New to ceremony traditions or trying to understand the differences? This free collection gives you a calm, beginner-friendly starting point. Each guide explains the tradition’s context, questions to ask a host, and considerations to review before deciding whether to attend. Read the guide that matches your interest; you do not need to take part in any ceremony.
Try a free quiz: Find a participant orientation guide or explore a responsible study path for future facilitators. Browse all free guides and downloads.
Important: These guides are educational, not medical or legal advice, and they do not determine whether a ceremony is safe or suitable for you. Practices, screening, and legal circumstances vary. Ask qualified health professionals about personal health concerns and verify local law independently. Never stop or change medication based on a guide or facilitator’s advice alone.
Choose a free orientation guide
Ayahuasca
Understand the broad cultural context, the importance of careful host screening, and the questions to ask about health screening, consent, support, and emergency planning.
Read the free Ayahuasca Participant Orientation Guide · Download 8-page PDF
San Pedro (Huachuma)
An introduction to the plant’s Andean context and to practical questions about a host’s training, setting, consent practices, and participant support.
Read the free San Pedro (Huachuma) Guide · Download 8-page PDF
Iboga and Ibogaine
Learn the difference between traditional contexts and clinical or commercial claims, and why careful medical oversight and clear emergency plans matter when evaluating information.
Read the free Iboga and Ibogaine Guide · Download 8-page PDF
Kambô
Review cultural context, informed consent, screening questions, and how to assess a provider’s transparency and response plan before making any decision.
Read the free Kambô Guide · Download 8-page PDF
Rapé / Hapé
Explore terminology and cultural context, then use the guide’s questions to discuss ingredients, consent, boundaries, and whether participation is right for you.
Read the free Rapé/Hapé Guide · Download 8-page PDF
Sananga
Get a basic orientation to how the practice is described in different settings and what to ask about eye health, ingredients, hygiene, consent, and alternatives.
Read the free Sananga Guide · Download 8-page PDF
Cacao gatherings
Learn what a contemporary cacao gathering may include, how formats vary, and how to ask about ingredients, accessibility, boundaries, and the facilitator’s approach.
Read the free Cacao Gatherings Guide · Download 8-page PDF
Temazcal and Inípi
Consider the distinct Indigenous and community contexts behind these terms, avoid treating them as interchangeable, and ask about cultural accountability, accessibility, heat, consent, and emergency support.
Read the free Temazcal and Inípi Guide · Download 8-page PDF
Ayahuasca in U.S. religious communities
An introductory overview of religious communities, varied beliefs and practices, how to contact a congregation respectfully, and why legal status must be checked for the specific organization and context.
Read the free U.S. Religious Communities Guide · Download 8-page PDF
How to use this collection
- Start with the guide you are curious about; the guides are independent.
- Use the questions as a conversation checklist, not as proof that a provider or event is safe.
- Take your time. You can decide not to attend, ask for more information, or leave if you feel pressured.
- For personal medical concerns, consult a licensed clinician who knows your health history.