Earlier quoted context omitted.
Many, though not all, participants and shamans report the presence of an intelligence that is distinct from their own. That's been my experience with it. For me, the literalness of "plant spirit" is accepted reality. In the circles I hang out with, we don't put the term, plant spirit, in air quotes. Generally, the two plants that are combined are the Ayahuasca vine, which contains the various MAOI, and Chacruna, whic…
I haven't done Ayahuasca or DMT but in my experiences with hallucinogens I occasionally meet a Neanderthal who is quite skilled in walking me through my trip while on Psilocybin Mushrooms.
Your experience with your guide reminds me a bit of Hank Wesselman's experiences, written up in his memoirs.