PEYOTE CEREMONY PREPARATIONS

How to Prepare for the Peyote Ceremony

Starting a diet can be very helpful. Reduce or completely eliminate, depending on your level of discipline and health, the consumption of sugar, salt, smoked, processed, or frozen products, cheeses, dairy, meat, and fish as much as possible.

Do this gradually. Ideally, begin one month before the ceremony. If that's not possible, start three weeks, two weeks, or at least one week prior.

Do not obsess over it or adopt a diet that makes you feel depressed or unwell.

Do not arrive at the ceremony starving. Eat normally and have lunch before attending.

Why follow a diet? To cleanse your cells of toxins that could prevent the active principles from entering your body effectively, providing a more profound and sensitive experience.

How Will the Ceremony Unfold?

  • The ceremony begins at nightfall. In January, darkness falls around 6:00 PM. You must arrive at least two hours earlier to get to know yourself, the group, the guide Hugo Pájaro, and the sponsor Esther T. Siverio, as well as familiarize yourself with the space to move comfortably and find parking.

  • The ceremony lasts all night until sunrise.

  • We will sit in a circle (no lying down).

  • A ceremonial fire will burn at the center throughout the night, tended to by Hugo Pájaro’s assistants.

  • Peyote/Hikuri songs will be sung all night with a small water drum, and all attendees will be invited to participate. Note: Learn the songs beforehand. Practice one month prior, as they can be challenging.

  • Leaving the ceremony is not allowed, as it endangers your safety, the group, and the guides.

  • Be proactive in helping with tasks requested by the guides before and after the ceremony.

  • Stay communicative and assertive.

  • Focus on your personal work and the sponsor’s prayer.

How Can I Actively Participate in the Ceremony? What is Expected of Attendees?

  • Learning Peyote/Hikuri songs is greatly appreciated by the guides. Search for these songs on YouTube; there are many available.

  • Contact Esther to practice during scheduled days a month before the ceremony, or practice on your own at home. Use a rattle if you can.

What to Wear to the Ceremony

We will present ourselves to the Great Spirit and Mother Earth well-dressed.

  • Women: Skirts only (no sportswear), a blouse, appropriate footwear, a warm coat, a rain jacket, and a flashlight. If you do not have a skirt, please acquire one as clothing will not be provided.

  • Men: Long pants (no sportswear), a shirt, appropriate footwear, a warm coat, and a rain jacket.

What to Wear for the Temazcal

  • Women: A modest swimsuit or a skirt and T-shirt, a scarf for your hair, a towel, a flashlight, and a change of clothes for afterward as you will leave soaked.

  • Men: Shorts or swim trunks (no speedos), a towel, and a change of clothes for afterward.

Note: Keep in mind there will be two ceremonies and two temazcales, so bring enough clothing for both. Store them in your car or place them in your tent. Arrive three hours early to set up your tent and attend Hugo Pájaro’s instructions.

What to Bring for Sitting in the Ceremonial Circle

Bring a large cushion or several smaller cushions, folded blankets for sitting, a blanket for warmth, and a coat. Note: Lying down is not allowed.

Rules During the Ceremony:

  • Do not use other entheogens such as marijuana or rapé.

  • Smoking, bringing water bottles, or placing objects within the ceremonial circle is not allowed.

Rest and Meals After the Ceremony

  • At dawn, after the first ceremony, we will share ceremonial food.

  • You may rest while the temazcal stones are heated. Feel free to nap in your tent, but stay alert for the starting time. Bring an alarm clock or device, as we cannot look for or call participants.

  • After the temazcal, we will share the food everyone has brought from home. Please bring warm, easy-to-eat food to share with the group.

You may rest in your tent until the next ceremony begins at the time indicated by the guides. Tents will be set up at Finca Aiti or as directed by the guides. Please ask for guidance and note that tents will not be provided, though participants may share.

Do I Need to Bring Food and Water?
Yes. After the temazcal, any food is allowed, including meat. Please bring your own drinking water (5 to 8 liters per person). This will be necessary for everyone during and after the ceremonies and temazcales.

Songs for Temazcal and Peyote/Hikuri

  • Temazcal Songs: If you speak Spanish, search for temazcal songs on YouTube. Choose songs that resonate with you but avoid long or complicated ones. Joyful songs are ideal. Learn the melody and lyrics well, practicing with a rattle or drum.

  • Peyote/Hikuri Songs: It is crucial to learn Peyote/Hikuri songs. You can find many on YouTube in Mexica, Spanish, or Native American traditions.

During the Peyote Ceremony, there are about four or five rounds where a person with a drum will stand before each participant. Using a peyote rattle, you will sing songs in groups of four, repeating each song twice with a 15-second pause between them. Ideally, learn 16 songs, but 12, 8, or even 4 songs will suffice.

Contact Esther to practice them together, or prepare on your own.

For any questions, email: esther@calmabu.com