How an Indigenous Spiritual Leader from Ecuador’s Sapara Nation Brought Ancient Wisdom to the Heart of Idaho

An Extraordinary Gathering of Sacred Wisdom

Calling in the 4 Directions

Last week, something truly magical happened in Boise, Idaho. We had the incredible honor of welcoming Manari Ushigua Santi, leader of the Sapara nation of Ecuador, Indigenous Spiritual Leader, and passionate defender of the Amazon rainforest, to our beautiful mountain community.

This wasn’t just any ordinary event—it was a sacred plant medicine ceremony that brought together ancient Indigenous wisdom with modern seekers, creating a powerful bridge between cultures and traditions.

The Sacred Ceremony: Connecting with Plant Teachers

Opening Sacred Space

Opening Sacred Space in Garden City

At the beautiful Studio Sacred in Garden City, Idaho, graciously hosted by Brian Lauderbough, we gathered to create something extraordinary. The ceremony began with Lindsey Bryant sharing her Peruvian tradition of opening sacred space, calling in the spirits of the four directions.  

Shamanic Journey and Healing

Offering Sacred Tobacco Clearings

Under Manari’s expert guidance, fellow medicine woman Sarah Creagh and I invoked the spirits of the land and invited the plant spirits of cacao and Juaneka (sacred tobacco) to guide our journey.

Medicine Woman Sarah Creagh serves Cacao

After receiving the medicine, participants then embarked on a guided shamanic journey to gain wisdom from these ancient plant teachers. The experience was enhanced by:

• Traditional Ilupanga leaf fans from the Amazon used for energetic clearing and journeying
• Sacred Icaros (healing songs) performed by Manari, Sarah Creagh, and myself
• Live music and embodiment practice led by talented local musicians Shane Kipper of Cosmic Pulse and Mariah Priddy

Teachings from the Heart of the Amazon

Ceremony Participants Sitting with Juaneka

Dreams, Emotions, and Inner Peace

Manari shared profound insights about the importance of remembering our dreams and the necessity of releasing negative emotions by sending them into the universe to create peace and harmony within our minds and bodies. He taught us that when the mind has too many problems, it interrupts the dream space, where our spirit goes to get answers. He recommended only working with five problems at a time, so that our spirits and bodies don’t get tired. His teachings reminded us that healing begins from within and ripples outward.

Our Sacred Connection to Earth

One of the most powerful messages Manari shared was about our fundamental connection to the Earth. He reminded us that we ARE Earth—not separate from it, but intrinsically connected. The trees dream; they have spirits just like we do, and this perspective shift is crucial for learning how to live in right relationship with all that is. 

Community Impact and Conservation Support

A young child receives Manari’s Blessing

Raising Funds for Amazon Protection

This ceremony wasn’t just about personal transformation—it was also about taking action for our planet. Together, our sacred community raised money for Manari’s mission. These funds went toward:

• Covering Manari’s travel expenses to bring this wisdom to Idaho
• Supporting the event space and logistics
• Fighting illegal deforestation on Sapara Territory in Ecuador

The Prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor

This ceremony represents something larger than a single event—it embodies the prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor, which speaks of the reunification of the indigenous peoples of the North (Eagle) and South (Condor) Americas. This intercultural exchange is essential for healing our world.

Looking Forward: Nurturing the Seeds

Manari and translator Cris, alongside Sarah Creagh, Crystle Castle, and Mariah Priddy

Continuing the Medicine Work

Manari planted powerful seeds during his time with us, and now it’s our responsibility to nurture and grow them. The plan moving forward includes:

• Regular plant medicine ceremonies to maintain this sacred connection
• Continued intercultural exchange between South and North America
• Spreading love, awareness, and medicine throughout our Boise community

Stay Connected

To stay updated on upcoming ceremonies and events:

• Join my email list for exclusive updates
• Follow us on social media: @prismbodywork , @thereikimedicinewoman, @sarahcreagh , @studiosacred , @the.cosmic.pulse

Learn More About the Sapara Nation

Birds eye view of the Ecuadorian Amazon

Supporting Indigenous Rights and Amazon Conservation

The Sapara nation’s fight to protect their ancestral lands is crucial for global environmental health. To learn more about their important work:

• Read this article about the Sapara nation through the Pachamama Alliance (a non-profit organization Manari works closely with) 
• Watch a video of Manari’s prayer for the Earth here.
• Follow Manari on social media: @manariushigua

Why This Work Matters

The ongoing fight to save protected Indigenous lands isn’t just about preserving territory—it’s about protecting ancient wisdom that our world desperately needs. Indigenous communities like the Sapara are the guardians of both biodiversity and spiritual knowledge that can help heal our planet.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Plant Medicine Ceremony Benefit Fundraiser with Manari Ushigua

To every sacred soul who joined us for this transformative ceremony: THANK YOU. Your presence, energy, and generous support made this intercultural exchange possible. Together, we’re building bridges between traditions and creating positive change in our world.

Have photos, questions, or comments about our recent ceremony? I’d love to hear from you. Send an email to crystle@prismbodywork.com to share your experience or learn about upcoming events.

About the Author

The Reiki Medicine Woman

Crystle Castle, The Reiki Medicine Woman, is a trained medicine woman with over twenty years of  experience as a bodyworker, spiritual healer, coach & teacher. She is passionate about bridging Indigenous wisdom with modern healing practices and is the owner of PRISM Bodywork & Wellness. Based in Boise, Idaho, she offers one:one healings and facilitates ceremonies and workshops that honor traditional teachings while serving contemporary seekers.