You’ve probably heard of a psychedelic retreat you might have thought of attending one for yourself – but what actually happens there? We asked those who had gone to provide their feedback…
What is a psychedelic retreat?
A psychedelic retreat uses various plants to aid in the healing process on a spiritual, mental, mental as well as spiritual basis. If one has been raised in the Amazon then the plants used for healers are Ayahuasca as well as San Pedro/Wachuma, among other. Western medicinal plants include Psilocybin frequently known as magic mushrooms. The people gather in reverence of the plant to seek for help and begin the healing process.
How long will they last?
Retreats can last between two nights and two weeks. Some indigenous retreats last for up to a month.
What do they involve?
Alcohol is not permitted. If conducted under the correct direction, these ceremonies are considered highly ritualistic and not to be considered to be lightly. Based on the psilocybin retreat and the shaman in charge, there may be one ceremony in the evening when the plants are administered according to a person’s previous experience and position of health.
In an Ayahuasca getaway, days are typically spent sleeping in rest, sharing circles (minimal meals) and evenings are kept for ceremony and prayer/song. During a ceremony the group is likely to drink or eat an herb and then enter deep meditation until the medicine begins to take effect.
The brain’s parts which are normally not active become open channels. This begins the ‘journey’ or as some prefer to call it a ‘trip’ or psychedelic experience. I would prefer to not call ceremonies anything other than a ceremony because I don’t see it in the same category that people who use drugs to get high. The ceremonies are personal and each person will experience a variety of feelings emotional reactions and bodily sensations. Most often, groups gather in a circle in the dark, within an environment of safety that has been blessed by the shaman. As a healer is their job to ensure a safe and secure space for the experiences.
What were your most memorable experiences?
My greatest experience was the care of the care of a Peruvian healer named Ricardo. He left his home at the age of 11 to travel, learn and share his knowledge of healing. He is extremely professional and truly cares about the health and wellbeing of every person. Since the day I accepted the space, I was able to pray for six months to allow the healing to be gentle and gentle. The journey began well before the retreat. There were also indications that I was indeed supposed to attend the retreat. The way we think and act around medicines all contribute to our “journey”. I also adhered to a specific diet for several weeks which helps to eliminate toxins and prepare your body for the use of medicines.
How do you leave feeling?
It takes time for the body and mind to process what has happened. It is possible to leave feeling calm at ease, with a sense of excitement however if they have suffered pain and suffering, the result after leaving will of course be very different.
Should everyone be able to go?
Absolutely not. The current administration of medicine is sloppy and used carelessly. I knew I was being known by the medicine, known as Mother for about six years, but I was not willing to give up without knowing the reason. It’s not a way to gain a buzz or an escape from pain. It’s essential to make sure that it’s right for you and able to take on the responsibility of whatever occur after. Healing is a process and isn’t a quick process, so even if you have an enlightened experience or painful experience, it’s often a reflection of where you’re in your life.
The only option is to go with suggested shamans or retreat leaders. There have been numerous tragic cases of people having had a terrible illness and have suffered because too many people are calling themselves’shamans’. Do your homework and determine if you really want to go.
Experience Retreats are arranged through the Psychedelic Society UK. Sebastian has been to one and shares his impressions below.
“Psychedelic retreats are retreats where participants for therapeutic spiritual or recreational reasons ingest plant medicine (Ayahuasca or Psilocybin-mushrooms). They do this with a ceremonial way which is supervised and looked after for by facilitators.
I’ve attended two psychedelic retreats . Both of which were the “Experience retreats” which are held in the Netherlands organised through Psychedelic Society UK. The first retreat I went to took four days, the second one was five days.
Generally speaking, there is one Preparation day one ceremony day, and one Integration day; each one with activities and exercises.
During the celebration, all munches their psilocybin truffles and find their own spot in an area for ceremonies. Then , everyone prepares tea out of the truffles, and then drinks the tea. The dosage varies and is discussed beforehand with your assigned facilitator. Many people select an amount that causes many hallucinations, an alteration of your perception of space and time and loss of awareness of self , or a feeling that you are connected to everything.
I’ve had lots of unforgettable experiences at a psychedelic retreat. Connecting with wonderful human beings, deeply profound and magical journeys that provide visuals and insight. I haven’t really had any very bad experiences. It was challenging and painful and sad experiences, yes, but nothing too terrifying.
Following the retreats, I am inspired and encouraged to live my life and gravitate towards loving and kindness. The re-entry into the modern world in which everyone is erratic and anxious can be quite a challenge.
FYI, psilocybin-mushroom truffles can be legal in the Netherlands where these retreats are held.”
Elise Loehnen is the Chief Content Officer at Goop
“I discovered my psychedelic experience as well as the ones I’ve had after putting on the show – to be transformative. It was the equivalent of decades of therapy wrapped in just one session. The most important thing about the experience themselves, though is an integration process. What parts of it I haven’t worked on over the past few months I’ve lost. I believe that psychedelics, when used in the right environment when accompanied by appropriate therapeutic support, could lower the ladder out of the sky. Then, it’s your turn to grab the rope and climb.”
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