The earthy smell of fungus and mold invades my nostrils as I enter the damp cave.
Several other apprentices huddle near the fire, awaiting the arrival of the Shaman.
He enters behind me. Dressed in skins and feathers of animals he is trying to emulate. Bear for its strength, Puma for its speed, Eagle for its majesty, and Fox for its cunning.
He takes out a pouch and sprinkles some powder into the flame. It changes colors and the smoke creates images enhanced by the apprentices' imagination.
He captivates them with light, smoke and psychedelic drugs.
From Unsplash Credit to Igor Yemelianov
I prepare a draught of mix mushrooms, bark and roots. It is intended to enhance the spirit walk. To open up and awaken powers unknown.
A few reach new heights and gain insight. More come back as catatonic idiots, their brains fried and they can't stop drooling.
I hand each one a small bowl and sit behind. I start tapping a hand-drum rhythmically helping them enter the trance.
They slowly drink, while inhaling the vapors from the fire. I could see some already entering the psychelic trip. One starts to drool.
Another starts scratching out his eyes. I fear whatever visions he is seeing. That was going to be bad and messy.
I hate clean up duty...