Icaros—the Enchanting Magic Melodies
Icaros are shamanic songs that are sung or whistled during an Ayahuasca ceremony. They are often referred to as magic melodies, and sometimes they are sung in an ancient dialect. Icaros are frequently taught to an apprentice by his or her Ayahuasquero/teacher. Alternatively, they may be learned directly from the spirit of Ayahuasca or the spirits of the various plants the student chooses to diet during their apprenticeship. However, direct teaching of this sort usually takes place once the apprentice has achieved a certain level of mastery over the work.
Experienced practitioners can have an impressive portfolio of these enchanting melodies and chants. Some icaros are used for protection. These are known as arcanas. Other icaros may be used to ratchet up the intensity of a ceremony or tone things down. There is an endless variety of healing icaros. And, there are specialty icaros to include those intended to provoke the purge and assist participants with the release of their emotional, psychological and spiritual blockages.
Icaros truly are a magical art form, and they play an important role in the Ayahuasca ceremony. They are used to honor and call various animal and plant spirits to assist with the healing and spiritual transformation of those present. Shipibo women are typically invited to sing icaros during ceremonies at Dawn of Eden®. Their icaros are extraordinarily beautiful and their feminine energy provides a valued complement and balance to the ceremonial space.
Dawn of Eden® is the only fully licensed shamanic center in Iquitos that is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. The Dawn of Eden Church® is the only church in Peru dedicated to the transformation of human consciousness utilizing the sacred plants Ayahuasca and Huachuma as a sacrament.
Dan Reynolds, Dawn of Eden®