Cactus of Mystery: The Shamanic Powers of the Peruvian San Pedro Cactus
“In conclusion, due to the paucity of literary information on San Pedro, this is a particularly needed book for not only does it bring this cactus to a wider audience, raising awareness of its potentials for healing, it also manages to bring together diverse and interesting disciplinary takes on the plant. Heaven, whose own knowledge and experience is clearly a wealth in itself, has collated an admirable selection of texts that provides the reader with a thorough perspective.” (Psychedelic Press UK, August 2013)“Ross details the rituals surrounding the traditional ceremonies involved – from the Mesa (or ‘control panel’) required to focus the ceremony, the songs sung to invoke particular energies of cardinal archetypes, to the diet required for the shaman to approach the spirit of the plant in an impeccable fashion – an absolute necessity for a successful healing session, and much more. Comes highly recommended.” (Odyssey Magazine, October 2013)“This is a simply splendid book! Ross Heaven has written and edited an insightful and information-filled volume including reports from several shamans who have worked for many years with San Pedro. We finally have a definitive book on this remarkable psychedelic plant. Thank you for opening so many doors, Ross Heaven.” (James Fadiman, Ph.D., author of The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide)“An amiable, intelligent, and passionate introduction to the sacred medicine of the Andes. Ross Heaven’sCactus of Mysteryis valuable not only as an orientation toward the ancient Huachuma tradition but also as an exploration of the experiences of healing and creativity common to all sacred medicine traditions.” (Robert Tindall, author of The Jaguar that Roams the Mind and The Shamanic Odyssey)“This book brings to light the possibilities that await us as an evolved conscious species if we reach out and communicate with plant species in a true ‘communion.’” (Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide Magazine, April 2013)