San Pedro
SAN PEDRO CACTUS OR HUACHUMA
Acquaintance with Huachuma
This columnar cactus grows on the slopes of the Andes in Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. It reaches 5–6 meters in height and produces numerous shoots. From time to time, this giant is covered with fragrant white tubular flowers up to 23 cm long. In short, nature has done everything so that the students would notice one of their greatest teachers.
The Quechua Indians gave it a meaningful name — Wachuma. After all, Waqcha means “in absence,” and Uma — “head.” This teacher plant does not address the brain, but the heart. In this case, “without a head” implies the switching off of rational thinking, which only serves as an obstacle on the path to attaining inner harmony.
The two equally valid names, Echinopsis pachanoi, vividly demonstrate how closely traditional beliefs of the Amazonian peoples have intertwined with Christian customs.
Also remarkable is the name “San Pedro,” given to this cactus by Europeans. According to legend, one day a Franciscan monk, whose name history has not preserved, dared to try Huachuma. The spirit of the teacher plant appeared to him in the form of Saint Peter and bestowed upon him many valuable revelations. Impressed, the monk named the ceremony after this apostle — San Pedro.
Active substances
San Pedro contains an entire group of active components, including:
- anhalanine;
- anhalonidine;
- hordenine;
- tyramine;
- 3-methoxytyramine;
- 3,4-dimethoxyphenethylamine;
- 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy-β-phenethylamine;
- 3,4-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy-β-phenetidamine.
But the main active substance is, of course, mescaline. By the way, it is also found in many representatives of the Echinopsis genus. It is precisely this well-known hallucinogen that provides the vivid visions and other effects experienced during the ceremony. In its action, it is similar to MDMA. But naturally, when it comes to shamanic rituals, it is not just about the chemistry alone.
To feel the effects of mescaline, a dose of 100 mg is sufficient. But full communication with the teacher plant begins at 350 mg. By the way, the content of the active substance in the cactus can vary greatly. For example, 50 g of dried San Pedro may contain anywhere from 150 mg to 1,150 mg of mescaline. To avoid overdose, it is very important to choose an experienced shaman. They are called huachumeros.
HOW DOES THE SAN PEDRO CEREMONY TAKE PLACE?
The methods of consumption are very diverse. Huachuma is sometimes eaten raw, but only by those who are not afraid of its bitter taste. Some people cut the cactus into pieces, dry them in the oven, and only then consume it. There are even recipes that involve boiling thin slices in water for several hours and mixing this drink with pineapple juice.
However, the traditional shamanic recipe calls for preparing a special decoction over the course of 12 hours. During the ceremony, the participant drinks one cup of the beverage. Depending on sensitivity, the huachumeros do not limit themselves to a single serving and may give the participant three or even four cups.
The decoction begins to take effect in about 40 minutes. At first, it primarily induces a meditative state and deep immersion in one’s thoughts and emotions. Visual hallucinations are also quite likely. Keep in mind that San Pedro acts in waves. At times, it may seem that the effect is subsiding, but then the decoction starts working again, sometimes even more intensely.
The trip lasts 6–8 hours, and in some cases even up to 12 hours. The effects of San Pedro reach their peak 2–4 hours after ingestion. This “maestro” works more gently than ayahuasca and even another well-known teacher cactus — peyote. It opens the eyes without overwhelming the senses. If, for example, ayahuasca is like a high school teacher, then Huachuma is like an elementary school teacher.
As for physical effects, few San Pedro ceremonies pass without nausea and vomiting. These are caused both by the substances contained in the cactus and by its distinctive taste. The Quechua Indians consider vomiting an important part of physical cleansing, without which spiritual purification is impossible.
How does San Pedro affect a person?
The “wise grandfather” opens the heart. It helps the student bypass the obstacles placed by their own ego on the path to true knowledge. Huachuma heals the soul and reveals to the mind the truth about the surrounding world and oneself. It demonstrates the diversity of life and how different aspects of reality interact. But above all, Huachuma teaches sincere love.
Thanks to San Pedro, you can:
Overcome phobias. Their roots are always hidden in the past, and Huachuma is a very talented regressor. The “maestro” will take you back to key events, show why fears and doubts dominate you, and then help you part with them once and for all.
Improve relationships. With family, friends, colleagues — anyone who plays an important role in your life. San Pedro teaches not only to open your own heart but also to reach others’. With the understanding of human nature that this teacher plant provides, it becomes easy to connect with those around you.
Heal illnesses. San Pedro heals both on the physical and mental levels. By redirecting energy flows, it repairs what is broken. Huachuma teaches the body to mobilize all its forces to fight and overcome any ailments.
Find your calling. To bypass ingrained programs, break blocks, and look deep within yourself — only this way can you understand your place in the world and how to express yourself. Only by achieving harmony with your inner self can you truly begin to live, rather than merely exist.
Don’t miss your chance!
A teacher who will treat you with understanding. Who won’t give you a failing grade, but will patiently explain the important lessons. Who won’t burden you with unnecessary information, but will provide a ticket to a happy life. Isn’t this the kind of mentor you have always dreamed of? The bell has long since rung, and San Pedro is waiting for you in a lesson of love, sincerity, and enlightenment.