Rituál Santo Daime v Brazílii / The Santo Daime Ritual in Brazil
Author: Lucie Vacíková
Published: 1 November 2024
Figure 1: Brazilian Indigenous People in the Paraty Region
In September 2024, I travelled with my family to Brazil, specifically to the region of Paraty, approximately 250 kilometres from Rio de Janeiro. This area is known for its communities that practice the religious tradition of Santo Daime. These communities regularly conduct rituals involving singing, prayers, and meditation, creating an atmosphere conducive to profound spiritual experiences.
Paraty is also home to several indigenous tribes, including the Tupinambá and Guarani. Although their populations significantly declined following the arrival of Europeans, they continue to make efforts to preserve their culture and traditions.
Santo Daime is not merely a ritual but also a church that merges elements of Christianity, indigenous traditions, and African cultural influences brought by enslaved peoples. The Santo Daime church was established in Brazil in the 1930s and today has followers around the world. Paraty has gradually become one of its key centres.
Although the Santo Daime movement is heavily influenced by Christianity, it also includes natural deities and spirits, reflecting indigenous and African traditions. The most revered among them is the sea goddess, Lemanjá, who is also considered a goddess of fertility and motherhood.
Unlike the Catholic Churches, which acknowledge the Pope, Santo Daime has no single leader. Instead, it is guided by a collective of spiritual authorities. Our guide explained that the Catholic Church takes a cautious and somewhat critical stance towards the Santo Daime movement, although it does not deem it entirely unacceptable.
The Ritual Process
Participation in shamanic rituals in Brazil is generally subject to a fee, usually amounting to several hundred Brazilian reals. Before the ritual, we were required to observe a strict fast – no food or drink was permitted for several hours leading up to the ceremony. On the day before the ritual, we were instructed to avoid alcohol and other intoxicants, as well as any sexual activity on the day of the ceremony and the day preceding it, as this could „contaminate“ the body and diminish the efficacy of the sacred vine. Upon entering the ritual space, the shaman cleansed us with a special smoke.
The Ritual Environment
The ritual took place in a sacred outdoor space, which had been purified in advance of negative energies and malevolent spirits. This natural setting was meant to foster a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere, supporting a deep spiritual experience. Our guide explained that during rituals conducted in countries like Peru or Ecuador, where a larger quantity of ayahuasca is used, sharp objects are removed from the space before the ritual begins to prevent accidents. There have been instances of participants injuring themselves or others under the influence of ayahuasca. We were also forbidden from bringing mobile phones or any other electronic devices into the space, as electromagnetic waves could interfere with the ceremony and obstruct the entry of other energies. The shaman and his assistants were dressed in white garments, symbolising purity. The teachings of Santo Daime also draw inspiration from Christian texts, particularly the Bible, which was present throughout the entire ritual.
Figure 2: The Ritual Setting.
Opening Prayers and Hymns
The ritual began with prayers and hymns designed to help participants open themselves to spiritual experiences. The hymns frequently focused on themes of love, healing, and unity. In addition to these traditional indigenous songs, passages from the Bible were also recited. The entire ceremony was conducted in Portuguese, but a Czech guide was available to instruct us beforehand and provide insight into the content of the songs.
Consuming Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca, a beverage intended for spiritual and personal transformation, requires careful preparation and a considered approach. This drink contains the vine Banisteriopsis caapi, whose alkaloids, such as harmine and tetrahydroharmine, have psychoactive effects. Another essential ingredient is the leaves of Psychotria viridis, which contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a compound with profound effects on the mind and consciousness. However, DMT would be ineffective without the combination with the vine, which enables its absorption into the bloodstream.
Prior to consuming ayahuasca, it is crucial to be mentally and physically prepared. The drink can have side effects and is not suitable for everyone, particularly those with specific health conditions or on certain medications. It is recommended to approach ayahuasca with respect and ideally under the guidance of an experienced ritual leader.
Figures 3 & 4. Ayahuasca and the Banisteriopsis caapi Vine.
The legal status of ayahuasca varies between countries. In some places, its use is permitted within the context of religious ceremonies. In the Czech Republic, for example, ayahuasca is illegal due to its DMT content. Its use is not permitted in most EU countries, even for religious purposes, leading to protests from Santo Daime adherents who cite the right to freedom of religious expression. The only EU country where ayahuasca is legally allowed for religious purposes is the Netherlands. In Brazil and some US states, its use is also allowed exclusively for religious ceremonies. From my personal experience during nearly a month in Brazil, however, I can confirm that locals use ayahuasca outside these religious contexts as well.
After consuming ayahuasca, we sat down to meditate. The taste of the drink was distinctly bitter and intense, reminiscent of a strong herbal infusion. As the effects of ayahuasca began to set in, the singing and dancing continued, which, according to the shaman, are meant to deepen the spiritual experiences and attract benevolent spirits. About 15 to 20 minutes after drinking, my senses seemed to sharpen – or at least that was my impression. The light appeared brighter, sounds more intense, and the surrounding objects, including the trees, seemed significantly larger. At one point, the shaman approached me, closed my eyes, and started dancing around me. In that moment, I saw myself from above, seated in my place. This visual experience was brief but incredibly intense. Despite ayahuasca’s altered perception, I clearly remembered the entire course of the ritual even after its effects had faded.
Sharing Experiences
After the ritual, we shared our experiences with the other participants. Each person described their most intense moment and the emotions they felt. The ceremony concluded with a final prayer, expressing gratitude to the spirits and everyone involved in the ritual. Our guide explained that each ritual can have its unique aspects, depending on the traditions of the specific indigenous group, but the core features remain consistent. It is always a deep spiritual experience that requires faith and openness.
The Effects and Their Meaning
The Santo Daime ritual can be beneficial for individuals suffering from nervous disorders or mental health conditions, but it can also induce changes in thinking that may not always be positive. The shaman explained that the ayahuasca vine „calls“ to those who need it, and they find their way to it. The effects of ayahuasca can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and one’s emotions, which can contribute to psychological healing and overcoming negative thoughts.
However, it is important to emphasise that each experience with ayahuasca is unique, and one must approach these rituals with caution and respect. It is advisable to consult a mental health professional before participating in such a ceremony.
Personal Experience
My goal was to alleviate the tingling and numbness in my legs, symptoms that doctors had considered possible indicators of multiple sclerosis. Today, a month after the ritual, I can say that the numbness and tingling have significantly diminished. Psychologically, I feel just as well as before, although the ritual did not entirely cure the multiple sclerosis. I am convinced that the use of ayahuasca in these rituals should be allowed, as it enables such profound spiritual experiences. However, it should be consumed in moderation and always under the supervision of an experienced ritual guide.