Arkana Spiritual Center (2025)

17/09/2024

Discover the Ancient Beauty of the Maras Salt Mines 🦋

At Arkana Sacred Valley Center, we invite you to explore the Maras Salt Mines, one of Peru’s most captivating and historic sites. Nestled high in the Sacred Valley, these mesmerizing salt terraces have been in continuous use since pre-Inca times, harnessing the natural salt springs that flow from the Qaqawiñay mountain. 🏞️

The Maras Salt Mines, also known as “Salineras de Maras,” are believed to have been established by the Wari civilization and later expanded by the Incas. For centuries, the local communities have maintained these salt ponds, passing down traditional methods of salt extraction from generation to generation. Each of the over 3,000 salt pools is owned and managed by local families, who continue to produce salt in the same way their ancestors did.

Walking through this landscape of gleaming white terraces set against the majestic Andes, you’ll not only witness an incredible feat of ancient engineering but also connect with the rich cultural heritage that these salt mines represent. The salt extracted here is known for its purity and is still used for both culinary and medicinal purposes, making it a symbol of the enduring relationship between the Andean people and their natural environment.

This excursion is more than just a visit to a beautiful site; it’s an immersive journey into the history, culture, and traditions of the Sacred Valley. The Maras Salt Mines offer a profound and enriching experience that perfectly complements your spiritual journey at Arkana.
Join us in the Sacred Valley and explore the wonders of Maras, where history, culture, and nature converge in a truly magical way.

To learn more about our Ayahuasca retreats, visit the link in our bio or send us a DM.✨

15/09/2024

Meet Falcon, our Amazon Jungle Center’s excursion guide. 🦋

Although his real name is Wilver, in the world of tourism, he is known as Falcon. He comes from a small town called Buenos Aires, on the banks of the Amazon River, and he is of the Cocama tribe descent. However, he currently lives in another village called San Juan de Omaguas.

Initially, he served in the armed forces for 2 years, then left to study foreign languages and began working as a tour guide 18 years ago. He has worked for various tourism companies giving jungle tours throughout the Peruvian jungle.🌿

His main interests include biodiversity, botany, and environmental conservation. He is the main excursion guide at Arkana’s Jungle Center. His motivation to become a part of Arkana was to learn something different and self-discovery through Ayahuasca.
He is an integral part of the guest’s experience as he likes to meet the new guests that come every week to our center, learn about their lives, and teach them what he knows about the diverse ecosystem of the jungle.

You can meet Falcon when you come to our Amazon Jungle Location. To learn more about our Ayahuasca retreats, visit the link in our bio or send us a DM.

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09/09/2024

In the journey of healing and self-discovery, we often think we need to search for love outside of ourselves. Yet, the wisdom of Rumi reminds us that love has always been within us—it’s the barriers we’ve constructed over time that keep us from fully experiencing it.

At Arkana, we believe in peeling back these layers, removing the barriers that prevent us from embracing the love that’s already there. Through deep inner work, guided by sacred plant medicines and ancient traditions, we reconnect with the purest parts of ourselves, rediscovering the love that has always been our true essence.

Join us on this journey of transformation and let the walls fall away, revealing the love that’s been waiting for you all along. Visit the link in our bio or send us a DM to learn more about our retreats.

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03/09/2024

Meet Our Shamans - Maestro Samuel 🦋

Also known as Run On Rawa in Shipibo; Samuel was born into a family of Ayahuasca Shamans in the native community of Vencedor, a 24-hour boat ride from Pucallpa. He is the nephew of Maestra Justina, our lead shaman, who has over 40 years working with the medicine. Growing up immersed in the world of Ayahuasca, Samuel observed his extended family working in healing ceremonies and guiding plant dietas. His desire to help his family and community inspired him to open his first plant dieta under the guidance of Maestra Justina, and has been learning and dieting with different plants ever since. Samuel’s first long-term dieta consisted of dieting the very potent Ayahuma: a tree that provides energetic protection and strength. He has been working alongside his family at Arkana for the past year, making sure that the people who come to Arkana are healed deeply on all levels.

Maestro Samuel is a warrior of light and works purely from his heart at the service of others. His jolly nature and light-hearted attitude have the power to brighten any room he walks into. His mission is to be of service to as many people as he can and provide a prosperous future for his family and community.

You can meet Maestro Samuel when you come to one of our Ayahuasca retreats at our Amazon location. For more information and available retreat dates, visit the link in our bio. See you soon!

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27/08/2024

Master Plant Series - Stinging Nettle (Urtica Diocia) 🦋

The stinging nettle is a flowering plant originally native to Europe but is now found worldwide. The majority of it’s species have many hollow stinging hairs on the leaves and stems, which like hypodermic needles, injecting histamine and other chemicals to produce a stinging sensation upon contact. The plant has a long history of use as a source of traditional medicine, food, tea, and textiles in ancient and modern society.

 Some benefits of the stinging nettle include:

🌱 Medicinal Marvel - from relieving seasonal allergies and reducing inflammation to supporting healthy digestion and promoting vibrant skin, this herbal powerhouse has a myriad of health benefits.

🍃 Nutritional Boost - packed with essential nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C, incorporating this verdant wonder into your diet can help fortify your immune system, improve bone health, and boost energy levels.

🌿 Sustainable textiles - its fibers are harvested, spun, and transformed into a soft, durable fabric known as nettle cloth. This eco-friendly alternative to conventional textiles not only reduces our reliance on synthetic materials but also supports local communities and traditional craftsmanship.

🌍 Environmental Guardian - as a nitrogen-rich plant, it acts as a natural fertilizer, nourishing the soil and supporting the growth of neighboring flora.
Have you encountered the stinging nettle?

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25/08/2024

Embrace the Purge and Experience the Transformative Power of Ayahuasca 🦋

In the sacred and nurturing environment of our Ayahuasca ceremonies, the purge represents a profound release and renewal. It’s not merely a physical reaction to the medicine; it’s a powerful process facilitated by our experienced Shipibo healers and the healing icaros they sing. 🌿

These sacred songs, known as icaros, guide you through the energetic cleansing, helping to release deep-seated trauma, illness, and emotional blockages. Purging is an act of surrender, a gateway to letting go of what no longer serves you, making space for new growth and healing.

Sometimes, we can’t even know what these blockages are, as they live hidden out of plain sight (what we call the shadow). The purge helps to bring these hidden aspects to the surface, allowing for a deeper level of healing and transformation.

Contrary to common belief, purging takes many forms:
· Shivering
· Vomiting
· Laughing
· Crying
· Yawning
· Temperature changes
· Mental chatter
· GI discomfort
· Twitching

Each form is a unique expression of release, tailored to your individual needs and experiences. Just as Western medicine treats physical symptoms, our Shipibo healers work to cleanse the energetic body, promoting holistic well-being. ✨

The purge is the ultimate surrender in ceremony. Instead of fearing or resisting it, think of the purge as the ultimate mind-body shedding required for true healing and transformation. By letting go, you create the space to call in something new.

Visit the link in our bio to learn more about our retreats!

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22/08/2024

Maestro Juan is one of the most prominent healers in the Wirrarika tradition. Healers are often referred to as Marakame, which is literally translated as: ‘those that possess knowledge.” He was initiated into the hikuri tradition by his grandfather and his father Cassiano, both talented healers.

Marakame Juan is recognized by Unesco as one of the few medicine men that is authorized to transport fresh Hikuri wherever he goes. He holds the title of Marakame Cantor (Medicine Singer) by his fellow elders. He chants to the spirit of the hikuri to connect humans with earth and the wisdom of the cosmos.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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After apprenticing for years under the guidance of his family, he began leading his own healing ceremonies at age 16 and is now with us to share his knowledge and warm spirit during your own healing process. Through his prayers, you’ll find a loving and powerful voice, and one of the purest examples of an old traditional Shaman.

We are honored to have Maestro Juan amongst the staff at Arkana Yucatan this winter for our 4-day and 7-day retreats! 🇲🇽

✨4-DAY RETREAT - Nov. 20-23✨
- 3 night/4 day accommodation
- 2 Sapo Ceremonies
- 1 Mushroom Ceremony
- Yoga & Breathwork

✨7-DAY RETREAT - Nov. 24-30 and Dec. 1-7✨
- 6 night/7 day accommodation
- 1 Sapo Ceremony
- 2 Mushroom Ceremonies
- 1 Pe**te Ceremony
- 1 Temezcalli Ceremony
- Excursion to Archeological Site and Cenote
- Yoga, Breathwork, & Sound healing
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Come and visit us and discover the wonders of the Yucatan! Visit the link in our bio to schedule your retreat with us today.

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14/08/2024

The Element of Fire 🦋

In Amazonian Shamanism, it is believed that the fire (Tiri in Shipibo) is the natural element which helps us to communicate with the spirits and our ancestors, because if you listen close enough, you might hear them speaking to you or with each other, and so the shaman before starting his work, lights the fire to cleanse the space and elevate our prayers asking for protection. ️‍🔥

Fire was the first element that helped in the creation of the universe and our own world, fire was and still is one of the most important elements.

For the Huichol Indians of Mexico, protectors of Pe**te, they invoked upon Tatewari, the god of fire, called by them ‘grandfather fire’. He is also the shaman of ancient times, the patron of all shamans. Amongst his actions are burning the fields so that they are ready for the planting of crops, he helps the Huichol hunt deer and, as the representation of fire, cooks food. As part of his shaman duties, he accompanies shamans when they go to cure a sick person. Feathers act as his messengers, which are generally worn on the stick of shamans.

In India, Agni, is a Sanskrit word meaning fire, and refers to the Vedic fire god of Hinduism. In their classical cosmology, Agni as fire is one of the five impermanent elements along with space, water, air and earth. The five combine to form what may be perceived as material existence.

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12/08/2024

Retreat Activities - Yoga 🦋
At Arkana, we believe that true healing begins by harmonizing the mind, body, and spirit. As we delve into the realm of self-discovery, yoga emerges as a powerful tool, guiding us on an inner odyssey of transformation.

Through the practice of yoga, we connect with the wisdom of our physical vessels, unlocking the dormant potential within. The gentle flow of breath and movement invites us to tune into the subtle energies that permeate our being, fostering a deep sense of balance and inner serenity. 🧘

In the embrace of nature’s sanctuary, all of our holistic retreats offer the gift of yoga as a sacred pathway to self-realization. With each asana, we cultivate strength, flexibility, and awareness, transcending the limitations of the physical realm. As we explore the depths of our consciousness, we surrender to the flow of life, finding solace in the present moment.

Yoga becomes a gateway to mindfulness, offering solace to the weary mind and solace to the restless soul. Amidst the sacred jungle surroundings, we find solace in the gentle rustle of leaves, the symphony of birdsong, and the whispers of ancient wisdom that echo through our practice.

Through the harmonious integration of Ayahuasca and yoga, we embark on a holistic voyage, merging the mystical realms of plant medicine and ancient yogic traditions. Together, they weave a tapestry of profound healing, opening doors to self-discovery, personal growth, and spiritual expansion. 🌿

Join us on this transformative pilgrimage, where Ayahuasca and yoga intertwine to nurture your entire being. We invite you to honor the sacred temple of your body, to dive deep into the wellspring of your soul, and to unveil the radiant light that dwells within.✨

For more information about our retreats and to schedule your retreat with us today, visit the link in our bio or send us a DM.

09/08/2024

Shipibo Cosmology - Art Mural🦋
According to Shipibo cosmology, the world is inhabited by spirits and beings who have the power to influence human lives and the natural environment. They emphasize the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of maintaining balance and harmony with nature. 🌿

Central to their cosmology is the belief in the transformative and healing powers of sacred plant medicines, such as ayahuasca, which are used in spiritual rituals and ceremonies.

In this mural featured at our Amazon jungle location, you see a Shipibo Ayahuasca Maestra, or Shaman, wrapped by the anaconda, also known as the Mother of Ayahuasca, that morphs into the Ayahuasca vine. The vine is connected to the heart because Ayahuasca connects us to our authentic selves. The anaconda is associated with transformation and healing. It possesses the wisdom and knowledge of the rainforest. The anaconda represents the ability to shed old patterns, release negative energies, and undergo a profound spiritual transformation.🐍

There is a jaguar on her right side, which is associated with strength, power, and protection. The third-eye of the jaguar is illuminated, representing the illumination that Ayahuasca provides when you drink the brew. The jaguar is a guardian spirit and is believed to possess the ability to navigate between different realms or dimensions. The jaguar is the Shaman’s guide and protector during Ayahuasca ceremonies.🐆

Likewise, the parrot is seen as a guardian spirit and messenger between the human world and spirit world, carrying messages from one realm to another.

There is a young Shipibo boy dressed in Kené designs, the traditional geometric art associated with the Shipibo people, representing the language of the spirit world, and often considered as a form of protection. He is beckoning you with an inviting smile to come forward and experience the magic of the Amazon jungle.

If you are feeling the call to experience this magic for yourself, visit the link in our bio or send us a DM to learn more about our Ayahuasca retreats.

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06/08/2024

What’s emerging within you, seeking release? ✨🌱

Our healing journey isn’t just about what we gain; it’s about our willingness to let go. Let’s emphasize the transformative power of release and surrender.
Especially in the realm of plant medicine, the first step towards change is letting go. It’s about surrendering the burdens of outdated pains in both the mind and body.

It’s about releasing entanglements to old patterns that no longer serve our growth. And it’s about letting go of the fear that holds us back from exploring what lies beyond. 🙏🏼

As we courageously surrender, the purging process finds us and initiates profound healing. This transformative journey can manifest in countless ways, unique to each individual’s experience.

So take a deep breath, trust the process, and embrace the power of release. Allow yourself to be free from what no longer aligns with your highest self. In this sacred space of surrender, true transformation can unfold.

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03/08/2024

Preparing your spirit for Ayahauasca 🦋

Ayahuasca and other plant medicines offer a level of knowledge and power that should be accessed only in the right environment and with the right preparation beforehand. These medicines are far from recreational and must be treated with the utmost respect and care. 🌿✨

We highly recommend taking the time to prepare your mental and spiritual bodies, in addition to your physical. This may include meditation, yoga, art or dance classes before your retreat. Anything that connects you with your own self, so that you get a deeper understanding of what you truly wish to accomplish during your Ayahuasca experience.

Many people come to do Ayahuasca thinking they know what their intentions are beforehand. However, upon meditating on the subject, they often realize that their intentions are a bit superficial and that what they truly need to work on lies deeper at a spiritual/soul level. Ayahuasca works with your subconscious mind and will help you see what truly matters.

We recommend focusing on things that raise your energetic vibration. These might include:
- Having a daily gratitude practice
- Listening to music that you enjoy
- Moving your body
- Meditation & breathwork
- Becoming aware of your emotional state
- Stopping complaining & gossiping
- Consuming empowering content
- Journaling about what you truly want for your life
- Doing something for someone else
- Practicing positive affirmations
- Devoting time to your hobbies

For more information about our retreats or to book your retreat with us today, visit the link in our bio. See you soon.

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01/08/2024

Self-discovery through Ayahuasca 🦋

Ayahuasca holds a mirror up to ourselves & projects our internal landscape. It is our journey back home to our true selves.

Often this journey can be an uncomfortable and challenging process, inside and outside of ceremony. Ayahuasca brings up emotions, fears, and discomfort to the surface, for you to face them and understand that you have a choice in how can deal with them.

Through directly experiencing of the emotions and traumas you’ve been avoiding that you come to a place of knowledge and wisdom – by facing them, you can understand the root cause, address it, and transform that which caused you pain into the keys to your liberation.

Often the root cause of our issues come from childhood. Ayahuasca can take you back to revisit the memories that shaped the way you perceived life, created your values, and shaped your beliefs. When negative events or emotions happened, our tendency as children was to run away. This we carried into our adult life, manifesting in a multitude of ways, including how we handle stress, our predisposition to depression and anxiety, and the way in which we connect with ourselves and others.

In this work, we are invited to engage with our inner child and rescue those parts which still carry pain. By healing the inner child, we heal all that follows and can return to a place of authenticity, presence, and peace.

The alchemy of transformation comes from engaging directly with our emotional pain and discomfort. It is not a process that one can simply “think through” – it is one of the heart and can only be dealt with by engaging, experiencing, and feeling it.

The lessons and wisdom of Ayahuasca often involve a revealing of simple truths, truths which in many cases people already “knew” but simply had never “felt”.

It is common that those who had never felt the positive emotions they experienced through this work, had also never let themselves feel the negative emotions that are the precursor to them.

Ayahuasca can take us to the gate, but ultimately it is up to us to walk through and to do so, we must get past our own inner demons standing guard.

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29/07/2024

Healing benefits of 5-MeO-DMT (Bufo Alvarius, Sapo) 🦋

5-MeO-DMT is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in various plants and animals, such as the venom of the Sonoran Desert Toad (also known as Bufo Alvarius or Sapo). 🐸✨

This use of this potent medicine has become widespread in recent years and its use known as a powerful tool and spiritual growth. Here are some potential benefits associated with 5-MeO-DMT:

🌱Spiritual Exploration: When consumed in ceremonial or ritualistic settings to induce altered states of consciousness, it can facilitate profound spiritual experiences and deep introspection.

🌱Consciousness Expansion: It is known to induce intense and transformative experiences, often described as ego-dissolution or ego-death, which can lead to a sense of interconnectedness, expanded consciousness, and a dissolution of boundaries between the self and the universe.

🌱Therapeutic Potential: Like other plant medicines, it has shown promise in therapeutic settings. It has shown benefits such as increased self-awareness, enhanced emotional well-being, and improved mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.

🌱Personal Growth and Insight: it can offer profound insights and perspectives, helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their relationships, and their place in the world.

🌱Reduced Fear of Death: Many individuals report a temporary reduction in fear of death or an increased acceptance of mortality, which can lead to a greater appreciation of life.

5-MeO-DMT should be approached with deep reverence and respect, for safety and to protect the Sonoran Desert Toad.

At Arkana, we our guests with the proper preparation, guidance, and integration support throughout their experience. We also ensure that the toad venom is collected in ethical ways without harming the toad population.

If you are ready to Experience this powerful ceremony with us visit the link in our bio for more information or send us a DM. This medicine is available at all of our locations.

See you soon.

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26/07/2024

1-Week Ayahuasca retreat giveaway 🦋

Join Us in Our Mission to Heal the World and Get Rewarded With a Free Retreat!

We are on a mission to heal the world one heart at a time. There is strength in numbers, and we need your help in spreading the word about Ayahuasca and Arkana Spiritual Center. As a token of our appreciation for the effort, we will be giving away a one-week retreat.

To participate in this giveaway, simply:

1) Follow Us
2) Share this post on your Story
3) Tag 5 people in the comments section below

The winner of the retreat will be published on IG and our Friends of Arkana FB Group on August 23rd, 2024.

🦋OFFICIAL RULES🦋

• Prize – One 1-week retreat will be given away to participants via a drawing to be held on August 23rd, 2024.
• One entry to our giveaway will be awarded for each shared story and posted comment (must include 5 tags & be following .spiritual.center).
• Winners may choose to use the retreat personally or transfer it to others.
• Retreat may be used at any of our locations during 2024.
• Last day for entries will be August 22nd, 2024.
• We will choose a winner randomly from among all entries and the results will be announced on IG and the Friends of Arkana FB group on August 23rd, 2024.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE.

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23/07/2024

Meet Arkana’s Head Chef - Socratés Humani Ramos 🦋

Meet Socratés, Arkana’s professional chef with roots in Lima, Peru. His childhood isn’t the typical story of family unity and love. Instead, he ventured into a tough world where, at the tender age of eight, he had to grapple with street life and work various jobs to survive.

At 17, Socratés joined the military service, where he molded himself into a strong and determined individual. It was also during this time that he discovered one of his talents - music. Later, he pursued studies in haute cuisine, developing a deep love and passion for gastronomy despite the many obstacles and life lessons he encountered along the way. He has dedicated most of his life to the culinary arts.

Socrates attended various culinary courses at different higher education institutes. This education sparked a desire to impart his knowledge to young culinary enthusiasts, asking for nothing in return.

In 2022, Socrates found a new beginning at Arkana Spiritual Center. This wasn’t just a spiritual center to him; he found a family in Arkana, a place where he felt valued and was able to share the experiences he had gathered over the years.

Feeding the guests, facilitators, and staff at Arkana alongside his kitchen team brings him immense joy. He takes great pride in knowing that he contributes to the nourishment of many.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Socrates is a proud father to three daughters who are the center of his universe. His journey is a testament to perseverance, passion for culinary arts, and the joy of sharing one’s knowledge and experiences with others.

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14/07/2024

Unlocking deep healing with Ayahuasca: A transformative journey awaits. 🌿💫

Ayahuasca has a unique way of guiding you towards the core of your being, addressing the wounds and challenges that you need to heal the most. While the process may be intense and challenging at times, the profound insights and healing that emerge make it a truly worthwhile experience.

Through the ancient wisdom of Ayahuasca, you can confront and release emotional blockages, traumas, and limiting beliefs, paving the way for profound healing and personal growth. Trust in the process, embrace the discomfort, and emerge stronger and more whole on the other side. Your healing journey starts here.

To learn more about our Ayahuasca retreats, visit the link in our bio to schedule your retreat with us today.

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Arkana Spiritual Center