This is a question I’m asked often, especially by people attending their first retreat:
“Is it possible to pick up bad energy or something negative, like sorcery or black magic, during a ceremony?”
It’s a valid concern, and one that usually comes from deep cultural conditioning or past experiences. After many years working with the medicine and guiding hundreds of people, my honest answer is: it’s extremely unlikely.
But let me tell you about one experience that made me question things, at least briefly.
A Vision of a Witch and a Pyramid
During one ceremony, a young woman attending the retreat took a small dose to assist in the session. Unexpectedly, the medicine became intense for her, and she had to step back. I continued the ceremony with two other participants from the U.S.
That night, I felt off—unusually heavy, with nausea and a strong headache. During the ceremony, I had a vivid vision: something dark moving up from her direction. I saw an unsettling figure with brittle hair and eyes—one like a star, the other like a void. It was intense enough that I opened my eyes to ground myself.
I began cleansing the space with tobacco, praying and asking the medicine for support. That’s when a new vision appeared—this time of a candle turning into a brilliant light shining from a pyramid. This reminded me of a physical pyramid structure a former assistant used to place in the space as a form of energetic protection.
As I focused on that image, I felt a wave of relief and purged intensely. From that moment, the space felt clear, and I was able to guide the rest of the ceremony in peace. The other participants seemed unaffected and experienced deep, beautiful journeys.
Was It Real? Or a Mirror?
Later, I shared what I saw with the woman. She mentioned an experience in Paraguay where she felt she may have encountered a negative entity while staying in a remote home. Her story aligned uncannily with the imagery I had perceived.
Still, I’ve reflected a lot on this. Could it have been a manifestation of her inner emotional state, rather than an external force? Possibly. She was struggling with trust and control, and those themes can express themselves powerfully through Ayahuasca’s visionary language.
I’ve learned that many things we experience in ceremony are symbolic reflections, not literal entities. And the medicine often communicates in metaphors, especially when deep healing is needed.
What About Exorcisms or “Energetic Attacks”?
Some traditions refer to these extreme experiences as requiring “exorcisms.” While I respect those cultural frameworks, from a modern therapeutic lens, these episodes often resemble psychotic breaks or overwhelming emotional releases.
Skilled shamans may use tools like icaros, prayer, or smoke to calm the person and guide them back to stability. These tools can be powerful—both energetically and psychologically. But it's essential to understand that the real work is about holding a safe, grounded space.
Unfortunately, not all centers operate with integrity. Some exploit fear—telling guests they’ve been cursed or need extra protection—for manipulation or financial gain. I find that deeply unethical.
Here’s What I Believe:
Nature is not evil. Plants are teachers. They offer healing, not harm.
You can’t absorb bad energy unless you believe you can. Fear is the gateway, not spirits.
Ayahuasca is a mirror. It shows us what’s already within—our pain, our beliefs, our healing potential.
Real harm comes not from the medicine, but from failing to integrate what you learn, or giving your power away to others.
In Closing
If you ever feel fearful of negative energies, know that it’s okay—that fear is part of the human experience. But don’t let it define your journey. Seek out spaces that offer safety, compassion, and clarity. Trust in the wisdom of nature. Trust in yourself.
Thank you for reading and for walking this path with curiosity and heart.
With respect and warmth,
–Andrés
