Ceremonial Guidelines
At Medicine of Nature Entheogenic Organization (MEO), we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care and integrity in every aspect of our ceremonial work. Our guiding principles ensure that each ceremony is a safe, sacred, and transformative space for all involved. These guidelines outline essential principles of safety, consent, honesty, privacy, scope of practice, and our Principles of Care, which are foundational to the ethical and responsible facilitation of our ceremonies.
Safety
Safety is our top priority in every aspect of the ceremony. This includes both physical safety and emotional/expressive safety. Facilitators will always conduct a thorough intake process to ensure that participants are physically prepared for the ceremony. In the trauma-informed context, we also emphasize safety of expression—creating a space where participants feel free to share, express, and explore without fear of judgment or harm. Facilitators are committed to maintaining a secure environment throughout the ceremony, offering support and ensuring that any participant concerns are addressed with care and attention.Consent
Consent is fundamental to our work. Every participant has the right to choose what they experience and how much they wish to engage with the various aspects of the ceremony. Consent applies not only to the facilitators but also between participants. Clear communication is required at all times, and everyone involved must actively ask for and give consent. This includes asking for permission to share certain experiences, touch, or engage in certain practices. Consent is ongoing, and participants always have the right to withdraw consent at any time, without explanation or consequence.Honesty
Honesty and transparency are core values of MEO. We are committed to providing clear, open, and honest communication about the ceremony’s process, the use of plant medicines, and what participants can expect. Facilitators will be forthright in all matters concerning the ceremony, including potential risks, benefits, and any challenges that may arise. Facilitators are encouraged to be open about their own personal journeys and practice in the space, offering an authentic approach to ceremonial facilitation. Transparency ensures trust and helps mitigate any potential misunderstanding.Privacy
Privacy is a key component of maintaining a safe and respectful environment. Any personal information shared with facilitators or other participants will be kept strictly confidential. No one’s personal stories or experiences will be shared outside the ceremonial container without explicit permission. This includes the identities of participants and any personal revelations that may arise during the ceremony. The space we create is one of mutual respect, where everyone can feel comfortable to open up and explore their inner world, knowing their privacy is protected.Scope of Practice
Each facilitator at MEO works within their scope of practice, only engaging in practices and serving in areas where they have received thorough training, certification, and experience. Facilitators must always work in right relationship with the teachings, the medicines they carry, and the communities they serve. This includes ensuring they are in alignment with their own internal work, teachers, and spiritual practices, and that they maintain integrity in their role as facilitators. Facilitators must also be committed to personal growth and healing, continuously engaging in practices that keep them grounded, clear, and prepared to serve.
Principles of Care
At MEO, we uphold the Five Principles of Care, which guide the ethical and responsible conduct of all our ceremonies. These principles ensure that we create an environment that fosters deep personal transformation, respect for the medicines, and community connection.
Ethics: Sacred Responsibility and Respect
We prioritize informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for the cultural origins of the sacraments. Our facilitators are deeply committed to holding sacred responsibility in all aspects of their practice, ensuring that ceremonies are conducted with reverence for the well-being of every participant.
Integrity: Authenticity and Transparency
We emphasize authenticity, openness, and transparency in our work. Facilitators are committed to providing clarity about the ceremony’s process and the role of entheogens. They also prioritize their personal growth, self-awareness, and healing, recognizing that this is essential for creating a space of safety and support for others.
Availability: Supportive and Accessible Facilitation
We ensure that every participant has access to ongoing support before, during, and after the ceremony. This includes offering resources for integration, personal reflection, and emotional support as needed. We believe that the journey of transformation continues beyond the ceremony, and we are here to assist each individual as they move through their process.
Connection: Cultivating Spiritual and Community Bonds
Our ceremonies aim to create deep spiritual connections and cultivate a sense of community among participants. Through shared experiences, we foster empathy, respect, and mutual support, strengthening the bonds that unite us in our collective journey.
Reverence: Honoring the Sacredness of the Experience
We honor the profound spiritual nature of the entheogens and the sacred space they create. Every ceremony is held with deep reverence and intentionality, ensuring that the experience is approached with the utmost respect for the medicine and the transformation it facilitates.
At MEO, we are committed to embodying the values of integrity, responsibility, and respect in all aspects of our work. Our facilitators hold themselves to the highest standards, ensuring that every ceremony is a safe, transformative, and sacred experience for all involved.