The way we use any natural medicine at Kamentsa Inga Church, The Soul of the Hummingbird, is always in a sacred ceremonial environment. We respect plants and their spirits as living beings, medicines, teachers and we believe in their sacred and healing properties; therefore, we create a sacred space before and after our ceremonies. Unless otherwise specified, ceremonies are usually held outdoors around the fire.

Before the sacred ceremony, the Taita makes an introduction and explains the possible reactions that may occur in each of the participants during the process. Logistics and other details are shared with the group.

OPENING PRAYER
We open the space with a prayer of gratitude to the great spirit, the 4 elements and all nature in general. We also ask for permission and protection from the ascended masters of the ancestral pyramids of our Ayahuasca-Yage culture, the spirits of the Amazon jungle and the ancestors of the land where the ceremony is taking place. We then invoke the spiritual presence of the great universal masters, such as Christ, Buddha, the great yogis of India and the Taitas who have been our teachers and forgers.

SHARING THE SACRAMENTS (AYAHUASCA-YAGE)
Each participant prepares with a brief breathwork and personal connection session, followed by the application of rapé (powdered tobacco – medicine of the osca) so that participants can connect with their body, bringing stillness to their minds and clarity to their intentions. We then follow up with a personal cleansing with incense, copal and sage to clear the auric field of each individual and the space where the ceremony will be held.
We use incense of sacred plants accompanied by ancestral chants (ikaros) to the sacred medicine and we offer and ingest our sacrament. After ingesting the Ayahuasca-Yage, participants sit in meditation while waiting for the reactions that the element brings. If participants consider taking more than one dose, the second and third cup are offered at intervals of approximately two hours.

DURING THE CEREMONY
Energy moves throughout the circle with different dances and sounds of harmonicas, Guairas and drums, and also sounds of rattle seeds, made with tree seeds, acquired in the Amazon jungle, which are part of the Taita (shaman) and the disciples’ clothing. Additionally, cleanses are carried out with sacred elements such as tobacco, incense and Guairas. We also share different songs and praises with guitars and other sacred musical instruments to help raise the vibration of the group.
The facilitators will ensure that the ceremony space is kept comfortable and clean and if necessary, each participant will be personally assisted to go to the bathroom and to the spaces designated for cleansing or when they are experiencing a strong process or reaction through their experience.

CLOSING THE CEREMONY
Before dawn we will perform an energetic cleansing for each participant; for this process we use different incenses, tobaccos and sacred plant extracts that are blown over the body of the participants by the Taita or disciple.
We also use flower water to pour it into the hand of each participant to rub it on their own body and then we will balance the energy, and continue closing the chakras with the vibration and sounds of harmonicas, “guairas” and drums, and also sounds of rattle seeds.

INTEGRATION CIRCLE
We will gather in a sacred circle of conversation and allow space for each of our community members to share their experience during the night and connect with other participants. We also offer individual post-integration sessions, for those who need a more intimate setting. We are always available to support our members after a spiritual journey and provide guidance on how to stay on track with lessons learned.

CLOSING PRAYER
We will proceed to raise our closing prayers where we express gratitude to our ancestors, guides and teachers, as well as the spirit of all the sacred plants that have been used during the night. To conclude the ceremony and welcome the morning, the community gathers to bless the food and then we make an offering to the grandfather fire to balance our relationships and honor the sacred elements.

APPEARANCE AND DRESSCODE
During the ceremony, members/participants must use a special dress code that reflects unity and respects the sanctity of the sacred ceremony. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing appropriate for a sacred ritual. Men and women should avoid colors such as red and black and preferably wear light colors. For the morning cleanses we recommend women wear sports bra and everyone can wear shorts, to ensure the medicines used for the cleanses impregnate the skin.