Rainforest Medicine Stories: Deep Forest Perspective, Healing Ceremonies and Timeless Wisdom

About Rainforest Medicine Stories: Deep Forest Perspective, Healing Ceremonies and Timeless Wisdom

Ethnobotanist Jonathon Miller Weisberger, author of "Rainforest Medicine: Preserving Indigenous Science and Biodiversity in the Upper Amazon" shares his knowledge from 25+ years experience with indigenous Amazonian medicine, ceremonial life and traditions. Join a master storyteller for discussion on ayahuasca and yagé, indigenous Amazonian mythology and cosmology, ancient legends, permaculture, ethnobotany, music, history and much more. To join the council, visit: https://rainforestmedicine.net/ To visit Ocean Forest Ecolodge in Costa Rica: https://www.oceanforest.org/

Publisher

Rainforest Medicine Council

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Aug 2025

Latest episode

22 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Oct 2026

   "The Yagé Drinkers" Part 2

   In "The Yagé Drinkers" Part 2 - a webinar episode of the Rainforest Medicine Series - host Jonathon Miller Weisberger (author of Rainforest Medicine) is joined by writer, professor, and translator Nathan Horowitz, alongside friends James and David Santander, a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, to explore the time-tested heritage wellness tradition of "The Yagé of Our Creators Multicolored People." Centered on Secoya (Siekopai) indigenous wisdom and ceremonies led by maestro Cesareo Piaguaje, the discussion contrasts book learning with direct experience, highlighting miraculous physical and psychological healings, addiction recovery, vision work, and a "Universal Culture of Service." Nathan, who translated Secoya elder Fernando Payaguaje's oral history El Bebedor de Yagé and assisted with editing and proof reading Weisberger's book, shares insights from his upcoming work, The Yagé Drinkers: Magic and Myth in the Amazon Across Time, weaving Amazonian myth with personal narrative. The episode also highlights tangible ecological stewardship at the Ocean Forest Ecolodge and invites listeners to experience these time-tested world heritage tradition methods of the use of sacred plant medicine traditions firsthand through upcoming Rainforest Medicine Council Gatherings in Costa Rica and Ecuador. To learn more and sign on to our upcoming Rainforest Medicine Council Gatherings and experience the sacred plant medicine traditions, cultural heritage, and biological diversity in situ, you may join our retreats in Costa Rica (January / February and July) and Ecuador (November and December). For more information and to sign on visit us here: •⁠ ⁠View All Events & RSVP: https://rainforestmedicine.net/events/ (https://rainforestmedicine.net/events/) •⁠ ⁠Inquiries: gatherings[at]rainforestmedicine.net (gatherings@rainforestmedicine.net) Guest Links Nathan Horowitz: • Website: https://nathandhorowitz.com (https://nathandhorowitz.com) •⁠ ⁠Listen to Book Excerpts: https://nathandowdhorowitz.bandcamp.com/album/the-yag-drinkers-magic-and-myth-in-the-amazon-across-time-by-nathan-d-horowitz-and-fernando-payaguaje (https://nathandowdhorowitz.bandcamp.com/album/the-yag-drinkers-magic-and-myth-in-the-amazon-across-time-by-nathan-d-horowitz-and-fernando-payaguaje)

2. 

   14 Oct 2026

   "The Yagé Drinkers" Part 1

   "The Yagé Drinkers" Part 1 Don Fernando Payaguaje, Author Nathan D. Horowitz, and Jonathon Miller Weisberger Share Rainforest Legends, Myths and Personal Tales In this two-part episode of our Rainforest Medicine Series Webinar, host Jonathon Miller Weisberger (author of Rainforest Medicine) is joined by writer, professor, and translator Nathan Horowitz, and friends James and Dr. David Santander, DTCM, who together explore the marvelous phenomena of the Time-Tested World Heritage Wellness Tradition of “The Yagé of Our Creators Multicolored People”. Our special guest on this recording is Nathan Horowitz, who played a key role helping edit and proof read Rainforest Medicine ~ Preserving Indigenous Science and Biodiversity. Nathan translated The Yagé Drinker (El Bebedor de Yagé), the extraordinary oral history of Secoya (Siekopai) elder Fernando Payaguaje. In this informal conversation we are inspired to share stories about experiences in the upper amazon and with the holy rainforest plant medicine of yagé. Nathan shares insights from his upcoming book, The Yagé Drinkers: Magic and Myth in the Amazon Across Time, weaving personal narratives with Amazonian myth and medicine traditions, into an audible tapestry that we hope will transmit the beauty and the peril of this precious world heritage tradition. We hope our listeners will enjoy this audio presentation, and for those wanting to take this off the map and into the rainforest we offer unique and extra special opportunities to experience the wondrous phenomena of rainforest plant medicine traditions first hand. To learn more and sign on to our upcoming Rainforest Medicine Council Gatherings and experience the sacred plant medicine traditions, cultural heritage, and biological diversity in situ, you may join our retreats in Costa Rica (January / February and July) and Ecuador (November and December). For more information and to sign on visit us here: • View All Events & RSVP: https://rainforestmedicine.net/events/ (https://rainforestmedicine.net/events/) • Inquiries: gatherings[at]rainforestmedicine.net (gatherings@rainforestmedicine.net) Guest Links Nathan Horowitz: • Website: https://nathandhorowitz.com (https://nathandhorowitz.com) • Listen to Book Excerpts: https://nathandowdhorowitz.bandcamp.com/album/the-yag-drinkers-magic-and-myth-in-the-amazon-across-time-by-nathan-d-horowitz-and-fernando-payaguaje (https://nathandowdhorowitz.bandcamp.com/album/the-yag-drinkers-magic-and-myth-in-the-amazon-across-time-by-nathan-d-horowitz-and-fernando-payaguaje) Audio Note: The opening and closing flute and charango music were recorded live in the caves of the Napo-Galeras wilderness in the Ecuadorian Upper Amazon.

3. 

   14 Aug 2026

   Rainforest Medicine Series: Unveiling Truths of Non-Duality and Heavenly Realms Through Yagé Songs, Feathered Scepters, and the Leafy Broom Rattle

   Jonathon Miller Weisberger (ceremonial facilitator of 30+ years) hosts rainforest medicine council gatherings (retreats) Costa Rica every winter and summer, and in the Ecuadorian upper Amazon every fall. Next gatherings: Ecuador: November 20-29, 2026 Napo-Galeras Wilderness, Ecuadorian Amazon (https://rainforestmedicine.net/event/november-20-29-2026-napo-galeras-wilderness-ecuadorian-amazon/) Costa Rica: Jan 24-31, 2027 at Ocean Forest Ecolodge (https://www.wetravel.com/trips/rainforest-immersion-at-the-cocoterra-ocean-forest-ecolodge-2965444516#about-this-trip) Costa Rica: February 2– 7, 2027 for Cocoterra rainforest camping experience (https://www.wetravel.com/trips/rainforest-immersion-at-the-cocoterra-ocean-forest-ecolodge-2965444516#about-this-trip) See all upcoming events here: https://rainforestmedicine.net/events/ (https://rainforestmedicine.net/events/) Please if you're interested in joining, please RSVP and submit your deposit ASAP to help the organizers plan accordingly. If you're interested in joining us but have some questions, please contact info [at] rainforestmedicine.net Thank you for supporting Rainforest Medicine Council Gatherings by sharing this with friends, joining us for gatherings, and all generous contributions and offerings. Every bit is greatly appreciated. - Rainforest Medicine Series: Unveiling the Truth of Non-Duality and Heavenly Realms Through Yagé Songs, Feathered Scepters, and the Leafy Broom Rattle Get a taste of what’s to come at our upcoming Rainforest Medicine Council Gathering! Dive into the legends and mysterious insights of 3 sacred tools from the ancestral holistic integral medical science of Our Creators' Multicolored People, as received by the Siekopai people of the upper Amazon: The Leafy Broom Rattle (Hookasayepë / chacapa / Wairachina) The Ceremonial Scepter (Matipë - Heaven Rising Ceremonial Feathered Scepter) — featuring some of the first-ever internet content dedicated to it! The Sacred Songs & Call and Response (Icaros / Heheñé and Wiñacaye, and more) What We Explore in This Webinar Origin Myths & Phenomena: Direct wisdom from the Siekopai tradition. Etymology: Unpacking the deeper meaning behind the names ("What's in a name?"). Lesser-Known Esoteric Insights: Hidden layers of the chacapa, icaros, and ceremonial scepters. Foundational Wisdom: Learn about the fundamental pillar for a successful ceremony, and much more! We hope you enjoy. CLICK HERE TO JOIN US AT A RAINFOREST MEDICINE COUNCIL GATHERING⁠⁠ (https://rainforestmedicine.net/events/) Whether you are looking to deepen your intellectual foundation, ask a pressing question, or simply align with the medicine's protective and clarifying protocols, I look forward to welcoming you into the space. With deep gratitude and warmth, Jonathon Miller Weisberger Ethnobotanist, Author of ⁠Rainforest Medicine – Preserving Indigenous Science and Biodiversity in the Upper Amazon⁠ (https://rainforestmedicine.net/) Founder of the Rainforest Medicine Council

4. 

   25 Jun 2026

   Bridging Two Worlds: Our Creator's Multi-Colored People & The Integral Way of Tao

   Bridging Two Worlds: Our Creator's Multi-Colored People & The Integral Way of Tao In this session, we explore a fascinating and essential cross-cultural bridge: the striking commonalities between the Yagé tradition of Our Creators Multicolored People as upheld by the Siekopai elders of the Upper Amazon, and the Integral Way of Tao as taught by Taoist Master Hua-Ching Ni [OmNi]. This comparison is not merely academic. It serves a vital practical purpose for the modern seeker: Universal Realities as Indigenous Science: By observing where these two ancient systems intersect, we demonstrate that they are not isolated folk customs, but rather precise, sophisticated indigenous sciences that tap into the exact same universal realities of energy, nature, and the cosmos. The Written Canon as a Fail-Safe Guide: The tradition of Yagé is purely oral, and we don't live day-to-day alongside the elders in the forest. However, the Taoist canon and the books of Tao have preserved centuries of intellectual and practical pursuit regarding the cultivation of vital energy. Guiding the Mind: By studying these Taoist insights, we can find a profound intellectual framework that helps guide the mind into the correct channels. It offers a structured, fail-safe venue for exploring, understanding, and navigating the vast entheogenic paradigms and visionary realities of plant medicine. CLICK HERE TO JOIN US AT A RAINFOREST MEDICINE COUNCIL GATHERING⁠ (https://rainforestmedicine.net/events/) Whether you are looking to deepen your intellectual foundation, ask a pressing question, or simply align with the medicine's protective and clarifying protocols, I look forward to welcoming you into the space. With deep gratitude and warmth, Jonathon Miller Weisberger Ethnobotanist, Author of Rainforest Medicine – Preserving Indigenous Science and Biodiversity in the Upper Amazon (https://rainforestmedicine.net/), Founder of the Rainforest Medicine Council

5. 

   14 Jun 2026

   Through the Emerald Gateway: The Dieta and the Pinta of Yagé

   In this discussion, Jonathon Miller-Weisberger discusses the intricacies of 2 of the most important concepts in the Ayahuasca/Yagé drinker's tradition - The Dieta, and the Pinta. These are the Alchemical methodologies for getting in touch with legions of Divine Immortals who guide us to, and bring fourth potent healing and uprightness, and attainment along the path of the drinker. In this talk we discuss food and diet practices relating to the drinking of Ayahuasca and Yagé, Qigong and Taoist/Daoist practices of energy cultivation, as well as the Yagé Toyá/Tollá/Pinta/Spiritual Designs and patterns that are the Emanations of the energies of the Divine Immortals and various Heavenly Doctor Spirits. Check out this webinar for a deep dive into topics found in Chapter 4 of Jonathon Miller-Weisberger's book, Rainforest Medicine: Elements of the Experience. To join the council, visit:https://rainforestmedicine.net/events/ To visit Ocean Forest Ecolodge in Costa Rica:https://www.oceanforest.org/

6. 

   29 May 2026

   The Emerald Gateway: Ancestral Science and the Sophisticated Discipline of La Dieta

   Jonathon addresses common misconceptions about "dieta," in advance of the upcoming July 3-13 2026 Rainforest Medicine Council gatherings in Costa Rica. This talk regards reinvestigating it as a sophisticated method of refinement rather than mere food restriction. We will explore time-tested traditional protocols for focusing vital energy which allows spiritual aims to be made effective. Check out this webinar for a deep dive into topics found in Chapter 4 of his book, Rainforest Medicine: Elements of the Experience. To join the council, visit:https://rainforestmedicine.net/events/ To visit Ocean Forest Ecolodge in Costa Rica:https://www.oceanforest.org/ - Ethnobotanist Jonathon Miller Weisberger, author of "Rainforest Medicine: Preserving Indigenous Science and Biodiversity in the Upper Amazon" shares his knowledge from 25+ years experience with indigenous Amazonian medicine, ceremonial life and traditions. Join a traditional master storyteller for discussion on Ayahuasca and Yagé, indigenous Amazonian mythology and cosmology, ancient legends, permaculture, ethnobotany, music, history and much more.

7. 

   8 Dec 2025

   Walking the Rainforest Medicine Path: Overcoming hesitations through heartfelt connections

   In this discussion we will be covering the Pinta (designs trail) of Rainforest Medicine Traditions, and its significance to healing our minds, bodies and spirits in the plant medicine ceremonies of Yagé. Attend A Rainforest Medicine council for personal renewal ⁠⁠https://rainforestmedicine.net/⁠⁠ (https://rainforestmedicine.net/) Visit Ocean Forest Ecolodge (Ethnobotanical gardens and nature sanctuary!) ⁠⁠https://www.oceanforest.org/⁠ (https://www.oceanforest.org/) Timestamps 1:42 What is Yagé? 2:55 three ways of using Yagé 5:30 Meaning of the name Yagé by Don Delfin 8:33 Approaching the Pinta and Today’s Topics 14:58 Subtle Law 15:36 Pinta and Non-Dual realms 23:52 Yagé Pinta: Respecting the subtle energies and ceremonial Etiquette 28:48 How to respect the ceremony and the Yagé 32:00 Dr. Santander’s Pinta Experience 34:55 Tulsi’s Wiñapai Pinta experience and AI Poem 36:57 The Sky-barge! Opalescent boats with Animal Imagery (Spirit?!) 39:12 Yagé Tale from The Holy Mountain - Napo Galeras 41:31 Jonathon’s Pinta Story 52:54 Oral Tradition, Yagé Tradition, and Self reflection 55:40 The purpose of drinking Yagé is to meet the Winapai 1:01:19 Flute Concerto in the Water Cavern 1:03:18 What is the Posá? Approaching the Pinta and the 5 fundamental designs 1:06:45 5 Elements meets the 5 fundamental Posá 1:14:00 Water Spirits, Doctor Spirits, and symbols as energy portals, galactic forces present in the here and now 1:16:24 Tojá/Toyá, “We borrow from the unreal to cultivate the real” 1:22:10 Drinking Yagé to heal - Horizontal Posá 1:30:37 Approaching Duality and Disconnection 1:35:26 Waorani Myth of Lighting the Clouds On Fire 1:41:38 Don Casamiro’s Rainbow Serpent Song Glossary Secoya/Siekopai - Indigenous peoples/Indians native to the upper amazon. Pinta - Yagé designs and patterns Toyá - Toja, Pinta, pattern of ancestral medicinal scientific vibrational science. Cosmological and vibratory emanations. Yagé Toyá - Yagé Designs Wiñapai Toyá - Heavenly People Designs Jaicuntipai - inside the earth people Wati Toyá - Lower spirits Designs Pre-heaven phase - Before heaven, original metabolism before we’re born Post-Heaven - The interaction of yin and yang in the world after we’re born Don Cesario Piaguaje- Maestro of Sequoia/Siekopai tradition, medicine, cosmology, mythology and culture. Accomplished healer and drinker of Yagé. Died around 120 years old on easter friday, buried on resurrection sunday. 5 Phases/5 Elements: 5 Elements of nature in traditional east asian medicine (5 clouds meditation), wu xing, xing yi. The 5 elements are an integral schemata for understanding the universe and our bodies and has significant medical implications. Entire systems of medicine exist around this phenomena. Pearls “We borrow from the unreal to cultivate the real” Chang O Treatise on the Silent way “Gripped by the Yagé” Live Softly, Humbly, and view all life as sacred Repenting, asking for forgiveness, reflecting on our thoughts and actions, selfless service, mitzvas and other benevolent tasks as a manner of living in line with the heavenly virtues of the Yagé and Pinta - Living the Medicine. “Colors are enrichments from the divine realms” Posá/Designs Patterns O - Doctor healing spirits, heavenly spirits, water, gravity, cohesion, containment, unity. I - Aceraruna, the Iron people, Structural alignment, beings who hover above the treetops and control the weather _ - Caterpillar, Matemokeke, transformation, manifestation, grounding, weak nuclear force X - Jaicuntipai, Designs Boa * - Star, Tree of Life, law of becoming, Harmonizing energies, all directions, 5th potential force of quantum mechanics?! (https://a.co/d/9rAtAiT)

8. 

   27 Aug 2025

   Deep Forest People, Ancient Yagé Legends and Cacao Phenomena

   Step in, show up, and feel the power of connection Attend A Rainforest Medicine council for personal renewal ⁠https://rainforestmedicine.net/⁠ (https://rainforestmedicine.net/) Visit Ocean Forest Ecolodge (Ethnobotanical gardens and nature sanctuary!) ⁠https://www.oceanforest.org/⁠ (https://www.oceanforest.org/) The Book Rainforest Medicine: Preserving Indigenous Science and Biodiversity in the Upper Amazon by Jonathon Miller-Weisberger ⁠https://amzn.to/3Hc8SkV⁠ (https://amzn.to/3Hc8SkV) Donate to the Living Bridges Foundation (tax deductible) ⁠https://www.livingbridgesfoundation.org/⁠ (https://www.livingbridgesfoundation.org/) 0:10- Introduction & Jonathan’s background 1:40- Work in the Amazon & Demarcation of the Waorani indigenous peoples territory (1990-1995) 12:53-The best deal ever, an old computer for 250,000 acres of wilderness - 1994) 21:13-See~diii – A Ninth Dimensional Goddess who protects the Osa Peninsula & mysteries of the Costa Rica Petro-spheres 23:06-Cacao as a Sacred Plant & Cultural Catalyst 43:09-Chinese Medicine & Five Elements Connection 47:36-Yagé Creation Legend & Siekopai Cosmology 53:25-Myths as Moral Order & Teaching Tools 55:51-Ancient Navigators, Stone Spheres, and Intercontinental Voyages 62:48-Art, Illustration, and Rainforest Medicine Book 67:18-Current Work, Lodge, and how to support and participate ground level on the Projects Key Terms Napo Galeras - Park in the Upper Amazon Pai'na or Ñañë - Grandfather Creator Nai Pai - Dawn And Dusk Immortals Petro-spheres - Stone spheres used for ancient navigation Councils - Rainforest medicine ceremonial gatherings Wenka - Blue/Black Dye Seeds of the Waorani - Genipa americana. Waorani Great Flood Myth shared at the Jameel Art Center in Dubai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ekOArexqIE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ekOArexqIE) Link to the See~diii Blog Article https://www.oceanforest.org/2021/04/12/seediii-a-9th-dimensional-goddess-protects-the-osa-peninsula/ (https://www.oceanforest.org/2021/04/12/seediii-a-9th-dimensional-goddess-protects-the-osa-peninsula/) Links From The See~diii (9th Dimensional Goddess, Guardian of the Osa Peninsula) Article Spheres: Recovery of indigenous history (Ballenas Tales Magazine BTM) https://ballenatales.com/spheres-recovery-of-the-indigenous-history/#gsc.tab=0 (https://ballenatales.com/spheres-recovery-of-the-indigenous-history/#gsc.tab=0) The Diquis Stone Spheres (BTM) https://ballenatales.com/the-diquis-stone-spheres/#gsc.tab=0 (https://ballenatales.com/the-diquis-stone-spheres/#gsc.tab=0) Atlantis in America: Navigators of the ancient world by Ivar Zapp and George Erikson (book) https://books.google.com.ec/books?id=xomDSdpe_MIC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false (https://books.google.com.ec/books?id=xomDSdpe_MIC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false) The Lost Continent of Mu by Col. James Churchward (book) https://amzn.to/3JbWtxN (https://amzn.to/3JbWtxN) Ivar Zapp on Earth Ancients Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-edition-ivar-zapp-atlantis-is-america-navigators/id843060147?i=1000648774933 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-edition-ivar-zapp-atlantis-is-america-navigators/id843060147?i=1000648774933) Lemuria: Hidden History of Mankind’s Motherland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6Y2oygm15Y&list=PL1AE22FEAACC74F72 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6Y2oygm15Y&list=PL1AE22FEAACC74F72) – Spiritual Invocations for Peace and Healing – Grandmaster Le Tian’s Chants for Healing https://archive.org/details/grandmaster-le-tian-feng-shui-enhancing (https://archive.org/details/grandmaster-le-tian-feng-shui-enhancing) Tian Ai Qigong: Invocation to calm the mind by Master Yang Tianying https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5oIO-NwNRY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5oIO-NwNRY) Tian Ai Qigong: Beautiful Medicine Music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwR6Hmj9bxQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwR6Hmj9bxQ) Tian Ai Qigong: Yi Ai Love as the pure energy of the universe meditation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo9rcspPnP4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo9rcspPnP4) Powerful Morning Meditation for Protection by Master Cathy Mu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syZKx60xUEI

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