Our Story
Popo Niwe is a collaboration between Mark A. Lewis and Tara Stonemother that began three years ago at a Kambo ceremony held in a beautiful retreat space then owned by Tara and her husband, Brandon. During their first meeting — and Mark’s first introduction to Kambo — Mark received a vision of working with Tara in sacred ceremony. Soon after, they began collaborating in ceremonial space.
Three years later, they fasted together in the Lakota way on the land where Mark was born, near Edmonton, Alberta. They are now working together within the Shipibo tradition, under the guidance of Maestro Ricardo Amaringo, and in listening relationship with the sacred whispers of the land and sky.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Mark A. Lewis is currently working with Maestro Ricardo Amaringo as a student of the medicine and collaborator.
In Peru, Mark works for Nihue Rao under the guidance of his teacher, Maestro Ricardo, with ceremonies taking place at the Nihue Rao Centro Espiritual near Iquitos, in the village of Llanchama.
Nihue Rao Centro Espiritual
In the jungles of Chiapas (near Palenque) and Oaxaca (near Santa Maria Huatulco) Mark will be offering retreats with Tara Stonemother.
With Tara by his side, Mark will be pouring the medicine of Ayahuasca for an intimate group of people in two blessed and sacred spaces.
Cascadas de Agua Azul, Chiapas Mexico
THE RETREATS
This offering is for those, whether early on the path or far along, who seek to deepen their connection to the medicine of Ayahuasca, the Divine Spirits of Creation, and the Great Mystery / “God”.
The focus is on aligning the heart, body, mind, and soul with the Light of Creation and Divine presence, addressing the whole being and any blockages that may interfere with a connection that is everyone’s birthright.
In practical terms, this means uncovering and restoring an aligned connection with one’s authentic or higher self. Every individual is unique, and for Mark and Tara, recognizing and supporting each person’s distinct gifts and inner light is of central importance.
Mark works in collaboration with the energetics of the medicine to support each participant in taking meaningful steps toward alignment, always at a pace that honors their wellbeing, life circumstances, and the guidance of their highest self.
A NEW AGREEMENT
In alignment with these offerings, Maestro Ricardo and the village of Nihue Rao are reciprocated for their role in holding a sacred village and living, ceremonial relationship with the jungle.
From the teachings Mark has received, every practitioner requires a Maestro — someone who has earned the responsibility of serving as a conduit between ceremony, the medicine, and the jungle, in support of alignment, deep healing, energetic clearing, and protection.
For participants who feel called to journey into the jungles near Iquitos to work directly with the Maestro and diet a master plant such as Chiric Sanango or Ayahuma, the transition from the space held by Mark and Tara into the care of Maestro Ricardo is thoughtfully guided. The relationship between Mark and Ricardo is rooted in mutual respect, trust, and care.
Testimonial:
Mark and Tara provide a caring, grounded, open and safe container to sit in medicine.
Mark has an incredible insight and connection to spirit in a deep unassuming soft manner, you feel comfortable. He is an amazing guide that takes deep loving care of his space and those in it. His songs are authentic and reach a part of you, you didn’t know was there, gently guiding you to deepen. The Shipibo Icaros and medicine songs were incredible to assist my journey of healing. It felt like being given permission to let go in a safe space. I felt incredibly safe.
Tara has a gift of clarity and is able to clearly express what she sees and feels. She can see the darkest part of you and still see your light. She helps you navigate your unfolding.
I had a huge heart opening experience that felt so deep and true to who I am and it is still with me. It has opened a new pathway. I actually could feel what I had closed down for so long. It was amazing. I also had some incredible insight into old wounding that I’ve carried for decades. The songs and the space allowed me to sit with this, see it, purge it and start a process of letting it go. It’s like I was being reborn. The more I sat, the deeper it went.
I couldn’t do this if I wasn’t with people with integrity, truth to themselves and spirit and a genuine willingness to help others move deeper into their truth.
The love I feel when I am with these people is so genuine and truthful, it feels like coming home.
I’m so incredibly thankful for this community and the work they are doing to help those ready to truly feel what they need and what they need to let go of.
So much and gratitude! Celine