Statement of Belief

Ayahuasca or Yagé

Sacred Ceremony

Amazonian Basin Elders

Ancestral Traditions

AYAHUASCA COMMUNITY FELLOWSHIP

STATEMENT OF BELIEF

SECTION I – FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFS

1.1 Sacred Nature of Ayahuasca:

We recognize Ayahuasca as a divine sacrament, facilitating spiritual insight, healing, and connection to the greater consciousness.
The brew, composed of Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis, carries ancient wisdom that guides individuals through transformation and self-discovery.

1.2 Unity of Spiritual Traditions:

ACF honors the diverse indigenous traditions that have preserved Ayahuasca ceremonies for centuries.
Our practice is syncretic, embracing elements from multiple cultural and spiritual traditions, rooted in reverence for the sacred plant teacher.
ACF is a religious church representing diverse indigenous spiritual traditions through sacramental ayahuasca ceremonies, allowing each to express its unique practice while embracing the unifying experience of ayahuasca.

1.3 Healing and Personal Growth:

Ayahuasca facilitates healing of the mind, body, and spirit.
The sacred journey provides members with an opportunity for catharsis, self-exploration, and spiritual growth through direct experience.

SECTION II – THE SACRAMENTAL JOURNEY

2.1 Stages of the Ayahuasca Experience:

Crisis: A period of confronting personal challenges and emotional blockages.
Catharsis: The purging and release of psychological, emotional, and spiritual burdens.
Integration: The process of understanding and incorporating newfound insights into daily life.

2.2 Local Reality vs. Reality of Totality:

We acknowledge that individual perception is shaped by societal conditioning, and Ayahuasca provides a means to transcend limited perspectives.
Through ceremony, participants gain access to the greater Reality of Totality, an expanded awareness beyond the material world.

SECTION III – SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES AND PRACTICES

3.1 Preparation and Spiritual Hygiene:

Members are encouraged to prepare with fasting, meditation, and intention setting prior to ceremonies.
Abstaining from alcohol, recreational drugs, and processed foods enhances receptivity to the medicine’s teachings.

3.2 Sacred Ceremony Protocols:

Rituals are conducted in a consecrated space under the guidance of trained facilitators.
Traditional icaros (sacred songs), smudging, and prayer are used to create a spiritually protected environment.

3.3 Post-Ceremony Integration:

Members are expected to engage in integration circles and self-reflection practices.
Spiritual guidance and community support aid in translating ceremonial wisdom into daily life.

SECTION IV – COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY AND SERVICE

4.1 Spiritual Fellowship:

ACF fosters a community of mutual support, respect, and shared growth.
Members commit to personal accountability, ethical behavior, and honoring the sacredness of the medicine.

4.2 Service to Others:

Spiritual development is accompanied by acts of service and environmental stewardship.
Members are encouraged to contribute time, skills, or resources to support the well-being of the community.

SECTION V – PRINCIPLES OF RESPONSIBLE SACRAMENT USE

5.1 Ethical Stewardship of the Medicine:

ACF recognizes its responsibility to protect and preserve Ayahuasca traditions with integrity and respect for indigenous knowledge.
The sacrament is only used in ceremonial contexts and never for recreational purposes.

5.2 Health and Safety Considerations:

Members undergo thorough screening to ensure safe participation in ceremonies.
The guidance of experienced facilitators ensures responsible and informed sacrament use.

SECTION VI – FINAL AFFIRMATIONS

6.1 Freedom of Religious Expression:

ACF stands by the fundamental human right to practice spiritual traditions without persecution.
We align with the principles of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to ensure legal recognition of our sacramental practices.

6.2 Dedication to the Path:

Membership in ACF reflects a sincere commitment to self-discovery, spiritual awakening, and respect for the sacred plant medicine tradition.
As we walk the path together, we embrace the wisdom of the vine with humility, gratitude, and reverence.