The Guiding Presence: Holding Space for Psychedelic Sessions

Holding Space for Psychedelic Sessions is a course that immerses its students in the practical aspects of guiding psychedelic sessions.

  • 1K Enrolled
  • All levels
  • Last updated Jul '23
  • English
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Course Description

Holding Space for Psychedelic Sessions is an online course that immerses its students in the practical aspects of guiding psychedelic sessions. It provides an opportunity to learn from seasoned practitioners who share their decades-long experiences with substances such as MDMA, ayahuasca, LSD, mushrooms, and ketamine.

These experts candidly discuss their hands-on experiences while holding space for others and their personal explorations. They provide comprehensive details about dosage, drug combinations, preparation and integration, ethics, safety, and more. The goal is to enable the learners to gain from the presenters’ mistakes and successes and stand on the shoulders of these experts.

This course encompasses over 50 hours of recorded materials that can be accessed through streaming or download, accompanied by extensive written resources and essential checklists. It delves into the different skill sets required to become an effective psychedelic “sitter” or “guide” and introduces students to the most influential psychedelic lineages that shape contemporary practices. Students get to engage with various perspectives and applications, helping them discern the molecules and practices that best suit their circumstances and interests. Standing as a testament to the legacy of the “Guild of Guides”, a body that shared and refined psychedelic session experiences, this course endeavours to continue spreading their invaluable knowledge.

You will learn:

  • What is Bwiti?
  • Roles in Bwiti initiation/treatment
  • Instruments in Bwiti: ngombe, mogongo
  • What is an Nganga
    • Maboundi/Yombo
    • Maboundi/Yombo
  • Sustainability/reciprocity

You will learn:

  • History of the Fang tradition
  • Dissumba vs. Dissumba Fang
  • Ombwiri/Mbumbayano Fang
  • The kambo
  • State of Fang Bwiti in Gabon
  • Impact of Westerners coming to work with the sacred wood

You will learn:

  • History of the Missoko tradition
  • Various branches of Missoko initiation:
    • Miobe/Mioba
    • Ngonde Na Dipuma
    • Sengedia
  • The impact of logging on the tradition
  • What the future of Bwiti could look like in Gabon

You will learn:

  • History of Dissumba
  • Various branches of Dissumba initiation:
    • Abanji/Mabanji
    • Ilombo
    • Ombwiri
    • Ombudi
    • Loro
  • The ngombe (sacred harp)
  • Healing rituals involved in her tradition
  • Training to serve the wood
    • What does it involve?
    • How long does it take?

instructor-image

Tatayo

Instructor

About Instructor

Tatayo (“Fruit of the Wind”) first arrived in Gabon in 1971 at the age of 21 and became a Gabonese citizen. In 1979, he became the first white person to be initiated into the Bwiti Fang tradition in Gabon. In 1994, he was initiated into the Misokko tradition. As a guide for numerous expeditions and missions, including those of National Geographic, the BBC, and others, Tatayo is considered to have “opened the door” to westerners in Gabon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see below for start and finish dates/times. This course is currently being offered live and dates/times will change throughout the year.

$99

This course includes

  • Modules 13
  • Duration 50 Hours
  • Skills All levels
  • Language English
  • Availability Always
  • Certificate No
The Guiding Presence: Holding Space for Psychedelic Sessions Course Image