Ayahuasca Ceremony Preparation

Spirit of The Vine

Ayahuasca,

Sacred Ceremony

Amazonian Basin Elders

Ancestral Traditions

Ayahuasca Brewing The Amazon Tena Ecuador by Aya de La Vid

Ayahuasca Preparation Guide

"All-Encompassing"

Life-Meaning, Exploration.

Imagine the impossible. Become a natural remarkable possibility. A spontaneous emergence of incomparable complexity. Ayahuasca, as sacrament and in ceremony. By definition, what is mental, spiritual, or actual reality?

What is Ayahuasca?

At Surrender or Ego Death.

With the video simulation, know to anticipate. However indescribable, the reality of Ayahuasca, "The Experience" is more real. So strange, awesome or ugly, completely unanticipated. Insight profoundly unique or original.

Local reality (daily life) to (continum) a reality of totality. In rapport with nature and meaning. The landscape, big picture, innate "Overview Effect."

By will or grace. Life finds a way. Love finds a way.

"A basic introduction to brain regions,

Ayahuasca influences to process emotional memories and psychological issues."

Ayahuasca Orientation;

The Process;

Crisis, Catharsis, Integration,

"There is only one way out."

Ego Death

Generally speaking, the vast majority of adults with normal life challenges. Invariably will feel overwhelmed or in crisis. Ayhuasca ceremony and integration in improved Self-Connection, aligns values wholistically in spiritual wellness from psychoactive or physical catharsis.

Trust, The Process.

"Overview Effect"

The Catharsis

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Entering an ayahuasca ceremony without preparation would be like setting off on a marathon without training. Preparation helps ensure that you are physically safe, emotionally ready, and spiritually open to receive the teachings of the medicine. ACF upholds a comprehensive preparation protocol in line with both tradition and modern safety standards. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for an ayahuasca ceremony:

Medical Screening

&

Safety Consideration

Ayahuasca

Contraindicates

Evaluate Eligibility: Ensure you are in a suitable state of health. Ayahuasca can strain the heart and body; those with serious heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe mental health disorders (like psychosis), or other contraindicated conditions should refrain or seek medical advice. Always disclose your full medical history to the facilitators or organizers of the ceremony.
Medication Check: Many medications are incompatible with ayahuasca. In particular, antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs), certain antipsychotics, and any drug affecting serotonin or monoamine levels can cause dangerous interactions (e.g., serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crises). **Do NOT mix ayahuasca with SSRIs or other MAOIs. If you are on such medications, you will need to taper off safely under a doctor’s supervision well in advance (often several weeks prior). Likewise, avoid St. John’s Wort and other herbal supplements that affect neurotransmitters.
Substance Abstinence: Refrain from all recreational drugs (including cannabis, MDMA, cocaine, etc.) for at least 2–4 weeks before the ceremony. These substances can not only interfere with ayahuasca’s effects but also linger in your system and create unpredictable reactions. Alcohol should also be abstained from for at least one week (preferably longer) prior, as it can dull the sensitivity required for the experience and burden the liver.
Please Read; The Diet or La Dieta. For example, Caffeine & Other Stimulants: It’s generally recommended to reduce or avoid caffeine in the days leading up to the ceremony. While moderate caffeine (coffee, tea) is not a strict contraindication, being in a calm state is ideal. Definitely avoid any stimulant drugs entirely.
Allergies and Dietary Needs: Inform facilitators of any food allergies or special dietary needs. Traditional ayahuasca brews typically contain only the vine and leaves mentioned, but sometimes additional plants (like mapacho tobacco or brugmansia/toé) might be used by certain shamans. Knowing what’s in the brew and ensuring you’re not allergic is important. Reputable facilitators will tell you the ingredients.
Hydration and Electrolytes: In the days prior, stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced intake of electrolytes (salt, potassium, magnesium). Because ayahuasca can cause vomiting and diarrhea (leading to fluid loss), starting off well-hydrated can make the purge less taxing. However, on the day of ceremony, don’t overhydrate in the hours leading up to drinking, to minimize interruptions for bathroom trips.
Consultation: If you have any chronic condition or uncertainty about your health, consult a physician who is understanding of what ayahuasca is (if possible). At ACF, all prospective participants complete a medical questionnaire and review process. Your safety comes first – there will always be future ceremonies, so if you’re advised to wait or prepare more, honor that guidance. Please Consult Your Doctor and review medical history to report any personal history of Psychotic Illness, Bipolar, Non-psychotic Mania, Family History of Schizophrenia, or Heart Conditions.

By clearing yourself medically and chemically, you create a safer vessel for the medicine’s journey. This step is non-negotiable – it’s an expression of self-care and respect for the power of the brew.

Mental and Spiritual Readiness

Just as important as physical preparation is the cultivation of the right mindset and spiritual openness. Ayahuasca will interact with your psychological and emotional state, so tending to these aspects beforehand greatly influences the experience. Here’s how to prepare internally:

Set Your Intention: Take time to reflect on why you are called to ayahuasca. What healing, question, or guidance do you seek? You might be looking for insight into personal challenges, seeking emotional healing, spiritual growth, or something else. Formulate a clear intention and perhaps write it in a journal. For example: “I ask Ayahuasca to help me understand and heal my past trauma,” or “I seek clarity on my life’s purpose.” You can also frame it as a question to the spirit of the medicine. However, once your intention is set, **release expectations** about how it will be addressed. Ayahuasca often works in unpredictable ways – you may not get what you want, but you will get what you need. Trust that your intention has been heard, and be open to whatever lesson comes.
Meditation and Mindfulness: In the weeks or days leading up, engage in meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or prayer according to your practice. Even simple mindfulness techniques like observing your breath for 10 minutes a day can significantly calm your mind. This is essentially “training” for the ceremony, where maintaining a calm observer’s mind through intense visions can be challenging but rewarding. Some participants find it useful to practice sitting with eyes closed in a dark room for a short period each day, to simulate the inward focus of the journey.
Emotional Self-Care: Emotions can run high as the ceremony approaches – it’s common to experience anxiety, excitement, or resurfacing of old feelings. Acknowledge whatever comes up. Journaling is an excellent tool: write about your fears, hopes, and any dreams you have at this time. If possible, speak with a supportive friend, therapist, or mentor about your decision to do ayahuasca (ideally someone knowledgeable or open-minded about it). Addressing any strong emotions pre-ceremony can prevent them from overwhelming you during the session. That said, if you notice unusual psychological distress or instability as you approach the ceremony, inform the facilitator; it might be wise to delay the session until you feel more stable.
Spiritual Practices: If you have a devotional or spiritual practice (prayer, singing, rituals), lean into it during prep. Many people find solace in nature before ayahuasca – taking quiet walks in the woods, swimming in the ocean, or even just sitting under a tree. Such activities can strengthen your spiritual connection and remind you that you are part of a larger web of life. You may also wish to read spiritual texts or sacred songs (icaros) that inspire you.
Learn and Respect: Educate yourself about the tradition underpinning the ceremony you will attend. If you’re working with a particular lineage (e.g., Shipibo, Quechua, Santo Daime), learn a bit about their cosmology and rituals. This not only shows respect but can also ease your mind – knowing what the songs or rituals mean can dispel fear of the unknown. ACF, for example, provides orientation sessions where we explain the ceremony flow, prayer structure, and guidelines, so everyone feels spiritually held and not surprised by the format.
Release Control: An important mental preparation is practicing surrender. Ayahuasca often teaches us to let go. If you’re someone who likes to be in control, start working on embracing uncertainty. Remind yourself that it’s okay not to have all the answers, and that during the ceremony, you might experience ego-dissolution or visions that challenge your sense of control. By accepting in advance that you will surrender to what Ayahuasca shows you, you set the stage for a more peaceful interaction with the medicine.
Positive Affirmations: As the day nears, fill your mind with positive affirmations: “I am open to healing,” “I am protected and safe,” “I trust the process.” Fear is natural, but try not to feed it. Instead of “What if I have a bad trip?”, reframe to “Whatever I face, I will learn from it.” Keep reminding yourself of the courage that brought you to this path.

By preparing mentally and spiritually, you create a container for the ayahuasca experience. Think of it as cultivating the soil in which the sacrament’s insights will take root. A clear intention, a centered mind, and a ready heart greatly enhance the likelihood of a meaningful and manageable journey.

Additional Resource: Watch this short video featuring psychologist Dr. Clancy Cavnar on preparing for your ayahuasca experience for more tips on mental and emotional readiness:

Practical Checklist

(What to Bring & Final Tips)

The day of the ceremony, you’ll want to have all practical details in order so you can fully devote your attention inward. Use this checklist to ensure you’re ready:

Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting a little messy. Many people prefer white or light-colored clothing in spiritual ceremonies (as is customary in some traditions for its symbolic purity), but it’s not required. Dress in layers if the environment might get cool or warm. Long sleeves and pants can be good for preventing mosquito bites if you’re in the jungle. Avoid strong fragrances or deodorants on your clothing (or body) – your senses will be heightened, and others around you might also be sensitive to smells.
Water & Cup: Have a bottle of water for after the ceremony or during breaks. You won’t want to chug water during the main event (to avoid nausea), but staying hydrated is important. A small personal water bottle with a lid is ideal. Also, bring a cup if instructed (some ceremonies have you drink water or other purgatives during or after).
Flashlight/Headlamp: If the ceremony is at night and especially if it’s outdoors or in a rural area, bring a flashlight or headlamp with red light mode (red light preserves night vision and is less disturbing to others in darkness). This will help you safely navigate to the bathroom. Be sure to have fresh batteries. Use the light sparingly and respectfully, as others might be in deep visions.
Mats, Pillow, or Blanket: Check what the venue provides. Often, you’ll be given a mat or mattress to sit/lie on, and a bucket for purging. If not provided, bring a yoga mat or camping mat, a small pillow, and a blanket or shawl. Even in warm climates, people often get chills during the experience, so having a blanket is comforting. Also, a comfortable cushion or backjack if you prefer sitting upright for parts of it.
Insect Repellent: If you’re in mosquito country, apply a natural insect repellent before the ceremony (avoid DEET or strong chemicals if possible, because the smell can be intense). Some centers provide mapacho (tobacco) smoke or incense to ward off bugs as well. If you do bring repellent, apply it *before* things begin so the smell dissipates a bit.
Tissues or Bandana: Purging can get messy. Have tissues or a soft cloth to wipe your mouth, face, or nose. A bandana or small towel can be handy if you work up a sweat or if you want to cover your eyes at times. Also, if you think you might cry (often a cathartic part of the process), tissues will be welcome.
Bucket (if not provided): Essential for purging. Most ceremonies will provide each participant with their own bucket or basin. If you’re not sure, ask ahead of time if you need to bring one. ACF and most organizers will have this prepared for you.
Personal Sacred Items (Optional): You may bring a small object of spiritual significance to you – for example, a crystal, a holy image, a family photo, or a sacred necklace. These can be placed on the altar (if the facilitators allow participants to contribute to the altar) or kept in your personal space as a source of comfort and positive energy. Don’t bring anything extremely valuable or irreplaceable, just in case it gets misplaced.
Open Mind and Heart: This might not be a tangible item, but it’s part of your “packing list.” Come into the space with humility, openness, and gratitude. You’ve done the work – you followed the dieta, you set your intentions – now allow the experience to unfold. Leave skepticism or rigid expectations at the door (healthy caution is fine, but cynicism can close you off from subtle insights).
Post-Ceremony Plan: Lodging and sleep. We have a plan for after the ceremony. Often ceremonies end late at night or early morning. Otherwise, Ensure you have a safe way to get home or a place to rest. It’s highly recommended not to drive yourself; have a designated driver or stay overnight at the ceremony location if possible. Clear the next day’s schedule so you can integrate (rest, journal, quietly reflect). If you have supportive friends or community, let them know you’ll be in ceremony and might reach out the next day to share or for grounding.

Double-check with the facilitators if there’s anything specific they recommend bringing. Every retreat or circle might have its own guidelines (for instance, some may ask you to wear all white, or bring an offering for the altar like flowers or mapacho). When in doubt, ask. At ACF, we provide all necessary ritual items and comforts, but we encourage participants to bring those personal items that make them feel secure and prepared.

With these practicalities handled, you’ll be able to enter the ceremony space with confidence that your basic needs will be met, allowing you to focus entirely on the inner work ahead.