“I Thought I Was Just Going to Drink a Cup of Tea…”

I came to Las Vegas looking for clarity. Not the kind that shines through slot machines or desert sun — but the kind you can feel in your soul.

I had read about Ayahuasca retreats before. Mysterious. Sacred. Powerful. And maybe a little terrifying.

But it wasn’t until I found 963 Tribe Church — a spiritual community offering legal Ayahuasca Las Vegas — that I felt a deep, personal calling. This wasn’t some psychedelic experiment. This was something holy. Here’s what actually happened…

Why Ayahuasca? Why Now?

If you’re reading this, you probably feel it too. That tug. That quiet question inside:
“Is there more to life than this?”

For me, it was grief. Years of it. Unprocessed, hidden behind achievement and distractions. I needed something… different. Therapy helped, but didn’t go deep enough.
That’s when I found 963 Tribe Church — a spiritual home offering legal, sacred Ayahuasca ceremonies in the U.S., protected under religious freedom.

This was a retreat not for escaping life — but for finally meeting it.

So… What Is Ayahuasca, Really?

Let’s get something clear: Ayahuasca isn’t a drug. It’s a sacrament. A teacher. A mirror.

It’s a sacred brew made from two Amazonian plants — Banisteriopsis Caapi and Chacruna (Psychotria Viridis) — used by Indigenous shamans for centuries.

They call her “Madre Medicina” or “Grandmother Spirit.” And once you meet her… you’ll understand why.

She’s powerful. Not always gentle. But always honest.

What They Don’t Tell You on Instagram

Before you even arrive, the ceremony begins.

At 963 Tribe Church, preparation is sacred. You’re asked to follow a strict dieta (spiritual diet) for 1–2 weeks beforehand. It’s not about restriction — it’s about tuning your body and spirit to receive.

Two Weeks Before:

• No cannabis, street drugs, or pork

• Avoid spicy foods, ice, cold drinks

One Week Before:

• No caffeine, dairy, refined sugar, junk food

• Limit red meat, oils, salt, and all fermented items

• No sexual activity (yes, really)

I struggled at first. But slowly, my cravings faded, and something else emerged — clarity. My dreams deepened. My mind quieted.

I wasn’t just preparing my body. I was preparing my soul.

The Most Important Part of the Ceremony

Before the ceremony, you’re asked to set a clear, heartfelt intention. Mine was simple:
“Please help me release what no longer serves me.”

Intentions are like spiritual compasses. They don’t control the journey, but they give it direction.

Ayahuasca isn’t here to entertain you. She’s here to wake you up.

Arrival at the Temple: A Different Kind of Vegas

When I walked into the ceremony space, I didn’t feel fear — I felt peace.

The lights were soft. Sacred music played gently in the background. Candles flickered. The facilitators welcomed us with warmth and clarity.

Each of us laid down a yoga mat, a blanket, a pillow. We were encouraged to bring personal items — a journal, a water bottle, a crystal, a stuffed animal. I brought a photo of my late mother.

This wasn’t just a room. It was a temple.

The Moment of Truth: Drinking the Medicine

When it was my turn to receive the brew, my hands trembled.

The facilitator looked into my eyes and said, “Welcome, sister. The medicine knows why you’re here.”

It tasted earthy, thick, bitter — like mud mixed with ancient wisdom.

Within 30 minutes, it began.

What Happened Next Was Everything — and Nothing — I Expected

First came the nausea. Then the dizziness. And then… silence.

I felt myself unravel.

Visions came — colors, shapes, old memories. I saw my childhood dog. I saw the pain I’d buried when my dad died. I saw my own face, aging, forgiving, transforming.

I cried. I laughed. I purged — not just physically, but emotionally.
It felt like ten years of therapy in five hours.

The facilitators moved gently among us, singing Icaros — ancient healing songs that felt like lullabies from the spirit world.

I wasn’t alone. I was held. Seen. Safe.

The Hardest Part Was Letting Go

At one point, I thought, “I can’t do this.”
Ayahuasca whispered back, “You already are.”

She took me deep into my shadow — the parts of myself I hide, judge, ignore.

But instead of rejecting me, she helped me see with compassion.

It wasn’t bliss. It was truth. And truth, it turns out, is the most healing thing there is.

The Morning After: A Soul Reborn

When the sun rose, I felt different. Not high. Not dazed. But cleansed.

My body felt light. My heart felt full. My mind… quiet.

I spent the morning journaling. Talking with others. Hugging people I had only met the night before, but who now felt like family.

At 963 Tribe, the ceremony is just the beginning.

Integration: Where the Real Work Happens

The facilitators reminded us:
“The medicine continues to work for days, weeks, even months. Honor her.”

I was encouraged to:

• Journal daily

• Meditate and rest

• Avoid overstimulation (news, social media)

• Walk in nature

• Talk to the facilitators if I needed support

This wasn’t just about healing in a moment — it was about changing my life.

Why 963 Tribe Is Unlike Any Other Ayahuasca Retreat

Here’s what stood out to me:

✅ It’s a legally recognized 501(c)(3) church under the 508(c)(1)(A) provision
✅ The ceremonies are rooted in Indigenous Shipibo tradition ✅ The facilitators are compassionate, trained, and trauma-informed ✅ The community is inclusive, diverse, and deeply respectful ✅ Integration support is ongoing and real — not just lip service

If you’re curious or feeling called, visit https://963tribe.com/ayahuasca to learn more or begin your journey.

Practical Tips for First-Timers

If you’re considering an Ayahuasca retreat in Las Vegas, here are a few tips from someone who’s been there:

1. Prepare seriously. The diet isn’t optional — it’s sacred.

2. Let go of expectations. Ayahuasca teaches through surrender.

3. Trust the facilitators. Their calm presence makes all the difference.

4. Stay grounded. You’ll get the most from this if you take it seriously.

5. Don’t rush back into normal life. Integration is where the real magic happens.

Final Thoughts: This Changed My Life

I didn’t expect Ayahuasca to show me God. But She did.

Not in the way I imagined — but in the way I needed.
In every tear, in every purge, in every breath — I met myself. And I didn’t hate what I saw.

Would I recommend a retreat at 963 Tribe Church?
With my whole heart.
But don’t do it because it’s trendy.
Do it because you’re ready.

Ready to heal.
Ready to remember.
Ready to meet the divine… within yourself.

Begin your journey here: https://963tribe.com/ayahuasca

FAQs

1. Is Ayahuasca legal in Las Vegas?

Yes, at 963 Tribe Church, ceremonies are protected under religious freedom laws (508(c)(1)(A)).

2. Do I need previous psychedelic experience?

No. Whether you’re new or experienced, the facilitators guide you safely through the process.

3. Is the experience scary?

It can be intense, but never unsafe. You are supported the entire time.

4. How long is the retreat?

Typically, one night for ceremony, with the option to stay overnight. Integration support continues afterward.

5. What do I need to bring?

Comfortable clothes, bedding (yoga mat, sleeping bag, pillow), journal, water bottle, and an open heart.