Yopo Seeds, Anadenanthera peregrina

In the beginning the sun created various beings to serve as intermediaries between him and earth. He created the snuff powder so that man could contact supernatural beings.

There is evidence that in pre Hispanic times Yopo seed snuff was used by Chibchan tribes from the Columbian Andes. Yopo snuff may sometimes be used as a daily stimulant but it is more commonly used by the Shamans to induce trances and communicate with the Hekula spirits. Yopo Seeds are used for prophesy or divinity to protect the tribe against sickness.

The Yopo seeds are first roasted and then powdered and kept in a bit of the leg bone of the jaguar. Lime or ashes of certain plants are normally added to make the mixture more alkaline. The snuff acts quickly and the Shamans begin to prance & shriek violently calling upon the spirits. This energy lasts for up to one hour and they eventually fall into a trance stupor during which visions are experienced.

The active ingredients of the Yopo are tryptamine derivatives which are also the basic compound of the amino acid tryptophane and are widely distributed in the animal kingdom.