Frequently Asked Questions

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 Ayahuasca is a powerful plant medicine traditionally used by indigenous people in the Amazon for spiritual, medicinal, and shamanic purposes. Ayahuasca is a tea used ceremonially for centuries. It is believed to provide insights, healing, and a connection to the spiritual realm. The experience induced by Ayahuasca is often described as intense and profound, involving vivid hallucinations, introspective journeys, and a deep exploration of one's consciousness.  Ayahuasca is a tool utilized for personal growth, spiritual exploration, healing and transformation. 

Your safety is our priority. While Ayahuasca is generally considered safe when administered responsibly, it's crucial to share your medical history and consult with our facilitators as well as your medical doctor. The experience can be intense, and physical and mental well-being are paramount. We have a medical professional on staff and they will be present during the entire weekend retreat.

We are located in Eustis, FL. Our property is located approximately 60 minutes from Orlando International (MCO), 60 minutes from Daytona International (DAB) and 40 minutes from Sanford International (SFB).  

Please see our cancellation policy under the Reserve My Spot page.

Sacred Sanctuary can accommodate up to 26 guests at a time, depending on the type of retreat and accommodations selected. Each retreat weekend will vary. Sacred Sanctuary strives to provide a more personal and intimate experience by having smaller group sizes.

All of our meals are made using organic food. We offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Please let us know of any dietary restrictions or preferences in your intake form and during our Prep Call.

Our typical retreat price is $1800 which includes 3 outdoor ceremonies, organic scratch-made meals, shared accommodations, yoga, breathwork, integration and sound bowls. The price for our weekend retreats may vary per weekend. Retreat pricing can be found on the retreat description on our Retreats page. 

All our ceremonies are held outside with the exception of extremely inclement weather. Our ceremonies are guided by experienced facilitators who have many years of experience with guiding ceremonies in a supportive and safe setting. Rituals, music, and the energy of the group, contribute to the overall transformative journey. 

Ayahuasca experiences vary, encompassing visions, introspection, and emotional release. It is a deeply personal journey, and participants often gain profound insights into their lives and consciousness. No two experiences are ever the same. Each participant will receive the experience that is needed for their own personal growth.

Ceremonies typically last several hours, and vary for each participant. It is not uncommon for participants to feel the effects of the sacrament for some time after ceremony has ended. Our facilitators will stay with participants as long as needed.

Preparation is key. Dietary restrictions and mental readiness contribute to a more profound experience. Sacred Sanctuary provides guidance on pre-ceremony dieta preparation and intention setting which  participants will receive prior to their retreat. 

Sacred Sanctuary believes Integration is key. We provide support and guidance on how to assimilate the insights gained during the ceremony into your daily life. Participants receive 2 group integration sessions during their retreat weekend. Following the retreat weekend, Sacred Sanctuary offers free group integration support weekly through Zoom. Sacred Sanctuary also offers private integration for those participants that desire a more structured and personal integrative experience.

While Ayahuasca is inclusive, certain health conditions and medications may contraindicate its use. We prioritize safety and encourage open communication about individual circumstances. Participants are required to complete an intake form. If our medical staff or facilitators see anything that may be contraindicative, the participant will be contacted to discuss their individual situation.

The First Amendment to the US Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) require that the government not interfere with religious conduct.Our right to practice our faith as a legitimate exercise of religion has been unanimously confirmed by the Supreme Court of the United States. Our Sacred Sanctuary Inc. respectfully claims recognition under the legal precedent established by the United States Supreme Court in Gonzales v. O Centro Espírita Beneficente União do Vegetal (2006), which allows the religious use of ayahuasca. In accordance with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), Our Sacred Sanctuary Inc. asserts its right to use Ayahuasca as a sacrament in its religious ceremonies, an essential practice for spiritual growth, healing, and enlightenment within our community.Ayahuasca is an organic tea made from two plants native to the Americas and does not consist of any synthetic, pharmaceutical, or any other man-made material. The sacred use of Ayahuasca, containing the naturally occurring substance DMT, is a central tenet of our faith and practice. Not only is DMT naturally occurring in Ayahuasca, but it is also endogenous and naturally occurring in all human beings. We believe that this sacrament facilitates a profound connection to the divine and fosters a deep sense of compassion, understanding, and harmony with the universe. Our religious use of Ayahuasca is conducted in a safe, respectful, and controlled manner, with the utmost consideration for the physical and spiritual well-being of our members.We affirm that this practice is in alignment with the RFRA, which protects the free exercise of religion from substantial government interference. As established in Gonzales v. O Centro Espírita Beneficente União do Vegetal, this exemption extends to the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Therefore, Our Sacred Sanctuary Inc. claims recognition of its right to practice this sacrament without legal penalty under the CSA, honoring our commitment to the sincere and central aspects of our religious beliefs. 

Yes, we have several volunteer opportunities during each retreat weekend. To be considered for a volunteer position, we first require that you participate in a full retreat weekend prior to completing our volunteer application. Once you have done so, please complete and submit a volunteer application. Should an opening become available, we will be in touch.