AYAHUASCA CHURCHES

Resulting from the encounter between Indigenous peoples and northeastern Brazilian migrants, the ayahuasca churches are an extraordinary social phenomenon in the Brazilian state of Acre. Santo Daime, União do Vegetal, and Barquinha are the three churches whose histories and local significance are explored in these three chronicles, originally published in Cáñamo magazine.

Vegetal Redemption

Defying Brazilian law, the Caminho de Luz center—an offshoot of the UDV—makes ayahuasca the cornerstone of a treatment for drug addiction. Mestre Muniz, the charismatic founder, never says no: the homeless, thieves, or even murderers, rejected by society and family, find in the ecstatic experience the inspiration to climb out of the abyss.

Sailing in the Holy Light

Of the three ayahuasca churches, the Barquinha is the most modest and popular. Colorful and musical, inspired by maritime traditions, its eclectic pantheon brings together Saint Francis of Assisi and Yemanyá, the Sun God and Jesus Christ.

Children of the Santo Daime

Only possible in Brazil: Raimundo Irineu Serra, descendant of slaves, founded a religion in the Amazon that combines ayahuasca with Catholic, African, and Spiritist beliefs. Half a century after his death, disciples like Luiz Mendes uphold the relevance of Santo Daime: “The goal of this doctrine is for you to know your own worth so that you can recognize mine. My light ignites yours because yours ignites mine.”