What do mushrooms and Día de Los Muertos have in common? At least a handful of things! They share a focus on celebrating the ancestors, honoring death, and spiritual journeys. Some might even argue that the Day of the Dead provides a framework—both cultural and spiritual—that lends itself to tangible integration, thanks to its rich ceremonial history.
We’re gathering experts on October 27 to talk about death, the ancestral realm, and why on mushrooms—and this time of year—the veil to the other side is thin. In this workshop, Monica Cadena will lead a conversation about death, mushrooms, and psychedelic journeys in the context of Día de los Muertos with Xochitl Ashe and Darren le Barron, two devoted experts and stewards of the mushrooms. Please join us!
About Our Guests
Who is Xochitl Ashe?
Xochitl (pronounced “So-chil”) Kusikuy Ashe is an Afro-Quechua Aymara medicine woman, representing the fifth generation of her family’s healing lineage. For the past three decades, Xochitl has been sharing her wisdom as a respected teacher, guide, author, and community builder, offering retreats, workshops, mentorships, and ceremonies across the world. At just 16 Xochitl became the first woman in five generations to be initiated into her Peruvian ancestral healing traditions. For the past 30 years, she worked with her godfather, a Mazatec medicine man skilled in the ancient practice of healing with Teonanácatl (psilocybin mushrooms). Blending ancestral wisdom with Western trauma-informed therapies, such as internal family systems, Xochitl bridges ancient healing traditions with modern wellness practices. Beyond education, she is a passionate preserver of Indigenous teachings, an expert in plant spirit communication, and a devoted advocate for honoring sacred mushrooms. Through her unwavering commitment to these sacred practices, Xochitl not only helps individuals embark on joyful and empowered healing journeys but also ensures that these ancient traditions remain alive, relevant, and accessible for generations to come, so that we may remember that we live in a magical world.
Who is Darren le Baron?
Darren le Baron is an educator, researcher, and event organizer based in the UK. Known around the world for his Shroomshop Master classes, he is a keen mushroom cultivator and teacher and has been growing gourmet and medicinal mushrooms for the last ten years. By day he is an Organic Horticulturist and Food Enterprise tutor and has translated his home growing experience into a social enterprise. Although not often recognized by researchers and scientists, fungi and plants have been used by indigenous Africans, and those in the diaspora for spiritual and community development for millennia. Several groups use these sacred plants in their rites of passage initiation ceremonies and daily ritual. Darren is also a knowledgeable and dynamic speaker who is passionate about sharing his research and findings on ancient African plant medicines, the history, mythology, and various applications.
Who is Monica Cadena?
Monica Cadena is an Afro-Latinx California-based artist, writer, movement worker, digital alchemist, brave space holder, plant ally, advocate, and the Creatrix of Black Healers Connect, a digital and in-person community for healers of the diaspora. The former co-founder of Wear Your Voice Magazine, Monica is passionate about highlighting stories from those at the intersections of healing and social justice activism and centering healing-based initiatives. Monica hosted the first Psychedelics and Sensuality event, she spoke to a maxed-out audience at MAPS’ Psychedelic Science 2023 on sex and psychedelics, and has worked closely with major organizations in the space including DoubleBlind Magazine, Oakland Hyphae, and many more.