Join us to our Hudson Valley Psychedelic Society Meetup, for a Sacred Talk and Medicine Concert with Dara Freire and Camila Vásquez, practitioners of Umbandaime—the unique spiritual fusion of the Afro-Brazilian tradition of Umbanda with the Amazonian force of Santo Daime.
This enlightening conversation opens a portal to the ancestral wisdom of the Orishas and the healing spirits of the forest. The talk will be guided by Dara Freire and Camila Vasquez, both lifelong Umbanda practitioners deeply rooted in the sacred teachings of the Temple of Umbanda São Sebastião (TUSS) in Brazil. With over 20 years of spiritual dedication, Dara and Camila walk in close communion with the energies of the Orishas, the forest medicines, and the spiritual guides that shape the Umbandaime path.
They are also ceremonial drummers in the Umbanda tradition, and during the gathering, will share sacred songs and rhythms from their traditional drumming practice. In Umbanda, the atabaque—the sacred drum—is not just an instrument but a vehicle of connection with the Orishas and a vital tool for developing spiritual mediumship. The vibration of the drum calls forth the divine forces of nature, aligning spirit and body in ritual harmony.
Topics that will be explored include:
The Origins of Umbandaime – A look into the spiritual and historical merging of Umbanda and Santo Daime
Orishas and the Elements – Understanding nature’s divine forces as allies in restoring harmony.
Mediumship and Spiritual Guidance – How spiritual communication unfolds and evolves through ritual and inner alignment.
Facilitators:
Dara Freire, born in Brasilia, DF, has been practicing Umbanda since childhood and has studied and trained at the Umbanda Temple of São Sebastião in Brazil for the past 18 years. She received initiations in the Umbanda tradition and has expanded her studies to the USA, Europe, and Canada. Dara has also spent time in the Amazon with native communities to deepen her knowledge of sacred medicines. She is an actress with expertise in Brazilian cultural movements, rhythms, and dances.
Camila Vasquez, the daughter of Babalorixá Adolfo Pxanticosusque, was born into the Umbanda tradition at the Umbanda Temple of São Sebastião in Brazil. From a young age, she studied to be a Curimbeira, playing a vital role in ceremonies by playing the Atabaque drum, a sacred devotional instrument for the Orisha divinities.
Extend your journey with a deeper ceremony on Saturday, July 19th, and immerse yourself fully in our all-inclusive weekend retreat. This is a unique opportunity to connect deeply with yourself, nature and our extended community. (For more information or to register, please send a private message:).