This episode is about 'Grandfather Medicine,' Peyote. It's truly is a mysterious and beautiful plant, and a ceremonial tradition that must be experienced to understand fully.  Peyote's healing power is immense, and in many ways, beyond the scope of words. But if anyone can express its healing potential and rich traditional history, it's today's guests. They have requested anonymity due to this episode's legally sensitive nature, but their expertise is beyond question and deeply inspiring.  This episode was recorded on location in the desert on the morning after a peyote ceremony I had participated in, while I was very much under the spell of this mysterious medicine. I sat down with our guest couple to discuss in great detail their magical lives as ceremony facilitators and the epic tales of all-things Peyote — including my personal experiences with them, which as of now, total six. These are two of the most inspiring people I have ever met, and to watch them work together so powerfully in unity during ceremonies has been incredibly transformative. I will never be the same after meeting them. As per all episodes that focus on the use of plant medicines or psychedelics, I feel obliged to issue the following disclaimer: These experiences are not for everyone, at all times, nor am I promoting them as such. I am merely documenting my journey and curiosity to learn more, further expand my spiritual awareness, and deepen my healing. One must give careful consideration to set, setting, and personal motives (and the motives of those facilitating such explorations) before venturing into the life-altering world of any such potent medicine.  That said, when used wisely, intentionally, and with reverence and respect, substances like Peyote have the potential to heal the minds and hearts of not only individuals but also humankind collectively. And lord knows we could use some of that.   09:28 — How they met Having a shared interest in plant medicine Wanting to be around each others energy Traveling together through lifetimes Opening your heart   18:43 — Their first experience with entheogens Starting casually Interests in anthropology and studying cultures Discovering how peyote can be so healing Going to the desert every year Becoming part of the community The ceremony of Merakame   28:08 — The history and lineage of peyote How long peyote has been in use The native areas that used peyote Showing respect to heritage The active ingredients in peyote The perfection of nature Opening doors in our hearts   38:19 — Learning about the sacred plants Studying with indigenous elders Giving yourself to the path Spending time in native communities Receiving the teaching from the plants Letting go of untruth   43:10 — Cultural appropriation The intention behind it Losing sight of what’s sacred Making commitments to ourselves Sharing something sacred Valuing people’s traditions   57:27 — What the ceremony is about Luke’s experience with the ceremony Letting go what’s inside of us What the medicine does for our body   01:06:25 — The foundation Giving tools to connect to the elements Knowing how to creating a relationship with the earth Giving a fair exchange The Boa Foundation   01:12:39 — Harvesting the medicine Preparing yearly to go into the desert The ancient tradition of the pilgrimage Sustainably harvesting for the future The process of preservation, care, and transportation   01:20:14 — Moments of healing A man whose prayers were answered Meeting a soulmate Reconnecting with ancestors and loved ones Seeing miraculous things constantly   01:26:21 — The challenges of the ceremony Struggling with sleep deprivation and the reasons for it Having the discipline to see it through Transcending physical limitations   01:39:19 — Human sexuality and monogamy Wasting our sexual energy Relationships as a mirror into ourselves The practice of sacred sex The difference between love and lust   01:45:02 — Their amazing cat What breed is th