Pachamama Sanctuary

The most meaningful experience of my life. The leaders, volunteers and facilities are the key to that experience. The work is hard and the work is personal. The folk at Pachamama made space that allowed for that work to flourish with no shame or fear. I am a better person because of the weekend I spend there.

I had a wonderful journey. This place is magical.

First, when you arrive at the Sanctuary and enter the building, you are amazed at the beauty of the inside of the building as well as the energy within. I was greeted by warm and genuine staff and immediately felt welcome and accepted. The ceremonies led by Leandro were beyond expectations. The training and skill of the all those who participated in facilitating the experience were excellent. There were amazing musicians playing music during the event and when they needed rest, there were great soundtracks. They were always there for you taking the time to explain to you any questions or concerns you may have had about anything, and even the during the Ayahuasca ceremony itself. The food provided for required nourishment were all fresh vegetables, fruit and homemade meals such as soup and special dishes. The water provided was from a natural underground source or from a filtered water dispenser, and a fire was always burning in the huge central fireplace. I just booked my next retreat just two days after attending my first one. Namaste, Scott W.

A truly transformative experience! The sanctuary sits on 42 acres of untouched, beautiful land just minutes away from Sabago Lake National Park in Casco, ME. It’s conveniently located for me which is one of the reason I chose it but not before doing my due diligence and researching it thoroughly. While the majority of the reviews are positive, a few are not so favorable. Some call it ‘cultish’ while others call it ‘a business’. Call it what you will but the bottom line is that ‘Ayahuasca’ is none of those things. ‘The Medicine’ is the medicine and the journey is your own, period. This experience is meant for people who have been struggling with PTSD and for those who wish to gain self awareness, better understand their trauma and hold space for whatever shows up. For me, The Medicine didn’t just show me my trauma with intense clarity but also how and why it has affected me and my loved ones. It’s eye opening and humbling. The staff is very loving, supportive and professional. They are there for whatever or however you need them. If you do not ask for help, they leave you alone but they are ever present; always vigilant…(sentinels, if you will)…and responding accordingly if someone is in distress. While I felt wholly supported and cared for, I also felt the heaviness and the sadness in the room (there were 40 participants). With that many people sharing the same space, it is inevitable to encounter dark energy and you need to discern whether that energy is your own or the collective which can be a bit challenging. Initially, the ‘noise’ (purging, crying, loud music, etc.) felt distracting but eventually I was able to focus on my own journey and seek my truth while feeling the unconditional love and compassion from ‘Mother Aya’ and the staff. The integration sessions between each ‘ceremony’ and the breath work are just as important as The Medicine itself. Without it, “you are just getting high with a bunch of hippies” as Derek very candidly stated. However, if you truly want to work on yourself and your trauma, Pachamama Sanctuary is a place where you can achieve it. As others had told me before doing it myself; when you go back home, everything and everyone will still be the same (your family, friends, colleagues, boss) but you are not. You will continue to process for the next couple of weeks and you’re encouraged to journal during your entire experience so as not to forget (trust me, you will not forget!) and continue to build upon and integrate what is revealed to you. Ayahuasca is something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime (IF, they are able). It is NOT for the faint of heart. My work is just beginning.

Upon arrival I felt reserved amongst the group. The first night the medicine put me into a sound sleep, I haven’t slept that good in I don’t know how long. I felt it in my bones that it was preparing me for the second night and to say the least it was. As we integrated our experiences as a group I started to feel at home. The second night I made the decision to step into the pain for better or for worse and I am so grateful I did. I felt the collective consciousness of the group that felt like a warm hug, the nervousness slipped away and by the end I felt like these people who I shared this beautiful experience with were family. I can’t say enough about how accommodating the staff was, they didn’t act like these spiritual gurus that knew better or were better than you, we were one. I had a 9 hour ride home I shed the happiest tears I’ve ever shed. What a powerful powerful experience. I intend to stay connected to the community via integration meetings, volunteering opportunities, and eventually another ceremony. Much love to all who attended.