Rapeh Ceremony

“Did you know that birds do not land because they're tired? It is a remembrance. They know and have always known that their liberation depends on their ability to recall the ground.”

— Cole Arthur Riley, This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories That Make Us

It is my honor to be an assistant to the Spirit of Tobacco.

Rapeh, also known as Hape or Shamanic Snuff, brings us back into easeful relationship with our grounded and intentional presence in this life.

Rapeh is a sacred plant medicine with deep roots in the indigenous communities of the Amazon region. These communities engage with Rapeh for a number of reasons; from relaxation and community connection at the end of the work-day to helping to fortify the body and Spirit, and helping to deepen our connection to the Earth and our ancestors.

Rapeh is typically made from dried and ground tobacco (nicotiana rustica) and the ash of tree bark burned in a fire. The creation process is a ritual in itself and is accompanied by prayers and songs. Some special Rapehs are only made during certain times in the moon or Earth cycle, while others are blended with medicinal plants to enhance their healing properties.

What to Expect During Ceremony:

My ultimate goal is to cultivate a safe, healing space for you to connect with yourself and with the Spirit of the medicine

When you arrive to ceremony you will be cleansed with smoke before we begin with a conversation about your state of wellbeing that day, and your intention for ceremony.

I will then open the space with prayer, song, and a short grounding practice, followed by an explanation of the serving process. From there, I will serve the Rapeh and guide you through a visual meditation journey tailored to support your intention for the ceremony. This may include a journey to meet your ancestors, spirit guides, or to reclaim parts of yourself.

The onset of the medicine may include a burning or tingling sensation through the face and head, dryness in the throat, coughing, sneezing, eye watering, and purging (this is less common but possible).

Ceremony lasts between 1 - 1.5 hours after which you will be able to drive and continue on with your day with greater presence and intention.

Potential benefits of working with Rapeh

  • Physical

    Support and cleanse your respiratory system

    Decrease headaches

    Increase vitality

    Decrease in chronic pain

  • Spiritual & Mental

    Lifts mood

    Clears mind and calms anxiety (I call Rapeh my “blank-slate” medicine)

    Imparts wisdom and insight

    Offers grounding and protective energies

Preparation

Our participation in ceremony begins long before we enter the ritual space; it begins by preparing our ritual space within. Here are some suggestions on ways to prepare your being to receive Rapeh.

Prior to your session:

  • Refrain from:

    • engaging with other substances including alcohol, and cannabis or psychoactive drugs

    • *No food for at least 4 hours prior

  • Develop a clear intention

  • Drink plenty of water (and bring your bottle with you)