About this Retreat
Hi, this is Isher. I'm particularly interested in working with people who have a history of depression, addiction or people who are just looking take hold of their lives again. Anyone who's interested in exploring their inner urge to expand their consciousness without the fear of being judged will always have my full attention and loving respect.
After living 30 years of my life living with recurring depression, a feeling of not belonging and a general sense of not knowing who i am or why i'm here, i decided it was time to do some serious work on myself and. I started meditating and it certainly helped with being able to witness myself and my behavioral patterns and moods. But why was i having these patterns and moods? What was underneath them? I came across a man called Dr Gabor Mate (An expert in trauma, addiction, stress and childhood development) around 8 years. This lead me to the use of plant medicines. First with Ayahuasca (which showed my the roots cause of my behavior patterns as well as helping me shed my mental and spiritual pollution that i felt society had installed in me. Then with San Pedro/Huachuma which i feel made me complete again and gave me my clear focus, mental strength and a purpose in life.
I decided to focus mainly on working with San Pedro as i have so much respect for the gentle and patient nature of the medicine. I don't claim to be a shaman like in the South America traditional sense. I totally respect the shamanic ways and have work and journeyed with Shamans, but I feel this tradition is a sacred one that is so often exploited and by westerners. Shamanic ceremonies should only be conducted by genuine shamans of which they are few a far between in my experience. I also feel that experiencing your journey with loving support and with as little distractions or interference as possible gives the participants the deepest and most transformational experience. I'm descried as being a gentle giant and a big open heart. I offer plenty experience working with medicines as well as safety and protection. I'm originally from the UK but now living in Portugal where we have the perfect location to truly work with this medicine at it's best.
I strongly believe in everyone's individual reality, and that everything is just how it's supposed to be. I feel that we should try our best to embrace our fears and emotions, not run away or drown in to them and we should always show gratitude to the human experience. Life and awareness truly is a blessing.
Blessing on your travels
Isher
Chuma is the 2nd gentle giant (next to Isher) at The Lighthouse. Chuma is a master teacher in joy and authenticity. He will be in and around the house, so please be aware if you're allergic or afraid of dogs.
Details of this retreat
You’re warmly invited to a private and intimate Huachuma (San Pedro) retreat, held in a quiet natural setting in the Douro Valley, Portugal.
Rather than being held within a group dynamic, this experience offers a more personal and contained space to explore what is unfolding within you, at your own rhythm.
Huachuma has long been used as a plant teacher that can gently open perception, deepen connection, and bring clarity to what is already present. Each experience is unique, shaped not only by the medicine, but by the person, the moment, and the space in which it is held.
This retreat is not about chasing a particular outcome, but about creating the conditions for a meaningful encounter with yourself, with presence, care, and grounded support.
Our ceremonies are rooted in many years of experience holding sacred space and guiding individuals through transformative plant medicine journeys. The Lighthouse has earned a reputation for integrity, care, and safety, offering a grounded and heart-centered approach to healing. Whether you're new to this path or seeking a deeper therapeutic experience, you’ll be in trusted hands.
🌿 Who This Is For
This experience may be for you if:
🌿 You prefer a more intimate and personal setting
🧭 You feel called to explore at your own pace
💭 You are seeking clarity, reflection, or reconnection
🤍 You value a quieter, more contained environment
🌿A Non-Shamanic Approach, Rooted in Respect
While we deeply honor traditional shamanic practices of South America, our approach is different. We do not claim to replicate shamanic ceremonies, as we believe that sacred traditions should be upheld only by authentic, indigenous shamans—who are rare and often misrepresented in the West. Instead, our focus is on creating a loving, distraction-free environment that allows the medicine and your inner wisdom to guide the process.
🏘️Integration & Grounding
After the ceremony, there will be ample time for grounding, nourishment, rest, and sharing. We provide a supportive space to reflect on your insights and begin integrating what you’ve experienced. You’ll also have time to connect with others—or simply to meet the new version of yourself in quiet peace.
🌿 A Final Note
At The Lighthouse, your well-being is our highest priority. We offer a safe, intimate setting where you can feel supported and seen throughout the entire process. We invite you to arrive with openness, a curious heart, and a willingness to be transformed.
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