Sh*t the Moon Said: A Story of Sex, Drugs, and Ayahuasca

by Gerard Armond Powell

"It was during my eighth or ninth plant medicine journey that I was finally getting a real sense of freedom. I was feeling so elated that I told the moon I had a special request. I explained that this life had been so full of pain for me that I didn't think I could do it all again. So I asked her if in my next life she could make sure that I found the plant medicine as soon as possible. Her reply floored me. She typed, ‘Gerry, that's a request about next time, but it's the same one you used last time.'" Plant medicine? The moon typing? It probably seems incomprehensible. Gerard Armond Powell was a rags-to-riches success story—a member of the 1 percent—but also an extremely unhappy person with multiple addictions. On a fast track to destroying every relationship that ever mattered to him and considering suicide, he was looking for a miracle, a way out. He found it in the form of plant medicine and a shaman who introduced him to the truth of his life, and laid the groundwork for a psycho-spiritual journey that would lead him to reconnect with his soul, heal his addictions, and, finally, achieve a lasting sense of peace and happiness. This experience changed Powell, and convinced him to share the universal truths he learned with as many people as he could, which he does at the acclaimed Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica, and now with readers in Sh*t the Moon Said. This mesmerizing story gives readers a blueprint to chart their own course to happiness. The first step is to learn who they really are and the possibilities of what they can still become. Second, they have to achieve a reconnection with their souls. And third, they must heal their hearts. Sh*t the Moon Said provides us with an irreverent way of highlighting our shared unconscious wisdom and its life-changing potential. Powell's candid tale and unlikely journey will help inspire readers to know themselves better, and to find the path to their own greatest redemption.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Memoir, Spirituality

92 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2018

Reviews

[Carrie Poppy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like Gerry a lot, but this book is a retread of his basic intro talk at Rythmia, and a bit of an ad for the resort (much as he denies this in the book). It also contains some potentially dangerous claims, such as that all disease is caused by a spiritual split between the ego and the soul, and that diseases can be healed through healing this split (read: by taking Ayahuasca or doing breathwork). As a book, it's also just not well-written or compelling. Definitely watch some of Gerry's videos if you want the same info, because he's an incredibly engaging speaker. But the book version, you can skip.

[Ross Blocher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gerard "Gerry" Powell has a fascinating personal story surrounding his transition from [self-described] asshole millionaire, business man, drug addict and womanizer to millionaire spiritual retreat owner and "plant medicine" advocate. I've now heard this story a few times in a few different ways, and I must say the very best way to hear it is directly from Gerry's mouth. He's an engaging, truly hilarious public speaker and it is his personal energy and irreverant, swear-laden delivery that really sells it. This book is a quick read and includes the salient details, but it's more sober, sedate and not the most interesting way to hear this story. To sum it up quickly, Gerry tries repeatedly to amend his philandering, addictive ways until he connects with "plant medicine". This is a euphemism for iboga, a heavy-duty hallucinogenic drug (with addiction-suppressing properties) from Africa that is administered to him in Costa Rica by an unlikely shaman named Moughenda. In his resulting vision, he crash-lands on the moon and has a text-based conversation with her. Yes, her. Mrs. Moon. (Who's the husband?)

The moon helps him merge back with his soul, and reveals to Gerry that his grandfather abused him sexually as a child, which explains the jerk that he's become to everyone else. He has no personal memory of this happening, and there is no independent confirmation of it (his father and grandfather had both passed away when this took place), but he is nonetheless convinced of its truth, along with the truth of the FACT that he was talking with the literal moon. The moon inspires him to give up his plans of creating an airport strip club called "The Cockpit" and instead create a Costa Rican resort called "Rythmia" where others can enjoy the life-altering effects of plant medicine. In this case, ayahuasca rather than iboga, since the former is much safer.

Once again, this book is more buttoned-down that in-person Gerry, and it makes no mention of many fun aspects of the story (iboga and the strip club are nowhere to be seen, for example - I added those back in). There are some nice observations here, but also some internal contradictions - mostly about the spiritual conclusions he has derived from his plant medicine experience. If you are interested in an extreme experience with plant-based medicine (i.e., ayahuasca), Rythmia is a great place to do it. I will be sharing a lot more details about the entire experience and my interactions with Gerry and others in upcoming episodes of my podcast, "Oh No, Ross and Carrie!".

[Melody · Rating 1 out of 5]

I never write out reviews, but this book really sucked. There is nothing amazing or enlightening about it and it's not nearly as interesting as the title makes it sound.

This is just a shitty guy writing about what a shitty person he was until he discovered "plant medicine" (Ayahuasca). Then this experience suddenly transforms his life and he sees how shitty he was cus he tripped and talked to the moon. He uses the "insight" that the moon gave him while he was tripping as a generalized understanding of all human life and how we process things (heads up, it's not the same for everyone). It's filled with nonsensical advice and generalized "just believe and then you can" attitude. This is literally just a rebranded cash-grab from a man who clearly doesn't know anything about the human condition and assumes everyone is just like him. But since we're not all millionaires who waste their money on hookers and blow and are terrible partners to their wives....this book probably isn't for you. Or anyone. It's like a book he wrote for himself and is convincing you will help YOU. I promise it won't...this was awful. Don't read it. I did it for you. It's bad. Garbage. Waste of time. Just a ploy to get you aware and interested in his "medicinal retreat" 🙄💀

[Casey Kiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait to go.

[David Nunez · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read about Gerard speaking of his transformation. I felt this was more of an advertisement for his Rythmia retreat in Costa Rica. Rythmia does sound interesting, and I'll have to look into Rhytmia more.

[Aubrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into this year with the intention of a full transformation and I am fully convinced that a trip to Rythmia must be a part of that equation. I've no doubt the benefits ayahuasca can bring in an individual's transformation. I picked this book up to learn more about the founder, a man who made millions, built many businesses and blew it all on bad choices of empty sex and alcoholism, later to stumble upon ayahuasca, make life changing habits, have a transformation of mind, and create a place that many are touting one of the most beautiful and life changing experiences they've ever had.

I was anticipating a more moving story because I think his story is incredibly interesting. However, I didn't find the writing style all that convincing, written in a way that you'd really need to have tried ayahuasca to fully understand.

Still, I am glad I read it because it does further emphasis the transformation I wish to have in this one life I'm lucky to have.

[Марина Манченко · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, even though I don't think it's written well. This is the type of book you read not for words or style, but for the knowledge behind them. However, even though there are things that can be improved, I enjoyed it so much! I haven't been to Rythmia yet, but I read about ayahuasca a lot and some of the insights from this book really impressed me. Thank you!

[Marie Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% the most powerful and moving story of life and soul transformation I have ever read. I wanted to read it again but I promised it to my girlfriend tomorrow. I may have to order myself another copy.

[Glenn Mishler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but powerful

This is a powerful story about a person struggling to find happiness and then taking medicine to find out secrets that have helped him build a whole new life. I liked it

[Guada Feraudo · Rating 2 out of 5]

che bueno si querías comercializar hacelo en otra parte no mediante un libro, me esperaba otra cosa y q tuviera info (si tuvo dos renglones es mucho), le doy dos estrellas porq me gustó la parte de q&a, menos lo q dice de la monogamia💀💀

[Nat · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book, it felt like the author was very flippant about everything he went through in his life. It also felt like his advice was a bit over the top. His comparison to the moon was just kinda off. It felt weird.

[james f bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Clear and powerful, a potential pathway to the wholeness of who we really are as Souls having the human experience!!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are thinking about a spiritual retreat get it

[Virginia Spagnuolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bello, un'autobiografia del fondatore di Rythmia in Costa Rica, interessante e consigliato per chi legge argomenti legati alla spiritualità

[Calvin J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ayahuasca I hear you

I feel like I know Gerry just by reading this book. It has been in my radar to want to explore Ayahuasca for a few years but Gerry was able to provide some interesting healing merely by reading his account on establishing Rythmia. Thank u 4 writing this book for someone like me in mind. It is my hope to make it to your wellness center in 2020!

[Ashley Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting

[Csilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled reading it. It seemed to me as a long advert to Rythmia instead of a heartfelt story of finding one`s self.

[Allison Kowalkowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read for those interested in visiting Rhythmia. I mostly cared about reading sh*t the moon said and would have been ok without the rest.

[Corben Innes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so great! This Is the book that started my spiritual awakening. It's short but it's filled with wise words. Even if you're not into psychedelics, it still can help you have that spiritual awakening everyone needs to have.

[Melvin Marsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a great book, it's a short biography which tells you very little about anything. It seems very shallow

[Paola Noemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed the book. I found it super easy to read and it kept me interested through the whole thing. Hadn't finished a book without breaks in a while. I was completely satisfied. As a spiritual person, I could relate to a few descriptions he made of his journey. It also got extremely excited about Ayahuasca (a few of my family members have taken it). Can't wait to experience Ayahuasca myself.
I already recommended this book to a few people.

[Alexandra Papoutsis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curious about what’s really keeping you from accomplishing your goals and intentions? It’s about the promises we make to ourselves, and the dedication we put to following through on the passions that are unimaginable in the moment, but real in our hearts. Manifestation of our personal truth. A must-read for those curious about ayahuasca or looking to share in Gerard’s wisdom from his numerous plant medicine journeys.

[Victor Santana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was on my tbr for a while. when i finely read it, i loved it. A definite recommendation!