Ayahuasca Ceremonies
These vary a great deal between different retreats. Here is a non detailed description so you get the general idea:-
Usually they are held from first dark (around 6.30 ) and last for about 2 ½ - 3 hours .
After everyone is called to drink and the candles are blown out the Shaman will perform protective rites which typically involves a special song ( an Icaro ) and the use of sacred jungle tobacco (Mapacho). Then the Shaman will call upon the spirit of Ayahuasca to cleanse, and heal. It will vary from there, though frequently the Shaman will visit each participant during the ceremony, assess their requirements and sing an appropriate Icaro for them. The Shaman will not leave till everyone has settled down. Some prefer to stay on their mat / mattress for some time , others like to go to bed soon after - its up to you .
Some retreats have very large ceremonial buildings (Malocas) which accommodate 30 or more people with 3 shamans and many assistants. In my opinion its a really bad idea to attend a ceremony with a large number of people. The medicine works by directly cleansing the body and mind (and ultimately the spirit) . This varies a lot but the physiological cleansing of the body tends to involve the expulsion of bodily fluids from wherever it can leave - some will purge (vomit) have diarrhoea, sweat, cry - it can be really quite intense! Imagine a number of people doing that at the same time. Then imagine if someone becomes verbally upset as well. The more participants the more likely this will happen. This is not great when you are in an altered state of consciousness so I will repeat my advice - whichever retreat you choose, go to one with limited participants with a max of 10 and less than that is better.
Ayahuasca ceremonies in The RA Initiative will be held in one of three places.
1. In your own dwelling for fully private one on one or max three people. This is one of the reasons I designed the visitors dwellings (surrounding the Maloca) in the shape of a Maloca .
2. In the Directors house (the ‘Blue House’). For up to four people.
3. In the main Maloca. For a maximum of 10 people.
What should I bring and wear to the ceremony?
A bottle of water (more will be provided if you run out).
A flashlight (preferably with a dimmer and red light setting).
Loose comfortable clothing (including a second layer and socks if you want to stay around after the ceremony through much of the night - possibly a blanket too). If you have clothing which has positive meaning to you, then wear that.
A pillow from your bed.
How to prepare on the day of the ceremony
Your last meal will have been at lunchtime so you have a fairly empty stomach.
Don't engage in strenuous activity after lunch.
Relax, read a book, listen to calming music, enjoy conversation or just stillness on your own. Maybe meditate or do some Yoga or gentle stretching or a slow walk amongst the plants - whatever makes you feel good and energised.
State of mind -
Remember, the Ayahuasca spirit is the spirit of the earth no less. Our physical bodies are made from her substance and she is on our side. The unpleasant stuff (like purging for example) is how she helps purify us to facilitate her input.This is why the 6 weeks or so of detoxing prior to the first ceremony is so important.
How to deal with the experience after you have taken the drink -
Relax, there is nothing to fear. Its helpful to focus on the breath - slow and steady. If you know about specific breathing techniques by all means use as appropriate. If you don't then the parasympathetic nervous system is activated by taking slow, slightly deeper than average inhalations followed by exhalations lasting about â…“ - ½ longer. For example, if it takes four seconds to breathe in, breathe out for about six seconds. That will relax you.
As well as the shaman there will be someone else close by waiting to help you.
Your first ceremony?-
Let your thoughts wander where they want to go but don't engage with them, just let them float past and wait and see what happens. For dealing with specific problems and questions wait until a later ceremony.
If you can cultivate any positive feeling - gratitude, appreciation, serenity, love etc then the experience is more likely to be obviously positive. If not and it's challenging then that's also good as there is a lesson or two to be learned.
What will happen?
Anything from apparently nothing at all to light visions, to things beyond ordinary imagination - the point is to not expect or try to direct anything. Just have faith and trust in the process.
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After the Shaman has gone and the ceremony is over.
Some people will be under the influence quite heavily for some minutes or hours. Stay or go back to your hut when you want. You will be assisted if necessary. Only approach another attendee after speaking to them and getting their permission as some prefer to be left alone completely for some time.
Next Morning
Some fruit and a beverage will be brought to you early in the morning as you will be hungry.
Breakfast is10.00 a.m. and after that we will discuss the ceremony together and share our experiences. After that (for those who want it) there will be a personal discussion with the Shaman (who has excellent English) .
Normally a lot of energy is used during a ceremony and there is a need for relaxation and first stage integration after breakfast and likely the rest of the day. Spending some time swinging in a hammock and or wandering around the farm till the evening meal is recommended .
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Kambo Ceremonies
A kambo ceremony is a ritual that involves applying a waxy substance from a frog to wounds on the skin. The substance is used to trigger a detoxification process.
How it's performed
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A shaman uses a hot stick to burn small holes in the skin
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The shaman applies the kambo to the wounds
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The person drinks water
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The body purges by vomiting or defecating
What it's used for To rid the body of toxins, To bring mental clarity, To treat various illnesses, To promote fertility, and To promote a successful hunt or virility.
