Frequently Asked Questions
What about the accommodation?
We have four private bedrooms with queen and king beds available. Additional sleeping arrangements include inflatable mattresses and couches. Due to the size of our ceremonies, there will most likely be a comfortable place to sleep for everyone.
What if I have a bad trip?
There is no guarantee you will have a “good” trip. Sometimes people worry about “bad trips” because of what they have seen in movies or maybe even experienced. We don’t label trips as “bad” but rather unpleasant as the medicine will guide your healing in the way that is most impactful, not always the most gentle. Research emphasizes the value of a safe set and setting when journeying and we set ours for the purpose of healing and honoring sacredness. It is important to approach the ceremony with respect, intention, and a willingness to surrender to the experience.
How is the sacrament consumed?
We currently offer two ways of consumption, depending on the strain of mushroom decided on. One form will be in a chocolate bar which is conveniently portioned into squares for precise dosing. Another form is through consuming dried mushrooms that have been finely ground into a powder and mixed with a liquid medium such as apple sauce..
How safe is our retreat?
Psilocybin is non-toxic to the body and not addictive. When taken with the right intentions, in a good physical and emotional state of being, you are on the safe side. Be aware that joining this ceremony requires trust, and you may feel vulnerable at times. If you have any doubts about yourself, always mention it in the intake. We do our best at being caring and respectful while offering transparency.
We provide information around education and safety before and after your experience. It is your responsibility to read all instructions with care and follow our advice.
These ceremonies are best suited for people who are in good health. Please make your facilitators aware of any physical or mental issues prior to booking a reservation. This does not necessarily mean you won’t be able to partake, it may mean that extra caretaking or accommodations will be needed.
What can I expect from the effects?
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What about dosage?
The dosage we serve to each individual is personal, depending on their intention, body size, time of day, etc. We provide education on what one may experience through different dosages to help you decide. Many of our participants who come for their most transformative experience have been selecting a “hero’s dose”. This amount is around 4 to 5 grams. An option to start with a smaller dosage and consume more is offered after the first hour.
What are the contra-indications for joining a ceremony/retreat?
Our ceremonies and retreats cater to individuals who are in good mental and physical health. They are not intended as a substitute for medical or psychotherapeutic care. It is important to note that the consumption of magic mushrooms should not be combined with antidepressant or antipsychotic medication.
Please ensure that you inform us about any ongoing medical or psychological treatments you are undergoing. While we understand that everyone faces life’s challenges and perfection is not attainable, we do have limitations regarding individuals who have experienced severe trauma, exhibit suicidal tendencies, or have a predisposition to psychosis.
In general, the following conditions are considered contraindications:
- Pregnancy
- Schizophrenia
- Borderline personality disorder
- Sensitivity to psychosis
- Severe blood pressure or heart problems
- History of brain hemorrhages
Furthermore, the following medications should not be combined with psychedelics:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Lithium
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Oxazepam, Xanax)
- Heart and blood pressure medications
- Opioids (e.g., tramadol, morphine, codeine)
What are the longterm effects?
The longterm effects have been overwhelmingly positive and fMRI brain scans are finding new neural pathways are being formed weeks after psychedelic consumption. Patients that had depression have had physiological changes to their brains that allowed them to rewire their thought patterns and these positive physiological effects are still observable 6 months later. (UCSF) In a controlled setting, preliminary findings suggest that psilocybin may increase emotional and brain plasticity which leads to longterm positive effects. (Barret, et al.)
Will my personality change?
Mushrooms will not change who you are. They will give you a greater understanding of yourself and your behavioral patterns. Any behavior change would therefore have to be voluntary. Studies have found that psilocybin fosters greater connections between different regions of the brain which can free up long-held patterns of rumination and excessive self-focus. (UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences)
Our participants consistently experience greater conscious awareness, empathy and feeling of connectedness, which can lead to better behaviors and values. But even these behaviors are voluntary… there is nothing compulsory.
How can I best integrate the experience?
A psychedelic experience takes time to integrate. We reccomend journaling, connecting with nature, limiting social media use and consumption of drugs or other substances to maintain the connection with the mushrooms. Keep life as relaxed as possible and try to keep the day after ceremony open. The effects of the ceremony can last for another few days or even weeks. To process the whole experience can even take years.
You will have access to your facilitators following the ceremony and a group phone call is scheduled a week or two after to assist in connecting the messages received and how to integrate them. Usually in this call, realizations are made about how other participant’s journeys coincided.
Private coaching sessions are available at an additional charge to create a plan of action and accountability of what is being integrated.