Plantmedicine Ceremonies

What are plantmedicine ceremonies and for what are they used?

Plant medicine ceremonies are ritual gatherings where participants consume plant substances, often under the guidance of experienced facilitators, for the purpose of promoting spiritual insights, healing and personal growth. These ceremonies have their roots in traditional indigenous cultures, where plants such as ayahuasca, peyote, san Pedro, raw cacao and psilocybin mushrooms have been used for centuries for spiritual and healing purposes.
During a ceremony, participants are often invited to open to the wisdom of the plants and experience deep personal transformations. The setting is usually carefully created, with attention to elements such as music, singing, meditation, and silence to provide a safe and supportive environment for participants.

The experiences people have during plant medicine ceremonies can range from intense spiritual visions and insights to deep emotional processing and healing from trauma. For some it can be a confrontation with repressed emotions or unprocessed experiences, while others experience a sense of connection with nature and the universe. It is important to note that plant medicine ceremonies can be potentially intense and challenging, and are not suitable for everyone. Before participating, it is essential to be well informed about the risks and possible side effects, as well as to participate under the guidance of experienced and ethical facilitators. Although plant medicine ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular in Western societies because of their potential for personal growth and healing, it is important to be respectful of the cultural origins of these practices and the traditional knowledge that underlies them. It is also important to work to promote responsible and ethical practices within this space, with attention to the safety and well-being of all participants.

Which plantmedicine does The Mayan work with?

The Mayan only works with the plant medicine cacao & the active ingredient psilocybin from mushrooms.

The cacao ceremonies vary between 2 and 4 hours. These are mainly given on location at The Mayan, but The Mayan can also be hired to arrange a wonderful trip on location.

Day retreats for psilocibin are held at special natural locations throughout the Netherlands. These can also be private 1 on 1 retreats where you receive full attention to focus on your personal journey.

What is raw cacao?

Raw cacao is often praised for its supposed healing properties. Cocoa has a profound healing effect on a physical, mental, emotional and energetic level.

Physical healing effect of raw cacao:

1. Antioxidants: Raw cacao contains high levels of antioxidants, such as flavonoids. These compounds help protect the body against free radical damage, which can lead to cell damage and aging.

2. Improved mood: Cocoa contains substances such as phenylethylamine (PEA) and anandamide, which are neurotransmitters that can promote a sense of well-being and help improve mood. This explains why some people feel happier after consuming cocoa.

3. Energy boost: Cocoa also contains caffeine and theobromine, stimulants that can provide a natural energy boost and improve alertness.

4. Improved heart health: Some research suggests that regular cocoa consumption may contribute to a healthy heart by lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow to the heart and brain.

5. Healthy Minerals: Raw cacao is a good source of minerals such as magnesium, iron and zinc, which are essential for several body functions, including bone health, the immune system and energy production.

Spiritual effects of raw cacao:

1. Sacred plant: In many indigenous cultures, cacao is considered a sacred plant with spiritual powers. It is used during rituals, ceremonies and healing practices to strengthen the connection with the spiritual world.
2. Heart Opener: Cacao is often considered a “heart opener,” meaning it can help open the heart chakra and promote love, compassion and emotional connection.
3.  Meditative effect: Consuming cocoa can facilitate meditative states and improve focus and concentration. This can help people achieve profound spiritual experiences during meditation or other spiritual practices.
4. Inner journey: Some people find that drinking cocoa enables an inner journey, where they experience deep insights, healing and spiritual growth. This is often done under the guidance of an experienced facilitator during cacao ceremonies.
5. Connection with nature and cosmos: By consuming cacao, some believe they can experience a deeper connection with nature, the cosmos and their own inner self. This can lead to feelings of unity, harmony and spiritual fulfillment.

What is psilocybine?

Psilocybin is a psychoactive compound found in certain types of mushrooms, such as psilocybe cubensis, also known as "magic mushrooms". The healing properties of psilocybin are a topic of increasing research and interest, especially in the field of mental health.

Here are some aspects of psilocybin's healing effects:

1. Treatment of depression and anxiety: Several clinical studies have shown that psilocybin, when administered under controlled conditions and with professional guidance, can be effective in treating depression and anxiety disorders. The mechanism behind these effects is complex, but it is thought to involve psilocybin's influence on serotonin receptors in the brain, as well as promoting neuroplasticity and reducing activity in the brain's default mode network (DMN). , which is associated with self-referential thoughts and depression.
2. Addiction treatment: Research is also underway into the use of psilocybin as a potential tool in the treatment of addictions, such as alcoholism and tobacco addiction. Psilocybin can help break persistent patterns of addictive behavior by providing new perspectives and insights and promoting feelings of connection and spirituality.
3. Spiritual and mystical experiences: Psilocybin is known for its ability to induce intense spiritual and mystical experiences, which some people describe as transcendent or spiritually transformative. These experiences can lead to a deeper understanding of the self, nature, the universe, and the interconnectedness of all things, which in turn can lead to personal growth and healing.
4. Improving mood and well-being: In addition to treating specific mental health conditions, many people report that using psilocybin improves their overall mood and well-being, making them feel more positive, open, and connected to others.