The Journey I Didn’t Know I Needed

I wanted something intense — something real. For years, I’d been carryingthe weight of the soul: grief not mourned, spiritual numbness, the unspoken ache that arises from feeling separate from yourself and the world around you. Therapy helped. Meditation helped. But something was lacking.

That’s when I heard about Niños Santos, or “Little Saints” — the sacred Psilocybin mushrooms revered for centuries by indigenous cultures. Their reputation as Teacher Plants intrigued me. They were not recreational. They were not a gimmick. They were, in the words of 963 Tribe, a sacrament. A bridge between the visible and invisible. A mirror to the soul.

So, I surrendered to the soft tug and said yes to a Shamanic Healing Retreat with 963 Tribe. I didn’t know what to expect, but what I found there changed me in ways for which I couldn’t have prepared.

The Ceremony Begins Long Before Arrival

The first thing I learned was this: healing doesn’t start with the mushrooms. It starts with you.

The team at 963 Tribe emphasized preparation — not as a suggestion, but as an essential act of spiritual respect. This wasn’t about following a checklist. It was about honoring the sacredness of the experience.

Two Weeks Prior:

• No alcohol
• No recreational drugs
• No heavy or processed foods
• Absolutely no pork or fried items

One Week Prior:

• Avoid caffeine
• Eliminate refined sugars and red meat
• Stay away from dairy, fermented foods, and carbonated drinks
• Avoid overstimulation and stressful environments

What surprised me was how meaningful this period became. Abstaining wasn’t a burden — it was a ceremony in itself. Every choice became an offering. Every discipline a signal to my soul: I am ready.

Stepping Into Sacred Space

The moment I arrived, I could feel it. This wasn’t just a retreat; this was consecrated ground. The space was simple, humble, and yet profoundly intentional.Everyone brought their own items for comfort — blankets, journals, crystals — but the most important thing we brought was our intention.

We were strangers, yet it felt like we had met before. Some had come to release trauma. Others to seek spiritual clarity. A few were simply answering a mysterious inner call. Regardless of our reasons, we were all here to remember something ancient, something holy.

The facilitators greeted us with warmth and deep presence. They were not gurus. They were not performing. They were guides — there to protect the sacred container, to hold space, and to allow the real teacher — Niños Santos — to do what only it can do.

Meeting the Little Saints

We began in silence. We opened in reverence. And then, with guidance from our shaman, we were introduced to the sacred Niños Santos tea.

These mushrooms had been grown, nurtured, and harvested with care and intention. Brewed gently with honey and natural ingredients, the tea tasted earthy and soft — but the moment it touched my lips, I knew I was partaking in something far beyond the physical.

I sat quietly. I breathed deeply. And then… it began.

Not What You Expect, Exactly What You Need

People often ask, “What is it like?” The truth is, there are no words that fully capture the journey Niños Santos takes you on. This isn’t a “trip.” It’s a sacred encounter — one that unfolds in layers, mirrors, lessons, and love.

For me, it began with darkness. Not fear — but clarity. Old wounds I had buried years ago rose to the surface. I saw my patterns, my defenses, my shame — and yet, instead of judgment, I felt compassion. It was as if the mushrooms were whispering, It’s okay. Now we heal.

Then came the light. I saw visions — not hallucinations, but deep symbolic truths. A younger version of myself appeared, smiling. I felt connected to nature, as if the trees outside were part of my body. I felt the presence of something divine. Not distant or separate — but within me.

And through it all, I understood: Niños Santos are not here to entertain you. They are here to teach you. Sometimes gently. Sometimes fiercely. But always with purpose.

Held in Safety and Stillness

During the ceremony, we were asked to remain in silence and stillness. This wasn’t a rule. It was a gift.

Silence allowed the teachings to rise without distraction. Stillness became a form of prayer. Music was gently played at intervals, and those called to share their voice or instruments did so with intention. No noise. No ego. Just presence.

The facilitators were always nearby — watching, praying, offering quiet reassurance when needed. At no point did I feel unsafe. At no point was I alone.

The Integration Begins

This was the part I hadn’t expected to be so powerful. The ceremony doesn’t end when the mushrooms wear off. In fact, that’s when the real work begins.

963 Tribe offers deep support for integration. Journals were encouraged. Meditation and nature time were essential. Talking with others — especially during integration circles — helped solidify what I had learned.

I came away with visions, yes. But more importantly, I came away with tools.

• I learned to listen more deeply to myself.
• I started waking with clarity and purpose.
• I felt more connected to the Earth, to others, to the Divine.
• I found peace not by avoiding pain, but by understanding it.

What I Didn’t Expect to Find

I expected healing. I expected some emotional release. I even hoped for a spiritual insight or two.

But what I didn’t expect was this:

A deeper understanding of who I am.
A reconnection to the sacred.
A spiritual community that actually feels like family.

I didn’t just learn from the mushrooms — I remembered something I had forgotten: I am whole, I am sacred, and I am connected. This wasn’t a retreat. This was a rebirth.

Guidance for Those Feeling the Call

If you’re considering a shamanic retreat with plant medicine, here are a few honest insights based entirely on what 963 Tribe teaches:

1. Come With Reverence, Not Curiosity

Niños Santos are not recreational. They are a sacrament, a teacher. Come with humility and clear intention. Ask, “What am I ready to learn?”

2. Prepare Your Body and Spirit

Follow the guidelines. The dietary and energetic restrictions aren’t random — they open space for deep spiritual work. What you remove creates room for what matters.

3. Trust the Space, Trust the Process

The facilitators at 963 Tribe are deeply trained and spiritually grounded. They are not here to lead you — they are here to support your own sacred encounter.

4. Integration Is Where the Healing Lands

Don’t expect all the answers in one night. The real work is in the weeks and months that follow. Journaling, nature, community, and self-reflection are your best tools.

Final Thoughts: The Path Back to Yourself

When I left the 963 Tribe retreat, I didn’t feel “done.” I felt opened — like something ancient and sacred had been reawakened inside of me. The noise of the world didn’t disappear, but I now had the inner stillness to face it differently.

Niños Santos don’t fix you. They reveal you.
The ceremony doesn’t heal you. It invites you to heal yourself.
And 963 Tribe doesn’t sell you an experience — they welcome you into a lineage.

If you’re feeling the call, trust it. Prepare your heart. Bring your intention. And walk through the door.

You may not find what you expect — but you’ll find exactly what your soul needs.

Interested in Joining a Ceremony?

963 Tribe Church is a spiritual community devoted to personal transformation, healing, and connection through sacred plant medicine. Rooted in ancient traditions and grounded in sacred purpose, their Shamanic Retreats with Niños Santos are held in a safe, supportive environment guided by experienced facilitators.

To learn more or begin your own journey, visit:
👉 https://963tribe.com/