Your first ayahuasca ceremony: what to expect

Not knowing what will happen is a big part of the nerves before a first ceremony. Here is how a night of ayahuasca unfolds at Finca El Péndulo, step by step. Every ceremony is different, but the shape is the same.

Before the night

The day of a ceremony is quiet. In our ayahuasca retreat it starts with intentions and a kambo session in the morning, then a calm afternoon. You eat a light lunch and skip dinner, so you arrive with an empty stomach.

Take a few minutes alone with your intention. Keep it simple.

Arriving in the Osho Hut

The Osho Hut is a round stone house with a palm roof, the spiritual heart of the Finca. Mattresses are laid out in a circle with a blanket, a pillow and a bucket for purging. You choose your place, settle in and get comfortable.

Humberto opens the ceremony, and the lights go down.

The cup

Ayahuasca is served one person at a time. You come forward when called, receive your cup, drink, and return to your mattress. It tastes earthy and bitter. That is normal.

Then you wait. The effects usually begin within the hour.

The songs

After a while the music begins. Humberto sings icaros, the medicine songs, with live musicians through the night. The songs guide the ceremony, and many people say the music carried them through the hard moments.

What you might feel

Every night is different.

• Visions: colors, patterns, memories, sometimes whole scenes.
• Emotions: grief, fear, love and gratitude, sometimes one after another.
• Body: heat or cold, heaviness, nausea.
• Nothing much: some nights are quiet and slow. They still teach.

You stay lying or sitting on your mattress. If you need help, raise your hand.

Purging

Vomiting is common and is understood as part of the cleanse: letting go of what you no longer need, physically and emotionally. Some people purge through tears, yawning or laughter instead. It passes.

The people who care for you

Servers stay in the room all night. They bring water and tissues, help you to the bathroom with a steady arm, and sit with you if things get hard. You are never alone in there.

A second cup

Later in the night you may be offered a second cup. It is always your choice.

Closing

Ceremonies last most of the night. When the songs end, the ceremony is closed, and you go to bed when you are ready. Some sleep at once, others lie awake for hours. Both are fine.

The morning after

You wake up having been through something. Breakfast is light. There is group integration with Humberto, quiet time, and space to write down what you remember before it fades. Read what to expect in the days after ayahuasca.

Tips for your first night

• Wear loose, warm layers.
• Bring a sweater or shawl: nights in the highlands are cool.
• Keep your intention short.
• Don’t fight the experience. Breathe.
• Ask for help whenever you need it.

Is it for you?

Read is ayahuasca right for me? and how to prepare. When you are ready, see the ayahuasca retreat and its dates.