The Role of Shamans in Ceremony: Guardians of the Spirit World

In any sacred ceremony—whether with Ayahuasca, Kambo, Hapé, or Cacao—there is one presence who anchors the entire experience: the shaman. But what does a shaman actually do?

Contrary to what many think, a shaman is not a magician, not a guru, and not someone with all the answers. A true shaman is a bridge—a connector between worlds, someone who has spent years in apprenticeship, learning how to navigate the spirit realm while remaining grounded in the human.

During ceremony, the shaman holds the energetic space. They use songs, known as icaros, to direct the flow of energy. These aren’t just traditional chants—they’re medicine in vibrational form. Icaros can call in protection, calm chaos, open the heart, or guide someone through darkness. They are the language of the plants, sung through the voice of the shaman.

A shaman also reads the room—not with their eyes, but with their intuition. They feel where energy is stuck. They sense when someone is struggling. And they know when to intervene gently, or when to simply hold space in silence.

In the Amazon, shamans train for years. Often in solitude, often in isolation, undergoing plant diets and fasting. They form relationships with the spirits of the plants themselves. So when they lead a ceremony, they aren’t just facilitating—they’re in communion, guiding with the support of unseen allies.

It’s also important to note: shamans don’t heal you. The plants do. Or more precisely—you do, with the help of the plants. The shaman’s role is to create the conditions for that healing to take place safely, respectfully, and with integrity.

At Sacred Plants Putumayo, we work with highly trained ceremonialists who embody these principles. We believe in honoring the lineage, protecting the sacred, and creating space where transformation is not just possible—but deeply supported.

A good shaman doesn’t make themselves the center. They make you the center—your healing, your experience, your truth.

Want to be held in a ceremony by someone who walks between worlds with love and skill? Subscribe to Sacred Plants Putumayo, check out our retreats, and share in the comments—what qualities do you feel in a true guide?