About this Retreat
With more than 30 years of experience with psychedelics, Sanson's journey began in the vibrant land of India at the age of 18. It was there, amidst the cultural tapestry of Goa, in 1995, that he had a transformative encounter with both spirituality and psychedelics. Sanson, who was a psychology student at Merton College, London, during that time, embarked on a life-changing trip.
Since that profound moment, Sanson's life has been intertwined with the exploration of altered states of consciousness and the world of psychedelics. His extensive travels have allowed him to sit with wise elders, holy men, curanderos, yogis, psychonauts, and fellow enthusiasts across the globe.
In 2013, an epiphanic encounter with the San Pedro cactus became a turning point in Sanson's life. Fueled by this experience, he committed himself to becoming a full-time psychedelic activist. Along this remarkable journey, Sanson has achieved numerous milestones, including:
- Establishing the Spanish Psychedelic Society in 2016 and serving as its president.
- Founding La Mezquita renowned psychedelic retreat center in 2019.
- Active participation in the Cosmic Care Boom Festival from 2022 to 2023.
- Organizing free landmark conferences for Spanish speakers in February 2019 (Madrid) and in Valencia (2021), and Barcelona (2021).
- Collaborating with several psychedelic conferences, including Insight Berlin 2021 and the What's the Convention in 2019.
- Sharing his insights and experiences through interviews, documentaries, podcasts, and YouTube videos, making a significant impact in the field of psychedelics.
Sanson's dedication and passion for psychedelics, combined with his background as a psychology student, have made him a prominent figure in the community, contributing to its growth and understanding.
Anastasiya is a firm believer that psychedelics have the potential to positively transform one’s life, and that the change in the world begins with the change in oneself. In her work, she combines the ancient art of yoga, modern psychology research, and the wisdom of plant medicines to assist people in reconnecting with their true nature and journeying towards inner peace.
She holds a degree in psychology and possesses practical experience in conducting therapy in various settings. She has worked in psychiatry in Ukraine and Tanzania, assisted in group therapy for Ukrainian refugees of war in Hungary, provided mental health consultations for children in India, and supported Ayurvedic patients in Sri Lanka. In her academic work, she has focused on topics such as addiction, self-regulation, and self-development. Her intrinsic interest in psychology drives her constant thirst for knowledge, with a particular emphasis on interpersonal, existential, and Jungian schools of thought. She has experience with CBT, holotropic breathwork, coaching, dance and art therapies, tDCR, hypnosis, mindfulness, counseling, and psychedelic therapy.
Anastasiya’s fascination with altered states of consciousness drove her towards the exploration of psychedelics which aligned with a sudden calling for yoga. Yoga and medicinal plants were crucial factors in helping her overcome life’s difficulties. Through personal experience she came to realize the therapeutic potential that they had to offer. The combination of both led to better self-awareness and self-acceptance. Anastasiya explored various yogic schools and techniques during the years, including Vipassana meditation, Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Antar Mouna, Pranayama, Iyengar, Yoga Nidra, sound baths, satsang, and kirtan.
Psychedelics combined with yogic philosophy, modern psychological paradigms and research findings, and the power of supportive community, nature, live music, and unconditional acceptance are main pillars of Anastasiya's work philosophy.
Details of this retreat
Join Our Introduction to Psychedelic Retreat Weekend for a Life-Changing Experience
Psychedelics are at the forefront of psychological research, offering powerful tools to treat depression, anxiety, and addiction, enhance creativity, confront preexisting thought and behavior patterns, and reflect on life's meaning. They provide opportunities to explore altered states of consciousness, leading to an understanding that we each construct our own reality, allowing us to choose how to shape it.
At La Mezquita, we aim to provide a safe space for transformational inner experiences, introducing you to various techniques from yogic philosophy and modern psychological research to push you to establish a personal practice. This practice becomes your daily time to recharge and ground yourself.
Ceremonies
Dive deep within during two magical ceremonies, accompanied by live music and experienced facilitators.
Night Mushroom Ceremony: This introspective experience follows the adjusted John Hopkins/Imperial College methodology, where participants wear eye masks and listen to live music, enhancing the session's vibrations.
Day on a Mountain: This extroversive experience takes place in the beautiful Alicante Range, combining San Pedro cactus and magic mushrooms for a unique, cathartic journey. We travel to a scenic spot, a 20-minute drive from La Mezquita, to connect with nature and the supportive community.
Group Size
We prioritize personalized care by keeping our groups small (7 max) to ensure a meaningful experience. Explore excellent reviews from past participants to hear their perspectives.
Dosage
Dosages are tailored to each participant based on their needs, body weight, health condition, experience with medicinal plants, and desired trip strength. We use Psilocybin cubensis mushrooms, which contain a higher concentration of psilocybin than truffles. Therapeutic intentions usually involve moderate amounts, while those seeking a mystical journey may opt for higher dosages in a safe environment.
Mental Health Consultations
We start with a screening call to discuss your interests and health situation and answer your questions. Upon arrival, you'll have a one-on-one session with our facilitators to establish trust, discuss intentions, ensure the right mindset, and alleviate any doubts. During the retreat, you'll have private sessions to explore specific topics or intentions. Our facilitators are mental health specialists knowledgeable in various yogic and therapeutic techniques, with the main facilitator boasting over 30 years of psychedelic experience and 10 years of guiding others.
Integration Sessions
Work with medicinal plants acts as a catalyst for change. To facilitate this change, integration sessions are held with a strong emphasis on somatic techniques such as yoga, meditation, clay baths, team games, singing, and dancing.
Community Living
La Mezquita, originally built as a Moroccan restaurant, exudes authentic charm. It is the headquarters of the first Spanish psychedelic society, La Sociedad Psicodélica, and a multicultural communal living space for artists, musicians, yogis, mental health specialists, and free-spirited individuals. The venue features a spacious common area with art and musical instruments, a sea-view terrace, an outdoor fire space, and various games. It is located just 100 meters from a beautiful sandy beach and a 20-minute drive from the mountains.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Weekend of Self-Discovery and Healing
Space is limited, so secure your spot today.
Recommendations for Antidepressant Medication
Avoid antidepressants or pharmaceutical medicines for pain, anxiety, or other mental health issues before the retreat. SSRIs (except fluoxetine), SPARIs, SNRIs, TCAs, or MAOIs can lessen the effects of psychedelics. You may need to detox for at least 21 days for long-term use or a minimum of 15 days for short-term use. For fluoxetine (Prozac), taper and discontinue at least six weeks before the experience. Consult your doctor before stopping any prescribed medication. We encourage you to follow your doctor’s advice on tapering down antidepressants.
Safety Restrictions
For safety reasons, we cannot welcome you if:
1. You have been diagnosed with an emotionally unstable (borderline) personality disorder.
2. You have an immediate personal or family history of psychosis (drug-induced psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolarity), and/or are taking antipsychotic medication.
Other Recommendations
Take time before and after the experience to prepare and reflect.
Give yourself time before and after the retreat, before flying home.
Reservation and Cancellation Policy
A 50% payment is required to reserve your spot. This amount is refundable if the retreat is canceled by the organization.
The remaining 50% is payable upon arrival.
The 50% reservation fee is refundable only if you cancel at least seven days before the retreat starts. Otherwise, the fee is non-refundable.
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of self-discovery and healing. Secure your spot today!