Madrinha Rita: Brazilian matriarch of ayahuasca

Jacqueline Alves Rodrigues and Glauber Loures de Assis

The history of religions is often told as a story of great men; but, it has also been built through the struggle, sweat, suffering and achievements of many women, who, despite their merits, talents, and the incredible stories of their lives, have frequently been silenced and made invisible, including by academic scholars. Talking about religions from a decolonial perspective and being academically rigorous while supporting social justice necessarily involves telling the story of these women and making their roles visible. And this is equally true for the study and understanding of the social evolution of the use of psychedelic plants... continue reading.