Yaje: The New Purgatory

by Jimmy Weiskopf

The unique path to both health and spiritual illumination offered by the consumption of yajé, a hallucinogenic herb embedded in the indigenous Amazonian cultures of Colombia, Brazil, and Peru, is thoroughly documented in this account of the culture and traditions that have developed around its use. The intensity of yajé-induced trances provoked the author to name them "the new purgatory" and resulted in this text's respectful and hard-earned insights into indigenous ritual and shamanic guidance. A complete survey of yajé ceremonies; recent botanical and anthropological research on yajé; records of scientific and medical studies; its social, psychological, and ethical boundaries; and a look at past attempts to adapt the ancient ceremony to contemporary therapeutic and religious purposes are also provided.

Genres: Drugs

688 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Hal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too long and repetitive, yet unique and worthwhile for those interested in Amazonian entheogenic shamanism.

[Javier Hernández Sinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un buen ensayo para entender el mundo de las plantas de poder y en concreto de la ayahuasca (yajé). El autor recorre los aspectos culturales, antropológicos y espirituales de las prácticas de los curanderos de la amzonía colombiana y su uso de "la medicina".

[Timothy Delaney]

Loved it. Met Jimmy in NY 10 years ago. He's legit. Lovely man. Important book.