The Power of Intention in Psychedelic Ceremonies

Psychedelic ceremonies can catalyze profound personal insights, emotional breakthroughs, and shifts in perception. One of the most critical elements influencing a psychedelic journey is the intention you set beforehand.

An intention is a guiding theme or purpose, helping you navigate unfamiliar inner terrain. It serves as an anchor—something to return to when the experience becomes overwhelming or challenging. While this document was written with magic mushrooms in mind, the principles apply to most psychedelics, including Ayahuasca, DMT, LSD, and other entheogens.

Why Are Intentions Important?

1. Focus and Direction
An intention provides a mental anchor during the experience, helping you stay centered if challenging emotions or visions arise.

2. Emotional Safety
A clear purpose fosters a sense of security, giving you something to return to when the journey becomes intense or overwhelming.

3. Meaningful Integration
After the experience, revisiting your original intention helps integrate insights into daily life, making transformation lasting rather than fleeting.

Setting Intentions by Dose
Psychedelic experiences vary based on dosage, mindset, and setting. Your intention should be aligned with how deep you plan to go.

Microdose
Definition: A microdose is typically 1/10th to 1/20th of a full psychedelic dose. Effects are subtle, with little to no perceptual changes.
Role of Intention: While less crucial, intention can still help guide mood, focus, and creativity.
Example Intentions for Microdosing:
I want to feel more focused and creative today.
I will observe my emotional shifts and be mindful of my reactions.

Moderate Dose
Definition: A moderate dose produces noticeable psychedelic effects—such as visual distortions, emotional introspection, and enhanced sensory perception—while still maintaining a connection to reality.
Role of Intention: A clear intention helps shape the experience, ensuring it is purposeful and meaningful.
Example Intentions for a Moderate Dose:
I want to deepen my connection with nature.
I want to explore my emotions through music and sound.
I aim to strengthen my relationships with loved ones.
I seek insight into a personal challenge.

Breakthrough Dose
Definition: A high-dose (sometimes called a “heroic dose”) often leads to a complete dissolution of self, also known as ego death. This level of experience can be overwhelming, profound, and deeply transformative.
View as Inner Work: This dose level is not recreational—it is a serious journey into the depths of the self and beyond.
Example Intentions for a Breakthrough Dose:
What is my life’s purpose?
Who am I beyond my physical body?
What happens when I die?
How can I let go of fear?

The Three Phases of Breakthrough Work
Deep psychedelic work unfolds in layers. The journey doesn’t end with one ceremony—it is a process that may require multiple experiences to fully explore and integrate.

Phase 1: Healing Personal Trauma
We all carry emotional wounds. The first step in deep psychedelic work is facing, understanding, and releasing personal pain.
Example Intentions for Trauma Healing:
Why did I experience this pain?
How do I break free from patterns that no longer serve me?
What emotions have I suppressed that need to be released?
How can I find forgiveness (for myself and others)?

Phase 2: Understanding Your Soul Beyond the Body
Once personal trauma has been addressed, the next phase involves spiritual discovery—exploring your soul, past lives (if applicable), and the higher consciousness that exists beyond you.
Example Intentions for Soul Exploration:
Who am I beyond this physical body?
Why did I choose this life?
How do I connect with my higher self?
What do I need to know about my soul’s purpose?

Phase 3: Exploring Beyond the Self
The final phase expands outward—connecting with family, community, and the universe itself.
Example Intentions for Cosmic Exploration:
How do I heal generational trauma in my family?
What is my role in my community?
How do I connect with my cosmic family?
What ancient wisdom is accessible to me?

Practices for Setting and Maintaining Intentions
Your intention is more than just a thought—it should be an active, living part of your preparation, ceremony, and integration.

1. Use Your Intention as a Mantra
Before and during the ceremony, repeat your intention silently or aloud. This can help you stay focused when the journey becomes intense.

2. Fast for 24 Hours Beforehand
The Church of Ambrosia recommends fasting for 24 hours before the ceremony. As our founder says, “The less shit in you, the less shit comes out.” Clear liquids are okay, but avoiding heavy foods prepares the body and mind for a deeper experience.

3. Journaling Before & After
Write your intention down before the ceremony to solidify it in your mind.
After the ceremony, write about your experience to help with integration.

4. Keep the Space Minimal and Free of Distractions
The best setting is an empty, quiet room with no music, incense, or external stimuli.
This ensures the experience itself is the focus rather than external distractions.

5. Know When to Let Go
Sometimes, the journey will take you where you need to go, not where you planned.
If the experience shifts away from your intention, trust the process and surrender.

The Role of the Sitter
The sitter’s role is not to guide or interfere but simply to ensure basic safety and comfort. As our founder says:
“The sitter is just there to do the human things you can’t do while you’re on psychedelics—answer the door, get you water, help you to the bathroom, or check on you if they hear a loud thud.”

Basic Sitter Instructions:
Be neutral—do not interfere unless absolutely necessary.
✅Know the traveler’s medical conditions (some medications, such as lithium, can be dangerous with psychedelics).
Do not intervene unless there is immediate danger (e.g., serious injury, fire, respiratory distress).
Remind them to breathe if they become overwhelmed.
Take notes (or audio record with consent) so the traveler can reflect on their experience later.

Integration & Reflection
The ceremony doesn’t end when the effects wear off—true transformation happens in integration.

1. Post-Ceremony Reflection
At The Church of Ambrosia, we recommend audio recording the session so the traveler can review insights later.
Immediately after the ceremony, ask questions while the experience is still fresh—this helps capture insights before they fade.

2. Apply Lessons to Daily Life
Integration is an individual process—take time to reflect on how your insights can shape your daily choices, relationships, and mindset.