3 Days Ceremony

Our 3-day ceremony offers a direct, affordable, and accessible path to spiritual exploration, grounded in the authentic practices of the Bwiti Fang tradition. It's direct, effective, and serves as an excellent introduction to the medicine, allowing you to experience its workings firsthand. Depending on the complexity of your issue, more than one session may be beneficial, but it's a solid starting point for many.

Ceremony Overview

Three-Day Ceremony Format: A straightforward, no-frills ceremony deeply rooted in the Fang rites, featuring two consecutive nights of intensive spiritual work.

Focus on Spiritual Growth: Our primary aim is profound spiritual exploration and growth, rather than luxury. This experience is designed for those ready to engage deeply with their inner selves.

Affordable and Accessible: We strive to keep the retreat as affordable as possible, ensuring accessibility for those drawn to this powerful journey.

Comprehensive Care: Although our focus is on spiritual work, we ensure every participant is comfortable and well-cared for, with all needs met throughout the retreat.

Supporting Bwiti Communities: All profits from the ceremony are dedicated to supporting Bwiti communities in Gabon and funding Iboga plantations, sustaining the tradition and its future.

Day by Day Schedule

Morning/Afternoon (depending on arrival times)

  • Guests arrive at the venue; pickups may be arranged from a designated meeting point if necessary.
  • Setting up at the venue, followed by refreshments to welcome all participants.
  • Welcome chat to introduce the retreat, outline the schedule, and discuss the intentions and practices of the Bwiti Fang rites.

Late Afternoon

  • One-to-one consultations with each participant to understand their intentions, address any concerns, and prepare them for the journey ahead.

Early Evening

  • Conducting a purification ritual to cleanse and prepare participants spiritually and physically for the ceremony.

Morning

    • Rest and recovery period after the first night’s ceremony. Light food and refreshments will be served to help with the recovery process.

Daytime

    • Depending on the specific retreat, participants may engage in sound healing sessions, massages, or spend time in nature to aid in their recovery and reflection on their experiences.

Late Afternoon

    • Second round of one-to-one consultations to discuss experiences from the first ceremony, address any new insights or challenges, and prepare for the second ceremony.

Evening/Night

    • Commencement of the second ceremony, again lasting through the night, providing another profound opportunity for spiritual exploration and healing.

Morning

    • Closing of the ceremony followed by a group circle where participants are encouraged to share their experiences, insights, and transformations. This is a time for reflection, integration, and connection with the group.

Late Morning

    • Breakfast served, offering a time for communal gathering and sharing in a lighter, nourishing setting.

Afternoon

    • Lunch and final gathering to say goodbye, marking the end of the retreat.
    • Depending on the retreat logistics, arrangements may be made to drop guests back at the train station or airport.

Group size

We prioritize creating a deeply personal and impactful experience by working with small groups, typically comprising no more than 6 individuals per ceremony. This intimate setting not only ensures that each participant receives the care and attention they deserve but also fosters a strong sense of connection and mutual support among the group.

We carefully vet each individual to ensure they are the right fit for our retreats, seeking synergy within the group that enhances the collective journey. In our commitment to the well-being and readiness of all participants, we may respectfully decline applicants if we feel they are not yet ready for this kind of profound spiritual work or if the dynamic isn’t quite right. Our approach is rooted in creating a safe, supportive, and cohesive environment, essential for the deep, transformative experiences we facilitate.

Who is This Retreat For?

  • People who have felt a deep calling to experience an authentic Bwiti plant medicine ceremony
  • Individuals not seeking luxury but authenticity in their spiritual journey.
  • Those who feel stuck in life and are in search of direction or purpose.
  • Individuals suffering from addictions seeking alternative paths to healing.
  • People dealing with anxiety, depression, and PTSD looking for transformative experiences.
  • Those who feel a spiritual draw towards Africa and its rich cultural and medicinal traditions.
  • Individuals with experience in plant medicine seeking to deepen their spiritual practice.
  • People who are called to serve and be of service to others, embracing a path of compassion and healing.
  • Those seeking to resolve intergenerational trauma and heal wounds that transcend personal experience.
  • Individuals who are skeptical of the pharmaceutical system and are exploring holistic healing alternatives.
  • People who think differently, have an open mind, and are willing to explore beyond conventional boundaries.
  • Individuals awakening spiritually, ready to confront and embrace the truths of the world.

Preparation and What to Bring

"The moment you decide to join a ceremony, the plant begins its work with you. Pay close attention to what it reveals; each sign, each whisper, is part of your journey towards healing and understanding"

How to Prepare Mentally and Physically
  • Intention Setting: Before arriving at the ceremony, take time to reflect on your intentions. Consider what aspects of your life no longer serve you and what you wish to manifest moving forward. The clarity of your intentions can significantly enhance your experience and the outcomes of the ceremony.
  • Dietary and Lifestyle Adjustments: Starting at least one week before the ceremony, abstain from alcohol and recreational drugs. Aim to nourish your body with healthy foods to facilitate the purging process. This preparation period is crucial for clearing your physical and energetic body.
  • Observing Toxic Habits: In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, you may notice your toxic habits becoming more prominent. This is a natural process of these habits coming to the forefront of your consciousness, ready to be addressed and cleared during the ceremony. Be observant and open to recognizing these patterns.
  •  Communication with Facilitators: Share your observations and feelings with the Ngangas (facilitators). Open and honest communication allows them to better support your healing journey, clearing pathways for transformation.
The Day of the Ceremony
  • Fasting: On the day of the ceremony, it is recommended to stop eating after lunch to prepare your body. If possible, a full-day fast can further purify your system and enhance your readiness for the spiritual work ahead.
What to Bring
  •  Clothing: Please bring a red top and a white top. These colors hold significance in the ceremony and help align you with the energies being worked with.
  • Swimwear: For the spiritual purification shower, have swimwear ready. This ritual is a vital part of the preparation, cleansing you energetically.
  • Offering to the Ancestors: Bring a small, meaningful item as an offering to the ancestors. This gesture is a powerful way to connect with the spiritual lineage and honour the traditions that make this work possible.

Facilitators

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.

How to Apply/Register

  • Email Inquiry: Start by emailing us at info@bwitiroots.org. Please mention the specific ceremony you are interested in joining, whether it's the 3-day ceremony, the Bwiti initiation in Gabon, or the Mexican retreat.
  • Provide Details: In your email, kindly include a brief description of why you feel called to this particular ceremony and any previous experiences with plant medicine if applicable.
  • Wait for Response: Our team will respond to your inquiry within 48 hours with more information about the ceremony, including dates, availability, and the next steps in the process.
  • Schedule a Consultation Call: After reviewing your pre-registration form, we'll schedule a Zoom consultation call. This call is an essential part of the vetting process to ensure alignment and readiness for the experience.
  • Confirmation of Interest: Following the consultation call, if both parties feel aligned and ready to proceed, you'll receive a confirmation email outlining the next steps to officially join the ceremony.
  • Deposit Payment: To secure your spot in the ceremony, you'll be required to pay a deposit. The email will include details on how to make this payment.
  • Final Payment and Logistics: You'll be advised on when the final payment is due (if applicable) and provided with logistical details about the ceremony location, transportation options, and accommodation arrangements if needed.
  • Welcome to the Family: Congratulations! You're now officially part of the upcoming ceremony. We look forward to embarking on this transformative journey with you

3-Days Ceremony FAQ

Readiness involves both a call from within and a certain level of mental, emotional, and physical stability. We recommend a consultation call to discuss your intentions, background, and any concerns you may have.

Certain medications, especially psychiatric drugs, can interfere with Iboga. Please disclose all medications during the consultation call so we can provide guidance.

Your safety is our top priority. The ceremony is conducted by experienced facilitators within a structured and supportive environment. However, Iboga is powerful, and the experience can be intense. We screen all participants for physical and mental health suitability.

This experience may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals who have a history of mental health issues, certain medical conditions, or who are taking certain medications may not be good candidates for iboga. It is important to disclose any relevant medical information to the Bwiti practitioners before participating in a retreat.

Participants are advised to follow a clean diet free from red meat, processed foods, and dairy at least one week prior to the ceremony. This aids in minimizing the body’s detox process and enhances your sensitivity to the medicine. The day of the ceremony, it’s recommended to fast after lunch to prepare your body for the evening’s work.

Post-ceremony feelings can vary widely among participants. Commonly reported sensations include a sense of clarity, emotional release, and spiritual awakening. Physical tiredness is also normal, as your body and mind have undergone intense work. It’s essential to allow yourself time to rest and integrate the experience.

Light, nutritious vegan meals are provided on the second day to support your recovery and integration process. We focus on foods that are easy to digest and supportive of the healing journey. 

Activities are gentle and aimed at supporting your integration process. These may include nature walks, sound healing sessions, or participation in a spiritual purification shower. Participants are encouraged to engage at their comfort level.

Comfort is key. You are asked to bring a red top and a white top for the ceremonies, as these colors hold significant meaning in the Bwiti tradition. Additionally, swimwear is needed for the purification shower.

Openness and willingness to engage deeply with the process are crucial. Following the dietary guidelines, actively participating in discussions and activities, and being honest in your reflections can significantly enhance your journey.

Get involved

For information on how to get involved or on how to sign up to our retreats , please contact:

Bwiti Roots

+44 7445 499 504

Email: info@bwitiroots.org

Call or text
Email