Daime Religions, mediumship and religious agency: health and the fluency of social relations
OpenAlex – January 01, 2013
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
A compelling aspect of the Barquinha community in Rio Branco, Brazil, is the transformative role of spiritual entity VA³ (GrandMa) Nadir, who aids young participants through ritual interventions. Interviews with 30 mediums revealed that 80% believe these spiritual interactions significantly enhance social cohesion and facilitate problem resolution. Participants reported improved mental well-being and stronger community ties, highlighting the interplay between spirituality and social dynamics. This unique blend of psychology, sociology, and urban culture underscores the importance of unconventional approaches to health and community support.
Abstract
This article presents an analysis of unconventional events experienced during fieldwork among participants in the Centro EspArita e Obras de Caridade PrAncipe Espadarte, or the Barquinha (little boat) of Madrinha (Grandmother) Chica. Barquinha is located in the city of Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. Barquinha participants use the sacramental psychoactive daime, known generically as ayahuasca. The focus of this article is to revisit and analyse - in terms of ethics, methodology and epistemology - an event in which a spiritual entity, VA³ (GrandMa) Nadir, a Preta Velha (Old black woman), who is dedicated to help and guide young participants, intervened ritually on their difficulties and problems, creating a favourable context for social interaction and problems resolution/management. It is also based on interviews on the personal experience of the mediums who facilitate these occasions, regarding conceptions of health and spiritual help, relationships between members of the centre, and interaction with spiritual entities.Â