Cultural Appropriation, Ayahuasca, and the Benefits of Thievery

Currently, there is significant talk about cultural appropriation. It is defined as the adoption or use of elements of one culture by someone from another culture. We’ve seen this many times. From Caucasian men growing dreadlocks and incorporating Native American garb to women dressing as Geisha’s while not respecting the Asian culture that it comes from. In a stricter sense, cultural appropriation is considered by many as a colonial act: A dominant group exploiting the culture of less privileged groups. This frequently occurs without permission or concern for any ramifications that may be incurred, such as further denigration of the smaller culture or the fear of assimilation and, in turn, decimation of said peoples.

While it is understood that some culturally appropriated actions can be seen as less than tactful and even inappropriate, many times it is viewed in the wrong light. Most adoptions by a larger society actually have no bearing on racism or a negative impetus. These actions have happened throughout history and will continue to do so. For a race to claim propriety over specific hairstyles, religious practices, adornments, dances, cuisine, or languages is to take away the right of other humans to learn and practice such things themselves. Reverse racism is just as negative as standard racism while cloaking itself in political correctness and the use of guilt. We must move on from demanding exclusivity if the world is ever going to make a paradigm shift concerning race and cultural relations.

Regarding Ayahuasca, cultural appropriation has become a topic as well. Unfortunately, ignorance has inspired this conflict; the reason for which this article has been written.

For those that are unaware, ayahuasca has been used for untold centuries by the South American people, Shamans, and Curanderos. Their ability to keep its power sacrosanct has lasted that entire span up to this present generation. Now, with the advent of communication and digital age knowledge, ayahuasca has national recognition. Due to this, the many impoverished communities that once cherished The Vine of Souls now peddle it to the first person that provides them the demanded funds. Never in history have the protectors of ayahuasca been corrupted in such a provoking and debilitating manner. Greed has come to the rainforest and with it has appeared the devastation of ayahuasca’s only protectors. These people have never known wealth and the most ardent among them lived in union with The Vine as its caretaker, making sure outside predation would never occur. Now, the very protectors of ayahuasca have become its greatest threat.

Because of the mass influx of psychonauts and daytrippers that are willing to pay for a good high, ayahuasca ceremonies have become the de rigueur thing to do. The sanctity of the ceremony is being shattered and one of the most powerful gifts ever provided to man is now being offered up at whim. It has become a commodity. The shameful Shamans, overcome with terrestrial desires, are abandoning their spiritual morals and trading them in for modern mortal pleasures. Because of this rapid occurrence, ayahuasca is now being sacrificed on the altar of personal satisfaction. Its beauty and inviolability diminished by those entrusted to love it the most.

This is a telling reason why ayahuasca has beckoned to SoulJourner so long ago. We have not culturally appropriated ayahuasca; we are saving it from the horrors of corruption. We are the new guardians of ayahuasca and we tend to it with a reverence and care that is unyielding in the face of admonition. There is no claim to ayahuasca by any race or culture because it is greater than us all. It cannot be owned in such a pedestrian and compartmentalizing manner and it only works in the most appropriate way when in the care of spiritually attentive beings. If anything, cultural amalgamation is occurring; a natural act that evolves as time progresses. This is the time in history where ayahuasca is expanding its reach. It has desperately called out from the wilderness in search of new caretakers. That call has been answered.

In the face of perversion and misuse, the power of The Vine will still survive because it is adapting to new situations and new belief systems that will still respect and honor what it provides. Here with us, ayahuasca is once again utilized in its proper form under the guidance of capable leaders and a belief system that is based on universal principles. Ayahuasca is part of our organization because we know how to honor and work with it. We follow sacred procedures and strict protocols that make sure it is not only made with the most noble of intent, but that the receiver is also deserved of its gifts. Ayahuasca should never be in the hands of anyone that gives it freely without concern for purity. It should rest within the protective arms of those that cherish and understand its power. Because this is exactly what we do, every receiver of the sacred brew must be vetted, approved, and prepared. Our strict precautions are all placed in honor of ayahausca and no matter what happens to The Vine outside of our confines, we will remain fastidious in our protection of this sacred instrument.

We have not culturally appropriated ayahuasca. In actuality, ayahuasca has directly called us out by name and placed upon our Souls the desire to protect and share it amongst our devoted and Illumination-seeking members. It is not only our spiritual right to do so under the first amendment of the constitution, but what we are compelled to do by The Vine itself; because of that, no man will get in the way of our doing so.