Customer Reviews

Ayahuasca Visions

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Along with Schultes' and Raffauf's Vine of the Soul, this is one of the best books on ayahuasca ever written. Luis Eduardo Luna is one of the world's leading authorities on this intriguing subject and Pablo Amaringo is equally knowledgeable. A treasure trove of info and art for anyone interested in art, the Amazon, and shamanism-

I have tried time and again to pick up this book and read the text in sequence, but the full-page color plates of Pablo Amaringo's paintings always pull me away from the text and into the world of shamans, angels, devils, serpents, jungle cats, mermaids, and aliens. I've read a lot of the text, but usually I have done so in search of an explanation for the images in specific paintings.

My first ayahuasca experiences were under the guidance of Luis Eduardo Luna. His knowledge of plant lore, chemistry, shamanism, and human nature is awe-inspiring, and I do want to read his words, but the pull of Pablo Amaringo's images has been too strong for me to resist thus far. I'm glad to have this book on my shelf because whenever someone asks me about ayahuasca, I know that I can place this book in their hands and the images will capture their imagination and make them hungry to learn more.

If you wish a clear, objective overview of shamanic worldview, this book is outstanding. The introduction alone (which is all I have read so far) is worth a great deal. Without being dressed up in obscurities, there is much to learn here.

I first saw the artists work while reading Graham Hancocks "Supernatural". It was amazing and led me to other readings. Eventually I used the artists style and applied it to a w40k mural I was painting at a local store. Far from a simple collage of ayahuasca induced images,each painting has deep meaning. When I ordered this book I was sad to find out the artist had passed in 1997.If you paint,draw,or are interested in the deeper ayahuasca lore,this book is a must have for you.I really wanted the hardback but not enough to pay $600 for it.

The best of the best. If you ever wanted to know what it "looks" like to take a real "trip" on the DMT Queen of the jungle. The visual imagery is very much like the real thing, only a little clearer. It is sort of a best of the trips synopsis without all the trouble of getting down to South America. And even better, in my opinion, is Edwardo Luna's commentary on what these visions may mean in both a cultural and scientific context. He is of course an anthropologist who has taken many trips to try and understand them. Highly recommended for anyone thinking about learning more either with or without entheogens.

Well printed, nicely written and interesting with a forward describing his life-- Castaneda is nothing comparing what has happened to this man and it's for real. Buy it, you wont regret!