Psilocybin Ceremonies

A Practical Guide to Preparation, Safety & What to Expect

Before Your Ceremony

If you're new to psilocybin, I highly recommend watching the Netflix documentary How to Change Your Mind, particularly the episode on psilocybin. It provides one of the most balanced and accessible introductions to the history, science, and potential of these remarkable mushrooms, while also giving an authentic glimpse into what a guided ceremony can look like.

Many people - including myself - describe a well-held psilocybin ceremony as one of the most profound experiences of their lives. It is not uncommon to hear people say that a single ceremony offered insights comparable to years of psychotherapy. While every experience is unique and no outcome can ever be guaranteed, psilocybin has the potential to create deep shifts in perspective, emotional healing, and lasting personal growth when approached with respect, intention, and proper support.

Whether you are considering a private 1:1 ceremony or joining one of my retreats, this page will help you understand what psilocybin is, how to prepare, what to expect, and how I hold these ceremonies.

The psilocybin ceremony is a deep, introspective journey that requires careful preparation and an open heart. These gatherings are designed to facilitate spiritual growth, emotional healing, and a profound reconnection with the self and the natural world.

What is Psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms. Once ingested, your body converts psilocybin into psilocin, which temporarily interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. This can alter perception, emotions, thought patterns, and one's sense of self.

For thousands of years, psilocybin-containing mushrooms have been used ceremonially by Indigenous cultures for healing, spiritual exploration, and personal insight. Today, they are also being studied extensively in clinical research for their potential to support mental health and psychological wellbeing.

A psilocybin ceremony is not about escaping reality - it is about meeting yourself more honestly, openly, and compassionately.

Who Is This For?

People choose to participate in ceremonies for many different reasons. Some arrive with a specific challenge they wish to work through, while others simply feel called toward greater self-understanding.

Common intentions include:

Personal growth
Emotional healing
Processing grief or major life transitions
Releasing limiting beliefs and patterns
Increasing self-love and self-compassion
Reconnecting with purpose
Strengthening creativity
Spiritual exploration
Deepening presence and mindfulness

Every ceremony is unique, and there is no "right" experience.

Preparation

Preparing well creates the foundation for a meaningful ceremony. In the days leading up to your ceremony, I generally recommend that you:

Avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours.
Avoid recreational drugs 4 weeks before (marijuana 2 weeks before).
Be SSRI-free for a minimum of 4 weeks.
Eat nourishing, minimally processed foods.
Consider avoiding meat for a couple of days beforehand (fish is fine if you choose).
Stay well hydrated.
Prioritize sleep and rest.
Spend some quiet time reflecting on your intention.
Reduce unnecessary stress where possible.

On the morning of your ceremony:

Eat a light breakfast no later than approximately 7:00 AM.
Avoid dairy products.
Skip coffee and other stimulants if you can, allowing your nervous system to arrive in a calm state.
Avoid consuming social media, TV and news before.
Drink plenty and add some salt or electrolytes to minimize a headache the following day.

Before your ceremony, you will also complete a confidential health questionnaire to ensure that participation is appropriate and safe.

Contraindications

Safety always comes first.

A psilocybin ceremony may not be appropriate if you:

Have bipolar disorder (particularly Bipolar I).
Have a personal history of psychosis or schizophrenia.
Have an immediate family history of psychotic disorders.
Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Have uncontrolled cardiovascular disease or significantly elevated blood pressure.
Are experiencing severe psychiatric instability.
Are taking medications that may interact with psilocybin, including certain antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, antipsychotics, lithium, or other medications that require medical assessment.

Every participant is screened individually before participation. If there is any uncertainty regarding your medical history or medication, we will discuss it thoroughly before moving forward.

What Does Psilocybin Feel Like?

Every journey is unique. You may experience:

Heightened emotions
Deep feelings of love or gratitude
Enhanced appreciation of music and nature
Visual imagery and altered perception
A different sense of time
Personal insights
Emotional release
Increased creativity
Spiritual or mystical experiences
A profound sense of connection

Some journeys are joyful.

Others can be deeply emotional.

Many contain both.

Difficult Experiences Are Normal
Psilocybin is not designed simply to make you feel good. It often invites you to experience emotions that may have been buried or avoided for years. Feelings such as sadness, grief, fear, anger, uncertainty, or vulnerability can arise.

While these moments can feel challenging, they are often some of the most meaningful parts of the journey.
Rather than trying to avoid difficult emotions, we gently meet them with curiosity, compassion, and support.

Many people later describe these moments as the beginning of profound healing.

During the Cermony

Although every ceremony unfolds naturally, a typical experience includes:

Arrival and settling into the space.
Conversation and intention setting.
Guided meditation or breathwork.
Consuming the mushrooms.
Several hours of inward exploration supported by carefully selected music.
Gentle guidance whenever needed.
A nourishing meal once the active effects have subsided.
Time for reflection and conversation before leaving.

For private ceremonies, you receive dedicated one-on-one support throughout the entire experience.

During retreats, multiple facilitators are always present to ensure every participant feels safe, seen, and supported throughout the day.

Music & Shipibo Songs
Music plays an important role throughout the ceremony. It helps support the emotional flow of the experience, creates a sense of safety, and gently accompanies your inner journey.

At certain moments, I may also sing traditional Shipibo songs, known as icaros. The Shipibo are an Indigenous people from the Peruvian Amazon with a rich ceremonial tradition of working with plant medicines. Their songs have traditionally been used to guide, support, and accompany participants throughout ceremonial healing.

My work is inspired by these traditions and offered with deep respect and gratitude for their cultural origins.

Integration

The ceremony itself is only part of the journey.

Real transformation happens through integration - bringing your insights into everyday life.

For private ceremonies this includes:

A shared meal following the ceremony.
Plenty of time to talk and reflect before you leave.
A dedicated integration session the following day (approximately three hours).
A follow-up conversation around two and four weeks later.
If you're doing the 3 week rewire programme, more support is offered.

For retreats, integration is woven throughout the experience and continues after the retreat through guided reflection and ongoing support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose control?
Most people remain aware that they are in a ceremony, even though their perception changes significantly. You will be supported throughout the entire experience.

What if I panic?
Moments of fear or uncertainty can arise. You will never be left alone. My role is to support you with calm presence, grounding, and reassurance whenever needed.

Can I drive afterwards?
No. Please arrange transportation and avoid driving or operating machinery until the following day.

Should I keep the next day free?
Yes! Giving yourself space to rest and integrate often makes a significant difference.

Are there any side effects?

Expect some headache the following day and perhaps already a few hours after the ceremony. Make sure to drink plenty of water and supplement with electrolytes to combat this. Few experience an upset stomach.

Will everyone have mystical visions?
No. Every nervous system is different. Some experiences are highly visual or spiritual, while others are subtle, emotional, or quietly insightful. There is no "right" experience.

What if nothing happens?
Every ceremony unfolds differently. Sometimes the deepest work happens quietly. Rather than chasing a particular type of experience, we trust your process and allow the medicine to meet you where you are.

A Final Note

Psilocybin is not a shortcut, nor is it a miracle cure.

It is a powerful tool that, when combined with careful preparation, experienced facilitation, and thoughtful integration, can open the door to profound insight, healing, and transformation.

My intention is not simply to guide you through a ceremony, but to create a safe, compassionate, and grounded space where you can meet yourself with honesty, curiosity, and care.

Whatever unfolds, you will be met with presence, respect, and wholehearted support.