Our ceremonies

Marti ( Joxo Jaxo ) typically leads the ceremonies with his wife, Michelle (Artic), alongside a team of assistant and sometimes other healers that join the family. Their presence brings a gentle, grounding feminine energy and their voices intertwine in the singing of icaros—sacred healing songs that hold, guide and protect the space. Alongside them, many unseen beings from different realms are invoked by the curanderos to “attend” the ceremonies and support the participant’s healing journey: a long lineage of Shipibo ancestors; great Merayas, departed curanderos and luminous teachers; mystical beings from other dimensions; and the powerful forces of the teacher plants themselves.

On the first day of your retreat, our lead facililtaor will hold a one-on-one conversation with each participant to understand their intentions and personal goals. It’s important to communicate openly about why you’ve come and what you hope to achieve. This initial conversation sets the foundation for a healing process that is deeply aligned with your individual path.

Often, the root cause of disharmony is not immediately visible—it may only reveal itself gradually over the course of several ceremonies. Once it becomes clear, the focus of the work turns to clearing energetic blockages, extracting harmful forces, and restoring balance, so that the medicine can move more freely and reach deeper levels of healing.

How do I drink the medicine

At the beginning of each ceremony, participants are invited one by one to receive their dose of Ayahuasca. On the first night, most newcomers are served half a cup—just enough to establish a safe and effective initial connection with the medicine. In some cases, a smaller dose or a different type of brew may be given. In subsequent sessions, you’re welcome to share how the medicine affected you and whether you prefer a stronger or milder dose. However, the final decision always rests with the maestros, who adjust the amount to ensure that your process remains both safe and aligned.

Once everyone has been served, the candles are extinguished, silence is observed, and the space settles into darkness. As the medicine starts to take effect, the curander begin the first round of individual ícaros and personalized healing.

After this, participants are offered a second serving. This is entirely optional. If you feel the first dose was too mild or wish to go deeper into your process, you may request more medicine. If the facilitators consider it appropriate, a second cup will be offered. After that, the second round of personalized ícaros will begin, with each participant receiving focused, individual attention throughout the night.

Because the program at Aurora kene is immersive and intensive—with five ceremonies per week—only two servings of Ayahuasca are given per ceremony. This rhythm allows the medicine to work deeply and thoroughly, without overwhelming the participant. That said, the structure and flow of each ceremony may shift slightly, depending on the energy and needs of the group.

HOW LONG DOES A CEREMONY LAST?

At Aurora kené, ceremonies typically last between three to four hours, depending on the number of participants and the depth of healing required. When only one dose is taken, the effects usually begin to subside after two to three hours, though this can vary depending on the individual and the amount received. If a second dose is taken, the journey may continue for several more hours.

Only two servings of medicine are offered per ceremony to allow for deep energetic work without overwhelming the participant. The healing work of the curandero is concentrated during the peak of the trance, but the effects of the medicine continue in more subtle ways even after the ceremony closes.

Later in the night, some participants may find it difficult to sleep as inner processes continue to unfold, while others may ease into a deep, peaceful, and restorative rest. The medicine work does not end when the ceremony ends—it continues softening the heart, releasing tension, and steadily guiding each person toward greater self-awareness and inner harmony.