What is Amazonian Hapé (Rapé)?

“Lamista Quechua shamans frequently assert that tobacco is the ‘father of all plants,’ a male consort to the ‘mother spirits’ of all shamanic plants.”

~ Jeremy Narby, Plant Teachers: Ayahuasca, Tobacco, and the Pursuit of Knowledge

Introduction to Hapé

Hapé, or rapé (pronounced ha-pe), is a sacred tobacco plant indigenous healers in the Amazon rainforest used for thousands of years. In recent years, it has gained popularity among Westerners as a powerful shamanic medicine for healing and spiritual purposes. In this blog post, we will explore the history, preparation, effects, and cultural significance of Hapé.

History of Hapé

The use of tobacco as a sacred plant dates back to ancient times. In the Amazon rainforest, Hapé has been used by indigenous groups such as the Yawana, Matse, and Huni Kuin for spiritual and medicinal purposes [1]. Hapé connects us to the spirit world and can be used for healing physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments.

Hapé decalcifies the third eye and scans the body for blockages and energetic misalignment. I have found it beneficial for opening my heart and creating clarity—it softens my ego and allows me to listen to my higher self.

Preparation of Hapé

Preparing Hapé is a complex and sacred process involving many steps. First, the tobacco leaves are harvested and sun-dried. Then, they are ground into a fine powder and mixed with other ingredients, such as ashes from sacred trees, herbs, and spices [2].

The ingredients and proportions of the mixture can vary depending on the healer and the intention of the ceremony. Sacred plants carry the energy of those that prepare them, and thus where you get your hapé is very important.

© Photo by Derek Dodds

Effects of Hapé

When Hapé is administered, it is blown up the nostrils using a bamboo pipe called a kuripe. The effects of Hapé can vary depending on the individual and the dosage, but they usually include a sense of grounding, clarity, and heightened awareness.

Many people report feeling a solid connection to the earth and their own inner wisdom. Hapé is also known to purify and cleanse properties and can be used to clear the sinuses and lungs. The strongest feeling comes on about three minutes after application.

Application of Hapé: Tepi & Kuripe

Hapé is administered with a tepi (pipe for when someone administers to you) or kuripe (self-administrator pipe), a small pipe made of wood or bone. Bamboo is the most common material used to make Tepi because it is cheap, easy to handle, and quickly turned into a Rapé pipe. Tepis can also be made from bones or wood.

To use tepi, you will need to insert one end of the pipe into the Rapé powder and use the other end to blow the powder into your nostrils. You should do this in a comfortable and relaxed position. Sit up straight and set your intention or prayer.

Your chakras may be activated during your session, and thus sitting with your spine erect and open is highly recommended so that the energy may flow from your root to your crown. Close your eyes during administration to prevent the powder from getting into your eyes.

Start with your left nostril, which is meant to clear any negativity or energetic blocks. Next, blow into your right nostril to help open your heart and creativity. Learning to administer Hapé from an experienced practitioner before using it is recommended. It is vital to approach Hapé respectfully and understand its cultural and spiritual significance.

Hapé Celebration & Ceremony

Hapé allows a connection to spirit and helps us tap into our inner strength and sensitivity while softening our egos. Hapé is a celebration of life facilitated by sacred plant medicine, allowing us to unite with great spirit. I treat it as a ceremony of the heart and dedicate my sessions to healing and connection. I wish you a beautiful exploration of this powerful medicine.

You may order Hapé here (I have no affiliation with Four Visions, but I know some people get their Hapé there and like it). If you’d like to dive deeply into sacred tobacco, I recommend reading Plant Teachers: Ayahuasca, Tobacco, and the Pursuit of Knowledge by Jeremy Narby.

I also put together a music playlist on SoundCloud to inspire your Hapé journey.

Haux. Haux.