A private
circle-gathering of likeminded souls with spiritual aspirations, sponsored by
Soma of Somaseeds in Amsterdam. For legal reasons this considered a religious
service, in the tradition of the Santo Daime and Peote churches.
From time
immemorial there have been rituals using special ways and means to achieve
other states of consciousness, either chanting, dancing, smoking or drinking
specials concoctions.
The Soma
Tea ritual is a modern edition of entheogen rituals as described in the Aryan
Veda’s, the Iranian Avesta and observed by antropologists in Siberian
communities, Amazon rainforest Indians and indigenous tribes elsewhere.
Drinking or eating herbs or mushrooms of a hallucigenic nature in a ritual
context and group-setting can be an enlightening and spiritual experience for
the participants. It usually brings inner vistas of unthinkable splendour and
heightened bodily sensations, but also realisations of a more psychological or
even psychotherapeutic nature. It is often felt as a healing experience and
brings understanding of trauma’s and experiences in one’s past.
The
specific organic tea used in this ritual, prepared with great care, deep love
and a long experience by Rastafarian genetic (seed) expert Soma, consist of
specific mushrooms, some cacti and herbs like mint. It is made fresh for every
ritual and tastes like a fresh herbal tea, quite pleasant and without the
normal taste of magic mushrooms.
Soma, who
is the host and leader of this ritual, has been involved in the spiritual quest
and psychedelics for many decades, has led rituals like these both in Europe
and in America. His name has a direct connection to these kinds of rituals, the
exact nature of the mythical Soma drink of the Vedic rituals (Pravargya) is
lost, but the psychedelic nature of that herbal drink is generally accepted.
The purpose
of the soma tea ritual is spiritual one, to become more united with the all and
everything, experiencing the oneness gift of this sacrament. A oneness that
comes in outrageous forms and colors, visions and sensations, but bears on
one’s individual intention, mood, body and mind state and offers great opening
for soul work, release of tension, somatic and psychological healing,
reconnecting with the people in your life and your past, divining your life’s
path and can help you in important choices.
Although
there is no specific tradition other that the one of honouring the most
highest, Soma likes to play eastern style of Indian Hindu, Tibetan or shamanic
music. Live music is appreciated before the start and after the first set.
The
participants are gathered around the crystal altar in a rough circle, in such a
way that they can lie down when in trance. After a small introduction and a
dedication of the specific ritual, making clear in what astrological framework,
celestial constellation or to what specific purpose the ritual is held, the
special tea is handed out. One can take a larger or smaller dose, based on
experience and with some respect for body size. In the onset of the entheogen
trance some music is played, but softly. This 15 – 20 minutes are reserved for
inner cleaning, concentration and preparation, so silence is appreciated. (no
phones!)
This
silence is also observed during the first trance period, lasting some 2 to 3
hours, although the sense of time is usually lost. Some music will be played,
but there are also silent periods. Try to remain relaxed and quiet, and when in
need of water or the bathroom, try to move quietly. Under no circumstance leave
the building, as this makes everybody nervous, the effects of the tea are
somewhat unpredictable and in the circle you are among friends. Don’t be afraid
to ask for help or a comforting shoulder, making a connection is the best way
to fend off negative thoughts, repeating patterns or compulsions.
After the first
period there naturally evolves a kind of intermission, when people get up,
drink something, go outside, start talking, sharing experience, make some live
music etc.
Then, a
second round of tea is offered, which one can drink or not, but the second trance
period is different from the first, as it is more of a group event. You can
still lie down, but there will be more movement, some people like to watch the
sky and the clouds (you can play exciting games with them!), some enter into
deep therapeutical conversations or healing sessions.
The event
usually end in the early morning, some people still asleep, other playing
chess, smoking or eating a little, please inform Soma or Dona Maria when you
leave and take your belongings, blankets etc. Don’t go when you are not feeling
well, sometimes the tea kicks in afterwards, so be careful with driving etc.
A special
flavour of the Soma tea ritual is the environment and the focus on crystals.
Soma has a large and unique collection of small and very large crystals in the
centre of the ritual circle and as altar pieces. The energy of these old
beings, which is more distinctly felt in the ritual, spans a whole gamut from
balancing and healing to energizing. There is literature available about the
qualities of the different crystals, but feeling them is the most important.
Honour the stones and the altar pieces and they will pass on their message,
even if ever so gentle.
The soma
tea trance comes on pleasantly and because of the group setting usually brings
everybody in trance at the same time. Some normal stages in a mushroon trance
are less noticeable, especially the sexual arousal. It does pop up, sometimes,
but try to suppress it or keep the experience to yourself. Using mantra’s, concentration
on the crystals, certain images like circles or self-hypnotic inducement can
help to regulate your trip. Imagine going down (or up) a staircase while
silently counting down is a method to reach your subconscious levels.
This form
without beginning or end constitutes a special energy. It connects the people
on a peer basis, Taking your place in
the circle can be a matter of intuition, but think about where you want to be,
maybe it’s a good idea not to be next to your usual partner, but opposite. In a
trip you tend to pick up the energy from those around you, it helps to imagine
a golden shell (egg) around you to isolate you a little bit. On the other hand,
circle rituals are usually more mellow than individual trips, as the group energy
helps disperse it.
There are
many circle ceremonies, a noce one is to circle an object (or crystal)
counterclockwise in the beginning, collecting the negative feelings and
notions, then take it outside, clean it and ask for transformation to positive
energy. The object is then passed around clockwise, so everybody receives his
transformed energy back.
Don’t leave
the circle, at least not in the mind, keep with the ritual energy.
Apart from
the places in the circle there is a special place in the circle in front of the
large crystal. This place offers some special opportunities, as it is within
the circle and a good place to pick up that special energy there. Also the
connection with the crystal adds a special flavour, many people experience a
deep connection with the stone, even some kind of conversation with the million
years old crystal spirits. There is, however, also an obligation as this
central place is also the overseer’s. He or she sitting there can monitor the
mood and energy of the circle and the space. This concerns practical things
like how hot or cold the room is, whether the candles or fire are safe or
whether people need practical assistance for going to the toilet etc. There is
also the level of spirit control, at rituals like these sometime strange
energies emerge that influence one or all the participants. The overseer can
act by sending positive energy, whisking the spirits away or by comforting
those evidently in peril or anguish.
The circle
of people in itself is a ritual enclosure, but it helps to dedicate the whole
space, by welcoming the good spirits form the four corners (the east is the
main direction), burning candles
As we
collect many imprints and energies both in our daily life and in the ritual,
some smudging (air-cleaning with sage brush) or incense burning helps to purify
the participants.
Bring some
pillow, sheet or blanket to keep warm and comfortable.
You can
smoke before the ritual and after the first set.
Dress
simple and comfortable, take your shoes off and have something warm at hand.
A little
fast before the ritual is advised, abstain from red wine, cheese and be easy on
red meat and alcohol. If you take medical drugs, especially psycho-active
uppers, downers, sleeping pills or anti-depressive, or have a medical condition
like manic-depression, pregnancy or heart-problems, this tea ritual may be
ill-advised. Please note that participation is voluntary, that you yourself
assume all medical risk and implicitly agree to abstain from any litigation,
the responsibility is yours and you should make sure you have enough
information about the effects, otherwise ask questions before the ritual
starts. This is not a recreational or merely social event, it is a spiritual
journey into a territory that at first might seem strange and frightening
These
rituals are sponsored by Soma and as they are spiritual events, there is no fee
or contribution required. However, voluntary gifts, some food for the morning
after, juices, flowers, appropriate books etc. are appreciated, and some money
is always welcome to keep this tradition going. It is possible to sponsor a
special ritual for a special purpose, like for a friend who passed away. Your
dedication will then be part of the ritual.
Participation,
for obvious reasons, is by invitation. Always consult Soma or Dona Maria about
you coming and whom you can bring. The energy balance is important and they are
the one who try to make the ritual as ‘holy’ and pleasant as possible.