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.

Our Sacred Sanctuary is committed to the safety of our members, and we recognize that misunderstandings about the legal status of Ayahuasca can create unnecessary harm and risks. Currently, Ayahuasca remains illegal for use in the United States under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). However, several religious groups have successfully challenged the DEA's enforcement of the CSA under RFRA, receiving federal permission through litigation or settlement agreements that have allowed them to legally use Ayahuasca. Our Sacred Sanctuary is currently fighting for that same permission from the DEA since our raid on December 6, 2024.

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.   

No. Our beliefs do not come from a specific book, but instead from our relationships with Spirit. Through partaking of our sacrament, Ayahuasca, we deepen our connection to Spirit, to ourselves, and to our understanding of the world. We communicate directly with the Divine and receive the teachings we need at that time. We do not practice with a written doctrine because the wisdom we receive is individualized.

We also believe in the importance of passing wisdom through oral traditions. We strive to create a community of trust and connection for this to happen. 

While we do not have a written doctrine, we do have core values and written policies that members are expected to adhere to in order to maintain integrity and respect within as well as outside of our community.

No, our ceremonies are reserved for members only. After becoming a member, there are additional steps one must take before requesting to join a ceremony, including additional interviews, health screenings, waivers, and preparation.

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. 

We are located in Central Florida. 

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. 

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.

Yes, we have several volunteer opportunities during each retreat weekend. To be considered for a volunteer position, we first require that you are a member of our Church and have participated 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.

There is an extensive process for becoming a member of Sacred Sanctuary, as well as additional steps for attending ceremony. We encourage those interested in joining to treat it in the same way as considering joining any other church -- with care, consideration, respect, and commitment.

There are three main steps to becoming a member of the church. Please be sure to read in detail the information in each step of the process. Feel free to contact us for any support or questions through the process.

Before submitting a membership application, we ask that you review the "About" pages on our website to learn more about our beliefs, values, ethics, and frequently asked questions to ensure your alignment with our community. 

The next step is to apply for membership by completing the application form. 

The final step for membership is to schedule a virtual interview with the Church Leader. We'd like to learn more about your journey and interest in joining the church. Please note that general membership does not grant access to the sacrament of Ayahuasca - there is a separate process of approval for ceremonial events.

All steps including the application and interview schedule can be found at the "join" link in the menu bar.

You must be at least 21 years of age to become a member or have parental authorization if under 21.

There is no cost to becoming or being a member of Sacred Sanctuary. We do not require any type of financial support.

We do make requests for donations, but they are not required. A lot of time, money, and resources are going into setting up the church, and we can't do it without the help of our community. We currently run on donations and also are big believers in donating through service.