Marisa Reyes - Dancing with Cancer: Preparing to die to prepare to live, a journey of healing with music and sacred medicines (Ep 3)

In this potent and enlightening podcast interview, we are joined by Marisa Anita Reyes, a devoted medicine woman and musician, on a journey filled with joy, wisdom, and strength. This episode was recorded shortly before Marisa's passing, and Xochitl pays tribute to her as a cherished friend and spiritual guide.

Marisa shares her experience of gracefully navigating life with metastatic breast cancer, revealing how the diagnosis brought her to new depths of self-discovery and healing. Throughout the conversation, Marisa and Xochitl reflect on the power of plant medicines, especially cacao, in fostering community, spiritual growth, and profound connections. They explore the importance of embracing grief and surrendering to the unknown, while honoring the potential of psychedelics to promote healing and unity. Marisa's music and journey continue to inspire and uplift, leaving a profound impact on those who have the privilege to hear her story.

Listen to Marisa Reyes Medicine Music:

Listen on Spotify

Marisa's Instagram

Resources mentioned in the episode:

The smell of rain on dust: Grief and Praise by Martin Prechtel

Connect with Xochitl:

⁠⁠www.XochitlAshe.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠Instagram⁠

Sponsors:

Thank you to our Sponsors, Teona Retreat Center (currently called Magical Medicine Journey) – offering legal psilocybin retreats in beautiful San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. ⁠⁠Podcast listeners can take $150 off their next retreat when they apply⁠⁠.

(00:00) Sacred Psychedelics

(00:45) An honoring of my best friend and teacher, Marisa Reyes

(04:44) Introducing Marisa Reyes: an incredible medicine musician and creatrix

(07:30) History of our opening song and prayer

(09:00) Opening prayer and song sung by Marisa Reyes

(11:31) Marisa's connection to the medicines

(15:40) Marisa's journey of connection to medicines through her cancer diagnosis

(17:51) Marisa's path to receiving songs

(20:59) Not every plant, fungi, or medicine is for everyone

(21:45) Asking for consent before working with sacred medicines

(22:44) The future vision of the psychedelic ecosystem

(25:58) The power of ceremony

(28:04) The Mayan prophecy of the Eagle and Condor

(32:00) The parallels between a journey with cancer and a journey with plant medicine

(35:37) Cancer as an ally

(40:23) Grief as an essential ingredient to the healing process

(44:09) Marisa's advice for those on their own cancer journeys or supporting those on a cancer journey

(46:31) The medicine of surrender

(50:16) A closing song for the colibri (hummingbird)

(53:25) Marisa's rockstar medicine woman name: Miquiztochtli (Death Rabbit)

(54:13) Sponsors: Teona Retreat Center (currently called Magical Medicine Journeys)

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