Ayahuasca Ceremony Etiquette: What to Expect During an Ayahuasca Ceremony

Stepping into an Ayahuasca ceremony is like opening the door to a profound, transformative journey transcending ordinary reality. As you prepare for this sacred experience, remember to let go of control, embrace the unknown, and trust the process. By understanding the flow of the ceremony, the importance of surrender, and the powerful role of Icaros, you can navigate your journey with grace and confidence.

“Initially, facilitators offer everyone a specific amount of medicine based on their makeup and previous experience”

— Nina Izel

This article will guide you through Ayahuasca ceremony etiquette, what happens in and how to prepare for one, and how to navigate this life-changing experience.

1. Responsible Preparation

If you are considering participating in an Ayahuasca ceremony, prepare to let go of your mind and meet yourself beyond who you think you are!

Describing an Ayahuasca ceremony with words is nearly impossible; each experience can differ significantly. Your Ayahuasca ceremony begins with responsible preparation to ensure you stay safe on your plant medicine journey and maximize your experience. This preparation involves choosing a safe place and the right people for your Ayahuasca ceremony.

How Does One Choose a Safe Ayahuasca Retreat or Ceremony?

2. Following the Guidelines

Beforehand, ensure you understand and agree with the guidelines and understand Ayahuasca ceremony etiquette. Often, there is an information circle before the ceremony with everybody present where the facilitators explain the guidelines and rules. This gathering is also a time to ask any questions you may have.

For everyone’s safety, following Ayahuasca ceremony etiquette and all the guidelines during one is essential.

3. Confidentiality

What happens in the ceremony stays in the ceremony—a crucial part of Ayahuasca ceremony etiquette.

Be mindful of the privacy of others and only share your personal experience outside of the ceremony container. Confidentiality ensures that participants feel safe sharing their experiences without fear of judgment or repercussions. This trust is essential for deep, personal healing.

4. Focusing Inward

Although people usually use Ayahuasca in a group setting, each participant has a unique experience.

The primary goal of an Ayahuasca ceremony is personal growth and healing. You can deeply engage with your journey and avoid external distractions by closing your eyes, staying quiet, and focusing inward. Respecting others’ physical space and avoiding touch assures safety and healthy boundaries in the ceremonial space.

5. Stay Until the End

Remain in the space during the ceremony unless you need to use the bathroom. For your own safety, you should under no circumstances leave the ceremony or wander off the premises before it officially ends. Prematurely leaving the space could expose you to risks without proper support and supervision.

Honor yourself, your journey, and the spirit of Ayahuasca by complying with all ceremony protocols and staying until the end of your experience. 

6. Opening the Space

The Ayahuasca ceremony begins with a Shaman or facilitator opening the sacred space to provide the group with guidance and protection.

The opening of the sacred ceremony space often starts with calling in the four directions: Mother Earth, Father Sky, the Great Spirit, and our ancestors. However, each ceremony leader has a unique way of opening the space. In some traditions, shamans also call in various plant Spirits apart from the Ayahuasca as part of the opening ritual for their medicine, guidance, and wisdom.

Last but not least, in many traditions, the shaman uses sacred tobacco to open the crown chakra and the energetic body of each participant.

7. Drinking the Medicine

The amount of medicine offered to drink depends on the ceremony leaders and the traditions they follow.

There are times during the ceremony when facilitators offer more medicine, and participants can choose to take more based on their experience and internal guidance. A general rule: if you keep asking yourself whether you need more medicine or not during the ceremony, you probably do.

8. The Purge

In an Ayahuasca ceremony, the “purge” refers to the physical and emotional release that often accompanies the experience. This release can manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, shaking, yawning, crying, or other forms of expulsion. The purge is a standard part of the Ayahuasca experience, and people consider it to be an important part of the healing process.

The purge helps detoxify the body and expel toxins, improving overall health. It also allows the release of stored emotions such as grief, anger, fear, and sadness, helping individuals process and release emotional baggage. When you are in the purge, it is best to surrender to the process and use your breath to navigate your experience.

9. Psychedelic Journey

An Ayahuasca ceremony is a profound journey encompassing a range of experiences, from vivid visions to deep emotional releases and expanded awareness. Visions range from beautiful and awe-inspiring to dark and challenging. Heightened sensory awareness and temporal distortion are also common effects of being in an altered state of consciousness. Time may seem to stop or stretch, leading to a state of timelessness. 

Ayahuasca allows you to view your life from a higher perspective, offering new insights and understanding. During the ceremony, many participants feel a profound connection to nature and a sense of unity with the earth and all living beings.

10. Breathwork

Your best ally during an Ayahuasca ceremony is your breath. Conscious breathing keeps you present and fully engaged with your journey. It grounds you during intense experiences and provides a sense of calm and stability. 

Breathwork is a powerful tool to navigate emotional discomfort, reduce anxiety, and stay calm during challenging moments instead of panicking. Sitting upright as much as possible during the ceremony is recommended, as lying down can cause you to lose your presence and power.

11. Icaros: Prayer Songs

Icaros are traditional prayer songs used in Ayahuasca ceremonies, particularly within Amazonian shamanic traditions. These songs are crucial in guiding the participants through their Ayahuasca experience. Shamans and ceremony facilitators use Icaros as surgical instruments to facilitate deep emotional healing and spiritual insight.

More than just songs, Icaros are an integral part of the ceremony, carrying profound spiritual and healing significance. They guide, protect, and heal, connecting you to spiritual realms, deepending your journey, and playing a vital role in the transformative process.

12. Surrender

Surrendering during an Ayahuasca ceremony is crucial for maximizing the healing and transformative benefits. By letting go of control and embracing the journey with trust and openness, you can more easily navigate your experience and get the most out of it.

Many people feel fear and anxiety before their ceremony, often due to the unknown or the intensity of the experience. This fear can create resistance, preventing you from fully engaging. Focusing on trust and surrender makes it easier to navigate challenging moments and fully embrace your journey.

Closing 

Embarking on an Ayahuasca ceremony is a journey of profound self-discovery and healing. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with your inner self and the greater universe. Remember to surrender, trust the process, and use your breath to stay grounded. Respect the sacred space and those around you, and remain open to the profound insights and healing that Ayahuasca can offer.

Learn the five steps of responsible preparation in this webinar, and stay safe on your Ayahuasca healing journey!