Preparation Guidelines/DIETA

Set Intention

Setting intentions can help guide your journey and enhance its benefits. Start by reflecting on what you hope to gain or explore during the experience. Consider aspects like personal growth, healing, creativity, or gaining insight into specific challenges or questions. Once you've identified your intentions, write them down or mentally affirm them before your journey begins. Throughout the experience, keep returning to these intentions to stay focused and grounded. And remember, being open to whatever arises without clinging to specific outcomes can also be valuable.

Abstain from sexual activity

An important part of preparation involves holding ones sexual energy at least 3 days prior to ceremony. This provides the maximum life force in your mind and body, giving you strength for a deeper and clearer experience. This includes sexual release with partners or by one self.

Regarding Menstruation & Participation in the Yagé Ceremony

We hold deep respect for the sacred rhythms of the body, particularly the menstrual cycle, which is a powerful and ancient energetic force. Across various traditions, menstruation is honored in different ways—some lineages welcome children, babies, and menstruating women into ceremony, while others, like the tradition we carry, approach these energies with particular caution and care.

In the tradition of yagé—which differs from the more commonly known ayahuasca—the energy of the medicine is often much stronger and deeper. The yagé lineage we follow invites profound healing and intense energetic work, requiring a finely balanced ceremonial space. During menstruation, the womb is open and highly sensitive, making it easier to absorb external energies. In ceremonies of this depth, this heightened sensitivity can lead to discomfort, overwhelm, or difficulty integrating the experience.

To honor both the sacred rhythm of menstruation and the powerful spirit of the medicine, we ask that participants refrain from drinking yagé while actively bleeding. If your sacred cycle coincides with the ceremony, you will instead be offered a different, supportive plant medicine during the ceremony, specifically chosen to work harmoniously with the menstrual energy. You will also receive:

• A special private ritual in honor of your blood and womb

• A protective belt and herbal support to care for your body during this time

• A free extended stay, allowing you to participate in a yagé ceremony once your cycle is complete

We recommend that if you feel your moon cycle may align with the retreat, you consider booking a flexible return flight. This gives you the option to remain longer and receive the full experience of the medicine after your cycle has completed.

This approach is not about exclusion, but protection—of your body, your energy, the ceremonial space, and the sacred tradition we carry. We do this to preserve the power and depth of the work we are here to share, while also honoring the sacred feminine and her unique rhythms.

If you have any questions, or if you’re unsure how your cycle may align with the retreat, we warmly invite you to reach out. We are here to support you and ensure that your journey with us is safe, respectful, and deeply nourishing.

Practice Mindfulness

Preparing for a psychedelic experience with mindfulness techniques can help create a safe and supportive mental environment. Here are some practices you might consider:

Meditation - Regular meditation can help cultivate a calm and centered mind, which can be beneficial before and during a psychedelic journey.

Breath work - Deep breathing exercises can help relax the body and mind, making it easier to navigate the intensity of the experience.

Journaling - Write down your thoughts, feelings, and intentions leading up to the experience. Journaling can help clarify your thoughts and emotions, as well as serve as a reference point for integration afterward.

Nature Connection. Spend time in nature, whether it's going for a walk in the woods or simply sitting in a park. Nature has a grounding effect and can help foster a sense of connection and peace.

Body Awareness - Practice body scan meditation to become more aware of physical sensations and tension in the body. Relaxing the body can promote a sense of openness and receptivity.

Self-Compassion - Be kind and gentle with yourself as you prepare for the experience. Self-compassion can help alleviate anxiety and create a supportive inner environment.

Remember that everyone's preparation process may look different, so explore what works best for you and approach the experience with respect, caution, and an open mind.

One Week Prior

Absolutely no medications can be had when attending ceremony. Please disclose all prescription and over the counter medication at the time of applying. Pay special attention to the foods you are eating. Start eliminating any junk food, salty snack, processed foods, fried food, red meat, pork, dairy, spicy foods, garlic, citrus, ginger, onion, dark drinks (coffee, sodas...) ice, ice cream, ice cold drinks, fermented foods/drinks such as kombucha, alcohol, apple cider vinegar however green tea, fish, chicken, eggs are ok. Avoid the eggs at least 24h before. -Do not consume herbs such as: Kava, St. John’s Wort or Kratom. - Refrain from the use of Cannabis/Marijuana, Psilocybin mushrooms, Kambo, Bufo (5 MeO DMT), Salvia, Iboga as well as drugs such as cocaine, LSD, MDMA, etc.

Three Days Prior

Absolutely no medications or supplements. Stay away from too much seasonings. Try to consume little or no salt during this time, try to eat whole foods, drink lots of water and herbal teas. No preservatives, alcohol, minimize coffee, spicy food, meat (organic white meat is ok), sugar, minimal citrus fruits, liquid and powdered protein (chocho root powder is ok), dietary supplements, dairy products, soybeans or soy products, as well as any drugs.

The Day Of

Absolutely no medications or supplements. Make sure to drink lots of water. Have your last meal minimum 6 hours before ceremony. Fasting from food is also a good but not necessary. If you do chose to eat please make sure you are not having anything salty, any foods containing preservatives, yeast extract, protein dietary supplements, ltryrosine supplements, marmite, tartex, smoked meat and meat extracts, soy bean products, broad beans, chocolate, aged cheeses, fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso, kombucha, dried fruit and over ripe fruits.

The Day After

Even though the ceremony has come to a close you are still required to keep the diet at least 24h after. This minimizes any ‘shocks to your system’ as your channels are slowly closing and need special care during this time. If you are unable to sleep do not take any sleeping aids until at least 24h have passed.

What can I eat?

Cooking at home is a great way to prepare for ceremony. Making simple foods well is the key. Foods like lentil soup, fish, whole grain rice, veggies, plantains, coconuts, palm hearts, avocado, potatoes, chicken soup, fish soup, veggie soup or kitchari are great places to start.

Integration

Integration of a psychedelic experience involves incorporating insights and lessons gained from the journey into your daily life. Our first suggestion is keeping the Dieta for at least 24 hours after the ceremony. This will greatly increase the amount of information you are able to receive and implement outside of the ceremony setting. Get as much rest as you possibly can.

Here are some additional ways to facilitate integration:

1. Reflection: Spend time reflecting on your experience. Journaling can be a powerful tool for processing thoughts, emotions, and insights gained during the journey. In addition we recommend bringing your written intentions to ceremony and also a pen and paper that you can use to make notes during or shortly after ceremony closes. These notes will aid like a to do list or reminders for the days/years to follow.

2. Meditation and mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and cultivate awareness of your thoughts and feelings. Meditation can help you integrate the lessons learned from your psychedelic experience into your daily life. Allow yourself to rest the mind and just feel. Activating the body’s receptors this way will allow your subconscious to absorb and integrate as well.

3. Creative expression: Explore creative outlets such as art, music, or writing to express and process your experiences in a symbolic or metaphorical way.

4. Self-care: Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and spending time in nature to support your overall well-being and integration process.

5. Community support: Connect with others who have had similar experiences through psychedelic integration circles, support groups, or online forums. Sharing your experiences and insights with others can provide validation and support.

6. Therapy: Consider working with a therapist experienced in psychedelic integration to explore and process the insights gained from your journey in a safe and supportive environment.

7. Continued learning: Engage in ongoing education and exploration of topics related to psychedelics, consciousness, and personal growth to deepen your understanding and integration of your experiences.

8. Herbs to help ground the mind, promote relaxation, and support the integration of insights gained during the experience. These herbs can help calm the nervous system, reduce any residual anxiety, and assist in processing the experience. Lemon Balm, Ashwagandha, Chamomile, Passionflower, Holy Basil, Lavender, Reishi Mushroom, Skullcap or Valarian Root.

Integration is an ongoing process that unfolds over time, so be patient and compassionate with yourself as you navigate the journey of integration.  Give yourself plenty of time and know we are always available to support you.