Visionary Plant Consciousness: The Shamanic Teachings of the Plant World
Edited by J. P. Harpignies
(Park Street Press, 2007, soft cover, $16.95.
See www.ParkStPress.com for more.)

Based upon lively talks and panel discussions presented between 1990 and 2004 at the Bioneers Conference (an annual gathering of those who work in deeper ways with nature), this collection focuses upon the visionary teachings that sacred plants offer as an aid to transforming human consciousness, especially in relation to the natural world.

The issue of legally using some consciousness-transforming plants is precarious at best. Still, many humans know first-hand of the profound teaching abilities of certain plants—to enhance healing, widen our perception, and deepen our connection to nature (and our own inner selves). The problem is that many societies outlaw these plants since they are deemed dangerous. As author and anthropologist Jeremy Narby notes, “working with psychoactive plants is tricky. They have a shadow side, they take time to get to know, and approaching them casually is inappropriate. But many indigenous people claim nature speaks to humans through these plants; and entertaining such a dialogue, which is the job of shamans, helps keep the human community healthy.”

The participants in this book offer a broad range of perspectives. They include social activists, anthropologists, medicine men and women, teachers, authors, artists, ethnobiologists, psychiatrists and medical doctors. Each shares personal testimony of the powerful teachings offered by various Plant-Teachers—through both the spirit of the plant and the chemical properties that interact with our own.

The West—and the United States in particular—is quick to judge and make certain plants ‘bad’. We don’t always see beneath the surface of things; thus, we fail to take into account the deeper nature of our possible relationship with the plant kingdom. When indigenous peoples desire to learn about plants, they don’t cut them up or plan research studies; rather, they ask the plants themselves. When questioned by Westerners how some shamans know so much about these plants—or how they even discovered which plants to combine to create, for example, Ayahuasca—they answered: “The plants told us.”

What the talks and discussions in this book reveal is that without knowledge and respect, certain properties of plants can be dangerous to us—to the point of death. However, with humility, a desire to learn and a willingness to be open, we can find incredible wisdom, alliance and supportive guidance through our relationship with certain plant teachers. The question for most humans is: are we ready?

This is an excellent book with many intriguing stories and shared experiences. Well written and tremendously engaging, it is a great read not only for students of plants and the shamanic path, but for anyone interested in expanding consciousness.

~ Review by Dawn Brunke

Sacred Vine of Spirits: Ayahuasca
Edited by Ralph Metzner,
(Park Street Press, 2006, soft cover $16.95.
See www.ParkStPress.com for more.)

In this collection of essays and stories, Ralph Metzner, world famous pioneer in psychedelic research, explores the scientific and metaphysical aspects of Ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic healing mixture that has been used for thousands of years by native Indian and mestizo shamans in the jungles of South America.

Metzner presents the history, psychology, and chemistry of the Ayahuasca brew (derived from two different plants) as well as current research done by the Western world. In reporting overall results, Metzner emphasizes the benefits of long-term usage of Ayahuasca. Indeed, most of Ayahuasca-using subjects studied underwent a deep personal transformation, sustained improvement in memory and concentration, and were distinguished as being more confident, relaxed, optimistic, energetic, and more accepting of others. In short, their lives acquired a sense of purpose, coherence and meaning. 

The scientific information of the book is well balanced with 24 personal stories of Westerners participating in Ayahuasca ceremonies. In every first-hand account, participants emphasize an enormous healing and spiritual effect. Many shared experiences of accessing spiritual dimensions of consciousness and expressed awe of the power and wisdom of this native plant mixture. As a plant-teacher, Ayahuasca sends a profound message to every individual who comes in contact with its spirit.

Metzner's book is a valuable investment in exploration of consciousness and an inspiration for further studies and personal experiences of the healing and spiritual potential of Ayahuasca.

~ Review by Galina Vladi

IBOGA: The Visionary Root of African Shamanism
by Vincent Ravalec, Mallendi, and Agnes Paicheler
(Park Street Press, 2007 English translation—originally published in French—softcover; $18.95.
See www.ParkStPress.com  for more.)

As the authors of this fascinating book point out via their experiences, plants are not simply drugs, but keys to alternate ways of being. That is, many plants are Master Teachers who interact with us via our ingestion of their substance; these plants may then guide us to open to and consider other realms of consciousness. In this type of relationship, plants are not just something to superficially “use” or take at a party. Rather, they are beings to commune with, to learn from, and to enter into deeper relationship with so that we may learn more from them—more about plants, more about ourselves, more about our world, and more about our interconnection with All That Is.

What makes Iboga so interesting is that it offers those who work with it an ability to break additions—most notably, perhaps, to heroin. As the authors are quick to point out, however, Iboga and ibogaine are not magic bullets. To those in Africa who follow the Bwiti religion, Iboga is a root which not only teaches, but opens communication with the unconscious and the spirits of one’s ancestors. It is in this sense that (besides physically reducing cravings for many drugs) Iboga asks its user to examine the deeper causes and issues of his or her addiction.

The book is divided into three parts. First, readers are presented with an overview of the history, sacred initiations and magic and mystery of this root called Iboga. The second part features a rare interview with a traditional healer named Mallendi who not only initiated himself with Iboga but now uses the plant and the power of its spirit in healing others. Thirdly, the science of Iboga and ibogaine and the cultural-political struggle to bring this healing to the Western mainstream medical world is discussed.

Not only is this book exceptionally interesting and informative—as well as cleverly humorous at times—but it is written by three very different individuals: a screenwriter/producer/film director, a social science researcher, and a traditional African healer. Via the combination of their personal experiences and unique outlooks, they have done a wonderful job of sharing what it means to genuinely open ourselves and enter a profoundly healing and consciousness-expanding relationship, both with a plant and with ourselves.