How to Prepare for an Ayahuasca Ceremony: Diet, Mindset & Intentions

Ayahuasca is not just a sacrament—it is a profound journey of the soul. It calls to those who are ready to release what no longer serves them and step into deeper healing, transformation, and communion with the divine. But to truly receive its wisdom, one must approach the ceremony with intention, reverence, and preparation.

At 963 Tribe Church, we walk alongside those called to Ayahuasca, ensuring that every seeker enters the sacred space with clarity and alignment. The Shipibo tradition teaches that preparation is not just about the body but about clearing the mind and spirit to allow the sacred energy of the plants to work. Whether this is your first ceremony or you are returning for deeper guidance, proper preparation will help you receive the teachings with an open heart and a grounded spirit.

So, how do you prepare for an Ayahuasca ceremony? What foods, habits, and practices should you embrace—and which should you release? Let’s explore the essential steps to ready yourself for this life-changing experience.

The Importance of Proper Preparation

Approaching Ayahuasca is like preparing for an important meeting with a wise teacher. Would you arrive scattered, distracted, and weighed down by the chaos of daily life? Or would you come centered, open, and ready to listen?

The Shipibo tradition teaches that Ayahuasca is not just about visions—it is about purification. Before sitting with the sacrament, one must cleanse physically and energetically to receive its teachings fully. Neglecting preparation can result in unnecessary discomfort—both physical and emotional—making the journey more challenging than it needs to be.

The Ayahuasca Diet: What to Eat & Avoid Before Ceremony

What is the Ayahuasca Diet (Dieta)?

The dieta is a spiritual purification process. Rooted in Shipibo wisdom, this practice cleanses the body and aligns it with the frequency of the sacrament. It allows you to become a pure vessel, receptive to divine messages.

Foods to Avoid (At Least 2 Weeks Before the Ceremony)

Some foods disrupt the energetic and physical harmony needed for Ayahuasca. Are you willing to release these attachments and make space for something greater?

• Processed foods – Heavy, artificial, and disruptive to your energy field.

• Alcohol and caffeine – Disturb mental clarity and interfere with the body's natural rhythms.

• Red meat and pork – Carry dense energies that may obstruct the flow of Ayahuasca.

• Dairy products – Can increase mucus production, blocking energetic channels.

• Fermented and aged foods – High in tyramine, which may interfere with Ayahuasca’s effects.

• Excess salt and sugar – Dulls sensitivity to spiritual guidance.

• Spicy and fried foods – Can disrupt the inner balance.

What to Eat Instead

Choosing nourishing foods sets the stage for a harmonious journey. Imagine fueling your body with high-vibrational foods, and preparing your spirit for communion.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables – Organic and unprocessed to maintain their life force.

• Whole grains – Brown rice, quinoa, and oats to provide grounding energy.

• Legumes and nuts – Lentils, chickpeas, and almonds for clean protein.

• Lean proteins – Fish, eggs, and tofu in moderation.

• Plenty of water and herbal teas – Hydration is essential for spiritual clarity.

The dieta is considered an offering to the spirit of Ayahuasca—proof of your commitment to the journey ahead. How are you treating your temple?

Mental & Emotional Preparation: Getting Your Mind Ready

Ayahuasca does not just cleanse the body—it reaches deep into the recesses of the soul. This means facing what has been hidden, feeling emotions long suppressed, and surrendering to a greater wisdom.

Overcoming Fears and Anxieties

It is natural to feel fear before an Ayahuasca ceremony. You are stepping into the unknown, about to encounter parts of yourself that have been waiting to be seen. But remember—fear is often a sign of transformation on the horizon.

To ease anxiety:

• Practice breathwork and meditation – Anchor yourself in the present moment.

• Limit distractions – Avoid overstimulation from social media, news, and external chaos.

• Trust the process – Ayahuasca shows you what you are ready to see. Nothing more, nothing less.

Letting Go of Expectations

Each ceremony is unique. Some may receive clear visions, while others may experience deep emotional processing. Release attachment to a specific outcome. The sacrament knows what you need.

Setting Clear Intentions for the Ceremony

Intentions act as a compass, guiding your journey with Ayahuasca. Unlike expectations, which can lead to resistance, clear intentions help you align with the teachings of the sacrament.

How to Set an Intention

• Reflect on what you seek.

• Keep it simple and heartfelt.

• Examples of meaningful intentions:

  • “I seek healing from past traumas.”

  • “I want to deepen my connection with my higher self.”

  • “I surrender to the teachings of Ayahuasca.”

The Indigenous elders say that the sacrament responds to sincerity of heart. Take a moment. What is your intention? Write it down. Feel it in your heart.

Physical & Lifestyle Preparations

Beyond diet and mental readiness, lifestyle adjustments can enhance your ceremony.

• Prioritize rest – A well-rested body supports a clear mind.

• Practice movement – Gentle yoga and stretching keep the energy flowing.

• Observe celibacy – Traditional teachings recommend abstinence before the ceremony to preserve energy.

• Reduce screen time – Give yourself space for introspection.

The Importance of Post-Ceremony Integration

The ceremony does not end when the fire dims and the chants fade. Integration is the bridge between what you experience and how you bring its lessons into daily life. What will you do with the wisdom you receive?

Ways to Integrate the Experience

• Journaling – Write about your insights, emotions, and lessons.

• Meditation & Reflection – Sit in silence. Let the messages settle.

• Community Support – Connect with others who understand the journey. At 963 Tribe Church, we hold space for post-ceremony reflections.

• Continued dieta awareness – Avoid substances and environments that cloud your newfound clarity.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Preparing for an Ayahuasca ceremony is a sacred act in itself. Through intentional diet, mental readiness, and clear intentions, you align yourself with the divine energy of the sacrament. This is not just another experience—it is a calling, an initiation, a step toward awakening.

At 963 Tribe Church, we honor the Shipibo tradition, providing a safe and sacred space for seekers ready to embark on this journey. Do you feel the call? If so, we welcome you to join us and step into the path of transformation.