Understanding Noya Rao:
The Tree of Light
Noya Rao, often referred to as the Tree of Light, is a revered plant within Shipibo healing traditions in the Peruvian Amazon. Unlike many other sacred plants used in Amazonian spiritual practices, Noya Rao is not merely a healing plant but is considered a mystical, luminous tree associated with profound spiritual enlightenment, transformation, and insight. Here’s a guide to understanding the cultural, spiritual, and therapeutic significance of Noya Rao.
Divine Teacher
What is Noya Rao?
Noya Rao is a large tree found in the Amazon rainforest, known for its distinctive, glowing or luminescent qualities, especially visible to those under its spiritual influence or dieting with it in shamanic practices.
Known as the Tree of Light, it is thought to hold a unique energy that connects the physical and spiritual realms, enabling deep insight and transformation for those who work with it.
This tree is rare, with only a few verified locations in the Amazon where it grows, and is highly valued among the Shipibo healers or curanderos.
One perspective on Noya Rao is that the name actually refers to the attainment of a state of being, rather than a particular species of plant.
Similar to how the word Buddha is used to refer to a state of enlightenment attained by a human being, Noya Rao is used to describe an enlightened spiritual attainment by a tree.
Spiritual Significance in Shipibo Shamanism
For the Shipibo-Conibo people, Noya Rao represents more than a plant. It is seen as a divine teacher and guide, a spiritual ally that connects practitioners to the broader cosmos and their own inner wisdom. The tree is believed to reveal hidden knowledge and truth, acting as a pathway to enlightenment. Shipibo curanderos speak of Noya Rao as an ascended living spirit with an illuminated consciousness that communicates through visions, dreams, energies, and songs.
This spiritual relationship is typically cultivated through a dieta, a process where the participant isolates in nature, adheres to strict dietary and behavioral restrictions, and consumes plant preparations. These dietary practices are thought to deepen the participant’s connection to Noya Rao, allowing them to absorb its teachings and light over time.
Healing Properties and Therapeutic Use
Noya Rao is known for its powerful healing properties, particularly in emotional and psychological realms. It is commonly used by shamans to treat conditions related to trauma, grief, and depression. Many practitioners believe the tree’s light purifies the mind and body, revealing areas of inner conflict or pain, and thus promoting spiritual healing. Dieting with Noya Rao can foster a sense of clarity, inner peace, and transformation.
Reports from those who have experienced Noya Rao mention an increase in mental clarity, creativity, and a sense of spiritual alignment. This deep level of healing and connection is said to extend beyond the individual, influencing their interactions with others and the world.
Clarity and Vision
Noya Rao in Ayahuasca Ceremonies
In addition to solo dieting, Noya Rao is incorporated into ayahuasca ceremonies. Curanderos sing icaros that invoke the spirit of Noya Rao, calling upon its guidance during ceremonies.
When combined with ayahuasca, the tree’s properties are thought to enhance the visionary experience, enabling participants to receive clearer insights and to process their healing work with greater understanding.
During these ceremonies, the presence of Noya Rao is believed to offer a protective and illuminating influence. The spirit of the tree is thought to help “open the eyes” of participants, providing clarity and guidance on their spiritual journey.
Visions and the Concept of Light
The unique attribute of Noya Rao as the Tree of Light has sparked much intrigue, especially among those exploring plant-based spirituality. Shipibo lore describes the tree as having leaves and bark that appear to glow, both in the physical and spiritual realms. This light is thought to represent the energy of truth, purity, and wisdom.
Many individuals who engage in dieta with Noya Rao report visions of light or glowing figures, which are often interpreted as manifestations of insight or guidance from the tree. In this way, the “light” of Noya Rao becomes a symbol of inner awakening, shining clarity on one’s purpose, identity, and life path.
Preparing to Work with Noya Rao
For those who are interested in experiencing Noya Rao, it’s important to approach this practice with respect, humility, and preparation. Ideally, any engagement with Noya Rao should be done under the guidance of experienced Shipibo shamans who can provide insight into the traditions surrounding the tree and help facilitate a safe and meaningful experience. Noya Rao offers a unique and deeply spiritual path to healing and transformation.
For the Shipibo, it is much more than a tree, it is a revered spiritual teacher and a pathway to enlightenment. Engaging with Noya Rao requires a respectful approach, grounded in an understanding of its cultural significance and a commitment to compassion and truth. For those who approach this path with genuine intent and openness, Noya Rao can be a powerful ally in their journey of personal and spiritual growth.
The video below was filmed by a student of our eight week initiation course, which is centered around a Noya Rao dieta:
