Rapé
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What is Rapé?
Rapé (pronounced hap-eh) is a finely powdered snuff prepared with medicinal herbs, tree bark, seeds and ash, often with a tobacco base. Rapè is typically made with mapacho (nicotiana rustica), which is sacred tobacco from the Amazon.
The effects of rapé are experienced rapidly and intensely because the powdered snuff is administered through the nostrils with a hollow tool called a tepi. The benefits of communing with rapé range from physical and psychological to energetic and spiritual.
Rapé clears and focuses the mind and thoughts, centers and grounds your energy, opens up your physical and spiritual sense and awareness, cleanses and purifies your body and energetic fields, cleanses the pineal gland, opens third eye visions, connects you to your spirit allies and other medicines, and much more.
It can also facilitate both physical and energetic purging that is deeply cleansing, used to reset or rewire negative thought patterns and blockages.
Procedure:
Each ceremony begins with a platica, in which the experiences and intentions of the partipant/s is shared freely and openly. As the facilitator, I will provide any guidance I feel called to share and use our conversation as basis for leading the session.
The rapé is administered with a tepi into the nostrils of the participant. The left nostril signifies the death process; the right nostril signifies the rebirth process. The participant will strongly feel the impact of the powder entering each nostril and the sinuses, which can produce a burning sensation. After a minute, he/she will begin to expel excess mucus and saliva as the medicine begins clearing the cranial cavity. In larger amounts, some purging may occur. While the cleansing process is happening, the channel-opening effects of the medicine will increase and the session will be guided through use of prayer, song, tobacco, and sound bowls.
The ceremonial process can last up to 2-3 hours, which includes an integration and rest portion of about 30 minutes. Once the participant has rested, they are able to drive and carry on with normal day functioning.
The spirit of rapé works and communicates with the participate through the mind, body, and spirit, so leaving space before and after the ceremony for reflection is recommended.
Requirements
A fast of at least 3 hours before ceremony is required.
Withholding from consumption of alcohol the day before and the day of ceremony is also required.