Doriane Slaghenauffi

Learning through long-term plant dieta practice

In early 2024, she met a mestizo shaman of Asháninka origin (another Indigenous group) in the town of Yarinacocha, who taught her how to conduct her dietas independently. In Amazonian shamanism, the dietas themselves constitute the core of the apprenticeship. Initially, one undertakes a dieta for personal healing; gradually, the plants transmit shamanic knowledge and abilities. Doriane has since accumulated numerous dietas in order to deepen her understanding of, and relationship with, the various master plants—shrubs and large Amazonian trees traditionally used in the region—whose spirits become her allies during healing work, both in meditation and in ayahuasca ceremonies.

For the past three years, Doriane has practiced long dietas lasting on average three to five months. She often repeats a dieta with the same plant to gain different perspectives. When one dieta ends, she typically begins another with a different plant after a period of about ten days.

These dietas are understood to build strong energetic protections within her, allowing her to work with the ailments and illnesses of ceremony participants without being affected herself. They also provide the connections needed to sense and perceive the issues to be addressed in those she works with, and to be guided in how to approach each case.

For more context, read our guides to the plant dieta in Peru and the role of the healer.