It was a year ago in July that Parker and I made our first Huachuma pilgrimage to Peru. During that first pilgrimage there were only seven of us, and we made the journey from the pyramids of Tecume to Heaven’s Gate riding in an old Mercedes passenger van named Corazón de Jesús. We liked the idea that we were forging a path others might follow nestled in the humble heart of Jesus.
That first pilgrimage with Parker was a highlight of my life, and the prayers planted during the despacho ceremony at Heaven’s Gate have continued to sprout and bloom. The pilgrimage is a once in a lifetime journey…and I’ve had the honor of doing it three times in the past year.
My friend Rodolfo, who was a student of don Howard, once told me that the medicine path will take everything from you, but also give you everything…and I’m feeling that in every fiber of my being.
I’ve given a lot over the years, and gotten a lot as well. When Parker asked me to join him at Bridge to One I gave up the law practice I spent ten years building. Doing so was one of the best decisions of my life and I haven’t regretted it for a moment.
After leaving Bridge to One Parker and I decided to continue our work through Smiling Jaguar Retreats and The Infinite Way. Making money was never the goal, but we hoped it might eventually become sustainable. But with Parker’s death and the medicine seizure things have never quite made it there.
So for almost two years I’ve been living off savings to keep things going. I haven’t regretted that decision for a moment. It has felt like what is being asked of me, and I’m honored to have been in a position to give.
But savings and retirement accounts are almost gone, and I’m about to put my house on the market to cash out the equity. The way may be infinite, but I’m running out of road from my old life, and I don’t quite know where the next section is coming from.
I brought these thoughts and prayers with me on the pilgrimage this year, hoping for clarity on how to proceed. As we descended from Heaven’s Gate, the final ceremony of our pilgrimage, I got the message that I should return to practicing law to help medicine communities
Since federal agents came to my house and seized the church’s medicine I’ve been aware of the persecution medicine people experience, and the need for better laws. But I wasn’t sure to what extent I was being asked to engage in this battle for religious freedom.
Then in June I joined over 10,000 therapists, lawyers, scientists, and community members at the MAPS conference in Denver for what will surely go down as a tipping point in the “psychedelic renaissance.” With folks like former Governor of Texas Rick Perry giving a keynote speech it is easy to think that the era of prohibition and discrimination is over. But the truth is people all around the world are still being persecuted, harassed, and jailed for engaging in these practices.
That reality became abundantly clear when I got a letter in the mail today from the bar association notifying me that an investigation had been opened relating to an indictment against me stemming from the medicine seizure.
Like it or not this fight has come to my door. It isn’t a battle I asked for or ever wanted. But here we are. My faith got crossways with the law, and by walking my path of devotion to god and service to others I’ve become a criminal.
I don’t know what comes next. My personal resources have nearly been exhausted. Now I have a legal battle ahead of me. Everything is on the chopping block and it is hard to say what will survive.
I’m tired. Yet even amidst the desolation I’m hopeful. I see glimmers of something more true being born from the rubble of the life that is passing away. The path is infinite, and I remain committed to walking it for the good of all.
Donations:
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Upcoming Offerings:
Peru Huachuma Pilgrimage, January 17 - February 1, 2024: In January we will once again undertake a sacred Huachuma pilgrimage under the benevolent guidance of supremely skilled Huachumero and Maestro Don Martin. We will visit 7 of the most sacred ceremonial sites on the planet, including the pyramids and Jurassic Park-like environs by the coast, and a 500+ year old tree. We then will experience the magnificent upper world energy of the Peruvian highlands, including the Chavín Temple, and close out the pilgrimage at Heaven's Gate. This pilgrimage is truly a journey through time and the most potent spiritual practice any student of Huachuma can engage in. Each ceremony introduces you to a multidimensional portal filled with the secrets of the universe. Everyone I know who has completed the pilgrimage has said that it is by far one of the most profound experience of their lives. As long as there is interest we will make these pilgrimages twice a year in January and July.
What People Are Saying
"...Our Huachumero, don Martín, serves unrelenting strong medicine. Psyche splintering medicine which allows you to see who you are in this dimension and in the planes of consciousness normally off-limits. The continual strength of Huachuma takes you to another level of perception. I see the magic at my fingertips and can peer into a future not bound by time..." ~Paul
"...Joining the Smiling Jaguar Pilgrimage across Peru was hands down one of the best decisions of my life… Working with ancient plant medicine on sacred land brought blessings, healing, communion, irreplaceable memories, and development that will continue and continue to blossom..." ~Zerin
"The magic of Smiling Jaguar Retreats is still present even after our incredible 2 week pilgrimage together in Northern Peru. My life will forever be changed for the better. I've become more clear on my truth and the impact I'm here to create in the World. Zach did an impeccable job at holding space during our time together. It was a deep privilege to be a part of this journey and to explore these sacred sights that hold so much wisdom and beauty. Thanks to Don Martin and all the precious humans that made this trip an experience I'll never forget. I bow to each and every one of you, as well as the teachings from the medicine that touched our hearts. Para El Bien De Todos, warriors hearts beat as one ” ~Alysha
Read more testimonials here!