Tag Archives: Ayuaska

The Bitter Cup: Ayahuasca – beware the hand that serves you

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Michael J. Melville

The Bitter Cup: Ayahuasca – beware the hand that serves you. via The Bitter Cup: Ayahuasca – beware the hand that serves you.

Posted in Ayahuasca, Indigenous traditions | Tagged | Leave a comment

Core Shamanism

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Michael J. Melville

In 2010 my spirit son invited me to attend a Shamanism Workshop where I met Michael and Sandra Harner.  Having studied and used the principles of core shamanism (developed by Harner) in my personal work in dream journeys, I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Ayahuasca, Santo Daime | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Smiling Walrus

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Michael J. Melville

He looked different after returning from Hawaii. He’d gained weight. His belly mostly, and this was an amazing change in three weeks. He walked funny too, like he was out of his element, trying to keep his balance, sort of … Continue reading →

Posted in Psychology | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Gratitude, When Icarus Fell

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Michael J. Melville

Ikaros fell to earth when he got too close to the sun.  So the story goes.  Ikaros and his father Daedalos escaped the labyrinth in Crete, according to the myth, by fabricating wings. The feathers were attached with bees’ wax.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Psychology | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

What to do after taking an entheogen

Posted on June 16, 2012 by Michael J. Melville

Spiritual growth happens naturally with humans.  When we allow ourselves to open like a flower, we evolve.  Many esoteric sacred traditions have developed ways of strengthening this natural process through meditation, practice, and diet.  Some indigenous traditions use sacred substances … Continue reading →

Posted in Psychology | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Tea Party, Heritage and the Rainbow Shaman

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Michael J. Melville

Ojai, California is one of those amazing places where people introduce themselves as Shine, River, Raven, Two Wolves, Sage, or possibly Serenity.  Rarely however have I met someone who calls himself “Shaman”.  I know of one man given that name … Continue reading →

Posted in Rainbow Nation | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Rebooting Your Operating System

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Michael J. Melville

After a marvelous cleaning of body and spirit during the previous night at the Yaje Ceremony, I met a man who could see my soul as clearly as I could see his.  We talked of life, ecology, philosophy, and spirituality.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Rainbow Nation | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A New Son and a New Father

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Michael J. Melville

After experiencing the Divine Yaje all night (ayahuasca) ceremony run by our shaman, my sister called me offering to give me the gas money so that I too could experience the transformative ceremony.  She had processed the family’s ancestral feminine … Continue reading →

Posted in Child/Parent Relationship, Foster Children | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Terence McKenna and the Origins of Consciousness

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Michael J. Melville

Something gave primates a “jump start” toward human consciousness during ancient times.  Terence McKenna suggested the catalysts were most likely the plants our ancestors were eating.  In his book (1992) Food of the Gods:  The Search for the Original Tree … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Love Heals All Wounds

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Michael J. Melville

As she was leaving the Santo Daime Ceremony, headed home to her children, the Head of the Church embraced me.  We had just had a Star Ceremony and Danced the Cruzerinho with Padrinho Alfredo leading the Work.  It was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Ayahuasca, Psychology, Rainbow Nation, Santo Daime | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment