If you have booked a ceremony at truffle-ceremony.com, good preparation is essential. What you bring to the ceremony is an important part of your “setting” and can significantly support your comfort and safety during the experience. This checklist will help you practically and mentally prepare for a respectful and appropriate ceremony visit.
First, download the free Integration Guide found in the confirmation email at the time you booked a ceremony.
Furthermore, we would like to point out the following:
- Personal comfort and safety
- Mental preparation and intention
- Practical appointments and aftercare
- Conclusion: key points for your ceremony visit
Personal comfort and safety
The physical setting is one of the most important factors for a safe experience. Research, as described by the Trimbos Institute, emphasizes that a familiar, comfortable and safe environment is crucial to the course of a psychedelic session. What you bring with you directly contributes to creating this environment for yourself.
Focus on items that can soften your sensory experience and give you a sense of security. Consider familiar items such as photographs. Avoid items that are distracting or create unnecessary stimuli.
- Comfortable clothing: Bring loose-fitting, soft and white clothing that moves with you. Think jogging pants, a roomy t-shirt, extra socks and a sweater or vest without pinching straps. If you don’t have white, you don’t have to buy some especially.
- Eye mask: An essential tool for turning inward and minimizing visual stimuli from the outside world, which can deepen the inner experience. If you don’t have an eye mask, we will give you one.
- Pillow and blanket: A pillow and blanket we have, of course, and these provide physical comfort and a sense of safety and security during the ceremony.
Mental preparation and intention
In addition to physical items, your mental preparation, or “set,” is just as important. What you bring with you can help focus your intention and provide an anchor during possible moments of uncertainty. In a plea, the UMCG points out the importance of careful preparation and guidance to support therapeutic processes. There are more tips and tricks for this in the Integration Guide.
Symbols of support
Small, personal objects can serve as an anchor. They don’t have to be spiritually charged; it’s all about the personal meaning you give them. These can connect you to a feeling of strength, love or connection.
- A small, personal object: Such as a stone, a picture of a loved one, a piece of text or a piece of jewelry. This can provide comfort and help you remember your intention.
- A notebook and pen: For notes before or after the ceremony. Write down your intention or questions in advance. Use it during the ceremony only if the facilitator recommends it and you feel comfortable enough to do so.
- Nothing: It’s also perfectly okay not to bring any extra mental “stuff. Your open attitude and attention are most important. Discuss any doubts about this during the intake.
Practical appointments and aftercare
A responsible ceremony is all about clear arrangements and preparation for the time after. Your preparation for this begins even before you arrive. Therefore, read through the Integration Guide in advance.
Make sure you have everything arranged logistically so that you don’t have to worry about practical matters during and after the ceremony. This fosters a state of surrender and confidence.
- Free agenda after the ceremony: Don’t plan anything for the day after the ceremony. Make sure you can rest and don’t have to perform or travel right away. This is a crucial part of aftercare.
- Open communication: Bring any medication lists or relevant health information as discussed during intake. Be prepared to be honest about your current state of mind upon arrival.
- Contact information for your emergency contact: You have entered this on your intake form so that the supervisors will have it to notify them.
Internal and external sources
- Psychedelic Integration: The Art of Processing
- Frequently Asked Questions about Truffle Ceremonies
- The Role of the Companion during a Truffle Ceremony
- Trimbos Institute: Psychedelics and therapy (PDF)
- UMCG: Advocacy national program for therapeutic use of psychedelics (PDF)
- ZonMw: Research into therapeutic applications of psychedelics
- University of Groningen: EU funds pioneering research into therapy with psychedelics
Conclusion: key points for your ceremony visit
- Prioritize physical comfort with soft clothing, an eye mask, a pillow and water. This provides the basis for a safe setting.
- Support your mental “set” possibly with a small, meaningful object or notebook for your intention, but know that this is not mandatory.
- Arrange all practical matters in advance, such as payment, transportation and most importantly, a completely free day afterwards to rest and integrate.
- Communicate openly with your supervisors about your health and feelings, both during intake and upon arrival.
- Do not bring unnecessary items such as phones, laptops or other distractions. Leave valuable jewelry at home.
- Trust the process and guidance. Your preparation, including what you bring with you, is an act of self-care that creates space for the experience.