Ottawa Rapé / Rapéh Circles

Ottawa Rapé / Rapéh Circles

Come join us for a unique experience at Strathcona Park where we will gather in circles to partake in the sacred tradition of Rapé. Connect with like-minded individuals in a safe and welcoming environment as we explore the benefits of this powerful Amazonian medicine. Whether you are new to Rapé or have previous experience, all are welcome to participate and learn from each other. Embrace the healing properties of this sacred tobacco snuff and deepen your spiritual journey. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with yourself and others in a meaningful way. See you there!

What is it about?
Rapé, also spelled Hapé, Hapeh, Rapeh, or simply known as snuff, is a form of smokeless tobacco traditionally used by Indigenous peoples, caboclos (individuals of mixed Indigenous and European ancestry), and cafuzos (individuals of mixed Indigenous and sub-Saharan African ancestry) in South America. Its uses are diverse, encompassing medicinal, ritual, and spiritual purposes.
Administered as a nasal snuff, rapé typically consists of finely ground tobacco (commonly Nicotiana rustica), often blended with ashes of trees and other plant material. Formulas vary widely in composition and strength, depending on their origin and intended use. Given that rapé is considered a sacred medicine in many neoshamanic contexts, it is often used for its ability to facilitate grounding, energetic cleansing, emotional release, spiritual insight, and realignment. It is also used to release emotional or mental blockages, refocus attention, or simply mark a moment of presence and intention.
Why do we do it?
Beyond its individual effects, rapé holds an important communal role. In both urban and Indigenous ceremonies, its use creates a shared experience—an embodied ritual that connects participants through breath, rhythm, and collective intention, whether in silence or guided by a practitioner. This communal aspect reflects and reinforces the values of reciprocity and interconnectedness that are central to neoshamanic practice.
Who can join us?
We are an interdisciplinary group of graduate students from the University of Ottawa, inviting community members who wish to experience the power of this medicine and/or join a collective, meaningful, community-based initiative. Since 2024, we have been meeting biweekly to sustain and grow this gathering.What do I need to bring?Show up as you are, and join us in a respectful manner. You can bring a bottle of water and some facial tissues to support your own experience.
Is the event free?
The event is free, although donations are welcome to support the purchase of new supplies and rapé.

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Host or Publisher Victor Distefano Wiltenburg