Caapi (Black)

One of the ingredients in the famous South American ritual drink known as Yage or Ayahuasca, Banisteriopsis is used as a doorway for entering the astral realm for Shamanic or divination work. It has a tendency to loosen the ties between the astral and physical body for skrying work.

Because of modern psychonaut’s overemphasis on “active” chemicals and pharmaceutical analysis, Banisteriopsis is not well-known as a journeying plant by itself, as it is considered to be merely a potentiator for the “real active ingredients” of Ayahuasca. This is unfortunate, as Banisteriopsis is a gentle but powerful plant, a teacher with much to say but a light-hearted way of communicating.

It is extremely rare and special to have access to any Caapi other than the most common, White, but we are able to offer all four colours of Banisteriopsis- Black, Red, White & Yellow. In their jungle habitat, the subtle differences between them are discernible only to devotees of the Vine; even botanists have difficulty discerning them. In Initiatic use, however, distinct differences between them emerge.

Black Caapi is the strongest of the four, initiating into a darker and more intense place than the others. It is well-suited for solitary work, or journeys to underworld/subconscious type spheres. It is said that only the more experienced should work with Black Caapi, it is traditionally used for more magical purposes such as creating or breaking spells. Black Caapi brings visions tinted in green (the “black” refers to the colour of the brew made from it).

Caution: if you are currently taking any type of MAO inhibitor or psychiatric drug, pharmaceutical, or herbal, you should consult a physician before using Banisteriopsis, as fatal reactions can occur.

Do not use Banisteriopsis in combination with alcohol, sedatives, narcotics, or other mood-altering substances. Additional potential problems exist; be educated and responsible about your use of this powerful plant.