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 typically begins with a traditional prayer to purify the space and participants. This may include smudging with sacred herbs, prayers, and the singing of icaros (traditional shamanic songs). These rituals help create a protective and sacred atmosphere.
• Consumption of Ayahuasca: Participants consume the ayahuasca brew, usually served in small cups. The taste is often described as bitter and earthy. The amount consumed is carefully measured to suit each individual’s needs and experience level.
• Journey: After consuming the brew, participants sit or lie down in a comfortable position and wait for the effects to begin, which usually take 20-60 minutes. The journey can last between 4 to 6 hours and is characterized by vivid visions, deep emotional release, and heightened introspection.
• Guidance: Throughout the journey, our shaman provides support by singing icaros, playing traditional instruments, and offering words of encouragement. They help navigate participants through challenging moments and ensure the experience remains safe and constructive.
• Purging: Ayahuasca is known for its purgative effects, which can include vomiting and diarrhea. This physical purging is considered a cleansing process, helping to release negative energies and toxins from the body and mind.

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 for a total donation of $450. Please note, this option does not include lodging.
• Complete Retreat Package:
  For a total of $750, 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 retreats are powerful catalysts for personal growth and spiritual awakening.