Psilocybin: what to expect?

Psilocybin can open us up to deeper feelings and layers of our being. Often, a journey with psilocybin is very meaningful. In our mini-dosing ceremonies, most people report feeling very relaxed and self-connected afterwards. However, psilocybin is not a “happy drug” nor does it have a one-sided effect. As a plant-medicine, it brings up whatever is most relevant for you to experience in that moment and at times during the evening that can include challenging feelings or thoughts. Although not always pleasant, this is often where the “diamonds” are: where we can have deeper insights into patterns that move in our subconscious. This gives us an opportunity to start transforming them through awareness. The guidance, music and ceremonial setting are there to guide you through both beautiful and challenging moments, if they are there.

Having said that, in mini-dosing  we work with a very small dose, so the effects of the psilocybin are mild and wear off within a few hours. Also, you will receive the psilocybin truffle in a way that you can take as much or little of the dose as you want. The facilitator will explain in advance how to estimate your own appropriate dose.

Contra-indications

For many people, psilocybin can be experienced safely in an appropriate setting. However, it is not suitable for everyone. There are some contra-indications: situations when taking psilocybin is advised against. Please read these contra-indications carefully and please let us know in advance of the ceremony in case any of these apply to you.

Do not take psilocybin if:
– You are pregnant or breastfeeding
– You take any anti-depressants, incl. SSRI’s (in this case you cannot join our ceremony as this is not an appropriate setting for this combination. But you can discuss with your doctor about microdosing under personal medical guidance).
– You use lithium carbonate medicine (Lithium)
– You have had a psychosis or have bipolar disorder
– A first-degree family member (parent, sibling or child) has been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder.
– You have a severe anxiety
– You have suicidal thoughts
– You suffer from paranoia or suspicion
– You are currently taking antibiotics

If you take any medication, please inform us in advance by email so that we can check if there are any possible contra-indications with your medication: info@denieuweyogaschool.nl.

Your safety, and the safety of the group, come first. For this reason, booking a ceremony does not automatically guarantee participation in the truffle part of the ceremony.

We ask you to share any relevant information about your physical or mental health, medication use and personal or family history with us before the ceremony by emailing us (info@denieuweyogaschool.nl). If you prefer to be put in touch directly with a facilitator beforehand to discuss your situation, we can arrange this too. It is important that you let us know about anything that may affect your participation, including anything you are unsure about.

Relevant information will be shared confidentially with the teacher leading the ceremony, so they can make a careful safety assessment. If there is any doubt or if more information is needed, the teacher will contact you personally before the ceremony.

In some situations, we may decide that taking part in the truffle part of the ceremony is not appropriate. We understand that this can be disappointing. We always make this decision with care, based on your safety, the safety of the group and what we can responsibly support within this setting.

If we decide that you cannot take part in the truffle part of the ceremony, you are still very welcome to join the cacao part or receive a full refund for the ceremony.

Preparation: Food & Coffee

• Food: It’s best not to have a full stomach when starting the ceremony as this will diminish the effect of the truffles. Therefore it’s recommended not to eat 3 hours before the ceremony. On the day itself, please eat light and healthy food. (If you are very hungry, you can eat something light, like an apple). After the ceremony there will be some healthy snacks ready for you – fully organic and vegan.
• Coffee: Caffeine counters the effect of psilocybin. Therefore it is best not to have any coffee or caffeinated drinks on the day itself. If this is difficult to realise, then we advise to have your coffee before noon and no more coffee / caffeinated drinks after noon.
• Alcohol:Truffles and alcohol don’t match very well as they have contrary effects. It can be confusing for the body and mind to combine them. Therefore we advise to certainly not have alcohol before the ceremony, and also to better stick to non-alcoholic drinks afterwards.

Preparation: Mindset

Two conditions are of great influence in any experience with psilocybin truffles. Those are set and setting. The setting we take care of: we provide a safe, loving and conducive setting and guidance for a journey that is meaningful for you. The set refers to mindset.

Preparing your mindset means:

• Tuning into your intention: what do you want to give yourself by joining the ceremony?
• Feeling into how you are, being aware of and welcoming your state of body and mind.
• Release any expectations and come with open-ness for what life wants to show you at this time.