Retreat Info
About the Retreat:Not for Profit – As a non-profit organization, Bwiti Roots directs 100% of the proceeds from our retreats back into the Bwiti communities. This vital income plays a crucial role in preserving the Bwiti culture and safeguarding the sacred plant medicines, including Iboga.
Rooted in Authentic Bwiti Lineage – Our facilitators, both in Gabon and beyond, hail from esteemed lineages of Gabonese Fang Bwiti facilitators. With deep ancestral connections, they bring forth the wisdom and traditions of their heritage, ensuring an authentic and profound experience.
Bridging Connections to Gabon – Through our simultaneous ceremonies held in Gabon and abroad, we forge powerful connections between participants, the land, the Bwiti community, and the ancestors. This immersive experience cultivates a profound sense of connection and enables a transformative journey.
DETAILS OF THIS RETREAT
Join us on a transformative journey with the Winter Solstice and Cultural Fusion Iboga Retreat, within the tranquil jungles of Puerto Morales, Mexico. This retreat marries the traditions of the Fang branch of Bwiti with the shamanic heritage of Mexico, led by authentic Gabonese Fang facilitators. It’s an invitation to experience spiritual rebirth through 2 traditional Iboga ceremonies, invigorating activities, and immersive cultural experiences, all dedicated to supporting the preservation of both Bwiti culture and the sacred Iboga plant.
The retreat is led by Audrey, a Nganga from a long lineage of female Bwiti healers and her father Roger who was initated into Bwiti in 1974. With her unique heritage, being half French half Gabonese, Audrey is adept at conducting ceremonies that are both gentle and accessible to Western participants while staying true to her profound traditions. This retreat offers a rare opportunity to blend the curandero culture of Mexico with that of the Bwiti, highlighting both their similarities and unique characteristics, and bridging two worlds in a harmonious exchange.
Scheduled over the powerful energetic period of the Winter Solstice, this retreat is perfectly timed to facilitate deep and lasting changes within you. Participants can look forward to a variety of nurturing activities designed to enhance the retreat experience. Enjoy delectable, healthy vegan meals, lunch excursions to Tulum and to the local cenote, rejuvenating massages, sound healing sessions, and the warmth of a Temazcal lodge ceremony. A special tree planting ceremony will also be held to bless the land, symbolizing growth and renewal.
Description of Services:Schedule
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
Morning to Afternoon: Guest arrival and check-in at the retreat venue.
Evening: Welcome ceremony hosted by a local Mexican shaman, introducing guests to the retreat’s intentions and grounding them in the space.Day 2: Cenote Excursion and First Iboga Ceremony
Morning to Afternoon: Excursion to a local cenote for exploration and connection with nature.
Late Afternoon: Preparatory consultations for the first Iboga ceremony.
Night: First Iboga ceremony, led by authentic Gabonese Fang facilitators, unfolding through the night.Day 3: Rest and Healing
All Day: A day dedicated to rest and recovery post-ceremony.
Scheduled Activities:Â Sound healing sessions and massages to aid in integration and relaxation.Day 4: Temazcal and Second Iboga Ceremony
Morning to Afternoon: Temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremony for purification and preparation.
Late Afternoon: Consultations and preparations for the second Iboga ceremony.
Night: Commencement of the second Iboga ceremony, continuing into the early hours of the next morning.Day 5: Rest, Integration, and Tree Planting
Morning to Afternoon: Rest and personal time for journaling, reflection, and nature walks.
Afternoon: Tree planting ceremony to honor the land and solidify the retreat’s intentions.
Evening: Group integration circle to share experiences and insights.Day 6: Departure and Group Excursion
Morning: Hotel check-out and preparation for departure.
Day: Group excursion to Tulum Beach, including a special lunch at a treetop restaurant with stunning views, providing a beautiful setting for bonding and reflection on the retreat’s experiences.Practitioners:Audrey Braddock Ndjogo - Nganga
Audrey comes from a long lineage of Gabonese Bwiti female healers, with both her mother and grandmother revered as Nimas within their community. She was initiated by her aunt who is also a Nima, marking the continuation of her family's spiritual heritage. Having grown up between the West and Africa, she possesses a unique perspective that allows her to bridge cultural divides, bringing balance to the ceremonies she leads. She infuses a gentle, feminine energy into her gatherings, creating a welcoming space where participants from all backgrounds can comfortably connect. Her approach is deeply rooted in the nurturing strength of her Fang lineage, ensuring each ceremony is a profound experience of healing and growth.
Roger - Nganga
Roger is our cherished facilitator and a profound pillar within our community. His journey with Bwiti began in 1974 when he became initiated with his late wife and Audrey's mother Seraphine. Since his initial visit in the 1970s, Roger has been a steadfast supporter of our village. Over the years, Roger has worked closely with our Nima, dedicating himself to the initiation of newcomers into our spiritual family. His role extends far beyond that of a facilitator; he is a spiritual father in every sense, guiding individuals through initiations that connect them deeply with Bwiti's rich heritage. Roger's presence is characterized by his kind and open heart—a trait that endears him to everyone he meets. To those who have had the privilege of joining our ceremonies, he becomes more than a facilitator; he becomes a father figure, offering guidance, support, and unconditional love. Roger's dedication to Bwiti and our community makes him a beloved figure, and his impact on the lives of many is immeasurable.Team/Medical Staff:Audrey Braddock Ndjogo - Nganga
Audrey comes from a long lineage of Gabonese Bwiti female healers, with both her mother and grandmother revered as Nimas within their community. She was initiated by her aunt who is also a Nima, marking the continuation of her family's spiritual heritage. Having grown up between the West and Africa, she possesses a unique perspective that allows her to bridge cultural divides, bringing balance to the ceremonies she leads. She infuses a gentle, feminine energy into her gatherings, creating a welcoming space where participants from all backgrounds can comfortably connect. Her approach is deeply rooted in the nurturing strength of her Fang lineage, ensuring each ceremony is a profound experience of healing and growth.
Roger - Nganga
Roger is our cherished facilitator and a profound pillar within our community. His journey with Bwiti began in 1974 when he became initiated with his late wife and Audrey's mother Seraphine. Since his initial visit in the 1970s, Roger has been a steadfast supporter of our village. Over the years, Roger has worked closely with our Nima, dedicating himself to the initiation of newcomers into our spiritual family. His role extends far beyond that of a facilitator; he is a spiritual father in every sense, guiding individuals through initiations that connect them deeply with Bwiti's rich heritage. Roger's presence is characterized by his kind and open heart—a trait that endears him to everyone he meets. To those who have had the privilege of joining our ceremonies, he becomes more than a facilitator; he becomes a father figure, offering guidance, support, and unconditional love. Roger's dedication to Bwiti and our community makes him a beloved figure, and his impact on the lives of many is immeasurable.Details
Founder(s) / CEO: Audrey Braddock NdjogoGroup Size: 6 - 12Price Range: 2150 - 3150Our Process
Overview of Experience:From the moment you arrive, we begin with personalized consultations to explore and identify the areas of your life that need transformation, healing, or shifting. Our approach is to understand deeply what you seek to change or release.
Following this introspective start, we facilitate a sacred Bwiti shower ritual—a spiritual purification process that prepares your body, mind, and soul for the transformative experiences ahead. This ritual is not just about cleansing; it's an intimate preparation that aligns you with the energies of letting go, making space within you for new seeds to be planted and nurtured.
This preparatory phase is crucial, enabling you to release what no longer serves you. It creates the perfect foundation for welcoming and manifesting the changes you desire in your life. J
Intake Process:Phone consultation with medical and psychological assessment and consent form.
Psychedelic Substances Offered: IbogaHow does this Center source medicine?:It is grown by our family in our village in Gabon where we cultivate it. We sustainably harvest the iboga that is collected in the forest.
Practice reciprocity with local communities?: YesPhotos
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