Psilocybin retreats have been going on for decades, but are now increasing in popularity due to their extraordinary, therapeutic effects. Common locations are — Costa Rica and Jamaica since these substances are legal, but also take place in the US among a network of Shamans. These retreats are practiced in a safe, comfortable environment. Many folks, after the retreats, claimed to feel a sense of unity, connectedness, and sacredness — being one of the most meaningful, spiritual, and significant times of their lives.
What Are the Benefits of Magic Mushrooms?
Magic mushrooms, psilocybin, is a psychoactive component found in 180 species of mushrooms and has been used for healing, spiritual purpose, and greater awareness. Psilocybin is also known to treat various disorders such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. During clinical studies, after consuming one dose, many people reported that feelings of hopelessness were significantly reduced, and patients who were diagnosed with terminal cancer reported feeling less fearful about death. In cancer trials, specifically, they found that one dose helped reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression that lasted for several months. Magic mushrooms, under a controlled and structured environment, can be very therapeutic, and life-changing, that produces enduring, substantial, and antidepressant effects.
What Is A Magic Mushroom Retreat?
A magic mushroom retreat uses the consumption of psilocybin, either in small or large doses depending on preference, to help those suffering mentally, physically, or spiritually. Folks gather in a safe and sacred environment while being guided by shamans or healers. Most retreats last between two nights, two weeks, and sometimes even a month. It is suggested that prior to a psilocybin retreat, one should do a small fast or eat healthy weeks before to enhance the experience. These events usually take place at night, depending on the shaman, and, generally, begin in a dark location, circled around, while the shaman or healer creates a safe environment for the trip.
Where Are Psilocybin Retreats Legal?
According to Bloom Berg, the British Psychedelic Society has offered psilocybin-assisted retreats since 2016, in Jamaica, and the Netherlands where laws are more liberal around psychedelics. However, it is commonplace for retreats to be held in the US, and over recent years, efforts to decriminalize psilocybin have been approved in Denver, Colorado, and Oregon. Of course, decriminalization does not mean retreats are legal in those areas — however, it is most definitely a step in the right direction.
Currently, there is no legal way in the US to offer magic mushroom retreats, as the laws make it less secure. Personal and more intimate retreats, with friends, or family are usually more ideal and safe.
How Much Do They Cost?
Psilocybin retreats — although worthwhile for their amazing therapeutic and healing effects — are pretty costly, especially with the hit of the pandemic. However, there are still several perks when attending a magic mushroom retreat. MycoMeditation, a company that provides safety, comfort, and care during their retreats, has voiced that many guests who attend these retreats come out of it with a new and life-changing perspective having helped those suffering from depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Packages range from $1700 to $10,500, offering many amenities such as group meditations, yoga sessions, vegan meals, private beachfront, kayaking, and snorkeling. MycoMediations hosts year-round retreats, usually 12-16 people at a time with 3 all-inclusive packages. The Classic Retreat costs $4147, The Comfort Retreat is $5470, and The Concierge Program costs $10,538. The package includes air-conditioned accommodations, massages, and beach access — airfare is an extra charge.
How To Find the Best Magic Mushroom Retreat
Costa Rica, Jamaica, and The Netherlands are well-known retreat locations since magic mushrooms are legal. Knowing which retreats are legal that have adequate customer reviews and feedback can be a huge weight lifted off our shoulders, especially since psilocybin is involved. It’s important to feel safe, secure, and trust that whoever is hosting these retreats has you in good hands. Synthesis, a retreat hosted in The Netherlands, has great reviews with trusted therapists, facilitators, and counselors from various backgrounds who are committed to providing an amazing, and healing retreat for all.
“The psychedelic experience is wildly varied – as complex and unpredictable as people themselves. Crafting a psychedelic retreat that caters to everyone is impossible. Some people will respond best to a formal, spiritual setting, with an emphasis on religious and mystical themes. Other people will respond best to a grounded, clinical, science-based approach that feels almost like therapy. At Synthesis, essential aspects of both worlds – spiritual and pragmatic – are combined, to provide a flexible experience that offers something beneficial to almost anyone.” The Third Wave
Atman, a retreat hosted in Jamaica, is a trendy location known for its beachfront villas and trusted counselors with amazing reviews. Lastly, The Psychedelic Experiences — known for their sacred wellness retreats in Costa Rica, hosts a variety of different psilocybin ceremonies throughout the year — also known for their online courses, workshops, and substance-specific training. Of course, there are several other amazing retreats around the world, however, these are just a few with considerable great reviews and feedback.
How To Prepare For A Psilocybin Retreat
Through dedication, preparation, and well-thought-out intentions, the psilocybin journey can be even more magical. Magic mushrooms are not a form of escapism, like some substances. It’s there for the journey in healing some painful parts of ourselves. Going into with pure intention will be beneficial, and is always recommended before consuming the medicine. Also, it’s recommended that weeks prior to the retreat you eat consciously (plant-based if possible), cut out processed foods, sugar, and caffeine. This process is an investment in ourselves and gives our mind, body, and spirit great preparation for the healing process during these ceremonies.
“An essential part of the retreat is the preparation in the days leading up to the session. Synthesis combines common-sense information about exercising, sleeping well, and eating natural and healthy foods with encouragement to meditate, go on contemplative walks, and journal to prepare for encounters with challenging emotions”, The Third Wave.
What do you think about psilocybin retreats? If you have any recommendations or input on the matter, let us know in the comment section below. We want to hear from you!
