Razam is a self-described experiential journalist. In this book, he explores the mystery and ritual surrounding ayahuasca in South America. The business of shamanism in the 21st century is one of the central themes of Aya: A Shamanistic Odyssey. In many cases, Razam finds himself straddling the traditions of ayahuasca with thoughts and ideas from the modern world. He encounters a movement of soul-searchers coming from the West and befriends them, learns from them and shares multi-dimensional experiences with them.

Ayahuasca, or the vine of souls, is a South American hallucinogenic plant that the Amazonian people have utilized for millennia to heal, cleanse and purify the spirit. Many users of ayahuasca report that it allows them to connect to the overall web of life that entangles us all.

Razam trains with many indigenous curanderos, or ayahuascueros, while in South America. These medicine men and women each have their own way of approaching ayahuasca. A few common threads were prevalent with the majority of curanderos: icaros, or the songs of the vine, brujeria, or the evil and threatening forces that want to harm curanderos and their patients, and mapacho, or the specific type of tobacco used during ayahuasca ceremonies to cleanse and purify the ritual space and spirits inside.

As Razam drinks more ayahuasca, the vine of souls seems to lead him deeper into the Amazon on various trips. Each is different, but somehow connected to the web of life. Aya: A Shamanic Odyssey is a great account of 21st century shamanism in the Amazon. While the occasional typo or meandering thought might trip up the flow of the book, it is very enjoyable. And it is also one of the most current books on the topic. A definite must-read for fans of this genre.

5/5 Stars. 436 pages. Published 2009.