| Pages:
1
2
3
4 |
RandyMacSC/SO
Special Correspondent
Posts: 422
Registered: 2-2-2004
Member Is Offline
|
|
Info on Baja shamanism, curanderos, el brujo?
I recently started a thread on the Baja California Travellers message board and thought I might find more information on this thread as I was made
aware that La Candelaria near Todos Santos is well known for it's curanderos.
Does anyone have any stories they can share about shamans, curanderos and sacred plants of the Baja peninsula?
Since traveling to many parts of Mexico in the past 12 years I have gained a deep fascintation with shamanism and magic (el brujo, curandero etc.). In
my spare time I am a practicing street magician and while living in the Yucatan in late 2000 - 2001 I was fortunate to meet and learn the raw basics
from a reclusive shaman who is revered in the Tulum/Coba area 90 miles south of Cancun. In the past 2 years I have read extensively about shamanism
(McKenna, Strassman, Narby) and the Western knowledge gained from North and South American indigenous peoples and their sacred plants.
Today I spent a few hours researching ancient cultures of the Baja, in particular the excellent article on "The Inner World of the Guaycuras" of the
Baja at the following link:
http://www.innerexplorations.com/catsimple/exped10.htm
While staying at El Requeson for 2 months last year, I had the priviledge of meeting a fascinating knowledgeable local named Thomas, and this
fortunate bond of friendship set me on my quest to research shamanism in the Baja. Thomas has a deep understanding of local plants and shamanistic
practices he learned from his grandfather and told me that he would teach me more about the local medicinal/herbal plants and the sacred plants of
power of the Baja when I return to the Baja. I am hoping to do that some time this year.
I am curious to learn more about various sacred plants/medicinal herbs in the Baja and any stories that anyone can share would be appreciated.
RandyMac
A simple formula for a happier life:
"The more I have, the more I want.
The more I want, the less I have.
The less I have, the less I want.
The less I want, the more I have."
|
|
|
jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4863
Registered: 2-2-2003
Member Is Offline
|
|
Plantas de Baja
Hi Randy, I have been traveling throughout the mountain regions of Baja and documenting unknown caves and settlements from the past.
I am also researching medicinal and food source plants of the different regions. When I return to Rosarito in about 3 weeks, I will have photos,
descriptions and what the plants were (and are) used for. There is an incredible amount of knowledge regarding this topic and it has been preserved by
some of the families. They are compiling the list for me now.
I have photos and stories at http://groups.msn.com/TheBajasBestGuidesPhotoAlbum I hope you enjoy it.
[Edited on 2-2-2004 by jrbaja]
|
|
|
Skeet/Loreto
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4709
Registered: 9-2-2003
Member Is Offline
|
|
Randy Mac:
Your Quest is interesting. Many years ago while living in Loreto I was subkect to some of the uses of their various Mdeicines and found the use
interesting.
I was told at one time maybe 25 years ago that the American Medical Assoc. Had sent a Team into Mainland Mexico,where they had done a Study or
Comparsion with American doctors use of Drugs.
Do you know if this might be true and if so what is the Publication?
I would aslo be interested in any books you have written or may write in the Future.
Thank You Skeet/Loreto
|
|
|
academicanarchist
Senior Nomad
Posts: 978
Registered: 9-7-2003
Member Is Offline
|
|
Shamanism
There are several basic sources to look at. Miguel del Barco describes aspects of native culture, as does Luis Sales, who is mentioned in the article
posted on the web site you included in the post. There are also 18th century documents that describe the activities of shaman, usually called wizards
or hechizeros. The Bancroft Library has a 1744 report from Dolores del Sur that discusses shaman.
|
|
|
Don Jorge
Senior Nomad
Posts: 639
Registered: 8-29-2003
Member Is Offline
|
|
Healing with Plants in the American and Mexican West by Margarita Artschwager Kay, University of Arizona Press. Comprehensive and well
researched. The bibliography is awesome!
If you are driving through Ensenada stop in Ej. Chapultupec south of town and look for the Arce family, well know healers. The father is gone now but
his children carry on the tradition and are very knowledgable.
|
|
|
Gypsy Jan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4275
Registered: 1-27-2004
Member Is Offline
Mood: Depends on which way the wind is blowing
|
|
Don't forget the women
Not to scold, but aren't you interested in the healing traditions amongst the women of the indigenous tribes?
Many years ago, on a mission to the local Kumeayaay (probably spelled wrong) reservatop near Ensenada, I woman who suffered told me that she suffered
from high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
She said that she had even traveled to relatives in San Diego (incidentally, the Kumeayaay, sp, again] in San Diego won the location lottery, they
have casinos now) and had been treated by doctors up there. The medications made her sick and, in addition, were difficult to obtain back at home.
So, she started making and brewing a tea that her elders had taught her about, a citrus tea composed of many ingredients.
When my husband was diagnosed about five years ago with high blood pressure and high cholesterol (he was and still is, admittedly twenty-five pounds
overweight and resistant to dietary changes away from red meat and eggs and bacon), I started looking for alternatives to invasive drugs with side
effects.
I remcalled my conversation of years before. We live in Northern Baja and I found a supplier of citrus tea that included the ingredients my friend
had mentioned. My husband has been drinking this tea for the last five years, except for when he goes on extended business trips.
He takes a monthly, or bi-weekly cholesterol test. When he is home, his cholesterol is under 200, sometimes as low as 160. When he is away, off his
schedule, his cholesterol sometimes surges to 280.
Each time, when he is home again and resumes his routine, his cholesterol lowers again to sub-200.
We have sent this tea to friends all over the world and received responses indicating similar experiences.
|
|
|
jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4863
Registered: 2-2-2003
Member Is Offline
|
|
Unwestern medicine
is something that has been hidden from us for years. The old remedies worked and the evidence is in the people that use them.
I have learned of cures, remedies, and just plain healthy things to eat, smell and just be around, that keep these people hiking, cutting wood, and
tending gardens basically until they die. Which seems to be at a healthy old age, with the clearest of eyes.
I have so far learned of cures for diabetes, plants for cleansing your circulatory system, any stomach ailments, heart problems and many others.
They are even aware of the many healing properties of Aloe. And there are many.
I have been trying to find out about a plant called Yerba de Manso. This seems to be a miracle cure but I can't seem to find too much about it other
than what they tell me in the mountains. Any of you guys heard of it ?
I have also been told about the brujas of the Todos Santos area as well as a few other places. The Mexicans in the mountains consider these Brujas
evil and
warned me against visiting them. I found this most fascinating and the vans broke just thinking about them. Cuidado Amigos.
|
|
|
Mexitron
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3397
Registered: 9-21-2003
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Member Is Offline
Mood: Happy!
|
|
Regarding "Yerba de Manso"--if this is the same plant which I know by the name "Yerba Mansa", it is Anemopsis californica. It is common as a
groundcover in wet areas such as palm groves, springs, and freshwater marshes. And yes it is reputed to be a cure-all, generally by making a tea or
wash and treating cuts, bruises, sore muscles, etc. It is also quite beautiful--if you've ever been thru a Baja palm grove and seen a plant with
white flowers and broad leaves--that's it...its common in Baja and California.
I've been aquainted with the fisherman who owns Faro San Jose for some years...when I first met him in 1992 the doctors told him he had only a year to
live because of a failing heart--but they(?) told him to use Creosote Bush(Larrea sp.)(as a tea I think) to treat the ailment...pappy and I stopped by
in 2003 and he's still going strong! So who knows!?
Norman Roberts "Field Guide to Plants of Baja California" has brief but interesting notes on medicinal uses of many Baja Plants.
|
|
|
jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4863
Registered: 2-2-2003
Member Is Offline
|
|
Yerba de Manso
Thanks Tron. It sounds really similar but the "Manso" grows right in the water. Could it be the same ? I have pics. of it at home. I wouldn't
consider this a ground cover but I'm just learning about these things and it may grow on land as well.
|
|
|
Mexitron
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3397
Registered: 9-21-2003
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Member Is Offline
Mood: Happy!
|
|
Yah, I think its the same--it grows in shallow water too....groundcover is kind of a loose term, but it does spread by tendrils and create patches of
plants--I'd post a photo but my scanner's buggy today.....good luck with the research! I'll post if run across anything else.
|
|
|
Natalie Ann
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2819
Registered: 8-22-2003
Location: Berkeley
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by jrbaja
I have also been told about the brujas of the Todos Santos area as well as a few other places. The Mexicans in the mountains consider these Brujas
evil and
warned me against visiting them. I found this most fascinating and the vans broke just thinking about them. Cuidado Amigos. |
And so, J.R., your van break down is a product of your own superstitions and imagination? Tsk, tsk. I too had heard warnings about the evil
brujas... but what it seems is that in La Candelaria there are an extraordinary number of people who heal not only through plants & herbs, but using
trance states, dreaming, various approaches to shifting psychic energy, etc. Treat not only the physical but also find the bothersome energy (or
"spirit") and assist in its release. This then would be more what one might call "white magic", which was probably guiding your way right up until
you became a doubter. 
Actually I am especially interested information about La Candelaria in particular. Anybody ever been there? Impressions?
Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.
.....Oscar Wilde
|
|
|
RandyMacSC/SO
Special Correspondent
Posts: 422
Registered: 2-2-2004
Member Is Offline
|
|
Wow! This is better than using search engines!!!
The responses to this thread are fantastic. It beats any search engine hands down, especially when people share their insightful experiences with
others. I won?t be getting much sleep again tonight with all the incredible resources put forth on this thread. Thanks very much for sharing your
stories and I hope to frequent this thread and learn more from each and everyone who posts.
How did I get interested in shamanism and the Baja?
I had travelled many times to Mexico before, but made plans to visit other places in 1998. I wound up catching some bizarre tropical virus while
trekking through the jungles in the Dominican Republic on one trip in 1998, and spent many months recuperating at home in Vancouver. There were times
that I thought this roaming virus had cooked my lid as my whole body would bake then freeze with violent shivers. The specialists told me the weird
visions I was experiencing during this time were probably as result from an old hockey head injury and short span tempolar lobe seizers. In September
6, 2000, I walked into the software company I founded and resigned, cashed out some stock a few weeks later (should have cashed it all out), and set
out for the jungles of the Yucatan in search of ancient knowledge, remote mayan ruins and the mysteries of indigenous shamanism. The doctors warned me
that it might be suicide to head back to remote jungles, but I can?t explain it. Something compelled me to walk away from all the stress and seek a
different lifestyle. Perhaps it was all the books I read while recuperating or all the rain in Vancouver in the fall? While in the Yucatan, I met and
was told by a mayan shaman that I would go through a very trying experience within the year, and eventually gain spiritual freedom, but only after a
few more journeys to other areas with indigenous healers and teachers. I didn?t know exactly what to make of it all, whether it was all bunk and
bull or what, as I do not consider myself one of those new age spiritual types, and I am definitely no Castenada follower or seeker of the so
called new age Yaki Way. It all sounded too strange to me at the time. In a few months of this weird encounter, I received an email from my brother to
immediately call home. He informed me that my now former friend of 20 years and the lawyers pillaged the company that I founded/financed and that they
shafted all the shareholders, including myself. I eventually drove 5800 miles back to Vancouver a few months later to sort out the mess and try to and
salvage things, but finally decided to take the shamans advice. I walked away from the whole mess and gave up everything to live a simpler life.
In October 2002, I made a beeline for the Baja, and much to my chagrin, it was the best decision I ever made. My eight months in the Baja in 2002-2003
opened my eyes to a whole new world, especially the many things that money can?t buy. Meeting wonderful people from all walks of life. Many on their
own journeys. It?s no wonder so many people make the Baja their place of choice to unwind in winter, or year round. There is so much to learn, see and
do, and so many people to meet.
I recently read 2 books: DMT: The Spirit Molecule by Rick Strassman and Cosmic Serpent: by Jeremy Narby and their particular area of study of DMT, or
the spirit molecule as they refer to it. I have read extensively about Ayahuasca brew, considered by the Amazon's tribes as one of the masters
'teacher plants'. The shamans of the Peruvian Andes and Amazon jungle have used it for centuries as an essential part of their traditional medicine
and as a way of expanding consciousness or the curanderos (healers) 'path to knowledge' through visionary experiences.
Did or do the Baja shamans use spirit molecule plants to communicate with and gain knowledge from plants as so many leading ethnobotanists believe?
Now that my fascination and focus is on spending more time in the Baja, my curiosity is peaked about the Baja and the ancient indigenous tribes, and
their ancestors and whether they had (still have) their own spirit molecule or teacher plants. Perhaps I will read about some of the hidden secrets of
the Baja curanderos one day on this thread?
Until next time, all the best and I look forward to reading more stories of the Baja and all those hidden pieces of knowledge.
RandyMac
Just one of the many remote ruins that I ventured to in the jungles of the Yucatan. This small maya ruin is rarely visited by anyone other than the
Maya.
|
|
|
RandyMacSC/SO
Special Correspondent
Posts: 422
Registered: 2-2-2004
Member Is Offline
|
|
photo of maya ruin in Yucatan
Hope this attachment feature works this time.
A photo of one of the many remote ruins that I came across in the jungles of the Yucatan. This small maya ruin is very rarely visited by anyone other
than the Maya because it is so remote. I wasn't allowed to use my camera with the shaman around.
On the way out of the jungle my friend Kenny and I found what we thought was a baby kitten and shot some awesome video. Turned out to be a baby jaguar
so be beelined it out as quick as we could before ama came back.
|
|
|
David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64540
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
|
|
Baja's E.T.
It's been so long, I almost forgot about what originally brought 'M' to Amigos de Baja... She was curious if anybody experienced the strange goings on
at El Tomatal (Baja's E.T.), that she and her companion had experienced. I made a web page for her story: http://davidksbaja.com/et
|
|
|
RandyMacSC/SO
Special Correspondent
Posts: 422
Registered: 2-2-2004
Member Is Offline
|
|
jrbaja, Skeet/Loreto or anyone else?
Have you ever driven from Loreto over the Sierra Del La Gigantes to San Javier area?
On December 23, 2002 I drove my little 4x4 down from my camp at Playa El Requeson, past the military checkstop on the way to Loreto and then half way
down a long straight stretch I took a right off the highway to go to San Jose Comondu, and San Migel Comondu. It wasn't the best road, but it was an
adventure. Kind of felt like I was in Conan Doyle's Lost World when I got to the top of this bumpy road and looked down into the valley.
I did the fully dressed up Saint Nick thing with the stuffed reindeer (peniatas) on the front hood and delivered sports equipment and candy to the
people and their kids. It was a great trip. Of the many things I saw, what really was noticeable was how many of the locals had piercingly turquoise
blue eyes in the area (children and adults). Something I hadn't seen in other parts of the Baja.
I didn't spend as much time as I wanted as I wasn't equiped for staying many nights, and on the way back I made a wrong turn and wound up in San
Javier, a quaint little mountain oasis village of 350 people. I stopped for a cold drink and met a local ranchero. He told me that it was too late to
head back the other way and suggested I follow him before dark as his ranch was not too far away on the road out to Loreto. The scenery up there was
beautiful. Parts of the road weren't the best, but considering, it was well worth the trip.
I stopped at this amazing ranchero at about 7:30 in the evening and enjoyed some home made wine with this kind soul. He said he was all alone or solo
in building and upkeeping his ranch. He had everything. Running well, fruit trees, vegetables, pigs, goats, cattle, and best of all pomergranites, my
favorite fruit. I left at 9:00 and after a long drive in the dark I finally made it to Loreto.
He invited me back to this area any time and I might head up that way some time later this year. I am considering taking my 21 foot motorhome up there
after checking out the road first with my 4x4. I thought I could learn more about the area camped for a few months in this area than sitting on the
beach. Not that the beach is a bad thing.
If you have been to this area, it would be great to hear about you experiences.
RandyMac
|
|
|
RandyMacSC/SO
Special Correspondent
Posts: 422
Registered: 2-2-2004
Member Is Offline
|
|
My connect to an Indian medicine women from Canada
Perhaps one of the other main reasons why I am so fascinated about this subject of Indian shamanism and sacred plant medicines is my blood relation to
an amazing Indian medicine women Katherine Bareau (Conner). Educated in 8 European languages by the church priests and nuns in her birth place of
Saint-Boniface Manitoba and she knew many Indian dialects. She knew Sitting Bull, and other famous Indians of yester-year (late 1800's) in Canada,
North Dakota and Montana. She married my great-grandfather Thomas Conner in Montana. He was a buffalo hunter and tracker and came from Tennessee. She
knew Canada's famous Metis freedom fighter hero Louis Riel as she was the Indian Interpreter and medicine women (Canadian Indian version of a
curandero) to a General in Fort Gary Saskatchewan in 1870-until the earlier 1900's.
Picture of my great-grandmother on her 100 birthday taken some time in the 1930's is shown below. My family has many Indian and Custer army artifacts
picked up the day after the Battle of the Little Big Horn in Montana back in the late 1800's.
My aunt and mother always told me she was an amazing lady, but they also said she was misunderstood for her prophetic visions and was chastized as a
witch by the local European settlers as they remembered all the fuss when they were very young back in the late 1920's and 30's when she was still
alive. Even though she was branded a witch by these settlers, many of them came to her and brought their children to her to be cured of the deadly
diseases an ailments of those days.
As we will see with what is going on with SARS and bird flu etc, the medical professionals will have to start taking these ancient plant cures and the
curanderos more seriously. History may be written by the victors, but history changes every day as more and more people investigate alternatives to
popular known history and the many secrets contained therein, especially medicinal plants and their cures. Instead of being seen as savage ignorant
peoples as they were once branded, the indigenous Indians of North America and their many shamans (curanderos) will probably save us all one day.
I do believe one of the last bastions of this sacred medicinal magic are the many peoples of Mexico and the Baja.
If only photos could talk?
RandyMac
|
|
|
RandyMacSC/SO
Special Correspondent
Posts: 422
Registered: 2-2-2004
Member Is Offline
|
|
Strange Goings on at Baja's El Tomatal?
David K or jrbaja or anyone else,
Have you ever came across any medicine wheels in the Baja? And do any of the petroglyphs in the Baja that you have come across look like this one from
northern Canada?
Perhaps this is what David's friend has found at El Tomata in Baja? There are many ancient medicine wheels in Alberta Canada and their archeological
history is very well documented.
Maybe their are many medicine wheels and sacred stone medicine circles in the Baja lying on top of some magnetic earth's core anomaly? Is this what El
Tomata is sitting on?
http://www.pma.edmonton.ab.ca/human/archaeo/faq/medwhls.htm
blurb about medicine wheels.
What is a Medicine Wheel?
Scattered across the plains of Alberta are tens of thousands of stone structures. Most of these are simple circles of cobble stones which once held
down the edges of the famous tipi of the Plains Indians; these are known as "tipi rings." Others, however, were of a more esoteric nature. Extremely
large stone circles - some greater than 12 metres across - may be the remains of special ceremonial dance structures. A few cobble arrangements form
the outlines of human figures, most of them obviously male. Perhaps the most intriguing cobble constructions, however, are the ones known as medicine
wheels.
If you have photos or information on medicine wheels of the Baja it would be interesting to see if there are any direct similarities to those found in
Alberta Canada?
RandyMac
|
|
|
capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
Member Is Offline
Mood: Sling time!
|
|
randy Mac - know anything about
salvia divinorum? I understand its use is widespread among certain mountain tropic regions' shamans in mexico. a mild hallucinagenic herb used for
trances.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
|
|
David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64540
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
|
|
El Tomatal is Baja's E.T.!
This subject was quite a well discussed one on the Amigos board... all started by 'M'
See http://davidksbaja.com/et
|
|
|
jrbaja
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4863
Registered: 2-2-2003
Member Is Offline
|
|
Finally, another great thread
Randy, San Javier is generally the first stop to deliver donations. Francisca Arce is the caretaker of the Mission and it is mostly her realtives that
live in the area.
This time, we went up there and then drove over to Poza Grande at the north end of Bahia Magdalena. Definitely not motorhome material!
We have some really good pictures of the area which either Herb will put up on his site or I will put on mine when I return.
Hopefully Herb will see this and give us his site address because I don't have it with me. Mine is http://groups.msn.com/TheBajasBestGuidesPhotoAlbum
I have pics and stories of all my trips down here with Baja Search and Rescue, the Confluence expeditions and just plain nonsense as I am so well
known for.
The area west of San Javier is quite interesting and fairly remote with lotsa hidden away ranchos. As always, the people are wonderful and full of
smiles. There are some really pretty areas so park the motorhome at San Javier and take the truck.
I have been spending most of my time in the Gigantas near Mission San Luis Gonzaga and in the Sierra de la Lagunas further south. All of these areas
have different species of plants and most of them have a medicinal or food use which I am just finding out. Bring seasonings with you. hahahahahaha.
And thanks again for the most interesting, fact filled thread I have seen on this board.
|
|
|
| Pages:
1
2
3
4 |
![[*]](images/xmbforum/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
