Iboga therapy, integral to Bwiti culture, offers profound healing and spiritual insights. Central to this is the Iboga Therapy Bwiti Shaman, a figure of deep wisdom and connection with the Iboga plant. This article integrates information from Bwiti House, a premier resource on Iboga therapy and provider training, it expands on the shamanic traditions across different cultures.
An Iboga Therapy Shaman is more than a healer; they are custodians of the Bwiti tradition and the Iboga plant. They guide individuals through transformative experiences, addressing mental health challenges like PTSD and depression.
- First-Hand Healing Journey: Starting with personal deep healing experiences, aspiring provider undergo transformative experiences with Iboga.
- Three-Month Intensive Program: Under the guidance of a 10th generation Missoko Bwiti shaman, this program in Gabon involves mastering the art of conducting safe and sacred ceremonies with Iboga.
- Missoko Bwiti Tradition: This original form of Bwiti connects trainees to the roots of Iboga medicine and emphasizes respect for the spiritual world from the plant to its cultural stewards.
- Inner Work: Aspiring providers undertake extensive self-discovery and psychological preparation.
- Ethical Practice: Learning to administer Iboga responsibly and ethically is crucial.
- Role Distinction
- Iboga Provider vs. Shaman: Iboga providers, trained to administer the medicine, are not considered shamans, who require decades of dedication and multi level initiation within a specific lineage.
- Native American Shamanism: Emphasizes harmony with nature and spirit guides.
- Siberian Shamanism: Known as the origin of the term ‘shaman’, it involves journeying into the spiritual world for healing and guidance.
- South American Shamanism: Uses plants like Ayahuasca for healing and spiritual exploration.
- African Shamanism: Involves ancestral worship, lineage, and extensive knowledge from the spiritual heritage, practices and herbal medicines.
Becoming an Iboga Therapy Shaman is a profound journey of transformation, requiring commitment to personal healing, cultural immersion, and ethical practice. It’s a path of becoming a healer and a spiritual guide within the rich tapestry of global shamanic traditions.
