Welcome To...

      Sankofa Mind + Body's "Hitting Bowls + Vibrating Souls," blog. Here, we will update you on our practice, musings, events, offerings news and things we find to be helpful, informative, and wellness related.
      Experiencing the Power of Rapé (Ha-Pay)

      Experiencing the Power of Rapé (Ha-Pay)
      0

      Six years ago, I was introduced to the plant medicine rapé (pronounced Ha-Pay) in Massarandupio, Bahia, Brazil, by Cacique Paruana, a Kariri Xocô shaman. My first experience was so powerful it left me in awe—and, truthfully, a little scared. The intensity! From setting my intentions to receiving those sharp blows, I was launched into an [...]
      Discovering Candomblé: Foundations in Afro Brazilian Religion

      Discovering Candomblé: Foundations in Afro Brazilian Religion
      0

      Before visiting Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, I was fascinated by traditional African spirituality and began learning about the Orishas and their rituals. Days before my trip, I experienced my first divination based on African cosmology, which was eye-opening. Upon arriving in Salvador, I observed traces of Ifa—the West African religion of the Yoruba people from modern-day [...]
      Eye of the Beholder: Sananga Plant Medicine

      Eye of the Beholder: Sananga Plant Medicine
      1

      Years ago, during my first trip to Brazil, I participated in a fire circle with a Kariri Xocó shaman. During the ceremony, I was offered the plant medicine sananga. At the time, the shaman explained what it was, how it worked, and the benefits it provided. Without hesitation, I said—NO! My initial thought was: I [...]
      Ayahuasca Chat with Bari Muka Yuxiba

      Ayahuasca Chat with Bari Muka Yuxiba
      0

      During my last visit to Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, I had the opportunity to spend more intimate time with my friend and Huni Kuin shaman, Bari Muka Yuxiba. Bari led my most recent ayahuasca ceremony in February alongside Cacique Paruaña. The timing of my ceremony felt divinely orchestrated, coinciding perfectly with Bari’s visit to Salvador. Before [...]
      Son of Oxóssi – Candomblé Orisa Reading

      Son of Oxóssi – Candomblé Orisa Reading
      0

      My trip to Brazil was work! Of course, there was enjoyment, but my main focus was to work and learn. My journey centered on indigenous medicine exploration and African spirituality. In November 2019, I was introduced to Ifá—a moment that happened by chance but sparked a deep curiosity. That curiosity led me to travel across [...]