Regardless of whether you make extensive internal or external preparations, if you ingest ayahuasca, you will have an experience.
And it will likely be a powerful one.

That said, not all ayahuasca journeys are created equally. While some aspects of the experience are beyond your control, there are many factors you do have agency over. Thoughtful preparation can make a plant medicine ceremony deeper, cleaner, less physically taxing, and ultimately more useful for your life beyond the ritual space.

Here are some of the ways I support preparation for upcoming ceremonies:


Integrity
 
Guidance on navigating a variety of "sets & settings," including ceremony etiquette
 
Discussion of the distinctions between indigenous curanderos or pajés, non-indigenous but gifted & well-trained healers, and facilitators who may have good intentions but lack the capacity to hold a safe, sacred space
 
Exploration of various ayahuasca traditions in relation to tribal lineage
 
Insights into the strengths & limitations of the different ceremonial environments: jungle immersions, retreat centers, private or small group ceremonies, and informal gatherings
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Understanding how the energy of other participants can affect your experience, and how to recognize safety concerns & red flags
 



Physicality
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A thorough understanding of the ayahuasca dieta and the importance of physical health prior to ceremonies
 
Clarity around which medications & substances must be fully cleared from your system—and for how long—before sitting with ayahuasca versus those that aren't dangerous but will still interfere with ayahuasca
 
Discussion of how recent use of other plant medicines may affect your ayahuasca experience
 
 


Intention
 
Conversation around energetic and psychological preparation
 
Support in crafting clear intentions or prayers
 
Guidance on holding intentions without becoming rigid, attached, or overly controlling during ceremony
 



Mental Fortitude & Protection
 
Guidance on how to work through difficult or dark experiences during ceremonies

Insights on discerning between surrender and self-abandonment

Techniques for energetic protection, including how to recognize and respond to human & non-human energies in the ceremonial space; for example, how to quickly tell the difference between benevolent, neutral, and distorted/harmful energies

Empowerment practices for remaining centered in your sovereignty




Meditation & Breathwork

Meditations, mantras, and breath practices that work in harmony with ayahuasca

Ways to remain clear, strong, and connected throughout your ceremonial journeys 




Grounding

Techniques for returning to your body during a ceremony if you feel like you've gone "too far" or taken too much medicine

Practices to prevent becoming lost in the medicine

Grounding rituals for after ceremony




Readiness

Reflection and guidance on the spiritual & psychological work that can—and should—be engaged prior to your ceremonies

Understanding how completing extensive inner work before your ceremonies allows the medicine to work more deeply, to move beyond familiar terrain and into previously inaccessible layers of self