Ayahuasca Ceremony

On the evening of the ceremony at the Flower of Life Ayahuasca Healing Center, dinner is not served as part of the preparation. The ceremony usually begins at nightfall, around 7:00 pm.

Guests gather in the ceremonial maloka, a traditional hut, and take their places in a circle around the edge of the space. Each participant is given a mat, a pillow, and a waste bucket. At the center of the maloka, the shaman opens the ceremony with prayer and by smoking mapacho, or jungle tobacco, to help protect and cleanse the area.

Once everyone is ready, participants are invited one by one to receive their portion of the Ayahuasca brew. During the first ceremony, everyone receives the same small dose so the experience remains controlled and manageable for all.

Ayahuasca dosing is very personal. Height and weight are not major factors, and a larger amount does not automatically mean a stronger journey. In fact, many people find that smaller doses work better for them.

After the initial starter cup, you may ask for a second serving if you feel you need more medicine. In later ceremonies, you can choose your cup size — small, medium, or large. You are always welcome to ask the maestros for guidance on the amount that may be right for you.

After everyone has taken their dose and returned to their mats, the candles are extinguished. The shaman begins singing Icaros, traditional healing songs, usually after 20 to 45 minutes, once the medicine has started to take effect. The shaman also visits each participant individually to sing personalized Icaros. From that point on, the experience becomes deeply individual.

All guests are required to remain in the maloka until the ceremony is finished. Your facilitators will be present to offer support, along with additional staff who can assist anyone who needs to use the bathroom. Because the space is dark and the medicine may affect your sense of space and time, it is important for your safety to stay in the maloka. If you need to go to the bathroom, staff with flashlights will be there to help you.

Ayahuasca ceremonies can be challenging at times. Vomiting often follows Ayahuasca ingestion, but many shamans and experienced participants consider this purging to be an essential part of the process. It is often seen as a release of negative energy and emotions carried throughout life.

Keep in mind that every person’s experience with Ayahuasca is different, and it is important to approach the ceremony with respect and an open mind. The shaman and support staff at the center are there to guide and assist you throughout your journey.