Mambe & Ambil Ceremony
The ceremony that asks you to speak, not disappear inward.
A seated, conversational circle held at The Sanctuary near Tulum — centered on connection, reflection, and shared presence rather than a psychoactive journey. Often held the evening before another ceremony, it offers space to slow down, listen, and speak.
“It's the only ceremony where I actually talked. Everything else asked me to go inward — this one asked me to say it out loud.” — Romy
What is Mambe & Ambil?
Mambe — toasted, finely ground coca leaf traditionally prepared with plant ash — and Ambil, a concentrated tobacco paste, are traditional preparations among Indigenous peoples of the Colombian Amazon. Shared within a seated talking circle, they are used to support reflection, conversation, and intention-setting. This is not a psychedelic or visionary ceremony like Ayahuasca or Bufo; you remain seated, present, and engaged throughout.
The Law of the Word
For communities such as the Uitoto, the mambeadero is a place for gathering, listening, and speaking with purpose. Mambe and Ambil are traditionally part of a practice centered on what is sometimes described as the “law of the word” — the responsibility to speak thoughtfully, listen deeply, and use conversation to bring clarity and understanding.
At Lumina, the experience is approached as a practice of presence rather than escape. You sit within the circle, share when you're ready, listen to others, and allow the conversation to unfold under the guidance of an experienced practitioner.
What you may experience
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A grounded, conversational experience rather than an altered state
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A chance to speak an intention aloud and hear it reflected within the circle
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A space for listening, reflection, and connection
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Often held the evening before Ayahuasca, but meaningful as a standalone practice
We won't promise transformation. We can promise a screened, prepared, and genuinely held process.
How the circle unfolds
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Arrival: Gather with the group in a seated circle.
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Sharing: Mambe and Ambil are shared according to tradition.
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Conversation: The practitioner guides the circle, giving everyone space to speak and listen.
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Closing: End with a shared intention or reflection to carry forward.
The People Behind Lumina
Behind every ceremony, retreat, and conversation at Lumina are real people who care deeply about how this work is approached. Our team brings together practitioners and guides with different backgrounds, experiences, and roles, united by a shared commitment to care, respect, preparation, and responsible practice. Get to know the people behind the work.
Priyananda Shaktipat
Priyananda began his spiritual journey in India and brings more than 35 years of experience in holistic practices including yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, tantra, and shamanic traditions. He is the creator of Conscious Touch Therapy and Kundalini Activation and has extensive experience working with traditional plant medicine ceremonies across Latin America, including Indigenous communities in Venezuela, Colombia, and Mexico.
Kala Shakti
Kala Shakti has more than 10 years of experience guiding personal growth and wellbeing through yoga, meditation, bodywork, and ancestral practices. A yoga and meditation teacher and bodywork therapist, she focuses much of her work on helping women reconnect with their sensuality, vitality, and inner strength. She is also a facilitator of mushroom, Ayahuasca, peyote, and San Pedro ceremonies.
Important info
Duration: a single evening session
Format: Standalone — $1,900 MXN, or as part of an Ayahuasca ceremony
Preparation: None
Psychoactive: Mild, not comparable to Ayahuasca or Bufo
Minimum age: 18 NO EXCEPTIONS
