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These plants, funghi and insect illustrations
are part of my botanical oracle deck

Banisteriopsis caapi | Ayahuasca Vine

Botanical Overview:

  • Genus: Banisteriopsis

  • Family: Malpighiaceae

  • Habit: Woody vine

  • Height: Can reach 20-30 meters (65-98 feet)

  • Properties:

    • Climbing vine with tendrils.

    • Simple, oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges.

    • Small, yellow flowers in clusters.

    • Produces woody capsules containing seeds.


Distribution and Habitat:

  • Native to the Amazon rainforest in South America, particularly in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.

  • Found in tropical rainforests, climbing on trees and other vegetation.


Medicinal Uses:

  • The primary use of Banisteriopsis caapi is in the preparation of ayahuasca, a traditional South American brew containing DMT (dimethyltryptamine) and other psychoactive compounds.

  • Ayahuasca is used in spiritual ceremonies and shamanic practices.

  • Due to its psychoactive effects, ayahuasca is not recommended for casual use and should only be consumed under the guidance of experienced practitioners.


Psychoactive Properties and Effects:

  • Ayahuasca produces a complex array of effects, including:

    • Visual hallucinations

    • Auditory hallucinations

    • Altered states of consciousness

    • Emotional experiences (laughter, crying, fear, euphoria)

    • Spiritual insights and revelations

  • The effects of ayahuasca can vary widely depending on the individual, the specific preparation, and the setting in which it is consumed.


Magical Correspondences and Uses:

  • Element: Earth, Water (depending on tradition)

  • Planet: Saturn (due to its association with spiritual transformation)

  • Gender: Feminine

  • Associations: Spiritual transformation, divination, healing, connection to the divine

  • Used in shamanic practices for spiritual exploration, healing, and divination.

  • The potent effects of ayahuasca are often associated with profound spiritual experiences.

  • In some cultures, Banisteriopsis caapi is considered a sacred plant and is used in spiritual ceremonies.


Folklore and Mythology:

  • Ayahuasca has a long history of use in traditional South American cultures, dating back thousands of years.

  • It is considered a sacred plant in many indigenous communities.

  • The use of ayahuasca is often associated with shamanic practices and spiritual healing.


Sources for Further Study:

  • The Spirit of the Vine: A Natural History of Psychedelic Plants by Daniel Siebert

  • Ayahuasca: Visions of the Shamanic World by Luis Eduardo Luna

  • The Sacred Leaf: A Natural History of Psychoactive Plants by Richard Evans Schultes

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