🕊️ Who are these retreats for?

These retreats are for people who are ready to do deep inner work in a safe, sacred, and guided container. You do not need experience with plant or animal medicines or spiritual practices—only a sincere willingness to show up for yourself, your healing, and the group.

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🇲🇽 Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?

Yes, many regions of Mexico are safe for tourism — including Bucerias, where our retreats are held. Bucerias is a peaceful, beachside town near Puerto Vallarta, known for its safety, spiritual community, and welcoming energy. We’ve hosted many U.S. travelers who have felt deeply held, respected, and nourished by the land and local people.

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🇲🇽 What about the U.S. travel advisories I’ve read?

U.S. travel advisories often cover entire states, not specific cities or towns. It’s important to distinguish between headlines and the actual experience of travelers on the ground. We have never had a safety issue at Merkaba Retreats, and we stay informed of all regional updates to keep our guests protected and at ease.

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🇲🇽 What if I’m still nervous about traveling?

It’s okay to feel some nerves — international travel can be a leap, especially when stepping into sacred work. Many of our participants say that simply making the journey was part of their transformation. We’re here to support you with love, preparation, and answers to any concerns that arise.

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🇲🇽 Final Note from Christopher & Aeon about traveling to Mexico:

We’ve walked this land, built relationships with the local community, and created a space that is safe, sacred, and supportive. You are in good hands — human and divine.

 

🌿 What earth medicines do you work with?

We primarily offer guided ceremonies with Psilocybin, Kambo, and Bufo Alvarius (5-MeO-DMT). Each is used in reverence, with trained facilitators, energetic protection, and thorough preparation and integration support. 

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💊 Do I need to stop taking medications before the retreat?

In many cases, yes. Certain medications — especially SSRIs (antidepressants), MAOIs, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers — can create unsafe or incompatible interactions with sacred earth medicines such as Bufo, psilocybin, or Kambo. These combinations can blunt the experience, create energetic dissonance, or (in rare cases) be physically dangerous.

 

💊 What if I’m on antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication?

If you’re taking medication like Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft, or similar, it’s essential to have a conversation with our team well in advance. We will explore your specific situation with care. Do not discontinue any medication without medical supervision.

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In many cases, a safe and supported tapering period is required — often 6–8 weeks or more before working with earth medicines. We can refer you to professionals who understand both the medical and spiritual aspects of preparation.

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💊 What if I don’t want to come off my medications?

That’s completely okay. Some participants join our retreats without working with plant medicine, and still receive deep transformation through breathwork, ceremony, coaching, and integration. We honor your body, your path, and your current needs.

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💊 Can I still attend if I’m tapering off or just recently came off?

Possibly. This is handled on a case-by-case basis, depending on the medication, dosage, length of time on it, and your physical/emotional state. Some medicines require several weeks or months of full detox before ceremony is considered safe.

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We will always prioritize your safety and nervous system stability over rushing the process.

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🔱 Is the retreat safe?

Safety is the foundation of our work. All participants are screened via application to ensure appropriate fit, and our team is trained in trauma-informed care, energetic protection, and emergency protocols. We also work with on-call local medical providers if needed.

 

💫 What’s included in the retreat package?

• 7-day transformational retreat in a private sacred villa

• Multiple guided medicine ceremonies (varies by retreat)

• Daily kundalini yoga (all levels), breathwork, sound healing & group process

• Lodging, meals, and ceremony materials

• 1 pre-retreat Zoom meeting (individual + group)

• 2 post-retreat Zoom integration group sessions

• Membership in our Merkaba Alumni Network

• Membership to Lumara Social Network - Our Digital Sanctuary

 

🧘‍♂️ How do I prepare?

Once accepted, you’ll receive our Merkaba Preparation Guide, which includes:

• Diet, supplement, and medication adjustments

• Practices for grounding & intention-setting

• Information on what to pack and how to energetically prepare

• Optional journaling prompts and readings

 

You’ll also meet with your facilitators before the retreat to set intentions and address questions.

 

🧠 What is integration and why does it matter?

Integration is the process of weaving your retreat insights into your daily life. Without it, the ceremony fades. With it, transformation sticks.

 

All participants receive:

• 2 private integration sessions on Zoom (One with each facilitator)

• 1-2 group follow-ups

• Ongoing access to our online Merkaba Alumni offerings (calls, classes, ceremonies, etc.)

 

🍽️ What is the food like?

Delicious, clean, and nourishing.
We serve mostly plant-based and pescatarian meals prepared with love and intention. All dietary preferences and allergies are honored.

 

🧳 What should I pack?

You’ll receive a full packing list, but essentials include:

• Comfortable clothing for movement and ceremony

• Swimwear, layers, and walking shoes

• Journal, sacred items, and openness

• A beginner’s mind

 

🏠 Where will I stay?

Our retreats are hosted in private villas in Bucerias, Mexico (or in other sacred locations). You’ll have a comfortable shared or private room, access to nature, and space to rest, reflect, and renew.

 

🧬 I’m LGBTQ+, sober, or navigating trauma. Will I be safe?

Absolutely. Our spaces are inclusive, trauma-informed, and radically compassionate. We honor your identity, path, and boundaries. Many of our participants are in recovery, are queer/trans, or are healing complex trauma.

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You are welcome and respected here.

 

💌 Still have questions?

 

We’re here to help.

→ Contact Us
→ Apply Now