Your First Ceremony: A Beginner’s Guide to Spiritual Experiences with Natural Medicine
- Jerry Jaroslaw
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 29
More and more people are seeking a deeper connection with themselves, with nature, and with spirituality. For many, a life-changing step is attending a ceremony with traditional natural medicines – such as rapé, temazcal, magic mushrooms, or more intense ones like ayahuasca or bufo alvarius. If you're just starting your journey, this guide is for you.
Always Start with an Experienced Shaman
The number one rule for beginners: never do it alone. Your first ceremony should always be held under the guidance of an experienced, well-recommended shaman, and in a safe, trusted environment. Just like you wouldn’t take prescription medication without consulting a doctor, you shouldn't approach sacred medicine without a proper guide.
Where to Begin?
Not all medicines are suitable for everyone – and certainly not all are right for beginners. For your first spiritual experience, consider starting with something gentler but still meaningful:
· Temazcal – a traditional Mesoamerican sweat lodge ceremony. It helps cleanse the body and mind without using any psychoactive substances.
· Rapé (hapé) – a sacred tobacco snuff from the Amazon, blown into the nostrils. It grounds you, calms the mind, and opens the heart.
· Magic mushrooms (psilocybin) – can bring powerful visions and insights. In a low or microdose, they are often a safe and enlightening introduction.
Ayahuasca, bufo alvarius, yopo, and San Pedro are much stronger medicines that require serious preparation, emotional stability, and deeper spiritual readiness. These are not recreational substances, and should never be used lightly.
Honesty and Trust: Talk with the Shaman
Before any ceremony, there should be a conversation or consultation with the shaman. This is extremely important, and you should be completely honest:
· Share your physical and mental health conditions.
· Disclose any past trauma, depression, or anxiety.
· Talk openly about your expectations and most importantly, your intention.
Intention – The Heart of the Ceremony
An intention is not the same as an expectation. It's a question you ask the medicine:“Why am I here? What am I ready to heal, understand, or face?”Good examples of intention might be:
· “I want to understand the root of my fear.”
· “I’m looking to reconnect with my inner strength.”
· “I need to forgive – myself or someone else.”
Don’t Demand a Ceremony – Share What Hurts
Approach the shaman as you would a doctor. Don’t say: “I want bufo” or “give me ayahuasca.”Instead, try: “I feel called to heal something... I feel blocked, I need clarity…”Let the shaman decide which medicine is right for you.Just like with a doctor – you don’t go in and demand a prescription; you explain the symptoms and let the expert guide you.
Preparing for Ceremony: Diet, Silence, and Rest
In the days leading up to your ceremony, it's best to:
· Avoid alcohol, meat, sugar, and processed foods.
· Limit screen time, over-stimulation, and stress.
· Prioritize rest, sleep, and mental calmness.
On the day of the ceremony, stay light, peaceful, and open. There’s no rush. Let time slow down.
Respect in Group Ceremonies
If you are in a group setting:
· Don’t distract or interfere with others’ processes.
· Respect others’ space, even as you hold your own.
· No judgment, no comparisons – everyone’s journey is unique.
After the Ceremony: Share, Reflect, Integrate
What happens after the ceremony is just as important:
· Talk with the shaman about your visions, emotions, and questions.
· Don’t keep difficult experiences to yourself – this is part of healing.
· Nurture what the ceremony gave you – new clarity, peace, or gratitude should remain with you as long as possible.
Trust the Process
Once you decide to participate – don’t be afraid. Don’t stress. Trust the shaman. Trust the medicine. Trust yourself.When done with respect and proper guidance, these ceremonies are safe and deeply healing. But never mix natural medicine with alcohol or recreational drugs – it’s dangerous and deeply disrespectful to the tradition.
Interested in a Ceremony in Cancun or Tulum? We Can Help
If you're staying in one of our apartments in Cancún or Tulum and are interested in experiencing a natural medicine ceremony, we’d be happy to help you prepare safely.
Please contact us at least 7 days in advance, so we can:
· schedule a talk with the shaman,
· choose the right medicine for your needs,
· carry out a health consultation,
· help you prepare properly.
From the heart – with care, respect for tradition, and for your personal journey.
Thank you for reading my blog to the end.
You may also be interested in:
About the Author
I’m an entrepreneur and business consultant, living for the past eight years in Cancún, Mexico – a place that has become both my home and a source of inspiration. I'm a passionate traveler, yacht captain, kitesurfer, and a dedicated host, always seeking to create meaningful experiences.
I love meeting people, hearing their stories, discovering diverse cultures, and sharing what I’ve learned along the way. Helping others and supporting local animal rescue efforts are causes close to my heart – caring for homeless animals is a meaningful part of my daily life.
This blog was born out of a desire to share – knowledge, passion, and glimpses of everyday life in Mexico. I hope you find something here that inspires you.
