First Time Preparation

First Time and Preparation

Part 1

Here is an example of what I would expect from the space holder. This is from my own time holding ceremonies, but I have edited and added content for the purpose of this book.

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Preparation: Engaging in physical and mental preparation as recommended by experienced practitioners, which should include dietary restrictions and mental readiness.

This is where the journey truly begins—not on the mat, not in the visions, not in the midnight purging, but in the quiet days and weeks leading up to the ceremony. The time of inner listening, of clearing the noise, of honouring the invitation. The time of conscious sacrifice.

This sacred preparation is not just a checklist; it is the act of showing up with reverence. The medicine begins to work the moment you say YES. That yes sends a signal through your energetic field and the Spirit of the medicine hears you. She begins preparing her teachings, weaving the specific threads of what you need to see and heal. Your dreams may start to shift. Emotions might rise unexpectedly. Synchronicities intensify. This is not a coincidence; this is the path opening.

The shaman holding the space for you would have got you to fill out a questionnaire. This may seem mundane or administrative—but in truth, it is a sacred exchange. You are offering your full truth: your history, your wounds, physical diseases and ailments, your medications, past drug use, and your intentions. You are beginning the process of energetic transparency. This is the beginning of trust. Between you, the shaman, and the medicine.

The shaman holding space for you should send you a full description about what you can be expect during a ceremony and a preparation diet that must be adhered to. This is essential. It is not just for safety, but for the deepening of your receptivity. The diet is not a punishment or restriction. It is a purification. It is a way of beginning to align your vessel with the frequencies of the plants. When the body is clear, the visions come through clean. When the gut is light, the soul can speak. The gut and mind connection is a lot more understood these days but the tribes in the amazon knew about this long before we did. The three brains. The gut brain, the heart brain, and the mind brain.

After they shaman has studied the questionnaire for any potential complications or contraindications, a phone call should be arranged. This is not a formality. It is a bridge. This is for you to connect with them before the ceremony. This moment of connection matters. You are entrusting this person with your energetic safety, your psychic opening, your physical vulnerability. You are about to walk through the veil together.

This helps you as a participant to feel more comfortable with them before you place yourself in their hands. It also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions that were not covered by them in the welcome correspondence. Nothing should feel hidden. Transparency is the cornerstone of a strong ceremonial container.

If the person holding space for you does not ask any questions or provide you with the above information, then I would seriously consider whether this is the right person to hold space for you.

This cannot be overstated. The integrity of the space holder is everything. You are opening yourself to the deepest, most multidimensional layers of your being. The shaman, facilitator, or guide must know how to navigate that territory. They must be well-versed in protection, in clearing, in energetic discernment. They must not only serve the medicine—they must serve the people drinking it, with humility and skill.

When I taught students’ The Peruvian Medicine Wheel. Which does not involve plant medicine but is a process of initiations from the Andes. I would be asked many times. I want to be a great plant medicine space holder. Many of them would love to be plant ceremony holders but they felt that they did not have the skills to hold the space. The medicine wheel helped them to learn about all the different healing techniques that are great when holding space. It was also a huge personal healing journey for them to clear their own wounds and stories so they could be a clear vessel to hold ceremonies. I would tell them. “A great shaman is not someone who sits on the throne telling us what to do.” “He or she shows us by example. It is not all glamourous holding space. You will not just be signing and looking great holding a rattle.

To be a great shaman you must be everything. A cook, a cleaner, a midwife, a healer, a mother, sister, father, brother etc.” A shaman is always tired. This will be no short course that you complete any time soon.  it will take years. This is what you are signing up for.”  Then if they still wanted to go ahead. I would teach them. That is the sort of shaman you want holding space for you. Someone who has done their own work.  Ask them questions about their training and lineage. Do not feel embarrassed to ask.

Here is an example of what to expect from the shaman holding space: These should all be in place weeks before the ceremony is to take place.

·         A clear and compassionate intake process, including a health questionnaire, medical screening, and thorough explanation of any contraindications with medications or mental health conditions.

·         A comprehensive explanation of what the ceremony entails—rituals structure, general flow, how the medicine is served, what types of experiences may arise (physical, emotional, visionary, or otherwise).

·         A detailed description of the plant dieta. Which foods and substances to avoid (such as red meat, salt, sugar, alcohol, recreational drugs, pharmaceuticals, and sexual activity), and for how long. This may vary depending on the lineage or tradition but is non-negotiable in its importance.

·         A list of logistical details: location, what to bring (bedding, bucket, eye mask, etc.), start and end times, emergency contacts, number of participants, and the ceremonial structure.

·         A one-on-one phone or video call to meet personally, answer final questions, and energetically attune before stepping into ceremony together.

These are not luxuries. These are necessities. These protocols are not red tape—they are ritual. Next, I have written about what you should receive from the shaman. After this there is some scientific information about each plant.