Description
Book SynopsisSalvia divinorumhas been used since ancient times by the Mazatec shamans of Mexico for divination, vision quests, and healing. Known by many names--nearly all associated with the Virgin Mary, who has come to symbolize the spirit of salvia--this plant ally is now regarded as the most powerful natural hallucinogen. Providing the first practical guide to the shamanic, spiritual, and therapeutic uses of salvia, Ross Heaven shares his in-depth quest to connect with the spirit of this plant teacher. He explores recent clinical research into its many long-term psychological effects, such as increased insight and self-confidence, improved mood and concentration, and feelings of calmness and connection with nature, as well as salvia’s potential for combating diseases like Alzheimer’s, depression, and even cocaine addiction. Reviewing the traditional Mazatec ceremonies surrounding salvia’s harvest and use, Heaven describes appropriate methods of consumption, typical dosages, and the shamanic diet he used to increase salvia’s effectiveness. Examining firsthand accounts of salvia journeys from around the world, he decodes the meaning of the symbolic images experienced during salvia’s ecstatic embrace and details the interplay between salvia and the lucid dreaming state. Comparing salvia to ayahuasca and the San Pedro cactus, Heaven explains that salvia’s greatest strength as a shamanic plant ally lies in its ability to connect you with your higher purpose and aid you in envisioning your unique path in life.
Trade Review“
Shamanic Quest for the Spirit of Salvia enriches its readers with a fuller picture including art works of both the author and others, diverse personal experiences, rich quotations from others’ works, history, healing and rituals from South America and Europe.” * Thomas B. Roberts, PhD, author of The Psychedelic Future of the Mind, and editor of Spiritual Growth *
“Absolutely LOVING the
Shamanic Quest for the Spirit of Salvia! FANTASTIC work; really advanced shamanic knowledge, Our species really needed this book!” * David Jay Brown, author of The New Science of Psychedelics *
“Join Ross Heaven as he examines the deepest aspects of one of the most powerful and least used plant hallucinogen in History. The tangles of experience weave a wonderful view on such a powerful teacher (Salvia). Just reading about it makes one’s mind go to another place of existence just like what the plant does. Delicious reading if you ask me. Enjoy the mystery as it deepens and learn about the potential for the medical value of the plant.” * Rev. Water Smith, Dragibus, Winter 2014 *
Table of ContentsIntroduction:
Before We Start Dreaming Together . . . The Origin and Purpose of This Book 1 Salvia divinorum, The Shepherdess An Introduction to Diviner’s Sage (The Shepherdess), Its Shamanic Uses, and Its Contemporary Form, Salvinorin A
2 The Quest in Peru Beginning the Shamanic Exploration of Salvia (Salvinorin 20X Concentrate) in Iquitos • The Search for the Spirit of the Plant and Its Applications for Healing • A Diet of Salvia and Its Use
with San Pedro and Ayahuasca
3 The Quest in Spain Working in a Ceremonial Context (5X–100X Concentrate) • Using the Mesa • Ritual Experiences and the Beginning of a Dialogue with Salvia
4 Continuing the Quest in Spain Salvia Healing: A Client Study • Repeating the Diet and the Application of Salvia for Healing Anxiety, Depression, and Addictive Behavior (5X Concentrate and Leaves)
5 Plant Spirit Wisdom Bringing Questers Together • The Experiences of Participants in Salvia Ceremonies (5X and 20X Concentrates)
6 The Questing of Others Accounts from Salvia Users in the United Kingdom, Sweden, Greece, and Spain (Various Concentrates)
7 The Teachings of The Shepherdess Threads and Themes from the Path of Sage • Exploring the Evidence Based on the Accounts of Nearly 50 Users and Almost 100 Trip Reports • What Is Salvia Telling Us? • How Does It Heal? • How Should We Interact with It? • Its Messages for Humanity
8 Dieting The Shepherdess: A DNA Fantasy The Purpose of the Ally and the Dietary Encounter with Ska Maria
9 The Nature of the Ally: Some Questions On Reflection, a Summary: What Can You Expect from Your Meeting with The Shepherdess?
10 Loose Ends A Note on the People You’ve Met in This Book
Postscript: The Third Salvia Diet
Appendix: A Dictionary of Salvia Symbols
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
About the Author
