Deep Transformation Through Sacred Plant Work.
Group retreats with experienced facilitators. Expert preparation so you show up ready, and integration afterwards so the breakthroughs actually stick.
10.4 MILLION
Americans used psychedelics in 2024 (37% increase since 2021)
71%
Reported lasting relief from depression one year after psilocybin treatment
85+
Clinical trials registered in the U.S. as of 2025
Sources: SAMHSA 2024, Johns Hopkins University, Annals of Internal Medicine 2025, National Clinical Trials Database
You've heard the stories. The breakthroughs. The healing. The horror stories too. People wandering around throwing up in the jungle, bad trips, weird cult vibes.
Here's what most of those stories miss: how you approach this plant teacher determines what you get back.
Ayahuasca is conscious organic technology. A tool designed to raise your vibration, show you what needs healing, and clear the blocks that keep you stuck.
But like any powerful tool—especially one this intense—it requires the right container, the right guide, and the right intention.
This isn't about escaping reality. It's about facing it with surgical precision at depths you can't access any other way.
Whether you're processing complex, multi-layered trauma or you need to break through to levels of consciousness and clarity you haven't reached before, ayahuasca creates space for profound transformation.
The difference between transformation and just a wild experience? Preparation. Container. Integration.
Ayahuasca has been used for thousands of years by indigenous Amazonian cultures. In recent years, retreat centers operating under religious exemptions have made it accessible in the U.S. The demand for authentic, well-facilitated ayahuasca work continues to grow as more people seek alternatives to traditional therapy.
Psychedelics are to the study of the mind what the microscope is to biology and the telescope is to astronomy.
Dr. Stanislav Grof, Psychiatrist
What is most important about psychedelics is not the psychedelic experience itself but what you do with it afterward.
James Fadiman, PhD, Psychedelic Researcher
You don't get what you want on these journeys. You get what you need.
Integration therapist, 2020
WHAT THIS IS
Technology for Deep Work
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew made from two plants native to the Amazon: the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the Psychotria viridis leaf. The vine contains MAO inhibitors that allow DMT (the active compound in the leaf) to become orally active. Together, they create a powerful experience that can last 4-8 hours.
Ayahuasca a tool for doing some of the deepest transformational psychology work available, and has been used for thousands of years by indigenous Amazonian cultures for healing, divination, and spiritual insight. Unlike psilocybin, which is more predictable and controlled, ayahuasca is broader, deeper, and less linear. It shows you what you need to see, not necessarily what you want to see.
In ayahuasca work, you engage with:
- Complex, multi-layered trauma that hasn't responded to other modalities
- Deep ancestral or family patterns that keep showing up across generations
- Profound spiritual questions about purpose, meaning, and identity
- Ego dissolution experiences that reset your relationship with yourself and reality
- Physical purging (vomiting, sometimes diarrhea) as part of the cleansing process
Ayahuasca goes deeper and broader than psilocybin. It's more physically demanding and less predictable. It often brings up material you didn't know was there, that's why it's important to prepare for the experience.
I don't personally facilitate ayahuasca ceremonies. I organize and connect men with my trusted organization that operates legally under religious exemption and has experienced facilitators who've been doing this work for years.
THE AYAHUASCA EXPERIENCE
Best For:
- Best For: Men dealing with complex, multi-layered trauma
- Those drawn to deep spiritual or existential work
- People who've done psilocybin work and are ready for something more intense
- Those who resonate with group energy and collective healing
Not Recommended For:
- First-time psychedelic users
- Those on SSRIs or MAOIs (dangerous drug interaction)
- Anyone with serious heart conditions
- People unwilling to engage with physical discomfort
Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew combining two Amazonian plants: Banisteriopsis caapi (the vine) and Psychotria viridis (the leaf). The vine contains MAO inhibitors. The leaf contains DMT. Together, they create an intense experience that can last 4-8 hours.
The Experience:
- Duration: 6-8 hours (longer and more variable than psilocybin)
- Body load: Intense. Purging (vomiting, sometimes diarrhea) is common and expected. It's part of the process, not a side effect.
- Mental/emotional: Visionary, non-linear, deeply introspective. Less predictable than mushrooms. You might encounter beings, receive downloads of information, or experience complete ego dissolution.
- Physical intensity: Ayahuasca is physically demanding. The purging process can be exhausting. You'll be uncomfortable. That's part of the work.
AYAHUASCA WEEKEND GROUP EXPERIENCE
Format:
- Weekend group experience (typically Friday evening through Sunday afternoon)
- Two ayahuasca ceremonies (one Friday night, one Saturday night)
- Integration circles and rest time between ceremonies
Experienced facilitators who've been holding space for years - Location: Varies (typically within the U.S. at established retreat centers)
- Group size: 15-30 participants
- Lodging and meals included
My Role:
- Pre-work preparation: I help you prepare mentally, emotionally, and logistically before you go
- Post-experience integration: We process what came up, clear the beliefs, and integrate the insights into your life
- Decision support: I help you determine if ayahuasca is the right tool for what you're working on
WHO THIS IS FOR
THIS IS FOR YOU IF:
✓ You're dealing with complex, multi-layered trauma that hasn't responded to other modalities
✓ You've done psilocybin or other psychedelic work and are ready for something deeper
✓ You're drawn to deep spiritual or existential questions about purpose, meaning, identity
✓ You're willing to engage with intense physical discomfort (purging is expected)
✓ You're comfortable in group settings and being witnessed in your process
✓ You understand this is the most demanding psychedelic work available
✓ You're cleared medically (no SSRIs, MAOIs, or serious heart conditions)
THIS IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
✗ You've never done psychedelic work before (start with psilocybin)
✗ You're on SSRIs, MAOIs, or other contraindicated medications
✗ You have serious heart conditions or other medical contraindications
✗ You're unwilling to engage with physical purging or intense discomfort
✗ You're looking for a controlled, predictable experience
✗ You're expecting ayahuasca to do all the work without your active participation
✗ You're not willing to do preparation work or integration after the experience
Note: A clarity call and medical screening are mandatory. If ayahuasca isn't the right tool for you, I'll tell you and suggest alternatives.
SAFETY & PREPARATION
Legal Note: Ayahuasca exists in a legal gray area but is used legally in certain religious contexts under exemptions. Shanti Lux operates under these religious protections. I'm not a lawyer. You're responsible for understanding the legal landscape.
HOW IT WORKS
STEP 1: Clarity Conversation
We talk. I learn what you're intentions are. You ask questions. We determine if ayahuasca is the right tool for you. If you've never done psychedelic work, I'll probably suggest starting with psilocybin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The "wandering around throwing up" horror stories usually come from poorly facilitated ceremonies or people who went in unprepared. Yes, purging (vomiting, sometimes diarrhea) is common with ayahuasca. It's part of the process. But you're not wandering around. You're in a controlled setting with experienced facilitators who know how to hold space. Buckets are provided. It's uncomfortable, but it's contained.
It's more physically intense and has more contraindications (especially if you're on SSRIs or MAO-interacting medications). The purging process can be hard on your body. That's why medical screening is mandatory. It's not inherently dangerous if you're healthy and cleared for use, but it demands more from you physically than mushrooms.
Ayahuasca goes deeper and broader. It's less predictable, more intense, and often brings up material you didn't know was there. If you're dealing with complex, multi-layered trauma or you're drawn to the group energy and collective healing, ayahuasca might be the right tool. If you want focused, specific work on known issues, mushrooms are usually better.
That's the traditional framing from indigenous lineages. Shanti Lux honors those traditions because that's where ayahuasca comes from. I personally frame it as transformational psychology using organic technology, but the ceremony context is part of the container. If the spiritual/shamanic language feels like too much, psilocybin work might be a better fit.
No. Ayahuasca is not physically addictive and has never been shown to create dependency. If anything, it's the opposite. Most people don't want to do it again immediately because it's so demanding. The idea that it's addictive comes from people confusing it with other substances or not understanding how it works.
It depends. SSRIs and MAOIs are contraindicated with ayahuasca and can cause dangerous interactions. You may need to taper off with doctor supervision before doing ayahuasca work. This is something we discuss in the clarity call and medical screening.
This isn't spiritual tourism. It's not about feeling good or having mystical experiences for the sake of having them. This is serious psychological work using a powerful tool. If you're looking for a nice weekend retreat with some woo-woo vibes, this isn't it. If you're ready to face your shadow and do the hardest work of your life, let's talk.
Ayahuasca exists in a legal gray area federally (DMT is Schedule I), but it's been used legally in the United States for decades under religious exemption. Churches like União do Vegetal (UDV) and Santo Daime have won Supreme Court cases affirming their right to use ayahuasca as a sacrament.
Our facilitators operate under this same religious exemption framework. They're not running a recreational retreat. This is sacramental work, which is why the legal protections exist.
Here's what you need to know:
- Religious exemption: Ayahuasca used in a religious/sacramental context has legal protection under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
- Not recreational: This isn't a loophole. The sacramental context is real and it matters. We're not playing games with language to get around the law. This is genuine spiritual/psychological work.
- Your responsibility: You're responsible for understanding the legal landscape in your state and making your own informed decision about participating.
- I'm not a lawyer: I can't give you legal advice. Our facilitator operates within established legal frameworks. If you have specific legal questions, consult an attorney.
Bottom line: Ayahuasca has been used legally in the U.S. in religious contexts for decades. The legal infrastructure exists. But it's your responsibility to understand what you're participating in and make an informed choice.
INVESTMENT
Ayahuasca Weekend Group Experience
Pricing starts at $2250
RESULTS GUARANTEED
During our clarity call, I'll be honest about whether this is the right tool or if you should start with psilocybin. If we move forward, you won't show up unprepared. I am familiar with this work and what it demands. After the retreat, we'll process what came up through integration sessions, because real transformation happens when you bring the insights back into your life. You'll have expert preparation, experienced facilitators, and real support afterward.
My experience with Brandon was unexpected and wonderful. He created a container that felt really safe and I felt like I had an awareness and voice in what we tapped into. His channeling brought forth some things I didn’t expect but completely make sense for me. I can’t wait for our next meeting!
AMBER, THERAPIST
It’s been a few days since my coaching session with Brandon and he truly left me with lasting changes. The idea was to create a safe environment, close your eyes and travel deep into the area of yourself that was wounded and slowly build towards a place of healing.
NOAH, ENTREPRENEUR
It was really amazing. I wanted to wait a couple of days to see if that belief about myself we worked during the session would stick. My logical brain couldn’t accept the fact that you can change your belief so fast. I must say it was a pleasant and unique experience. Thank you, Brandon, from the bottom of my heart.
ANNA, AUTHOR & SPEAKER