Deryk's Staff Pick

Becoming the Alchemist: 8 day Ayahuasca Retreat + Cedar Master Plant Dieta on Bowen Island

Name: Becoming the Alchemist: 8 day Ayahuasca Retreat + Cedar Master Plant Dieta on Bowen Island
Start: 2025-06-24
End: 2025-07-01
Location: Athena Naia
Rating: 5

5.0028 reviews

782 Smith Road, Bowen Island, BC, Canada

Up to 16 in group

June 24 - July 1, 2025

A preparation course valued at $109 is included with the retreat at no extra cost

Retreat Highlights

7 nights, 8 days at a tranquil island retreat center surrounded by majestic cedars
4 nights of transformative Ayahuasca ceremonies
2-week Cedar Dieta Primer
A combined 3-week Cedar Master Plant Dieta in the Shipibo Tradition.
38 acres of lush forest for integration, with nearby beaches and trails to explore
Healthy, organic meals lovingly prepared
Personal 1:1 support sessions with experienced facilitators
Daily sharing and integration work t
Shamanic wisdom teachings and practices
Workshops led by our co-facilitators for integration
Astrology integration workshop
Plant attunement and herbal medicine teachings
Repatterning and integration meditations

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Athena

Jason

Carolyn

Emma

Athena Naia

A little about Athena. Athena has been studying forms of traditional healing and shamanism for over 16 years. Her journey into alternative Healing opened during a major crisis in her life, which led her to working with her family down south and a Traditional Venezuelan healer who recognized her gift of sight and began to give her a language to explain life as an empath and seer. Upon arriving back to Canada she was adopted by a beautiful medicine woman who grounded her into ceremonial teachings, sweat lodges, pipe ceremony and women's mystery work. She began working with Ayahuasca in 2010, and soon after began a formal apprenticeship with the Shipibo Mahua Lineage in the Amazon of Peru studying a traditional form of healthcare. She has spent months at a time in retreat in the practice of dieta fasting from foods and water for periods of time, and learning directly from the spirits of the plants. She travels internationally, holding ceremonies and retreats, runs plant dietas and Integration and healing work. She has been recognized by the Grandmother Shipibo Maestras she works with and was given the cup to serve medicine after 8 years of apprenticing. Her main Teachers Include Maestra Amelia Ronen, Maestra Manuela Mahua. She has spent countless time learning from Elders, wisdom keepers and guardians of the traditions in North and south America. She has been blessed to sit with and share friendship with traditional grandmothers who have helped keep her humble and in reverence for all life. She is a mother of two young boys is an artist, musician, a Doula, herbalist and tries not to take herself too seriously. She holds all who sit with her in circle in the love and prayers of the Great mothers heart. She currently lives in the mountains of British Columbia.

Jason Dornbusch

Jason in an energy healer and shamanic herbalist whose work is akin to the Amazonian vegetalista tradition of physical diagnostics and plant protocols. Following the practice of herbal preparations and remedies for many years, Jason’s deep relationship with the plant nations began at a very young age. He has been working with the medicine ayahuasca since 2010. Growing, tending, and preparing ayahuasca on the Hawaii Islands has been a huge part of his apprenticeship in the ceremonial space. Among his specialties is creating client-specific medicines to treat emotional, physical, and spiritual ailments. He is passionate about helping people come into deeper living relationship with the Earth using their own ‘inner healer’ from a place of self-empowerment. Jason loves to create spaces where people feel connected to themselves and the gift of everyday life. Jason is happiest when he is gathering, foraging, or brewing a pot of medicine over a stove or fire. He currently lives between Nova Scotia, Canada and the Big Island in Hawaii.

Carolyn Colibri

Carolyn Colibri is a compassionate facilitator with a deep calling to plant medicine work. She is a vocal alchemist, workshop facilitator, musician and wilderness explorer who weaves her gifts to be in service to participants’ spiritual growth. She is dedicated to the path of spirit and bringing forth the soul’s calling to live in a harmonious and loving world.

Emma Power

A speaker for the stars — Emma is a professional astrologer and intuitive channel deeply attuned to the intricate symbolism of this multi-dimensional life. For over 11 years, she has illuminated soul paths and aligned people with their cosmic callings through astrology readings, and workshops. Emma’s initiation began by an indigenous medicine woman in Blackfoot country recognizing her latent talent as an astrologer and healer. Under the guidance of this early mentor, Emma was deeply immersed in the teachings of the northern medicine wheel, lunar magic, Tarot, Kabbalah, and planetary alchemy. This profound exploration included regular participation in sweat lodges, extended water fasting, drumming, singing, prayer, and purification rituals with nature following the lunar cycles. Emma holds a profound bond with the star nations, that has lead her a deep devotion to the plant spirits that awaken access to their high-vibrational medicine and awareness. Her diverse background includes high-intensity roles in healthcare and film production, blending compassionate service with organizational prowess. At Earth Temple, she contributes as a “medicine manager”, playful retreat cook, and eternal student to life. Nestled in a crystal unicorn barn loft above horses on Bowen Island, BC, Emma lives at a medicine retreat centre, where she collaborates with Athena and Jason in organizing and facilitating transformative retreat experiences.

Details of this retreat

Join us for "Becoming the Alchemist" – a transformative Ayahuasca Retreat + Shipibo Cedar Dieta in the peak bloom of summer on a small, beautiful coastal island of British Columbia.

This retreat, held at the incredible Xenia Retreat Centre, offers the unique opportunity to traditionally diet Cedar while being surrounded by ancient Cedars—offering a direct connection to your diet, something not always possible in North America when practicing Shipibo Dieta.

Combining Ayahuasca with plant dieta work allows for heightened awareness and perception of the healing energies of a non-psychoactive plant teacher (in this case Cedar), acting as an amplification and elevation to your communion with that plant.

Cedar plant consciousness provides profound immersion into themes of forgiveness, protection, purification, and the release of burdens that are parasitic and ailing in nature. The Coast Salish indigenous tribes of the PNW consider this tree the Tree of Life for it's ways of providing endlessly for its people—offering deep codes of abundance, and the understanding that there is “more than enough” when we diet Cedar.

This powerful experience offers the opportunity to align with and be healed by both Mother Ayahuasca and Cedar’s energy in one of the most energetically charged locations we’ve had the privilege to work at.

We invite you to step onto the path of the Alchemist—the way of leading our lives in continuous transmutation of what does not serve, into what does—by communing with the plants of Ayahuasca, and Cedar.

Through four sacred ceremonies, alongside other shamanic practices, you will connect with your own heart’s intelligence and access the multidimensional awareness that allows you to align with the more expansive timeline of your soul’s path.

During this retreat, we will share in earth rituals, energy clearings, and nature immersion. You will have access to the numerous meditation areas around Xenia Centre that are designed to connect you to nature’s healing power.

With 1,000-year-old trees nearby, beaches five minutes from the land, and private access to a lakeside trail, you have 38 acres (and more) to sprawl and find your peace and space as you need.

Led by experienced and highly esteemed shamanic practitioners with over 35+ years of combined experience, prepare to experience the meaning of true magic and healing as our team works with the plant spirits to support you in stepping into an even brighter expression of your being.

Join us on Bowen Island, June 24 – July 1, on this journey of deep healing, where we can activate your inner alchemist and embody the divine intelligence of Source. Our team, the plants, and the spirits of the land are here to serve you as you embark on the pilgrimage of inner transformation—to become the alchemist of your own life.

To see more testimonials of Athena’s work, feel free to check out:
👉 https://www.earthtempleretreats.com/testimonials/

For more info on Earth Temple Retreats, visit:
👉 https://www.earthtempleretreats.com/retreat-schedule/

If you are new to the medicine of Ayahuasca or new to sitting with us, we would love to chat with you. Please fill out our online medical form, and our Medicine Manager will contact you for intake:
👉 https://www.earthtempleretreats.com/medical-form

If you have any other needs or questions, please reach out to us directly.

Schedule

Example Daily Schedule
(Tentative – schedule may shift to honor the flow of the medicine work)

**June 24 – Arrival + First Ceremony**
2:00 PM – Arrival, Orientation & Opening Circle
7:00 PM – Ceremony Preparation
8:00 PM – Ayahuasca Ceremony & Cedar Dieta Opening

**June 25 – Integration Day**
9:00 AM – Breakfast
11:00 AM – Integration Circle & Dieta Chats
1:00 PM – Lunch
3:00 PM – Free Time / Massage / Optional Workshop
6:00 PM – Dinner
8:00 PM – Shamanic Practice & Fire Ceremony

**June 26 – Medicine Day**
9:00 AM – Breakfast
11:00 AM – 1:1 Integration Sessions / Free Time / Massage
1:00 PM – Lunch
3:00 PM – Apprentice-Led Workshop
8:00 PM – Ayahuasca Ceremony

**June 27 – Integration Day**
9:00 AM – Breakfast
11:00 AM – Apprentice-Led Workshop
1:00 PM – Lunch
3:00 PM – Cedar Water Ritual
7:00 PM – Dinner

**June 28 – Medicine Day**
9:00 AM – Breakfast
11:00 AM – 1:1 Integration Sessions / Free Time / Massage
1:00 PM – Lunch
3:00 PM – Hapé Ceremony
8:00 PM – Ayahuasca Ceremony

**June 29 – Integration Day**
9:00 AM – Breakfast
11:00 AM – 1:1 Integration Sessions
1:00 PM – Lunch
2:00 PM – Despacho Earth Ritual
7:00 PM – Dinner

**June 30 – Closing Container**
9:00 AM – Breakfast
11:00 AM – Group Integration
12:00 PM – Lunch
3:00 PM – Gifting Ceremony
6:00 PM – Dinner

**July 1 – Departure Day**
9:00 AM – Light Breakfast
11:00 AM–2:00 PM – Packing, Relaxation, Farewells
3:00 PM – Departures

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Athena Naia, 782 Smith Road, Bowen Island, BC, Canada

Directions

The retreat takes place on Bowen Island, a small, forested island located northwest of downtown Vancouver, BC. To get here, you'll first travel to Horseshoe Bay, then take a scenic 15-minute ferry to Bowen Island. Ferries depart approximately every hour.

The closest international airport is Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

If you're flying in, you have a few options to reach the retreat:

1. Rent a Car / Carpool
– Approx. 1-hour drive from YVR to Horseshoe Bay Terminal
– We’ll help coordinate car shares via a group chat closer to the retreat

2. Public Transportation
– Approx. 2–3 hours total travel time
– Take the SkyTrain from YVR to downtown Vancouver
– Transfer to the ExpressBus to Horseshoe Bay
– Walk on the ferry to Bowen Island

3. Drive Your Own Vehicle
– Approx. 1 hour from Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay
– You can take your car onto the ferry or walk on and be picked up on the island

We’ll create a group chat to help participants coordinate rides and ferry times.

If you have any travel questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help!

Accommodation

Xenia offers cozy, private or shared cabin-style lodging, a spacious and welcoming main lodge, a dedicated ceremonial yurt, and countless peaceful nooks throughout the 38-acre property—ideal for quiet reflection, rest, and integration. Whether you’re journaling in the gardens, napping beneath the trees, or soaking in the stillness between ceremonies, Xenia provides the perfect environment to ground, heal, and expand during this 8-day dieta.

Shared Cabin

Private Cabin

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

Our retreat takes place at Xenia, a 38-acre sanctuary on Bowen Island known for its healing energy, ancient trees, and lush beauty. Home to a 1,100-year-old Douglas fir and rich wildlife, it's a space of magic and transformation. Guests can explore trails, a labyrinth, meditation spots, and sacred groves. Integration massages by our on-site bodyworker are available as an optional add-on.

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

Meals are clean, simple, and dieta-friendly—free from processed foods, sugars, oils, pork, and fermented items—to purify the body and deepen your connection with the medicine.

What's Included

7 nights, 8 days at a tranquil island retreat center surrounded by majestic cedars
4 nights of transformative Ayahuasca ceremonies
2-week Cedar Dieta Primer
A combined 3-week Cedar Master Plant Dieta in the Shipibo Tradition.
38 acres of lush forest for integration, with nearby beaches and trails to explore
Healthy, organic meals lovingly prepared
Personal 1:1 support sessions with experienced facilitators
Daily sharing and integration work t
Shamanic wisdom teachings and practices
Workshops led by our co-facilitators for integration
Astrology integration workshop
Plant attunement and herbal medicine teachings
Repatterning and integration meditations

What's Not Included

Airfare
Transportation

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

Anonymous • Dec 05, 2022

5.0

Verified

1st Timers and an Amazing Experience with Athena

Our Journey - My wife and I, are not addicts, have not suffered extreme trauma/abuse (other than infant illness and childhood bullying), nor have we been diagnosed with any medical conditions. We are spiritual, but not religious. We are just two people who randomly came across the documentary Awakening the Soul (2022).

After watching the movie, my wife said, "I want to go to Rythmia, (a beautiful medically-licensed plant medicine center in Guanacaste, Costa Rica). Unlike, myself, my wife has never been a drug user (except social drinking). I was amazed that this was something she wanted to experience. Myself, I thought, a chance to get HIGH with my wife.

So, we started researching and found a HIGHLY regarded retreat being held in our own State in Hawaii by Athena. After a little more research and high reviews we booked the retreat on Hawaii with Athena. She did not disappoint.

We stayed for one week at the end of November 2022 at an amazing location on Hawaii's Big Island. The Volcano erupted on the Night of our 1st Ceremony and There were many other "universal signs" that reveled themselves during our 4 ceremony nights.

We attended with about 12 other people, all with prior experience, some that shared HORROR stories of experiences with 'bad outcomes from other poorly trained practitioners" Not with Athena. Everyone, shared with us their similar results at the end of the week. Fantastic and enlightening.

I think, we all had one of of the most beautiful experiences of our lives. Straight from the start we were made to feel incredibly welcome and cared for. Everyone on Athena's team are so giving and loving it created such a beautiful and healing environment.

As well as the medicine ceremonies. So, wonderful. We live on Kauai, but this week caused us to feel closer to the earth, creation, and others (past/present). Athena is truly gifted and enabled us to have a deeply healing and beautiful experience.

I was able to release a lot negativity, I was holding on to, as well as see visions of my potential. My wife, experienced similar feelings and healing of stomach indigestion issues that had been plaguing her. We felt Abundance and left with a connection to the Infinite Source of Creation that is connected to everything. Major breakthroughs have happened and we are inspired to take action.

Our experience with Athena was everything we had wished it would be. The feeling of love and appreciation we were left with is something that will change the course of our lives.

We will forever be grateful to Athena and her teachings. If you are planning an Ayahuasca retreat then we can’t recommend Athena highly enough! We will definitely be heading back to one of her retreats in Hawaii. Peace and Love - P&R

Vas • Jul 20, 2019

5.0

Beautiful soul

I did a week long retreat with Athena and had the most beautiful and life changing experience of my life! It's hard to describe the feeling of having her around in the best way possible. She is there when you need her or help in general, but only in the right moments when you are ready to receive. She is very loving and caring and has helped me personally break down a few walls that I was putting in my own path. Any chance I could have to spend more time with her, I would gladly take in a second. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to meet her and learn from her and patiently await the next time I see her and all the beautiful ladies that were part of the retreat. Thank you so much for everything Athena <3

Cameron • Jul 20, 2019

5.0

Clear, clean and powerful.

Working with Athena and Jermey was a direct transmission of simplicity, clarity and humility. I very much appreciated the care and guidance she constantly gave during ceremony. I also appreciated that there wasn't anything 'extra' no apparent ego was interwoven in the ceremony. That is a trait I usually see in buddhist teachers so I really appreciated that in ceremony. Lots of laughter and gentleness. Also it was one of the most powerful ceremonies of my life which I'm still working to unpack. A deep thank you for holding such elegant space for me to do my work.

Michelle • Jul 12, 2019

5.0

A powerful, grounded, compassionate and wise woman. A storyteller.

I attended a two day retreat with Athena in 2018. Being in ceremony with Athena was such a blessing, she created the environment, and initiated a process that allowed me to dive deep within. Athena provided a grounding fulcrum which I was able to use to anchor myself while I journeyed. She created a safe, sacred space for healing. She took the time to ensure each individual under her care was well. I felt deeply cared for. She provided me with some support that was specific to my needs and it it helped me tremendously. In ceremony I witnessed many spirits come through Athena as she guided our group - the hummingbird, the wolf, the bear, the wise elder - many spirits shared their voices. She is a story teller, a singer, a healer, a carrier and protector of the medicine. Thank you Athena - truly.

Kristina • Jul 08, 2019

5.0

A true teacher

I am very blessed to have found true teachers in my life. I consider Athena (and her partner Jeremy) to be two of those. Athena is real, allowing space for you to grow and rise and expand in your own gifts and become empowered to heal yourself. She does an amazing job of leaving her ego away from ceremony so that the purity of the work may come through. I never knew what to expect from a ceremony, but I felt so safe and supported that I continue to get called back! I appreciate and respect everything she does. She truly walks her talk and is an incredible soul to be in the presence of. I recommend connecting with her in whatever capacity to are feeling called to. Your life will be uplifted.