The Rituals of an Ayahuasca Ceremony

I AM going to get around to sharing the details of my personal experience, the lessons I learned, the processes of my body, all the stuff. It's easier, and just as beautiful to share about the many small rituals included in this experience.

(Images are representations of the actual people, as this is a sacred and private event)

No matter what experiences you are having, the energy and love of the people you're with are so big and important. You are the final authority on how you are feeling and how you show up, but being surrounded with supportive, loving, generous people.... community, communion and personal connection are the great gifts of humanity. The organizers of this retreat create many other sacred gatherings, like cacao ceremonies, dance circles and more to promote harmony, peace and love in the community. The beautiful female half of this team is from Israel, is a gifted musician and singer and a beautiful, amazing person. She was my ride, my guide and my helper throughout the whole weekend and I love her!

Creating the altar

I wasn't in the right frame of mind on the first day to take many pictures, but this gives you an idea of the way the ceremonial fire and altar are created. There is symbolism and beauty in every object but as far as I can tell, no specific "deity" or belief system. Just spirit, reverence, honor and beauty. There are flowers and other things from nature, crystals, art, many candles and a wide variety of sacred objects. There were other altars around the property that seemed to venerate a specific path, but I didn't actually figure out the specifics about those. The low burning fire photo was taken the morning after the first night of the ceremony. Cobal incense is used as an integral part of the ceremony also.

Just a few more objects included around the property and the sacred spaces. Every inch of the retreat center is designed to help you connect to spirit, to be your best self, to know your worth, to embrace your freedom. I loved it here.

The Power of Prayer, Intention Setting and Connection.

The ceremony did not begin until about 10 or 11 PM. First we all shared who we are and what our intentions and prayers were for this sacred rite. We each held a small bit of tobacco and offered that to the fire to further empower our intentions. The shaman did some mysterious chants and rituals to cleanse himself with cobal smoke, to bless the medicine and to set the intention for the collective. The chanting and singing went on all night. He was completely tireless and his voice sounded like it was magically amplified. Larger than life, too big for a human body to produce on its own. Clearly powered by spirit and something much bigger than one man. The language was an ancient one, unknown to any of us but clearly magical and sacred.

The ayahuasca was offered in three different servings throughout the night. In between, we were all led to pray, to sing along on some songs, to dance, or just to be in the energy in any way we chose.

The ritual is designed to conclude, more or less, with the rising of the sun. There is beautiful symbolism in spending the night being cleansed, awakened and connected and to feel reborn at the start of a new day. The day between was spent resting, eating together, more singing and dancing and togetherness.

After the end of the second day, we did several ceremonial dances together, holding hands and circling the altar.

Then, we each chose parts of the altar and walked together to the river to say a final prayer and offer these symbols to the water and the earth. So so lovely.

There are many more photos and stories around this magical experience. I love your comments and love being connected to you. Much love and many blessings to you.