On my last couple of days before leaving to Cartagena I stayed with a family up a little way in the mountains of Palomino. Here I was introduced to the use of the coca leaf. A sacred plant which has been used traditionally throughout South America for centuries. Containing a variety of minerals and vitamins, part of which is the alkaloid cocaine. The health benefits of the coca leaf are numerous and this is one of the primary crops of the Andean regions, helping to suppress hunger, pain, fatigue and help with altitude sickness. Due to America's 'war on drugs' the leaf was sanctioned in 1961 and categorised along with heroin and cocaine. Destroying what would be a primary source of income for indigenous people and farmers.
This sacred medicine was introduced to me by a wonderful family who told me how to use the plant, meditate with it, and cleanse my energy each morning. I'm beginning to learn that every act has spiritual significance and conscious awareness should be a part of the everyday tasks of life. I felt loved and welcomed by this family so strongly I didn't want to leave, in the morning I had my tarot cards read for the road ahead, and sacred numerology described to me.
I realise the path is hard and am willing to do my best to walk it... Through Peru and out the otherside.
This sacred medicine was introduced to me by a wonderful family who told me how to use the plant, meditate with it, and cleanse my energy each morning. I'm beginning to learn that every act has spiritual significance and conscious awareness should be a part of the everyday tasks of life. I felt loved and welcomed by this family so strongly I didn't want to leave, in the morning I had my tarot cards read for the road ahead, and sacred numerology described to me.
I realise the path is hard and am willing to do my best to walk it... Through Peru and out the otherside.