Master plant
Noya Rao, the Flying Tree or Tree of Light
Among the Shipibo-Konibo of the Peruvian Amazon, Noya Rao is a tree held in especially high regard. Healers diet it to receive its teaching and its light.
The Name
In Shipibo, rao means plant medicine. Noya is commonly connected with flying, and the name is often translated as "flying medicine."
The Story
Noya Rao is a legendary tree said to have made entire villages levitate. The spirit of Noya Rao is that of Joxo Joe (pure white light), and she is said to illuminate the path of truth in one’s life. Many consider Noya Rao to be an enlightened being, shining her light to illuminate even the darkest of shadows.
While all plants have their Shintana (dark side), it is said that Noya Rao has none. Visit the tree at night and you will see the glow of her leaves at your feet. Diet her well and you will feel her glow emanating from the depths of your being.
Noya Rao is quite a rare tree and not many have access to her, and some even doubt her existence, but we are fortunate enough to have a Noya Rao tree growing on the property of the center, and the opportunity here at Noya Rao Xobo to commune with this most sacred of plant spirits.
A Plant That Is Dieted, Not Taken
Noya Rao is not used casually. It is a rao that a student enters into relationship with through a dieta: a long period of isolation, simple food, and strict restrictions, during which the plant is taken under the guidance of a curandero and its teaching is received in dreams, ceremony, and icaros (healing songs).
While three months is recommended for a first dieta with any plant, it is not necessary with Noya Rao. Some other plants, however, do carry a strict minimum of three months. Don Wilder decides the right length with each student.
What a Noya Rao Dieta Usually Involves
- Living in a simple tambo (hut) in the forest, largely in solitude
- A plain diet without salt, sugar, oil, spices, pork, or alcohol
- No sexual activity and limited contact with other people and screens
- Regular ceremonies with Don Wilder, and taking the plant preparation as he directs
- A closing ceremony and a period of post-dieta restrictions after you leave
The exact restrictions and their length are set by Don Wilder for each student.
Noya Rao in the Mahua Family
Don Benjamin Mahua, Don Pascual Mahua, and Don Manuel Mahua were known as Noya Rao curanderos. Their grandson, Don Wilder Mahua, began dieting with them as a young boy and continues their work today.
Shipibo Terms Used on This Site
- Rao
- Plant medicine; a medicinal plant.
- Dieta
- A period of isolation and restrictions during which a student takes in a master plant and learns from it.
- Icaro
- A healing song sung by the curandero during ceremony.
- Tambo
- A small hut where a student stays during a dieta.
- Curandero
- A healer who works with plants; in Shipibo, an onanya.
Ask a Question or Apply
Places are limited and every participant is screened for safety first. Write to us with a little about yourself, your experience with plant medicine, and which program you are interested in.
Email: noyaraoxobo@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +1 404 839 1020