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Salvia, Ska Maria Pastora Entheogenic Ritual Group

Ska Maria Pastora, the Shepherdess or Salvia Divinorum is a sacred entheogenic plant of the peoples of Mexico in the mint family. It was used long ago, mostly likely, by the Maya, Zapotec, Aztec and Omec. Many modern Indigenous groups still use Salvia Divinorum through a process of chewing rolled leaves at night time for healing and divination. Modern descendants of the Maya and Zapotec as well as Mixtec and Oaxacan peoples still utilize this plant today. Most often we hear that they use it as a substitute for the Magic Mushrooms (Psilocybe Cubensis and Psilocybe species) during the seasons when the mushrooms are not fruiting. 

Salvia Divinorum is an easy plant to cultivate and can be very sustainable and rewarding to the Shamanic Herbal enthusiast. It is primarily probagated through cuttings but lately the plants that many of my friends keep are sprouting flowers and eventually seeds. These are sensitive plants and, I believe, need lots of loving care. If provided a safe and compassionate living space with the right conditions (humid, shaded and warm) your very own Ska Maria Pastora will offer you stronger medicine that you can find at most stores where these are sold. Usually they are sold at Smoke Shops or Smart Shops but check your local laws because sometimes the Shepherdess is restricted in your area. 

There are many ways to experience the visions of the mint and while smoking it might be popular and "what you have heard of," it's a very INTENSE experience and should only be done if you are experienced with the Plants of the Gods and other smoking herbs of the world. I've been meaning to assemble a few of the stories (aka Trip Reports) from my friends whom I've "sat" for. The smoking experience usually yields one of two things: something vastly profound and edging on incomprehensible OR nothing worth doing again (too weird or just doesn't work).

I find it very helpful to talk to the spirit of the plant (and of all things I eat for that matter) and ask that it guide me to the intention that I have set. Salvia and Mushrooms to the tribal peoples of Mexico were there to help them see. Think of this herb as being on par with something a witchdoctor in a hut would hand you if you visited and asked him what the meaning of your life was. 
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Digression is one of those things that I enjoy doing in my writing and now is one of those times where "I digress." Today I am writing to invite you to Salvia ceremonies in your area. Classes and groups are run through a community of teachers within our organization, Sacred Spiral. Groups tend to be more in the US and around the Southwest but our group and reach is expanding more and more and hopefully if you have an interest in this medicine, the Great Spirit will bring her to your area.

 In Arizona during the month of August 2012, we have a ceremony prepared that you can RSVP for on Facebook. Here are the details: 

 Spiritual and Healing space will be held for a small group of journey-men and women with the Shepherdess of the Salvia Divinorum plant. Ska Maria Pastora ceremonies are done on an empty stomach in the dark with whole leaves of the sacred mint. She does not prefer that we smoke her, instead it is more appropriate to chew this sacred teacher. 

 Seating is limited. Donations requested (~30 to 50) or Trade. Ceremony is about 90 min with about 40 minutes in the vision space. You will be sober at the end of the night. This is a legal and welcome entheogen within the Arizona state limits.

 RSVP or call for the location. 619-663-4844

Hugh T Alchemy

If you wish to try salvia leaves, purchase extracts or get your very own plant, please visit Main Salvia page
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