Dear Supporters of my Musical Journey,
Thank you for being here and for supporting this work so early as it continues to take shape! I have a beautiful ceremonial moment to share with you from deep in the Amazon…
I recently returned from deep in the Brazilian Amazon after a meaningful period of musical and ceremonial study with the Yawanawa family. The integration has been strong. I am holding the intended timeline of the album pre-release while also making space for what emerged from this journey. Also realizing that I am a human with human capacity! So thank you for your patience as I work on delivering new songs to you.
Over the coming weeks, I am pausing to let the teachings of the forest settle into song as I take a moment to weave some new songs. This month, I will continue completing the works that are asking for final attention so I can share them with you fully formed.
In place of a new original release this month, I want to share a moment that was recorded during ayahuasca (Uni) ceremony in the Yawanawa village. I was invited to sing my song Jaguara de la Luz in the presence of Yawanawa, Asheninka, and Huni Kuin elders, and just as I sang the chorus an exquisite katydid insect landed on my harp, a mystical creature in the shape of a leaf!
This video was made at the invitation of Puttany Yawanawa, the chiefess and matriarch of the community. Puttany was the first woman entrusted with the Uni altar, a role carrying deep responsibility and lineage within the village. She knew Ximena personally and gathered the community to speak about her life, her generosity, and her devotion to indigenous wisdom.
After serving Uni to open the ceremony, Puttany asked that Jaguara de la Luz be sung and recorded as a tribute. The song was offered in the presence of the Yawanawa family, alongside elders from the Asheninka and Huni Kuin communities. The recording was made to be sent to Ximena’s husband, Tony, and shared as a remembrance of a woman whose presence touched many.
Thank you for making this work possible through your support.
With gratitude,
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Written and performed by Scarlett de la Torre
Co-lyricist by Emiliana Mollinari
Produced by Eric James DeAranthaha
Album artwork by Cosmic Collage