We’ve previously written about the multiple ways to contribute to the world of Ayahuasca. One of them was sharing wisdom and gained experience through writing.
Despite the speed of our walking days, books have remained a go-to when needing advice or even a friend. Only a book can create an undeniable, intimate connection between the reader and the writer.
What is relevant in choosing an Ayahuasca book is knowing what voice inspires you. Is it that of a doctor, a shaman, or someone on a similar journey to yours?
It is important to know whose opinion we are drawn to respect and accept more to choose a book that will successfully bring value to our lives and be effortless to read.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 Ayahuasca books written by people who have walked different life paths. We recommend them for those considering Ayahuasca and those walking the medicine path. These books will undoubtedly support integration, and deeper understanding, and empower a sense of belonging as one realises the journey is truly shared and less of a lonely path.
1. Listening to Ayahuasca – New Hope for Depression, Addiction, PTSD, and Anxiety
By Rachel Harris, PhD
A cautious researcher and an enthusiastic psychotherapist, Harris invites the reader on a journey into the Ayahuasca world. Her genuine care led her to identify and learn about treatment-resistant depression—a form of depression that holds unimaginable pain, something so profound that an hour of psychotherapy will never scratch its surface. Read this book and join Harris on her personal mystical experiences, her crisis and healing, and the research she conducted on Ayahuasca. This book also invites psychotherapists to embrace alternative medicine and find their way into becoming a safe space for healing.
2. Ayahuasca Soul Medicine of the Amazonian Jungle: A Comprehensive and Practical Guide
By Javier Regueiro
The awe of Ayahuasca, her world and healing, led Javier to commit to serving medicine. His apprenticeship happened in the Peruvian Amazon, leading to him becoming an ayahuasquero. The book holds the wisdom needed to prepare for meeting Ayahuasca and for finding a deeper understanding of previously lived experiences in ceremonies. Through this Ayahuasca book, Javier wishes to raise awareness over the increasing popularity of the medicine and invite the reader to approach the process more responsibly so that future generations can have a real chance to meet the Grandmother.
3. When Plants Dream – Ayahuasca, Amazonian Shamanism, and the Global Psychedelic Renaissance
By Daniel Pinchbeck and Sophia Rokhlin
Pinchbeck is an American philosopher and writer with endless curiosity and faith in what the world is and can be. Rokhlin is an anthropologist, speaker, and nonprofit organiser dedicated to supporting the conservation of forest peoples’ wisdom and territories.
This Ayahuasca book is one you can’t miss. It has both wits and heart and is divided into four parts. The first is Ayahuasca informative, followed by details of the practice held by both Amazonians and Westerners. The third part covers details of Ayahuasca’s therapeutic powers, and the fourth is an open question the authors share with the world – What will be with Ayahuasca in the future?
4. Plant Teachers: Ayahuasca, Tobacco, and the Pursuit of Knowledge
By Jeremy Narby and Rafael Chanchari Pizuri
This Ayahuasca book was born out of a research project that combined the knowledge held by science and that of the Amazon. It is a dance of seemingly different worlds into a song of love and gratitude dedicated to Tobacco and Ayahuasca. Narby and Chanchari are dedicating the book to those willing to embrace all paths of life and meet in celebration of the truth.
5. Journey through the Invisible – The Craft of Healing, with and beyond Sacred Plants, as told by a Peruvian Medicine Man
By Hachumak with David L. Carroll
As a healer, Hachumak invites the reader to self-reflect on his power and way of life. Concepts such as soul consciousness and suffering consciousness play a central role in this book.
He doesn’t stop there and shares more practical wisdom, such as details on the overall flow of ceremonies and what to expect mentally and physically during and after taking the medicine – all based on his experience as a guide. Like many medicine people, he urges us to bring more awareness and protect Ayahuasca from misuse and exploitation.
6. Supernatural: Meetings with the Ancient Teachers of Mankind
By Graham Hancock
Published in the UK in 2006, this is a book that explores the modern human mind. Known for his relentless curiosity, Hancock examines Paleolithic cave art in conjunction with the images master plants have shown him in different parts of the world. Expect nothing but wonder and mystery throughout the entirety of this book.
7. Inner Paths to Outer Space – Journeys to Alien Worlds through Psychedelics and Other Spiritual Technologies
By Rick Strassman MD, Slawek Wojtowicz, Luis Eduardo Luna, Ede Frecska
This is a book for all of you whose experiences with Ayahuasca and master plants, in general, have been rich in visuals. It greatly serves your integration and deeper understanding of the dimensions you might have witnessed in these non-ordinary states of consciousness. On the same note, this book is also a gem for those who experience these spaces through vivid dreams or meditation.
This Ayahuasca book covers a great variety of information due to it having four different authors. Strassman covers topics of journey preparation, an overview of psychedelics, particularities of DMT, and how experiences with DMT can vary. Wojtowicz speaks of Magic Mushrooms, practices that can induce non-ordinary states of consciousness and the sacredness of life. Luna is someone we have spoken about several times in our articles due to his extensive work regarding Ayahuasca. In this book, he shares his wisdom on Ayahuasca as a plant and the experience of drinking it. Frecska speaks of the science of shamanism, plant consciousness, and encounters of the ancient kind.
8. The Religion of Ayahuasca: The Teachings of the Church of Santo Daime
By Alex Polari de Alverga
This book’s title reveals its very purpose and meaning. It’s been written for those interested in how Santo Daime church has been working with Ayahuasca. From beginnings to precious insights, this Ayahuasca book covers everything about Santo Daime’s tradition and its founders’ lives. Considered a guide for practitioners, it’s a must-read for beginners entering the world of this religion.
9. The Shaman and Ayahuasca: Journeys to Sacred Realms
By Don Jose Campos, edited and compiled by Geraldine Overton
The author of this book is a respected and renowned shaman from Peru. Campos guides the reader through his learnings alongside plant medicines. Expect stories of other worlds, life forms, dimensions, and consciousness. This Ayahuasca book features other voices, such as Pablo Amaringo (visionary painter), Julio Arce Hidalgo (biochemist and philosopher), and Don Solon (Maestro of Don José), presenting their stories and experiences. This book invites every reader to cherish the stories of those close to their heart.
10. The Ayahuasca Test Pilots Handbook: The Essential Guide to Ayahuasca Journeying
By Christopher Kilham
Also known as Fox News’s “Medicine Hunter”, Kilham worked closely with various shamans serving Ayahuasca. He made his way into this magical world and has guided others through it as well. This book continues his contribution to the Ayahuasca world by informing and supporting the readers as they prepare to dive into new dimensions. This Ayahuasca book became a must-read for those preparing to join a ceremony.
Ayahuasca books fall under religion and spirituality and can be found in all libraries, virtual and physical.
At Avalon’s Ayahuasca Retreats in Europe, we support your journey before, during, and after ceremonies. Wherever your path in life might be, we truly hope these books can be the friend and master you seek and need for your growth.
P.S. If you are a writer and content creator, let us know if joining a creative retreat with plant medicine is something you would join. We are committed to finding new ways of being there for you all.
