MYCELIUM

Each medicine calls in its own way. Some may feel the gentle whisper of the mushrooms — niños santos — others the deep song of the vine — ayahuasca. You may choose a path you already know or open your heart to a new language of spirit.

After initial registration, a thoughtful guide will be provided, with preparation and considerations for each medicine. You will also have opportunities to ask questions about the typical signatures of each medicine during your medical and psychological assessment and the pre-retreat preparatory meeting, and you will receive videos and reading materials about them. Here is a brief introduction to each:

Psilocybin is the psychoactive molecule found in over 200 mushroom species of psilocybe family. Psychoactive means that it acts on the central nervous system, altering thoughts, emotions, and perception of reality. The term “entheogen” is sometimes preferred over “psychedelic” due to its positive connotation, meaning “god within.” Users of high doses (over 2 grams of ground dried mushrooms) often report profound experiences, sometimes described as transcendental, spiritual, religious, or mystical.

Used for millennia in traditional or religious rituals, recent studies are exploring its potential for improving well-being and fostering psychological and spiritual exploration.

There have been many recent studies examining the therapeutic effects of psilocybin for mental health issues, including medication resistant depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), end of life anxiety, alcohol or other substance addiction, migraine, autism spectrum disorders, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Although more research is needed, it is generally believed psilocybin acts mainly as a serotonin receptor agonist (5-HT2A). This unleashes changes in neuronal activity and brain connectivity that are likely linked to its psychedelic and therapeutic effects. In addition, it is suggested that psilocybin can help people to have introspective experiences that promote neuroplasticity and emotional healing. Interest in medical and psychotherapeutic potential has grown dramatically in recent years.

Ayahuasca is a powerful plant-based brew traditionally used for spiritual and medicinal purposes by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon basin. It is made by combining the Banisteriopsis caapi vine with the leaves of the Psychotria viridis plant, which contains DMT (dimethyltryptamine), a potent psychedelic compound. The B. caapi vine contains MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors

that allow the DMT to become orally active, often resulting in a profound and often intense visionary experience that can last several hours.

There are around 50 different ethnic groups and use ayahuasca and as many names for the brew along the Amazon River across Brazil , Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Perú. We will be using the Ayahuasca mix named Uni by the Noke Koî people deep in Brazil ́s rainforest.

The Ayahuasca experience is usually deeply introspective and is often described as a journey into the unconscious. Many participants report vivid visual imagery, emotional release, and a sense of communicating with spiritual or ancestral entities. Traditionally, ceremonies are guided by shamans or curanderos, who sing icaros (sacred songs), manage the energetic space, and provide healing support.

These rituals are typically performed at night and are framed as opportunities for purification, insight, and personal transformation.

In recent decades, Ayahuasca has gained global attention, with seekers traveling to the Amazon or participating in ceremonies elsewhere around the world. While many report deep psychological or spiritual healing—including release from trauma, depression, or addiction—it is not without risks. The experience can be emotionally intense and physically challenging (often involving nausea and vomiting), and it requires careful preparation, guidance, and integration. It is increasingly being studied as a therapeutic tool and is also the subject of anthropological, ethical, and legal debate.