Grandmother Ayahuasca by Christian Funder | Amazonian Shamanism, Psychedelic Science & Spirituality

Explore the history, traditional use, neuroscience, and spiritual traditions surrounding ayahuasca in Grandmother Ayahuasca by Christian Funder.

Used for generations within Indigenous traditions of the Upper Amazon, ayahuasca is traditionally prepared from plants including Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis. Funder examines the brew through multiple perspectives, bringing together accounts of Amazonian shamanic traditions, altered states of consciousness, contemporary scientific research, and personal experiences.

The book explores research surrounding DMT and brain activity during altered states, including neuroscientific and fMRI studies, while considering how these findings relate to historical esoteric ideas about consciousness. Funder also examines theories proposed by writers such as Aldous Huxley and considers the relationship between psychedelic experiences and perceptions of interconnected consciousness.

Alongside the scientific discussion are interviews with people describing profound experiences with ayahuasca, as well as Funder’s account of his own personal journey. The book also provides a look at Amazonian shamanism, Shipibo traditions, plant-spirit beliefs, and the healing songs known as icaros.

Inside you’ll explore:

• The history and traditional uses of ayahuasca
• Indigenous Amazonian shamanic traditions
• Shipibo practices and icaros
• Ayahuasca, DMT, and altered states of consciousness
• Neuroscience and contemporary scientific research
• Plant-spirit traditions and Abuela Ayahuasca
• Personal accounts and interviews
• Psychedelics, spirituality, and theories of consciousness

Blending cultural history, personal narrative, spirituality, and scientific inquiry, Grandmother Ayahuasca is a thought-provoking read for those interested in ayahuasca, psychedelic studies, Amazonian shamanism, ethnobotany, consciousness, Indigenous spiritual traditions, and psychedelic science.

Author: Christian Funder
Publisher: Inner Traditions
Format: Paperback