In Episode 2 of Plant More, Worry Less, join hosts Hamid and Dani as they welcome Hamid’s good friend Ross from Ireland for an intimate conversation about his transformative journey through plant medicine. Ross shares how a chance meeting in the Amazon jungle led to life-changing connections with master teachers Miguel and the late Javier Regueiro, ultimately planting the seeds for what would become the Huachuma Foundation.
From early experiences with mushrooms to profound Ayahuasca ceremonies and discovering the sacred cactus medicine Huachuma (San Pedro) in Peru's Sacred Valley, Ross offers unique insights into different plant medicine traditions. The conversation explores the nature of Huachuma, protection practices, sacred mountain ceremonies, and encounters with master teachers who have shaped this work. Ross also shares practical wisdom from challenging high-altitude ceremonies and reflections on the future of plant medicine education and conservation.
Learn more about the Huachuma Foundation at huachumafoundation.org.
Hamid has Sacred Valley retreats scheduled for June 18-28 and July 2-12, 2026. These retreats are adjacent to but not run by Huachuma Foundation. More information at www.mineralshaman.com/retreat-to-sacred-valley/
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: The experiences and stories shared in this podcast should be considered fictional narratives for educational purposes only, not factual accounts or admissions. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Plant medicines discussed are not legal in all jurisdictions. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before considering any plant medicine work. Respect local laws and regulations in your area. The hosts do not advocate for illegal activities and encourage listeners to seek proper guidance from experienced practitioners in legal settings.
00:01 - Introduction: Meeting Ross and the origins of connections 05:28 - Ross's first experiences with plant medicine in 2011 09:11 - The progression from mushrooms to Ayahuasca 11:06 - First Huachuma experience in the jungle 12:46 - Defining Huachuma: "What is Huachuma?" 20:00 - Protection practices: Ayahuasca vs Huachuma approaches 26:56 - Energy differences: Jungle vs Mountain ceremonies 29:39 - Meeting Miguel: The first ceremony at Kinsa Cocha 34:05 - Javier Regueiro and his teachings on protection crystals 40:00 - The Amazon jungle initiation experience 50:00 - Contrast with Miguel's approach to ceremony preparation 56:00 - Formation of the Huachuma Foundation idea in 2018 59:00 - Challenging ceremonies: Cold mountain experiences 1:04:00 - Car ride adventures to Apu Linley 1:07:00 - Meeting other master teachers: Santiago Ayala and Salvador Villalobos 1:15:00 - Different Huachuma varieties and their unique characteristics 1:20:00 - Removing cactus spines with fire - they're like hair 1:26:00 - Masculine and feminine aspects of plant medicines 1:35:00 - Ausangate mountain ceremony experiences 1:43:00 - Comparing different Apu (mountain) ceremonies 1:52:00 - Future visions for the Huachuma Foundation 1:58:00 - Whales retreat possibilities and closing thoughts
