SOMA DOULA

What is Soma?

The word “Soma” has its origins in ancient Indian culture and is closely associated with the religious and spiritual practices of the Vedic period, which dates back to around 1500 BCE.

In Vedic tradition, Soma refers to a sacred ritual drink believed to hold profound spiritual and rejuvenating properties. It was used in religious ceremonies to promote clarity, vitality, and a deep connection with the divine. Ancient texts describe it as a powerful elixir that enhanced awareness and facilitated a heightened state of insight and devotion.

The exact identity of the plant used to create Soma remains a mystery, as historical descriptions are open to interpretation. Some scholars suggest it may have been derived from a type of fungi, a vine, or a now-extinct plant. Regardless of its origins, the concept of Soma has left a lasting impact on Indian culture and spirituality, shaping traditions that emphasize nature’s role in supporting human well-being, balance, and connection.

As your Soma Doula, a carefully curated blend of mushrooms are used in your ceremony to honor these ancient traditions and support your journey toward deeper awareness and holistic well-being.

What is a Doula?

A doula is someone who walks someone else through a transformational experience, such as birth, death or a plant medicine journey. A doula acts as a witness, whilst also creating and maintaining a safe space for the journeyer or birthing or dying person to continue their work. As your Soma Doula, I walk with you before your journey, during and after your journey, helping to facilitate an experience that is life changing for you. You will do the work and I will hold the space for you to do so.

I have worked as a birth and postpartum doula for over 10 years and have attended almost 500 births in all settings; home and hospital births. I also host and attend Soma journeys as a Soma Doula.

A doula is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals or families during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and other life transitions such as illness, aging, and death. The term “doula” comes from the Greek word “δούλα,” which means “a woman who serves.”

The concept of doula support is not new and has been present in many cultures throughout history. In ancient Greece, women known as “mammes” provided support to women in childbirth, and in traditional African cultures, wise women known as “sage femmes” offered similar services. In modern times, the term “doula” was first used in the 1960s by anthropologist Dana Raphael to describe women who supported other women during childbirth in the United States.

Today, there are two main types of doulas: birth doulas and postpartum doulas. Birth doulas provide continuous support during labor and delivery, including physical comfort measures, emotional support, and advocacy. They help the birthing person and their partner navigate the medical system, provide information about the birthing process, and assist with decision-making. Postpartum doulas provide support after the birth, assisting with newborn care, feeding, and household tasks, and offering emotional support and guidance during the transition to parenthood.

In addition to birth and postpartum doulas, there are also doulas who specialize in end-of-life care. These doulas, also known as death doulas or end-of-life doulas, provide emotional, practical, and spiritual support to individuals and families during the dying process. They may help with creating a peaceful environment, communicating with healthcare providers, and facilitating meaningful end-of-life rituals.

Overall, the term doula represents the idea of a supportive companion who assists individuals and families during significant life transitions. Doula support can be valuable for anyone going through a major life change, including birth, death, and everything in between, including facilitating journeys with plant medicine. I offer Soma Journeys as your Soma Doula.

Get in touch here or email me on shroomjourneys@gmail.com.