FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where are your ceremonies held?
Our ceremonies are held in the East of the Netherlands, in the area surrounding Zutphen. In some occasions they can be held somewhere else on request, for example individual and couple ceremonies, or when you find an available venue in your area.
What is the maximum participants of a group ceremony?
The maximum of a group ceremony is 20 participants
What is the setting of the ceremonies you offer?
Our ceremonies are held in peaceful indoor spaces that are often located in rural areas. There will be mattresses to lay upon, blankets and pillows. You are guided by live and curated music. During the ceremony we blend ancient shamanic, ceremonial aspects with therapeutic tools to facilitate a safe, held container and deepen your experience.
I am using medications, can I participate in a ceremony?
This depends on the type of medications you are using and the nature of the ceremony. For some Earth Medicines there are contra-indications with SSRI’s and SNRI’s (anti-depressants or anti-psychotic medications) and medications like Lithium and Tramadol.
In the intake form there is space to share about any medications you’re using and about your health conditions. During our preparatory call we can discuss these with you.
Can I participate in a ceremony when I am under treatment with a doctor, specialist, psychiatrist or other therapist?
Yes you can. Our ceremonies are not a substitute for other treatments, but in our view they complement each other.
Can I partake in a ceremony with a friend, partner or family member?
This is a very individual choice. Joining together a group ceremony or having a private ceremony for the both of you can be a very bonding and transformative experience.
In some occasions you might want to participate by yourself, as a spouse or loved one can be a distraction to your process.
In case of doubt you can always contact us and we can reflect upon your considerations.
Are there any requirements for participating in a ceremony?
Yes. In order to participate in one of our ceremonies you commit to filling in an intake form, signing a ceremony agreement and have at least 1 preparatory call and 1 integration call with us.
Why are preparatory sessions and integration sessions mandatory?
During our preparatory call(s) we have a chance to get to know you and you have a chance to get to know us. This makes it possible for the both of us to feel if we are the right match for each other. For us it is of value to be aware of your mental and physical health conditions, as well as any major traumas you might have experienced and are still working with. In at least one session we will involve your family/ spouse/ closely related loved one(s). A medicine ceremony can bring profound transformation and therefor we value bringing in the important people in your life, so you can navigate these changes together.
20% of the work is done during the ceremony, 80% of the work is how we integrate the experience in our day-to-day live. It’s our experience that this takes to most effort and focus and that’s why we offer integration sessions to support you in your process.
Do I have to follow a certain diet or guidelines in the weeks prior to the ceremony?
The way you prepare for a ceremony is all your own responsibility. However we do offer some suggestions which in our experience help you to focus your intend for the ceremony and open you for the experience. These are:
- Eat as much plant based, organic food as possible during the weeks prior to the ceremony. If you choose to eat meat or fish, check the source where you’re getting these from.
- Don’t smoke in the weeks prior to the ceremony or lessen your intake
- Drink enough water (at least 2 litres each day)
- Make some space during your weeks prior to the ceremony to be in quiet solitude with yourself. Meditate, check in with yourself how you feel and reflect upon your intention for participating in a ceremony
- In the days prior to the ceremony be aware of the information you consume, like newspapers, social media etc. – try to stay away from any media channels as much as possible and instead turn towards your inner world.
How many sessions do you offer prior to your ceremonies?
Attending a ceremony with us is part of journey. In the weeks prior to the ceremony there will be individual preparatory sessions. We will explore together how many sessions we and/or you feel are of value to your process.
How many integration sessions do you offer after the ceremony?
Attending a ceremony with us is part of a journey. In the weeks and months after the ceremony we will focus on integration. We will explore together how many sessions we and/or you feel are of value to your process.
I am coming from abroad, is it possible to stay an extra night prior or after the ceremony?
In some of our retreat venues it is possible to stay an extra night, this brings extra costs with it. Contact us if you wish to arrive earlier or stay an extra night and we can also support you in finding other venues like a bed & breakfast close by.
Where can I find your cancellation policy?
You can find it in our Disclaimer. For some of our ceremonies there is a special policy. These are in the ceremony agreement you receive together with your intake form.
Is it possible to book you for an event or gathering I am hosting?
Yes. We also host ceremonies on requests for groups, couples and individuals. Contact us at info@sacred-earth-medicine.com to explore possibilities and discuss practicalities.