Shamanic Quest for the Spirit of Salvia: The Divinatory, Visionary, and Healing Powers of the Sage of the Seers

(Paperback)

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Salvia divinorum has been used since ancient times by the Mazatec shamans of Mexico for divination, vision quests and healing. Known by many names - nearly all associated with the Virgin Mary, who has come to symboliSe the spirit of salvia - this plant ally is now regarded as the most powerful natural hallucinogen. Providing the first practical guide to the shamanic, spiritual and therapeutic uses of salvia, Ross Heaven shares his in-depth quest to connect with the spirit of this plant teacher. He explores recent clinical research into its many long-term psychological effects, such as increased insight and self-confidence, improved mood and concentration and feelings of calmness and connection with nature, as well as salvia's potential for combating diseases like Alzheimer's, depression and even cocaine addiction. Reviewing the traditional Mazatec ceremonies surrounding salvia's harvest and use, Heaven describes appropriate methods of consumption, typical dosages and the shamanic diet he used to increase salvia's effectiveness. Examining firsthand accounts of salvia journeys from around the world, he decodes the meaning of the symbolic images experienced during salvia's ecstatic embrace and details the interplay between salvia and the lucid dreaming state. Comparing salvia to ayahuasca and the San Pedro cactus, Heaven explains that salvia's greatest strength as a shamanic plant ally lies in its ability to connect you with your higher purpose and aid you in envisioning your unique path in life. *Explains how salvia connects you with your higher purpose and aids you in envisioning your unique path in life *Describes appropriate methods of use, a shamanic diet to increase effectiveness and the meaning of the symbols experienced during salvia's ecstatic embrace *Explores recent clinical research into salvia's long-term positive psychological effects and its potential as a treatment for Alzheimer's, depression and addiction

Reviews

Shamanic Quest for the Spirit of Salvia enriches its readers with a fuller picture including art works of both the author and others, diverse personal experiences, rich quotations from others works, history, healing and rituals from South America and Europe. * Thomas B. Roberts, PhD, author of The Psychedelic Future of the Mind, and editor of Spiritual Growth *
Absolutely LOVING the Shamanic Quest for the Spirit of Salvia! FANTASTIC work; really advanced shamanic knowledge, Our species really needed this book! * David Jay Brown, author of The New Science of Psychedelics *
Join Ross Heaven as he examines the deepest aspects of one of the most powerful and least used plant hallucinogen in History. The tangles of experience weave a wonderful view on such a powerful teacher (Salvia). Just reading about it makes ones mind go to another place of existence just like what the plant does. Delicious reading if you ask me. Enjoy the mystery as it deepens and learn about the potential for the medical value of the plant. * Rev. Water Smith, Dragibus, Winter 2014 *

Author Bio

Ross Heaven is a psychologist and healer with extensive training in the shamanic, transpersonal and psychospiritual traditions. The author of more than 10 books, including Plant Spirit Shamanism and Cactus of Mystery, he teaches workshops on shamanism and plant medicines and coordinates trips to Peru to work with indigenous shamans. He lives in Spain and the United Kingdom.