Unveiling the mysteries: Embarking on and Ayahuasca Journey

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening, I found myself drawn to Soul Quest Church of Mother Earth in Orlando.

With a desire to explore the depths of my consciousness, I decided to experience Ayahuasca;  a powerful plant medicine deeply rooted in ancient shamanic traditions.

In this blog post, I will share my firsthand encounter with an Ayahuasca ceremony.

Psychedelic white flower

Let me start by saying that my journey with Ayahuasca, or Aya for short, was absolutely mind-blowing.

I can not even begin to describe the incredible experience and profound insight I gained during this wild adventure.

Aya took me on a journey into the far depths of my consciousness. It was like a roller coaster for my mind.

Subconscious mind

One of the most significant aspects of the Ayahuasca experience is the potential for emotional and physical healing. Many participants report profound shifts in their psyches.

Ayahuasca has been known to help individuals overcome addictions, manage depression and anxiety, and heal from past traumas.

Spiritual alter

What is Ayahuasca?

This plant medicine is also known as the vine of the soul. Aya is created by combining the leaves of the Psychotria viridis shrub and the Banisteriopsis caapi vine.

DMT

This combination creates DMT or dimethyltryptamine. DMT is responsible for inducing vivid and intense visual and auditory experiences.

Indigenous tribes in the Amazon have been utilizing this sacred plant medicine for healing and enlightenment for thousands of years.

Once consumed, the journey with Ayahuasca can be an intense, reflective, and transformative experience.

Purple spiral

Ayahuasca Effects

The effects are diverse and highly subjective, varying from person to person.

Many report profound spiritual insights, vivid visions, and connections to the divine or ancestral realms.

One should understand that this sacred brew is not a recreational drug. Instead it is a powerful plant medicine for inner exploration.

The journey commences weeks or even months before the actual ceremony. One must prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually prior to the Aya ceremony.

Ayahuasca leaf and tree

Sacred Space and Rituals: The Importance of Preparation in an Ayahuasca Experience

Preparation for an Aya journey is just as important as the journey itself. I dedicate considerable time to research and prepare for my journey.

Following a plant-based diet, abstaining from alcohol, meat, dairy, caffeine, salt, sugar, and sexual intimacy is part of my preparation.

Vegan Diet

This holistic approach aims to purify and align the mind, body, and spirit. By following these guidelines you are creating an optimal state for the journey.

 

Maloka Room

The Maloka: Ceremony Space

Upon arriving at Soul Quest, I was directed to the Maloka. A large round ceremonial space where I would be sleeping and experiencing Aya.

I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement mixed with a slight trace of nervousness.

As I stepped inside the maloka, a wave of tranquility washed over me. I could smell the aroma of burning sage, filling the space with a sense of purification.

Flickering Candle

Gentle flickering of the candles create a soothing ambiance. Thus inviting me to let go of any external worries and immerse myself in the experience that lay ahead.

What struck me the most was the circular shape of the Maloka. It symbolized unity and equality. By reminding me that we were all on a shared journey.

The participants are supporting and witnessing one another’s transformations.

Soul Quest Maloka

This sense of community and interconnectedness immediately put me at ease.

I felt a deep connection to the other participants, even though I had just met them.

We were all here for our own personal reasons, yet we were all united in the pursuit of self-discovery and healing.

Shaman Tools

Ayahuasca Tapestries

As I looked around, I couldn’t help but notice the tapestries adorning the walls.

They were adorned with intricate and ethereal patterns and colors. These images reflect the rich indigenous heritage of the Amazon region.

Tapestry spiritual altar

The vibrant tapestries added a sense of depth and spirituality to the space. Thus reminding me of the sacredness of the Ayahuasca ceremony.

In that moment, I realized that Soul Quest was not just a physical place; it was a sanctuary for the soul.

Diversity

It was a space where individuals from all walks of life could come together. We could shed our societal masks and embrace our true selves.

Soul Quest is a place where healing, growth, and transformation are not just encouraged, but nurtured.

Sage and Florida Water

A Spiritual Awakening: The Transformative Power of an Ayahuasca Experience

The entire Ayahuasca journey occurs with closed eyes. This resembles a deep sleep while fully awake and aware.

Before the ceremony, we were saged and cleansed with Florida water. What followed next was a moment of reflection as we offered our intentions to the fire.

Sage Ceremony

I remember saying, show me what I need to know. Now I realize the importance of setting a more specific intention.

We gathered on our mats and said a group prayer. As the shaman distributed the brew, I felt excitement and trepidation.

We simultaneously drank our one-ounce cup of the sludge-like Ayahuasca mixture.

Ayahuasca Brew Cup

With a taste that can only be described as horrible, the journey began to unfold.

The taste was challenging, but knowing the potential of what lay ahead, I welcomed it with an open heart and mind.

The shaman and volunteers sat at an altar-like table illuminated with candles and crystals. The room then became immersed in a spiritual ambiance.

With blindfolds in hand, I waited for the medicine to take effect before putting one on.

Blindfold

Navigating the Psychedelic Realm: Insights from My Personal Ayahuasca Journey

After about thirty minutes, I felt a heightened awareness and a deep connection to myself and the world around me.

Shaman

I sensed my brain starting to sizzle. It was not a burning heat but rather a surge of energy entering through the top of my head, gradually permeating every cell in my body.

It felt like I was being filled with pure white light, and my entire being vibrated with an indescribable resonance.

White Light

The journey can be intense and emotionally charged, as it takes you on a profound exploration of your subconscious mind.

I confronted aspects of myself that I had long ignored or suppressed. Emotions surged through me like waves, releasing pent-up traumas and pain that I had carried for far too long.

Trauma

The shaman’s steady presence and the soothing songs provided a grounding anchor. In turn reassuring me that I was supported and held during this sometimes challenging process.

Throughout the night, the maloka became a sanctuary of healing and growth.

The shared experiences of other participants, their laughter, and their tears created a profound sense of community.

We were all undergoing our own unique journeys, yet we were united in our search for truth and healing.

 

Pond trees

Beyond Reality: Delving into the Spiritual Dimensions of an Ayahuasca Journey

During the experience, I confronted and processed deeply-rooted emotional wounds and suppressed traumas from my past.

Ayahuasca was a powerful mirror, allowing me to face these demons and understand the patterns they created.

The medicine helped me release these burdens. Thus granting me a newfound sense of liberation and forgiveness.

Shaman Dancing

Simultaneously, spiritual music began to play—Spanish and English words intertwined with jungle-like animal sounds.

Although I did not understand much Spanish, I felt deeply connected to the music. As I put on my blindfold, the visuals started to manifest.

Eye with music

Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Fear and Resistance in an Ayahuasca Ceremony

The first thing I encountered was an entrance to a vivid and colorful carnival or circus with a beautiful palette of ethereal purples, pinks, and blues.

The scenes displayed a fascinating grid or checkered pattern, often called fractals or sacred geometry.

Hand reaching into stars and sky

As the journey progressed, I found myself transcending my physical body and traversing a different dimension. It was akin to being awake and aware in a dream state.

I vividly recall witnessing a giant, dancing caterpillar and a procession of other mystical creatures.

Caterpillar

Yet, the journey soon took a sobering turn, as every wrong I had ever committed played like a movie reel.

Each instance of hurting someone was brought to the forefront, evoking intense emotions and prompting tears.

sad girl

Amidst the emotional turmoil, a surprising encounter unfolded. My mother-in-law, who had passed away the prior year, appeared to me.

Her presence brought me great comfort. She appeared young, healthy, thin and exuded a radiant aura.

We talked, danced, and she exuded a love that transcended human understanding.

Tree of Life Tapestry

Breaking Free from Emotional Chains: The Role of Ayahuasca in Personal Growth

Throughout the journey, my physical body continued to sob, but the shaman’s sage served as a grounding force, assisting in grounding me and calming my spirit.

Ayahuasca experiences often involve purging to cleanse the body of negative energies or memories.

boy purging

While some participants vomit, dry heave, cry, or yawn, I purged through tears.

Surrounded by the comforting sounds of others releasing their own emotional burdens, the purging process was oddly soothing.

Pond trees

However, as the journey neared its culmination, everything started to slow down.

The music became calmer and more reflective. A profound presence, often referred to as Pachamama or God, could be felt.

Heart white light love

Integration and Aftercare: Making Sense of Your Insights after an Ayahuasca Journey

During my journey with Ayahuasca, I received profound insights and personal revelations.

Although there are aspects I cannot fully put into words. I experienced an overwhelming sense of love, connection, and forgiveness.

I was able to connect with something greater than myself.

The opportunity to delve into past lives, encounter lost loved ones and witness historical events left an indelible mark on my soul.

Building Torch

This transformative experience not only allowed me to let go of long-held emotional baggage.

The journey also helped me embark on a path of personal growth and healing.

It is a journey that I will forever cherish and one that has left an indelible mark on my life.

Young boy baggage train

Conclusion: Embracing Emotional Wholeness with the Help of Ayahuasca

In conclusion, my experience with Ayahuasca at Soul Quest Church of Mother Earth was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

The retreat provided a nurturing and supportive environment. In turn allowing me to explore the depths of my consciousness and connect with realms beyond our physical reality.

I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to embark on this transformative odyssey and highly recommend it to any seeker of spiritual growth and self-discovery.

Hand Thank you

Upon leaving Soul Quest, I carried with me the memories of the Maloka and the profound experiences it held.

The circular unity, the purifying sage, the vibrant tapestries – all of it served as a reminder of the transformative power of Ayahuasca and the sacredness of this ancient tradition.

Puzzle Pieces

Ayahuasca Integration

While the Ayahuasca experience can provide powerful insights and transformative experiences, the actual work begins after the ceremony. Integration is a vital part of the Ayahuasca journey.

Participants strive to incorporate their newfound insights and healing into their daily lives.

Many participants report long-term benefits. Such as increased self-awareness, enhanced empathy, reduced anxiety and depression, and a greater sense of purpose and connection.

 

Trees

 

Ayahuasca can serve as a catalyst for personal growth. This leads to inspiring individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives and relationships.

It is essential to approach Ayahuasca with caution and respect. The brew is not suitable for everyone.

Individuals with certain physical or mental health conditions should exercise caution or avoid its use altogether. It is essential to participate in ceremonies led by experienced facilitators.

They can provide guidance and support throughout the process. The preparation and integration stages are equally important for optimizing the benefits of the Ayahuasca experience.

Blue Butterfly

Soul Quest Church of Mother Earth offers online integration groups for members who have journeyed with Ayahuasca. Check out my post if you are looking for cheap airfare to Orlando.

psychedelic room

For information on Microdosing magic mushrooms check out my post.