Each person calmly begins ingesting the mushrooms at their own pace, connecting with their inner selves.
The experience varies for each person; some may require more, while others need less. Every mind and body reacts differently, but Alejandrina is there to guide and heal them.
Oscar O'Farrill takes a moment to pray and reflect in front of the waterfall.
Alejandrina Pedro Castañeda carefully shows us the mushroom powder konwn was "derrumbe", the strongest kind.
The mushrooms should not be seen by those who are going to consume them, so this exhibition was handled with care.
The Garcia Duran family, relatives of Sabina, celebrate the baptism of one of their youngest, Estefania, in Huautla de Jiménez.
Anselmo García, Maria Sabina's great-great-grandson, is among the family members preserving Sabina's legacy.
The group heads to the 'Hill of Worship' the day after their ceremony, to express gratitude to the 'Niños Santos' (mushrooms) and reflect on the guidance they received regarding actions, lessons, or personal growth.
LA TIMES: Mexico may legalize magic mushrooms. Will this traditional medicine lose its meaning?
Alejandra Rajal
Photographer
based in Mexico City, Mexico
Assignment for the LA Times
Text by: Leila Miller
HUAUTLA, MEXICO — Alejandrina Pedro Castañeda opened a brown paper package and pulled out a handful of magic mushrooms, which many residents of this Indigenous Oaxacan town tenderly refer to as 'child saints' or 'the little ones that sprout.'
Then she handed each of her six visitors — who had driven seven hours from Mexico City and paid up to $350 apiece for a healing retreat — a generously sized portion, prompting a few dubious looks.
It was nighttime, and the guests were sitting in a hut that was barely illuminated by two candles, making it difficult for them to see what they were about to eat.
LA TIMES: Mexico may legalize magic mushrooms. Will this traditional medicine lose its meaning?
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