Testimonials
“I went in with zero expectations aside from having a safe experience, and was completely clueless to the process and what was going to happen. But the entire time in ceremony with Santiparro, I had an inner knowing that I was going to be taken care of. To say that he creates a safe container is an understatement. I've sat with him twice now and both times I remain in complete reverence for the care he cultivates towards each person. He is also very communicative and encourages questions which he patiently and thoroughly answers during a lovely Q&A following each ceremony. I can't recommend Santiparro enough. He holds such a uniquely safe and professional space. From his Icaros, to his surprise comic relief, his divine gifts are so very palpable. I refer people to him every time someone I know feels called and will continue to do so. Both of my experiences were beautiful, soul-healing and life-changing. If I could Yelp about Shamans, this would definitely be a 5-star.”
— Candice T
“When I first met Alan I was simply looking for healing and guidance. I had no idea at the time that, not just his work, but the WAY he works and lives would help me facilitate my own healing in deeper ways than I ever imagined possible. His work and his words come from a place of deep study and understanding, and that is reflected in his dedication to continuing to learn and grow his foundational skills and knowledge with his own teachers and mentors, while forging a path that is uniquely his.
His sessions and lessons infuse knowledge with true understanding and wisdom, and a deep care for not only the people he serves, but the people who have served and taught him. Each session is as serious and profound as it needs to be for the topic at hand; but somehow he always finds a way to slip a well-conceived and -timed joke, inviting people to find joy in healing and learning, even when it’s difficult.
His breadth of knowledge of spiritual and wisdom traditions is often surprising, because it is rare to find someone who knows and practices his own craft so expertly while maintaining a deep and current understanding of many other traditions from a variety of cultures. It is also rare to find someone of European descent who not only knows and respects the origins of many wisdom traditions that are now appropriated and included under the “new age” umbrella, but shares that knowledge, debunking common myths about the practices, and bringing new perspective to the surface-level interpretations we often see in the wider culturescape.
I highly recommend working with Alan if you are looking for spiritual guidance and integration that is rooted in deep study and personal practice, as well as active reciprocity with the people from whom he learns.”
— Colleen M
“It is difficult to fully express how transformational my experience with Alan has been. His honest, humble, and egoless approach to medicine and indigenous wisdom teachings and traditions is truly rare. What I appreciate most about Alan is how he authentically brings his full self to the ceremony, blending music, humor, storytelling, and song into the tradition as passed down from his teachers. He doesn’t simply fit the mold; he creates something that resonates with the time, the spaces where he works, and the community he serves.”
— Brandon H
“Alan brings a unique perspective to working with the medicine. He has a deep reverence for the plants, the traditions and the maestros he has studied under. He serves not only as a facilitator but is also a teacher and mentor.
His years spent in the jungle working with different plants in combination with his esoteric studies and the fact that he is an artist allows for a full spectrum experience.
The ceremony container is held with integrity and allows the space for each of us to do our own deep inner work while being held by the energy of the group.
I have witnessed Alan manage various challenges during ceremony with grace and respect.
And then there’s the music. Being an artist in this space allows for Alan to bring his unique expression to both the traditional Icaros as well as share his own music. It is a truly beautiful experience.
Going into the void can be challenging, having the right container for me is paramount. I have seen, learned, processed and healed deeply through this space. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Alan and the medicine in this way.”
— Katie O
“I had the privilege of sitting with Alan, alongside my wife, a week before our wedding. Alan's wisdom and presence helped clear away any lingering anxieties, allowing us to enter our marriage with clarity and peace. He is genuinely remarkable, offering deep insights and guidance. During ceremonies, his gentle support is invaluable, even when things get chaotic. Alan is everything you want in a medicine man—humble, funny, kind, gentle, and strong. Most importantly, he is unculty and egoless, especially when we are in such a vulnerable state.
Having sat with many Shipibo curanderos in the Amazon, I can say that Alan has a unique ability to bridge ancient knowledge and remix it in a way that is understandable and integrable for me. I later brought my brothers to sit with him as well. It was a profound and healing experience. Knowing that I have Alan as a guide and spiritual mentor truly satisfies my soul. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking profound wisdom and spiritual support.”
— Khoa V
“I was lucky enough to have participated in 3 sessions with Alan. At that time I was going through a really hard divorce from an abusive relationship. I feel beyond grateful for the healings I received in these sessions and guidance to have overcome all the difficulties I was going through at that time. Thankful for his dedication for this path, his music and magical ikaros. This will always be remembered as a huge gift in my life.”
— Sophia U
“Overall, my experience with Alan and his medicine has been a deep familiarization with grief.
Through this, I came to understand that grief is one of the greatest expressions of love. And this expression, for me, was the key to unlocking the heart and opening to potentialities that I never anticipated.
I am forever grateful for Alan for creating the space to do this work, the greatest accomplishment of my life, and for being my witness.
Beyond ceremony, Alan has a depth of spiritual knowledge beyond anyone else I know personally; all based on his own personal experience and years of study under indigenous elders and teachers.
Finally, the music that comes through him in ceremony is beyond words. If you know, you know ;)”
— Rashel T
“A SUPER wizard! He’s not only extremely talented and well-educated but also carries with him a deep respect for (many) indigenous medicine traditions. His unique connection with the medicine is both relatable and tangible to me. Despite me having rocky start in this world, he persisted with belief in our journey together and stood tough by me these past 5 years. He has become more than a trusted teacher, he’s a truly a cherished friend. His commitment to honoring his truth and character is admirable.
You can ask him any question and he probably has the answer or knows of a way to figure it out!”
— Austin S
“I've been on the medicine path for 10 years and have been working with Alan for about 7 years. In my time with him my understanding of this path has exponentially grown and shifted in only good ways. He's the first and only facilitator I've worked with that opens up "school" during the journey. His teachings are like gold nuggets of clarity that are especially helpful while in the effect. His dedication to continuous learning is an extremely valuable trait. He also knows when to sit back and let you figure things out on your own, giving the guidance or nudge when appropriate. He's shared many tools with me over the years and he takes a straight forward approach in helping me see my blind spots and make adjustments. He's taught me how to properly work with sacred tobacco, navigate diets, make plant baths, interpret dreams, release addiction, lessons in reciprocity, and protect my energy. I'm grateful for his continued studies, support and for his presence in my life.”
— Manny M
“Alan’s lifelong commitment to the reverence and the teachings of ancient medicine , along with his soul deep beauty as a musician and a human, make him an outstanding spiritual force of growth to commune with and be inspired by.”
— Patricia V
“Ronin Koshi (Alan) is a special and gifted teacher, artist, ceremonialist and ally on the medicine path.
Alan brings artistry, humor, integrity and wisdom that comes only from many years of dedicated study to his offerings and shares generously in a safe, approachable container.
Many of us will never be able to repay him for his service and inspiration to make the most of what we can with this precious life.”
— Laura F
“Working with Alan has helped to get through blockages in life in a way that is patient, kind, neutral, and safe. In other situations working with other people, this has often not been the case. In trying to look at the things that are hard to look at, hard to admit, and hard to sort out, Alan’s style and approach has brought levity, sobriety, and humility that has made it possible to move forward in many areas of life. With much gratitude and respect, I would recommend working with Alan towards personal growth, education, and healing.”
— Jesse W
“I've had the pleasure of participating in numerous ceremonies that Alan has facilitated. Alan is an excellent guide and a responsible carrier of such sacred plant medicine. In a world of spiritual commercialism and egoism, I am fortunate to have found a teacher with integrity and a depth of hard-earned wisdom. Alan's attuned work has supported my ever-blossoming relationship with plant medicine, and I believe that is due to his own profound relationship and conscious alignment with it. Alan has much to offer in his words, music, and way of being; I look forward to continued healing, evolving, exploring, and learning along a spiritual path which intersects with his own.”
— Jess A
“Santiparro has been a terrific guide. Compassion and caring and is at service to my needs. After sitting in many ceremonies, I appreciate the gentle demeanor and holding space for my healing.”
— Shannon S
“Ceremony with Alan has opened a new world of what I knew was possible. He’s a gentle teacher who shows the way and allows a student to learn at their own pace and in their own time. It seems in my case as they say when the student is ready the teacher appeared.
After many dead ends as far as substance use and abuse I landed myself in a jail cell without my prescription depression medication I had become dependent on. Withdrawing from my medication and being forced to sit for an extended period with myself and no distractions. I see this moment in my life as my rock bottom as well as my true spiritual awakening. Many things came to light in those 22 days spent behind bars. I was on a path of self destruction I had seen play out in at least 3 uncles of mine who passed on already.
I was then an uncle to 10 or more nieces and nephews who looked up to me and a father to two. I was repeating this similar path and pattern of those family members I loved and lost, not to mention failing to make a better life for myself and be a better example. My life after jail I felt lost and hopeless in how to move forward and turn things around charting a new way forward. I felt broken and didn’t know if I’d ever feel better.
That jail stay was now 10 years ago and I hardly recognize who I was at that time. The medicine path and ceremony helped me move forward to find true healing and rebirth. Through the medicine I feel I have become a living example of what I wish to see In the world and who I wish to be. Without Alan’s guidance, teachings and the wisdom he carries its safe to say I would not be who I am today.
The work is never done and the possibilities are endless. Having a teacher and a guide on a path such as this is priceless. Who we can be takes Will and hard work. Having Alan as a resource for guidance in assisting to see the way forward and gaining clarity with ourselves for ourselves, our families and our community is a true blessing.”
— Evan B
“If you're called to this path, I would consider working with Ronin Koshi (Alan). His years of dedication and discipline to his practice create a container that is safe and nurturing. Two attributes that cannot be underestimated. Under his guidance and wisdom, I have been able access parts of myself long buried – and start down the messy path to healing. In short, he's the real deal.”
— Vivi H
“Alan’s devotion to his healing work and his commitment to walking a path of integrity under the guidance of the indigenous keepers of the medicine is a light for all who work with him. Loved by his teachers and students alike, he offers the fruit of his years of sacrifice and dedication generously.
From the first time I sat with him, he has held a vision of a more conscious, integrated and peaceful version of myself, helping me realize this potential along the way. He opened the door for my own path and connection to the sacred that continues to blossom through the years. My story is common, he has helped transform the lives of so many in this way.
He teaches through his walk, his song and his innate ability to reach his students where they are. His approach in teaching is both serious and fun, helping us laugh and feel the joy in this path along the way. His levity and sense of humor is a fresh breath of life for those navigating the challenges of their healing journey. I am deeply grateful for it all and highly recommend him to anyone looking to heal and learn.”
— Mike C
“In the vast and growing world of spiritual practitioners, it is a gift to find a healer and teacher that is grounded in integrity, honor and reciprocity.
Alan is a gifted and spirited practitioner who deeply cares about his students and fellow humans. He holds space in an intuitive, thoughtful way that supports folks in feeling held and seen— while also shining light on the medicine of laughter and not taking oneself too seriously.
Alan also makes it a point to give back to the spiritual teachers that he has learned from, which is incredibly important, especially in today’s world of spiritual consumerism.
I would highly recommend working with Alan to support yourself in building a greater understanding of your own heart, gifts & spiritual path.”
— Nasha K
“If sitting in a medicine ceremony doesn’t change you, you’re not doing it right…however, when it comes time to make those changes persist, when the realities of ceremonial transformation dawn on us, that it doesn’t begin & end around a beautiful candle lit altar made of flowers & prayers, that it is our whole life & our relationship to all other lives…that’s when it can get especially challenging to keep our will in alignment. I am deeply grateful for my relationship with Santiparro for that part…as we sort through this elaborate happening we’re all engaged in as life bearers it’s good to have a friend like Santiparro.”
— Joey W