Watch Shamans of the Global Village: Octavio Rettig & the Sonoran Desert Toad

Shamans of the Global Village: Octavio Rettig & the Sonoran Desert Toad is a psychedelic documentary that explores the sacred use of the Sonoran Desert Toad by indigenous shamans in Mexico. The film is directed by Niles Heckman and features Rak Razam and Octavio Rettig as the main protagonists. The movie takes audiences on a journey deep into the heart of the Sonoran Desert, where Rettig, a Mexican doctor and shaman, has been working with the Sonoran Desert Toad for over a decade. The toad, which secretes 5-MeO-DMT, a potent hallucinogenic substance, has been used by indigenous tribes in Mexico for centuries for healing and spiritual purposes.

The documentary examines the growing popularity of the toad in the Western world and the controversy surrounding its use. Rettig is passionate about the use of the toad in a sacred context, and he believes that it has the potential to heal people on a deep level. Razam, a journalist and author, is curious about the toad's effects and is eager to experience it for himself.

The film features stunning footage of the Sonoran Desert and its wildlife, as well as interviews with Rettig and other shamans who work with the toad. The documentary also includes footage of Razam's personal journey with the toad, as he grapples with intense emotions and encounters profound states of consciousness.

Throughout the film, Rettig emphasizes the importance of setting intentions and working with the toad in a safe and respectful manner. He believes that the toad should only be used in a shamanic context, and he's concerned about the growing trend of recreational use of the substance.

The documentary also examines the use of the toad in treating addiction and mental health issues. Rettig is working with a team of researchers to study the toad's potential therapeutic benefits, and he hopes to one day see it recognized as a legitimate medicine.

Shamans of the Global Village: Octavio Rettig & the Sonoran Desert Toad is a thought-provoking and visually stunning documentary that explores the intersection of indigenous spiritual practices and Western culture. It raises important questions about the commercialization of sacred plants, as well as the potential of psychedelic substances to heal mental and emotional trauma.

The film does an excellent job of balancing the perspectives of Rettig and Razam, who approach the toad from very different angles. Rettig is deeply rooted in traditional shamanic practices, while Razam is curious about the toad's effects and open to exploring its potential. Their conversations provide a fascinating look at the different ways people approach psychedelics.

Overall, Shamans of the Global Village: Octavio Rettig & the Sonoran Desert Toad is a must-see for anyone interested in psychedelic plant medicines, indigenous spiritual practices, and the intersection of spirituality and science. The film is both educational and entertaining, offering a window into a world that few Westerners have ever seen.