Ayahuasca

This page is intended to offer educational information for those who have previously participated in Ayahuasca ceremonies and are now seeking support in integrating the experience.

The Mother

Ayahuasca is a sacred plant medicine known for its profound ability to open pathways of emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. Those who have experienced her journey often describe it as an opportunity to meet fears, reconcile the past, and awaken to a more authentic path. Many report deep energetic cleansing, expanded self-awareness, and a heightened sense of connection to all of life. These experiences often require ongoing integration — emotionally, mentally, and somatically — to fully embody the transformation they bring.

Effects of Ayahuasca

It is difficult to explain the ayahuasca experience. Not only is the nature of the experience challenging to put into words, but since everybody has their own healing needs, intentions, and mental state, each person’s journey will be unique.

Nevertheless, there are some common experiential elements shared among ayahuasca users. These include:

Mystical experiences

These subjective, spiritual experiences are characterized by a loss of ego, feelings of oneness with the universe, and connection to a higher or divine source.

Encountering other-worldly beings

Many people report meeting spiritual entities, including “Mother Ayahuasca” herself and the spirits of passed-away ancestors.

Visual imagery

Visuals won’t appear for everyone. But if they do, imagery can range from mild kaleidoscopic patterns, similar to other psychedelic drugs like LSD and psilocybin, to full dream-like scenarios.

Strong emotions

Intense feelings can range from fear and sadness to bliss and ecstasy and rapidly switch between these extremes.

Physical effects

Physical side effects include increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea and vomiting.

Time distortion

In general, the drug effects of ayahuasca last about four to eight hours and can take between 30-90 minutes to kick in, depending on the medicine. However, the way you experience time will be different from usual. Passage of time may seem slower or faster than normal. In some instances, participants may also experience time as non-existent.

Revealing the Subconscious

One key element of the ayahuasca journey is revealing repressed memories and emotions.

Confrontation with deep traumas can sometimes make journeying with ayahuasca challenging. Yet, in interacting with all the shadow sides of ourselves, the most significant healing can happen, as this allows us to overcome what is holding us back and move through life with greater freedom.

For this reason, when challenging psychological material arises during ayahuasca, it’s encouraged to surrender and trust the medicine rather than trying to escape or fight off the experience.

However, it’s important to note that, although moving through challenges can be incredibly beneficial, there are cases where challenges can remain unresolved, leaving people feeling distressed or confused following a ceremony.

Therefore, when looking for ayahuasca facilitators, it’s essential to choose those who can offer therapeutic support to help you navigate the process.

Intention

While Sacred Plant Integrations does not host or facilitate ceremonies, we recognize the power of intention in shaping any profound experience. For those who have journeyed with Ayahuasca, revisiting your original intention can be a meaningful step in your integration. Whether your goal was personal healing, insight, or deep connection, your intention can continue to serve as a guiding thread as you ground your experience into everyday life.

Do you need support with Ayahuasca integration?

If you’re seeking guidance on how to integrate your experience in a meaningful way, reach out for personalized support and tools to help you ground your journey.

Disclaimer: Sacred Plant Integrations is for educational purposes only and supports individuals integrating past plant medicine experiences. Content is for adults 18+. Read full disclaimer ›