As práticas de uso das Plantas de Poder no Canto da Jurema (Salema, Rio Tinto – PB) e União Xamã (Conde – PB)

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the practices involving the use of plants of power, with an emphasis on the ritualistic context in which ayahuasca, jurema and other entheogenic plants are used. The main objective was to analize the use of these plants within ritual settings, specifically in the contexts of Canto da Jurema and União Xamã. The study is grounded in the theoretical contributions of Costa (2022), Santos (2021), Eliade (2018), Tófoli (2023), Labate e Goulart (2019), among others. It is a descriptive, exploratory study employing a qualitative approach and participant observation as the primary methodological tool. Data collection was based on observation records, contextual information, and semi-structured interviews conducted with participants of the rituals. The collected material was analyzed through the narratives provided, with special attention to the symbolic meanings and interpretations attributed to the ritual experiences. The findings enabled the documentation of how the rituals are conducted within the respective investigated settings ant identified elements of transpersonal experiences reported by participants. The research highlights the central role of plants of power in these ritual spaces and their relevance in the contemporary re-signification of traditional knowledge. Furthermore, it is expected that this study may serve as a foundation for future research in the field, expanding both the scope of inquiry and the diversity of participants involved.