpho. This part of the journey is fundamental to allowing the plant spirits and their medicine to fully integrate into your body, mind and spirit. Your learning will continue during this time, and far beyond it. This is truly a remarkable, life-changing experience. Please ensure that you are committed to the whole process.