Awaken to wisdom In our Ayahuasca Ceremonies

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At AyaWaken Retreat Center, our ayahuasca ceremonies are sacred and profound rituals rooted in the Amazonian Shamanic Tradition. This powerful plant medicine facilitates spiritual exploration, healing, and personal growth. Our ayahuasca USA retreats offer ceremonies every two weeks from Friday to Sunday, with a total of three ceremonies over three days.

• Friday and Saturday: Night ceremonies starting at 8 pm. First-time participants should arrive 30-45 minutes early on Friday for an introduction.
• Sunday: Day ceremony starting at 3 pm.

We offer ceremonies in sets of three, as the number three holds significant meaning in the Shipibo tradition and is a recurring symbol in various aspects of life, religion, science, geometry, and mathematics. Click here to learn more.

Setting and Preparation

• Location: Our ayahuasca ceremonies are held in a serene space that promotes tranquility and a connection with nature. The environment is carefully curated to create a safe and sacred space for participants.
• Preparation: Participants often undergo a period of physical and mental preparation before the ceremony. This may include dietary restrictions (avoiding certain foods, caffeine, alcohol, and drugs), meditation, and setting personal intentions for the experience.
• Facilitators: The ceremony is led by experienced shaman Mark Lorello, who has extensive knowledge of the plant medicine and its effects. He guides participants through the journey, ensuring their safety and well-being.

The Ceremony

Opening Ceremony:
The ceremony begins with a traditional prayer to cleanse and protect the space and participants. We use mapacho, a sacred form of ceremonial tobacco, for energetic clearing and spiritual protection. This may be accompanied by smudging with other sacred herbs and the singing of icaros — healing songs of the Shipibo tradition. These icaros are not pre-recorded or memorized; they are channeled in real time from the plants themselves, specifically for the energies and needs present in that exact moment. These rituals establish a safe, sacred, and intentional container for deep healing.

Consumption of Ayahuasca:
Participants then receive the ayahuasca brew, served in carefully measured amounts based on each individual's needs, experience, and intention. The brew is typically earthy and bitter in taste.

The Journey:
After drinking, participants sit or lie down comfortably as the effects begin to unfold—usually within 20 to 60 minutes. The experience may last between 4 to 6 hours and can involve vivid visions, emotional release, inner revelations, and spiritual insight.

Guidance:
Our Shipibo-trained shaman offers guidance throughout the ceremony by singing live icaros, playing traditional instruments, and holding space. These icaros are specific to each person and moment, helping to guide, heal, and protect throughout the journey.

Purging:
Ayahuasca often induces purging—vomiting, diarrhea, crying, yawning, or sweating. This is considered a vital part of the process, as it facilitates the release of energetic, emotional, and physical blockages from the body and spirit.

Closing and Integration

• Closing Ceremony: The ceremony concludes with traditional prayers, expressions of gratitude, and sharing of experiences among participants. These rituals help ground participants and bring a sense of closure to the journey.
• Integration: Post-ceremony, participants are encouraged to reflect on their experiences in a sharing circle and integrate the insights gained into their daily lives. Integration may involve journaling, meditation, therapy, or group discussions. We offer follow-up sessions to assist with this process.

• Sacred Space: The ceremony space is imbued with spiritual significance and designed to foster a sense of safety, respect, and sacredness.
• Community: Ayahuasca ceremonies are often communal experiences, fostering a sense of connection and support among participants.
• Healing and Transformation: The primary goal of an ayahuasca ceremony is healing and personal transformation, addressing emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of one’s being.

• We have two different options for donations depending on your package.  
• Experience three days of transformative ayahuasca ceremonies (3 Ceremonies)for a total donation of $600. Please note, this option does not include lodging.
• Complete Retreat Package:
  For a total of $950, enjoy a comprehensive retreat experience. This package includes three days of ayahuasca ceremonies along with comfortable lodging, meals, drinks, and snacks, all conveniently provided on our retreat property.

An ayahuasca ceremony at AyaWaken Retreat Center is a deeply transformative experience that requires careful preparation, skilled facilitation, and thoughtful integration. It offers participants an opportunity to explore the depths of their consciousness, heal from past traumas, and gain profound insights into their lives. Conducted with respect and care, our ayahuasca USA retreat is a powerful catalysts for personal growth and spiritual awakening.