Understanding Set and Setting in Psychedelic Work
The foundational principle of safe psychedelic practice rests on careful attention to "set and setting" - two interconnected elements that profoundly influence the ceremony experience. Set refers to your internal landscape: your mindset, emotional state, expectations, fears, intentions, and overall psychological preparation before entering ceremony. This includes your mental and emotional readiness, unresolved conflicts, current life stressors, and the quality of preparation work you've completed. Setting encompasses your external environment: the physical space where ceremony occurs, the people present, the safety and comfort of your surroundings, the facilitator's skill and presence, and all environmental factors that will surround you during your vulnerable, expanded state of consciousness. Both elements must be carefully tended to create the optimal conditions for healing, as your internal state and external environment will amplify and interact with the medicine's effects, either supporting profound healing or potentially creating challenging experiences if not properly prepared.
Preparation
"Set" - Internal Readiness
Mind Preparation
Comprehensive mental and emotional preparation includes:
preparation workbook covering life theme exploration, intention setting, expections, hopes and mental block clearing
Daily intention exploration practices addressing heart, mind, and soul levels of healing
Parts work and Internal Family Systems approach to address protector patterns and inner conflicts
Body Preparation
Somatic readiness encompasses physical wellness and energetic preparation:
Somatic awareness and body compass development through daily practices
Physical space clearing and organization to support post-ceremony integration
Interpersonal boundary setting with family, work, and social commitments
Sacred bath rituals with custom-blended salts, herbs, essential oils, and crystal essences
Physical preparation protocols including dietary guidelines, sleep optimization, and hydration
Spirit Preparation
Spiritual readiness involves connection with unseen support systems:
Ancestral healing practices and altar creation for lineage support
Spirit guide connection through meditation and receptive practices
Spiritual practices including; meditation, journaling, time in nature, animal connection
“SETTING” ~ Ceremony Space Navigation and Comfort
As you enter our ceremonial space, you become part of a temporary sacred community where we care for one another with tenderness and respect. We ask that you remain within the designated perimeter boundaries, which will be clearly shown to you upon arrival. This container serves both practical safety needs and energetic protection during the vulnerable hours of ceremony.
Two bathroom facilities are positioned on either side of the ceremonial area, allowing for privacy while maintaining the security of our sacred space. Should you need to move about during ceremony, please remember that your senses will be heightened - light and sound carry much further than usual, and what might normally seem like quiet movement can feel disruptive to others in expanded states. We trust your natural consideration for fellow participants as you navigate these heightened sensitivities.
When overwhelming emotions arise or the body needs to discharge through purging - both natural and healing responses to the medicine - we have several quiet spaces prepared where you can process privately. During these moments, a trained lightworker will stay with you, offering gentle presence and practical support. Our lightworkers are skilled in assisting with walking, helping you reach bathroom facilities safely, and providing comfort if you feel unwell or need to purge.
Creating Your Sacred Nest
Upon entering, you may place your personal belongings in our communal area before creating your own bedded space in the central ceremonial room. We encourage you to bring items that support your comfort through the long night: a sleeping pad (foam camping rolls or air mattresses work well), warm blankets, and supportive pillows. Essential items include water, a pen and paper for recording insights, comfortable socks or house slippers, a change of clothes, and a flashlight with red light to minimize disruption to others' experiences.
While we provide nourishing food post ceremony, you're welcome to bring something to share with the community. Many participants also contribute items for our communal altar or bring personal spiritual artifacts and sacred objects that support their journey.
Sacred Medicine Sharing
Morning brings opportunity for song and musical expression - please bring any instruments you'd like to share in this celebratory time. You may also witness other participants working with additional plant allies: hapé (ceremonial tobacco snuff), sananga (eye drops), or mambe (powdered plant medicine taken orally), yopo, cannabis. These traditional medicines complement the primary ceremony sacraments and are offered to those called to work with them or have an established relationship with them. If you have any prior relationship with these plants or others and would like to work with them please let the facilitator know. Along with plant allies many participants are further deepening their relationships with other animal and nature allies.