Our Bwiti

At Ibogalife, our experiences in Gabon have led us to incorporate many aspects of Bwiti rites into our ceremonies. We have become informed of the elegance and significance of traditional iboga initiations. We are pleased to offer Bwiti services from our unorthodox perspective. We do so with the explicit blessings of EBANDO, the Temple and village associated with Papa André, of Jerusalem, Gabon and Tatayo, of Libreville.

Iboga may be described as a “plant spirit.” Over millenia Babongo and then various Bantu tribes have learned to explore, accommodate and celebrate this spirit, always with modesty and respect. As we learned more about Bwiti, we realized the knowledge of the entire belief system is communicated by the plant itself. Bwiti is the sacred wood iboga, and iboga is Bwiti.

In a Bwiti initiation, it is the hope that the visionary dreams will bring the banzi (undergoing initiation) into connection--connection with the world, with the village, with his/her family and with his/herself. It is hoped that whatever the banzi sees will provide him with a context for the rest of his life. It is hoped the banzi will be elevated into her true place as a spiritual being.

Initiation is a Trial

Initiation is difficult, and the banzi needs to consume copious quantities of iboga root bark before seeing visions. Root bark has been succinctly and accurately described as “sawdust laced with battery acid”. As Papa Andre tells us “You must eat the wood to see the Bwiti!” In most initiations ibogaine will be used as well as iboga.

Keep in mind that iboga is an ONEIROPHRENIC and not an ‘hallucinogenic.’ It is not usually comparable to mushroom or LSD experiences. It is a serious alteration of state, and twists one’s perceptions for an extended period when taken in high doses. Many people, though not all, experience visions and insights.

Initiation also involves spiritual baths with the plants of the forest, confession (a revelation of intentions), group ceremonies, forest walks, dance, and finally, hours of live music and many days spent in self-reflection. This is a New World ceremony, but we attempt to provide as vigorous an experience as the African initiation.

Bwiti at Ebando

We also encourage Bwiti-seekers to become initiated in Gabon at Ebando. Ebando provides a uniquely streamlined introduction to an extremely complicated country and culture. It’s not that there’s no better way to become acquainted with Gabon, but sometimes it seems to be the only way. Non-French speakers are welcome and accepted in very few places, there is no infrastructure to speak of and though the people are extremely friendly--especially Bwiti folk--there are not many opportunities for proper exploration of the culture. Tatayo at the beach-side Ebando is truly the exception to the standard in Gabon.

He was the first Occidental to be intitiated into the (then rigorously orthodox) Bwiti, Dissumba branch. It is no exaggeration to say that he is one of the most highly regarded figures in Gabon, and he can be seen in many television programs shot in the country, usually billed as “our guide”! Indeed he knows the country intimately, speaks many of the languages, and can delve into the most remote areas of the country--where the Babongo and Baka tribes live in the deep bush.

We will be happy to facilitate your visit to Gabon.

Bwiti Media Resources

For in-depth research about the complexity and significance of Bwiti ceremonial music, read THIS. For examples of Bwiti music, check HERE. For photographs of Gabon ceremonies, including a visit to the Babongo village Tchibanga, see HERE.