Icaros
The doctor spirits teach the shamans icaros.
Icaros are expressed in the form of song and are a major system of delivery of the shamans’ spiritual energy.
They are used to bring on mareación (the visionary effects of the Ayahuasca), take mareación away, call in different plant spirits, call in the spirits of others or the deceased, take away dark spirits and dark energies, and manage the ceremony. Icaros are either whistled or sung, and can be expressed in any language.
The shamans at Blue Morpho generally sing in a spirit dialect that is a mixture of Spanish, Quechua, and different sounds. Icaros represent a system of communication between the shaman and the spirits, and the shaman and the participants in the ceremony. The shamans believe that every living thing has an icaro and that these icaros can be learned.
The singing of icaros is accompanied by the shacapa—a leaf rattle that is used to carry the rhythm of the ceremony. The shaman will use his shacapa to direct energy and the icaros, as well as send away dark or unwanted energies.
Samples of Blue Morpho icaros.
| Download | Name | Play | Size | Length |
 | Don Alberto venteada icaros (Don Alberto) |
3.1 MB | 3:20 min | |
 | Hamilton expaining icaros (Hamilton Souther) |
5.4 MB | 5:55 min |