Arkana
Valle de Bravo

Maestra Jazmin Pineda, a Mazatec medicine woman from Huatla de Juarez, Oaxaca, the town of Maria Sabina, guides our Psilocybin Mushroom ceremonies. She proudly carries the lineage of her mother, Abuela Julieta Casimiro, who was a distinguished member of the Council of the 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. Following Abuela Julieta’s passing, Maestra Jazmin inherited her mother’s profound knowledge and the sacred responsibility of healing within her community.

From a young age, Maestra Jazmin was immersed in the world of ninos santos (psilocybe mushrooms), assisting her mother in their sacred rituals. Over the years, she honed her skills and deepened her connection to the Medicine, developing a unique ability to guide transformative ceremonies. Her work honors the traditional Mazatec vigils, preserving the practices that María Sabina brought to global awareness in the 1960s.

Maestra Jazmin has traveled extensively, sharing the wisdom of her lineage with people around the world. Through her ceremonies, she creates spaces of deep healing and spiritual insight, allowing participants to reconnect with themselves and the natural world. Her commitment to maintaining her ancestral traditions ensures the continued vibrancy of this sacred lineage.

Marakame Juan, a revered Wirrarika healer from San Andrés Cohamiata in the remote mountains of Jalisco, is a guardian of the sacred traditions of his people. Chosen from a young age to walk the spiritual path of Hikuri (Peyote), Don Juan has dedicated his life to the medicine of the Wirrarika tribe, embodying the wisdom, strength, and humility of his forefathers.

Don Juan proudly carries his ancestral lineage, serving as a bridge between the sacred traditions of his people and those seeking healing and guidance. As one of the most respected elders in his community, he is recognized not only by his tribe but also by the Mexican government as a Hikuri Medicine Carrier, a testament to his profound knowledge and commitment to preserving his culture.

Each year, Don Juan embarks on the sacred pilgrimage to Wirikuta, the spiritual heart of the Wirrarika tradition, to honor Mother Earth and renew his connection to the divine. This annual journey is central to his practice, ensuring the sacred balance between humanity and nature is upheld. Through prayer, ceremony, and offerings, he deepens his bond with the land and the medicine.  A true steward of Wirrarika traditions, Don Juan’s work continues to inspire and heal, carrying the timeless spirit of his people into the modern world.

Maestro José was born in Mexico and has lived in the United States for the past 30 years. Fifteen years ago, his life took a profound turn when he discovered the path of sacred plant medicine. Seeking answers, he ventured alone into the desert and took Peyote, which opened the door to deeper exploration, leading him to the Amazon and various other plant medicines.

Twelve years ago, he encountered the powerful medicine of Bufo Alvarius, which he felt an immediate and deep connection to. This experience catalyzed his dedication to understanding and working with this medicine. He began training under Anandha Buddhi, learning how to properly hold space for Bufo and accompany individuals on their healing journeys.

In recent years, José has also worked closely with Maestra Justina, a Shipibo healer he considers his spiritual mother. Under her guidance, he has deepened his connection to plant medicines and their sacred teachings. Additionally, José has been initiated in Bwiti tradition in Gabon and has completed meditation intensives at the Siddha Yoga Ashram, further expanding his spiritual practice.

Now, as a Maestro, José is committed to sharing the healing power of these sacred medicines, supporting others in their transformational journeys with deep respect, wisdom, and care.

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