‘MEDICINE JOURNEY’

with Shaman Ricardo Ramesh & Team of Medicine, Drumming, Music & Dance Experts

16^th Jan 2025 to 26^th Jan 2025 (10 days)

Introduction to ‘Medicine Journey’ Retreat

Throughout our journey, we will immerse ourselves in the energy of the Orixás (spiritual deities), performing offerings and herbal baths that enhance healing. We will use the medicines of the forest, such as Ayahuasca and Cacao, as instruments of transformation through deeply reconnecting with our maker and master, Mother Nature. The drum will be our guide, leading us through chants and rhythms that invoke these divine energies, fostering a sense of belonging and strengthening our ancestral roots. You will learn about the preparation and power of herbs for physical and spiritual cleansing, enriching you with knowledge from Afro- Brazilian culture and its evocative ritualistic music.

Our intention for you

This profound journey of healing and transformation will give you the opportunity to reconnect with your heart and the rhythms of life. We invite you to remember the sacredness of Life and to rediscover the essence of your own being, and in so doing you will heal deep trauma. This is also the perfect opportunity to clarify your heartfelt intentions and realise what you were put on this Earth to do - to live the life that you were born to live 🙏

The ‘Path of the Ogã’

This is a special immersion designed for those who wish to learn the foundations of the Ogã’s spiritual work. During this journey, you will have the opportunity to deeply connect with the principles that govern rhythm, movement, and musical expression in the spiritual context. We will explore techniques of drumming and other instruments, understanding how each sound, beat, and expression intertwines to strengthen and guide the ritual. This experience is suitable for both beginners and those who already have some knowledge and wish to deepen their connection with ritualistic music.

Includes:

• Drumming lessons (Lê, Rumpi, and Rum)
• Use of auxiliary instruments (Xequerê, Agogô, Gã, and handclaps)
• Learn main rhythms used in Umbanda ceremonies
• Philosophy and practice of the Ogã’s role in rituals
• Herbal baths for spiritual cleansing
• Preparation of offerings for the Gira
• Ogã Gira with the sacred Santo Daime (Ayahuasca)

Location: Ashiyana Center, Chapada dos Veadeiros (Alto Paraíso, Goiás)

Ashiyana Retreat Center

Our centre is located in an area of unparalleled natural beauty, surrounded by over 2,000 waterfalls and a massive quartz plate. The environment combines wild and exotic elements, creating a perfect setting for reinvention and harmony with Mother Nature.

Included:

• Accommodation in shared rooms (private on request)
• Delicious, healthy meals*
• All retreat activities
• Transfers to and from the airport and Ashiyana

*Healthy, Nourishing Food:
Our menu is carefully crafted with fresh, local, and organic ingredients (where possible), creating nutrient-rich and flavourful meals. Each dish is designed to nourish the body and prolong health and vitality, with the simplicity and authenticity of natural foods.

Not included:

• Individual therapeutic sessions
• Personal consultations
• Travel insurance

Attendance:

• Participation will be approved upon review of the health questionnaire to ensure everyone’s safety
• No prior experience with forest medicines is required
• Open to individuals with or without musical knowledge
• Personal instruments are welcome and may be used during classes and rituals

Facilitators and Guardians:

Ricardo Ramesh: With over 33 years of experience as a musician and spiritual practitioner, Ricardo has extensive experience of integrating music and spirituality into ceremonies and rituals with forest medicines. His journey began at the age of eight in his family’s Umbanda center.

Isabella Perim: Works with Amazonian cacao and creates Ayahuasca and Temazcal experiences, promoting deep connections with nature through devotional music.

Ivan Marconato Rizzolo: Builder of ethnic instruments and a ceremonial musician, Ivan uses vibrational sounds to transform and elevate the spirit during rituals.

Luciano Jesus da Silva: A Bahian percussionist with extensive experience in Afro-Brazilian music, combining religious traditions and sacred medicines to enhance healing.

Inajá Tetembuá: Holistic body educator who uses the Dance of the Orixás to promote reconnection with ancestral roots through movement.

Sample daily schedule:

Pricing and accommodation

Sharing: €3,500 in a shared room*
Single: €5,500 for single occupancy

*Two people sharing a twin/double room

All our rooms have en-suite bathrooms.

Our prices are fully inclusive of retreat schedule, accommodation, 3 meals a day, and all of the facilities at Ashiyana Brazil.

A booking is effective once the 35% deposit has been paid. Balances are due 2 months before the start of the retreat. Fill in the contact form below for more information and to book your place (we’ll send an application form to complete plus all of the retreat information that you need).