Ayahuasca Defense Fund

Depending on who you ask, the modern meaning of the word, “healing,” usually takes the forms of two main definitions. To some, “healing” is recognized as symptom management through primarily pharmaceutical interventions. To others, “healing” addresses the root cause of ailments through a more holistic approach.

Many religious communities around the globe find connections between holistic healing and their relationship to the Divine. If you look to the Amazon, you can see generations of people who have been practicing a deep, holistic healing through their spiritual relationship with a matronly vine: Ayahuasca, endearingly referred to as “Grandmother.”

With the state of our world right now, ranging from global pandemics to poor health care systems, the mental health crisis to the highest ever veteran suicide rate, word about Ayahuasca has been slowly making its way across the planet.

Hearing the call to explore as many forms of deep healing as possible, Sofiya Phoenix, a massage therapist and reiki practitioner; and Jessa Frymire, a costume designer, drum maker, and meditation teacher, traveled to Ecuador in 2021 to train with Tiata Alejandro Aryuyu and learn about the wisdom of this vine’s power. A year later, they received their certifications from the Ecuadorian government, who now recognizes them as licensed Cosmovosion Specialists and Healers. They have continued their education in both Ecuador and Peru and continue their studies under the guidance of Don Fernando.

Gleaning all they learned from their spiritual teachers in South America, they have been personally working with this healing medicine in their religious practice. Each of them have experienced radical shifts in their mental, physical, and spiritual health. Countless people can attest to this.

Jessa and Sofiya are humble servants of the Medicine and see it as a religion to which they are dedicated. Ayahuasca has transformed both of their lives. Their devoted personal practice and sincerely held religious beliefs in regards to the Medicine are the guiding forces and primary focus of their entire lives. This practice has healed and liberated them from world crushing traumas. They know firsthand the power of the Medicine and have committed their lives to Ayahuasca and Her path, through religious practice and devotion.

But recently, Jessa and Sofiya’s rights were violated in a dramatic way. Their homes were invaded. Their personal sacrament, held with love and devotion was confiscated at gunpoint by law enforcement. They are facing a public battle and costly legal fees. They need your help.

Please consider donating any amount so that Jessa and Sofiya can post bail and fund any ongoing legal fees against an unjust system. Any amount will help, and time is of the essence.