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Yes. The Illuminating Co. holds ayahuasca ceremonies at our sanctuary in Lakeway, Texas, through Vine of the Soul. We are a veteran-founded entheogenic church, and ayahuasca is part of our practice as a sacrament, with three song circle ceremonies held in the traditional Peruvian jungle style.
Ayahuasca, here in Texas
Ayahuasca is a sacred plant brew rooted in the Indigenous traditions of the Amazon. Most preparations combine the Banisteriopsis caapi vine with a DMT-containing leaf, such as chacruna.
Within our practice, ayahuasca is a sacrament of relationship: with yourself, your community, the natural world, and the sacred as you understand it. We approach it with deep respect for the Indigenous peoples and living traditions it comes from.
For many people, ayahuasca has meant a trip to Peru, Costa Rica or Colombia. Vine of the Soul brings that tradition to the Texas Hill Country, with preparation before and support after.
Inside Vine of the Soul
The heart of the retreat is three separate song circle ceremonies, each held in the traditional Peruvian jungle style. Around them are daily breathwork, sound healing with Cloud People, and whole food meals from our chef. Between ceremonies, you can rest with a wet sauna, cold plunge, pool and hot tub.
Your guides
Curandero and founder of the Yuraq Puma lineage
Curandera and sound healer, trained in the Mestizo traditions of the Peruvian Amazon
Kevin and Carol lead the song circles together, bringing decades of ceremonial experience and a deep connection to the traditions of the Amazon and the Andes. Meet them on our team pages: Kevin and Carol.
Preparing for ayahuasca
Preparation matters with ayahuasca, for your body and your mind.
- The dieta. Traditionally, people simplify what they eat in the days and weeks before ceremony. Our preparation calls include personalized dieta guidance.
- Medications. The vine can interact with certain medications, supplements and foods. Everything you take is reviewed during screening. Never stop or change a prescription without your prescriber.
- Intention. Five weeks of group calls help you arrive grounded, clear on what you're bringing, and connected to the people you'll sit with.
If you don't build new beliefs, new patterns, and new habits, your old programming will eventually take over again.
Justin LaPree, founder
What to look for anywhere you go
A checklist
- Guides with real lineage and years of ceremonial experience
- Careful screening of your health history and every medication you take
- Dieta guidance well before ceremony
- Respect for the Indigenous traditions ayahuasca comes from
- A safe, private setting and a group small enough to be held well
- Integration support once you're home
- Honesty about what to expect, and no promises about outcomes
Common questions
Can you do ayahuasca in the United States?
Yes. We hold ayahuasca ceremonies at our sanctuary in Lakeway, Texas, through Vine of the Soul, as part of our practice as an entheogenic church.
What is an ayahuasca song circle?
A traditional ceremony where the guides sing icaros, sacred healing songs, to hold and guide the space while participants journey with the sacrament.
What is the dieta?
A traditional way of preparing by simplifying food and habits before ceremony. We give you personalized guidance during the five weeks of preparation.
When is the next Vine of the Soul?
November 9 to 13, 2026, at our sanctuary in Lakeway, Texas.
Who can attend?
Everyone goes through screening first. Veterans and first responders can join through Illuminating Heroes, and civilians through Illuminating Souls.
Feeling called to ayahuasca? Talk to us.
A no-pressure call to answer your questions and see whether our practice is right for you.
