IKAROS AYAHUASCA
Singing is a fundamental element in the shaman’s task. Since always, since the most remote antiquity.
Different expressions of shamanic singing have been observed in countless primitive cultures.
The topic is extremely important in shamanism, so in this section we will see it in its historical aspect.
In the jungle of Peru, “icaro” is the name given to the melody song used by shamans during the performance of their work and rituals.
This word does not have a literal translation into Spanish, nor into Quechua or any other language of the area.
In any case, its meaning at the operational and practical level is much deeper and more important than being able to translate it into an understandable word.
The shaman’s song is one of his most important healing weapons, a concrete expression of shamanic wisdom and also a vehicle for the shaman’s personal energy.
The “icaro” is a fundamental part of shamanic work throughout the Amazon. This song summarizes the knowledge of the shaman, since it constitutes his curative heritage, his weapon of work and the inheritance that he leaves to his disciples. And it is fundamental, the vehicle of its energy.
A shamanic master, as we have already seen, does not transmit a formal instruction to his apprentice, but rather accompanies him and guides him so that he grasps the knowledge that is already inside him. As part of this teaching, the shaman gives his “icaros” to his disciple.
AYAHUASCA ICARO SHAMANIC SONG OF POWER
In these cultures, the fact of “icarar” specifically means that the shaman is carrying an object or a potion with his power, to which in this way he confers some specific property to be transmitted to the person who receives it, be it protection, healing, cleanliness or to influence his will in some way.
This is done by singing the icaro directly on the object or substance that will act as transmitter. The icaros used by primitive shamans have very simple letters, alluding to certain plants, animals and elements of the local landscape that possess power or symbolism.
Even from the integration of cultures since the conquest of America, ideas coming directly from Christianity and biblical allusions can be found in many icaros.
Most of them are written in Spanish, Quechua and other dialects, according to the origin of the oldest masters, although some are only monochord and very repetitive melodies.
In any case, neither the words nor the understanding of the text of the icaro are essential, but if the melody and that the healer feels, share his spirit. If the shaman is intimately involved with the icaros, he will know when, how and with whom to use it.
Each shaman owns his icaros, how he owns his experience and wisdom for having received them in turn from his teacher or directly from nature. It should be noted that these icaros are sung in an ayahuasca ceremony.
