In the Americas and Asia, one of the first Sacred Plants to be used as medicine, spiritual protector, and cleanser, as well as a bridge to communicate with the spirits, has been Nicotiana Rustica (Tobacco). It is considered one of the Sacred Plants that not only holds the five elements of existence within but also can be experienced and practiced on the five planes of the same elements. It is consumed in various forms: raw (chewed directly or with different elements); aqueous extract (matter and water) as tobacco tea; cooked extract (fire) inhaled through the nostrils; and finally, smoked (fire and air).
Rapé, derived from the indigenous word Hapé (Amazonia), has been used by indigenous groups such as the Yawanawa, Noke Koi, and Huni Kuin for spiritual and medicinal purposes. This sacred medicine serves as a conduit to the spirit world and is employed to heal physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments.
Beyond its traditional uses, Rapé facilitates a profound journey into the inner self, guiding practitioners through the multiple layers of consciousness. It aids in connecting with meta-consciousness – the awareness of one's own consciousness – and supra-consciousness, the higher states of divine knowledge and truth-consciousness. Through this deep introspection, individuals can recognize and align with their true essence as spirit and soul.
The preparation of Rapé is a complex and sacred process involving many steps. First, the tobacco leaves are harvested and sun-dried. Then, they are ground into a fine powder and mixed with other ingredients, such as ashes from sacred trees, herbs, and spices. The specific ingredients and proportions can vary depending on the healer and the intention of the ceremony. Sacred plants carry the energy of those who prepare them; thus, sourcing Rapé from trusted vendors is essential.
When administered, Rapé is blown up the nostrils using a bamboo, wood, or bone pipe called a kuripe. The effects can vary depending on the individual and the dosage but usually include a sense of grounding, clarity, and heightened awareness. The tobacco facilitates the establishment of new synaptic pathways in the brain, enhancing communication between both hemispheres. This altered neural activity leads to amplified senses and a transformed interaction between the brain and the physical body.
Many people feel a solid connection to the earth and their inner wisdom. Rapé is also known for its purifying and cleansing properties and can be used to clear the sinuses and lungs. The most intense effects typically manifest about three minutes after application.
Rapé medicine is administered with a tepi (pipe for when someone serves you Rapé) or kuripe (self-administration pipe), small pipes made of wood or bone. Choosing the right kuripe is essential, as it should fit comfortably in your mouth and be long enough to administer the tobacco deep into your nasal cavity. If the kuripe is too short on either side, you will have difficulty blowing the sacred blend into your nostrils.
When being served Rapé with a tepi, it is crucial to know and trust the person serving you, who should have been appropriately trained—ideally by someone from the Amazon. There is a deep energy exchange during the process, and if the person blows too hard, it may damage your sinuses. Receiving Rapé requires a relaxed yet mindful approach. Sit comfortably with your spine straight and your heart open. Relax your face and block your throat with a quick inhalation. As you receive, open your mouth to relieve the pressure from your ears. Set an intention or make a prayer and look the person serving you in the eyes.
Your chakras, the bodies of the being, and your conscious states could be activated during your session, so it is highly recommended that you sit with your spine erect and open so that the energy may flow from your root to your crown. If desired, close your eyes during administration to prevent the powder from getting into them. However, some prefer to look into the eyes of the person serving them to form a sacred connection.
Physical Effects:
- Sneezing: The administration of Rapé through the nose can trigger sneezing in some individuals.
- Increased Salivation: Some people may experience increased salivation after using Rapé.
- Nausea: Nausea is a possible side effect and may result in vomiting.
- Eye Irritation: Rapé can cause temporary eye irritation or watering because the fine powder is blown into the nostrils.
Psychological Effects:
- Disorientation: Rapé may induce a sense of disorientation, altered mental states, or intense emotions. Some individuals may experience trauma release or changes in mood.
Physical Sensations:
- Dizziness: A feeling of dizziness or light-headedness can occur, mainly if one is not accustomed to the effects of Rapé.
- Purging: In some traditional practices, purging is considered a cleansing process. This can involve vomiting, diarrhea, or other forms of physical release.
It’s important to note that these side effects are not universal, and many people use Rapé without experiencing them. The effects of Rapé can be influenced by the specific blend of ingredients, the dosage, and the individual’s sensitivity. Additionally, some indigenous cultures view particular side effects, such as purging, as part of ritual purification and cleansing.
Rapé medicine is believed to decalcify the pineal gland, thus boosting melatonin production. This tiny gland controls your circadian rhythm, melatonin, and immune system. While scientific validation is ongoing, pineal gland calcification has been linked to degenerative diseases, stroke, bleeding, and even breast cancer. Melatonin, the superstar hormone, gets a natural boost during decalcification. Melatonin is a brain enhancer, and balance the immune system.
Meta-consciousness refers to the awareness of one's own consciousness, a state where our senses are expanded, allowing for a heightened experience of unity and complete awareness. In this state, individuals may feel a dissolution of physical reality, becoming one with the universe.
Supra-consciousness, on the other hand, denotes a level of awareness that transcends ordinary consciousness, reaching beyond to a higher state of being. Engaging with Rapé can facilitate access to these elevated states, promoting a holistic understanding of the self.
Rapé allows a connection to spirit and helps us tap into our inner strength and sensitivity while softening our egos. It serves as a celebration of life facilitated by sacred plant medicine, allowing us to unite with the great spirit. Approaching Rapé with respect and understanding its cultural and spiritual significance is essential. By doing so, individuals can embark on a sacred journey of the inner self, connecting with all layers of consciousness to recognize the self as both spirit and soul.
