How to Prepare for an Ayahuasca Ceremony: Complete Guide

Preparation for an ayahuasca ceremony is a sacred process that begins weeks before the encounter with the medicine. At Casa del Jaguar, we believe that proper preparation not only ensures a safer experience but also enhances the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of this ancient practice.

The Preparatory Diet

Diet is fundamental in preparation. At least two weeks before the ceremony, we recommend eliminating the following foods and substances:

Foods and Substances to Avoid:

Red meat and processed meats
Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
Alcohol and recreational drugs
Caffeine and black tea
Refined sugar and sweets
Processed and fried foods
Excessive salt
Spicy seasonings

Recommended Foods:

Fresh fish (without salt)
Organic chicken (occasionally)
Fresh fruits (banana, papaya, mango)
Steamed vegetables
Brown rice
Quinoa and other ancestral grains
Abundant pure water
Mild herbal teas

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Ayahuasca acts as a mirror of the soul, revealing deep aspects of our being. It's essential to arrive with a clear mind and an open heart.

Recommended Practices:

🧘 Daily Meditation

Dedicate at least 20 minutes daily to meditation to calm the mind and develop inner observation.

📝 Journaling

Write down your intentions, fears, and expectations. This will help clarify your goals for the ceremony.

🌿 Nature Connection

Spend time in natural spaces to attune with Earth's energies and the plants.

🤝 Forgiveness and Release

Work on forgiving yourself and others. Ayahuasca amplifies both love and resentment.

Physical Preparation

A healthy body facilitates the medicine's work. In addition to diet, consider these aspects:

Gentle exercise: Yoga, walks, or swimming to keep the body active but not exhausted.
Hydration: Drink abundant pure water to cleanse the organism.
Rest: Ensure 7-8 hours of daily sleep to arrive rested.
Fasting: On ceremony day, fast from noon (only water allowed).

Setting Clear Intentions

Ayahuasca responds to our deepest intentions. It's crucial to arrive with clear and sincere purposes:

Examples of Powerful Intentions:

"I seek to heal past traumas that limit my present"
"I want to find my life purpose and true vocation"
"I wish to free myself from destructive patterns and addictions"
"I seek to reconnect with my spiritual essence"
"I want to heal damaged family relationships"

What NOT to Do

Avoid These Attitudes:

Arriving with rigid expectations about what "should" happen
Trying to control the experience during the ceremony
Comparing your experience with other participants'
Taking the ceremony as entertainment or curiosity
Hiding important medical or psychological information

Medical Considerations

It's essential to be completely honest about your medical history:

⚠️ Important Contraindications:

Antidepressant medications (SSRIs, MAOIs)
Serious psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
Serious heart conditions
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Recent use of drugs or alcohol

Always consult with our medical team before participating.

The Day of the Ceremony

Arrive with enough time to settle in and connect with the sacred space. Bring:

Comfortable and warm clothing
A personal blanket
Water bottle
Notebook and pen for afterwards
An open mind and willing heart

"Preparation is as important as the ceremony itself"

- Maestro Denis, Casa del Jaguar

Conclusion

Preparation for an ayahuasca ceremony is an act of respect toward the medicine, toward yourself, and toward the sacred process you are about to undertake. At Casa del Jaguar, we accompany every step of your preparation to ensure you receive the maximum benefits from this transformative experience.

Remember: ayahuasca is not a magic solution, but a powerful tool that requires commitment, respect, and proper preparation. Your willingness to prepare consciously reflects your sincerity on the healing path.