What is Hapè/Rapè shamanic snuff
Hapè: A Sacred Snuff
Hapè (pronounced ha-PAY) is a cleansing, shamanic plant-medicine traditionally used in ceremonies. It is a powdered medicinal herb “snuff” with a base of Amazonian tobacco (also known as mapacho). In addition to the tobacco, Hapé usually includes the alkaline ashes of other plants such as cinnamon, cacao, mint, sananga, white roses and more.
We use Hapè at the beginning of ceremonies to help with grounding, and in our meditation practices to calm the mind and connect to the spirit. It is a quick and intense feeling when blown into your nose, using a Tepi pipe, but the tingling feeling quickly drops from your head to settle into your body and allows for relaxation and connection. When I have been tense or nervous, Hapè has helped to bring a sense of confidence, calm, and awareness.
The act of receiving and administering Hapè is akin to saying a prayer; we “call upon the forces of Nature, the blessing of the animals of the forest, and power of medicinal plants to heal us and give us strength.”
The benefits of Hapè can include the following:
Helps focus and sharpen the mind.
Connecting to the spirit of Mapacho.
Relax tension and muscles
Clears a person or space of distracting, bad energies in preparation for intention setting.
Detoxes both body and mind; clears your energetic field of prana.
Clears sinuses of mucus and bacteria, thereby helping to combat colds and respiratory ailments.
Opens the throat chakra for singing and expression.
De-calcification off the pineal gland. Connecting and opening of the third eye.
Provides a calming, grounding effect on the emotions that lasts much longer that the initial sensation.
Can be used in conjunction with other treatments for addiction and mental illness.
