In short, Sacred Acacia and Ayahuasca are basically the same thing and the experience is very, very similar. 

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The tea that we refer to as "Ayahuasca" is traditionally not just one thing. This is a broad term that can refer to a number of different plant combinations that introduce us to the "Spirit of Ayahausca" or "Grandmother Healer Ayahausca". 

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Different shamans and Ayahuasca lineages create their own special brew using different plants and sometimes admixtures. Some brews are very visionary, others are very purgative, others are extremely light.

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Using different plants gives the brew a unique "spiritual identity". We find the Peruvian Ayahausca to be a strict-yet-loving grandmother that reveals to you the Truth of the Universe through as a jungle paradise, and Sacred Acacia to be more of a dazzling-and-compassionate grandmother, who shows you the Truth of the Universe as a crystalline cosmic dance.

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Read more about the differences here.

Two good reasons:

1) Its more sustainable. The availability of the Ayahausca vine is at threat of becoming extinct in its natural habitat. As the Western world awakens to the profound potential it contains, hunger, greed and capitalism have crept into this space, putting the old ways at risk for the indigenous peoples who have relied on these medicines for centuries as their primary source of healing.

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2. Its less culturally sensitive. We cannot be in this space without addressing the issue of cultural appropriation. Being sensitive to the peoples that gave us this world-changing medicine traditions, we also have to bow to the fact that we have been called to share the medicine of Mother Earth for the healing of all her people. We thus have chosen plentiful Asian-origin plants that grow in the US and do not have an association with any lineage known today.

Most likely, you will, and if you do, you will probably feel a profound spiritual release that is unlike anything you have experienced before. You will think, "wow, I REALLY needed that!"

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Most people are put off by the thought of purging. Nobody wants to be nauseous or throw up in front of others. The first time you join a ceremony, this can be something you worry about. Don't. It's so very normal and acceptable in these circles that nobody will bat an eye. We are there to support as well.

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Also, you may not throw up! Only about 60% of guests do. Others purge in tears, body shakes or even peals of uncontrollable laughter. However spirit chooses to move energy through and out of your body is holy, sacred and acceptable. Its best to release attachments or expectations and surrender to the moment.

If you're reading this, it may indicate that you have done a fair amount of spiritual seeking and/or personal "work" and have come to a point of researching options to join a ceremony. This is a good indicator that you are ready to join. Everyone needs to make this decision on their own, but trusting that your inner wisdom has guided you here should give you a clue.

Consuming these plants is very safe for most people. There are some notable exceptions based on your prior medical history and certain meditations that you may be taking. When you apply to join us, we will screen you for these and share more information and resources if you are in a higher-risk group. ​

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We take the utmost care in ensuring the set and setting comfortable and safe, and our experienced and trained facilitators are skilled at helping participants move through difficult moments with compassion and with spiritual / energetic healing.

We believe that Ayahuasca and Acacia is "family medicine". It opens the heart to greater compassion and connection with all beings, and greater self-compassion and self-forgiveness. 

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Although the room will be dark and we ask all participants to focus on their own experience and not each others', you will witness others in their journeys and you will be witnessed in yours. This is an experience that shatters the illusion of separation, bringing us closer together as a human family, all going through the same struggles and the same fears to rise in the light. 

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For this reason, we would never want to rob you of the immense spiritual awakening and healing that is possible when we come together to pray and do our work.

No, we will never require you to take Sacrament. You are also able to choose how much you'd like to pray with. Most start with a very small prayer that we call, the "handshake". Once you feel comfortable that you have met the "Grandmother" and would like to receive more of her divine wisdom and guidance, you can choose to go in for the "Hug". 

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If you find that one night is enough, you can pray and sing and enjoy the music and being together with the congregation on the second night. The "Spirit of the Plants" will still be there, working on you in their own magickal ways.

Our retreats are designed to be deep, conscious journeys from start to end. Since we offer small, intimate groups, folks coming and going does affect the energy of the group dynamic. We also provide a carefully curated selection of integration activities that blend well with the journey to deepen your spiritual connection throughout the weekend. 

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If money is a limiting factor, we offer scholarships and partial scholarships for those who cannot afford both nights.

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Please submit a contact form if you'd like to apply for a scholarship or have a different reason for wanting to join just one night.