Question 1

What is Wachuma (San Pedro)?

Accepted Answer

Wachuma, also known as San Pedro, is a sacred cactus (Trichocereus/Echinopsis pachanoi) that has been used in the Andes for over 4,000 years for healing and spiritual awakening. The Spanish colonizers named it "San Pedro" — after Saint Peter who holds the keys to heaven — for its extraordinary power to open the gates of perception and connect the human spirit to the divine. It is known as a gentle, heart-opening medicine that facilitates profound emotional healing, expanded consciousness, and a deep connection to nature.

Question 2

What other ceremonies do you offer besides Wachuma?

Accepted Answer

In addition to Wachuma ceremonies, we offer Ayahuasca ceremonies (the Amazonian "vine of the soul" for deep inner journeying), Pachakuti Mesa Tradition sessions (sacred Peruvian altar work for transformation and healing), Despacho ceremonies (Andean gratitude offerings to Pachamama), and Temazcal ceremonies (sacred sweat lodge purification). Each ceremony serves a different purpose and works with different energies, and we can help guide you toward the ceremony that best suits your needs.

Question 3

How is a Wachuma ceremony different from Ayahuasca?

Accepted Answer

While both are sacred plant medicines, they offer distinct experiences. Wachuma ceremonies typically take place during the day, often in nature, and last 8–12 hours. The experience is generally described as gentle, heart-centered, and grounding — participants remain present and aware while accessing expanded states of consciousness. Ayahuasca ceremonies are held at night in a ceremonial space and last 6–8 hours. The experience can include vivid visions, deep emotional release, and journeys into the subconscious. Both medicines are powerful healers, but they work in different ways.

Question 4

What is the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition?

Accepted Answer

The Pachakuti Mesa is a powerful shamanic practice rooted in Peruvian curanderismo. "Pachakuti" means "world reversal" or "transformation," and the Mesa is a sacred altar used for healing, divination, and spiritual development. Sessions involve working with a sacred altar configured with power objects and ceremonial items. Through ritual, prayer, and energy work, participants access healing and transformation at the soul level.

Question 5

What is a Despacho ceremony?

Accepted Answer

A Despacho is a beautiful Andean ceremony of gratitude and offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and the Apus (mountain spirits). Participants help create a mandala-like offering using flowers, coca leaves, seeds, and other sacred items — each placed with intention and prayer. The completed Despacho is then offered to fire, earth, or water to carry the prayers to the spirits. It is a deeply moving practice of sacred reciprocity (Ayni) that lasts about 2–3 hours.

Question 6

What is a Temazcal ceremony?

Accepted Answer

The Temazcal, meaning "house of heat," is an ancient Mesoamerican sweat lodge ceremony used for purification, healing, and spiritual rebirth. It represents entering the womb of Mother Earth, where participants undergo a powerful process of physical detoxification, emotional release, and spiritual renewal through the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. The ceremony lasts 2–3 hours and takes place in our temple in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Question 7

How should I prepare for a Wachuma ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Preparation is an important part of the ceremonial process. We recommend following a clean diet for at least 3–5 days before ceremony — avoiding alcohol, recreational drugs, processed foods, red meat, pork, and excessive sugar or caffeine. Drink plenty of water and eat light, nourishing meals. Mentally and emotionally, set a clear intention for your ceremony. Spend time in reflection, journaling, or meditation. We provide a detailed preparation guide after you register, and we offer a pre-ceremony consultation call to address your specific questions.

Question 8

Are there any medical contraindications?

Accepted Answer

Yes, safety is our highest priority. Certain medications — particularly SSRIs, MAOIs, lithium, and some heart medications — can have dangerous interactions with plant medicines. People with a history of psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder should consult with us before attending. Those with serious heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or who are pregnant should not participate. During your intake process, we will review your medical history and medications in detail to ensure your safety.

Question 9

Is it safe? What precautions do you take?

Accepted Answer

Your safety and well-being are our highest priority. Our ceremonies are led by experienced guides — Oswal and Joann Pomaquiza — who have trained extensively under Taita Miguel Mendiburu Saavedra from Peru. We maintain small group sizes to ensure personalized attention, conduct thorough medical screening before each ceremony, have experienced support staff present throughout, and follow traditional protocols that have been refined over thousands of years. We also operate under the religious freedom protections of the Oklevueha Native American Church.

Question 10

What dietary restrictions should I follow?

Accepted Answer

For Wachuma ceremonies, we recommend avoiding alcohol, recreational drugs, red meat, pork, processed foods, excessive sugar, caffeine, and dairy for 3–5 days before ceremony. For Ayahuasca ceremonies, the dietary guidelines are stricter and should be followed for at least 5–7 days: avoid all of the above plus fermented foods, aged cheeses, soy sauce, and tyramine-rich foods. We provide a complete dietary guide with your registration materials.

Question 11

Can I take my regular medications before ceremony?

Accepted Answer

This depends entirely on the medication. Some medications are safe to continue, while others — particularly psychiatric medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, and lithium — can have serious or dangerous interactions with plant medicines. Never stop any medication without consulting your prescribing doctor. During your intake process, we will review all your medications and provide specific guidance. Please be completely transparent about everything you are taking.

Question 12

What if I have a difficult experience during ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Challenging moments during ceremony are a normal part of the healing process — they often represent the medicine working on deep-seated patterns or traumas. Our experienced guides are trained to support you through difficult passages with compassion and skill. You will never be left alone. We create a safe container where you can surrender to the process, and our team provides continuous care throughout the entire ceremony. Integration support is also available after the ceremony.

Question 13

What happens during a Wachuma ceremony?

Accepted Answer

A Wachuma ceremony typically begins in the morning with an opening prayer and intention setting. The medicine is served, and over the next 8–12 hours, participants experience a gradual opening of consciousness. The experience often includes heightened sensory awareness, deep emotional processing, feelings of profound love and connection, and spiritual insights. The ceremony usually takes place in nature — often at Bear Mountain, NY — allowing for walking, sitting with the land, and connecting with the elements. The experience is generally gentle and grounding, with participants remaining present and aware throughout.

Question 14

Will I have visions?

Accepted Answer

Experiences vary greatly from person to person and ceremony to ceremony. Wachuma tends to produce subtle visual enhancements — colors may appear more vivid, nature may seem more alive — rather than the intense visual experiences sometimes associated with other medicines. The primary experience is usually emotional and spiritual: a deep opening of the heart, feelings of unity and love, and profound insights about your life. Ayahuasca ceremonies are more likely to include vivid visual experiences. The medicine gives each person exactly what they need.

Question 15

How long does a ceremony last?

Accepted Answer

Duration varies by ceremony type. Wachuma ceremonies last approximately 8–12 hours and take place during the day, typically at Bear Mountain, NY or in New Jersey. Ayahuasca ceremonies last approximately 6–8 hours and are held at night in our temple in Teaneck, NJ. Pachakuti Mesa sessions last 3–4 hours. Despacho ceremonies last 2–3 hours. Temazcal ceremonies last 2–3 hours. We recommend keeping your schedule clear for the entire day of ceremony and the following day for rest and integration.

Question 16

What is integration and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Integration is the process of incorporating the insights, healing, and experiences from ceremony into your daily life. It is arguably the most important part of the ceremonial journey. Without integration, the profound shifts experienced during ceremony may not fully take root. We encourage journaling, spending time in nature, maintaining a clean diet, meditation, and sharing your experience with trusted people. We offer integration support and guidance after ceremonies to help you make the most of your experience.

Question 17

Can I attend a ceremony alone, or do I need to bring someone?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to attend on your own — most participants come individually. Our ceremonies are held in small, intimate groups where you will be supported by our experienced guides and fellow participants. Many people find that the group setting enhances the experience, as there is a powerful collective energy in ceremony. If you prefer, you can also inquire about private sessions for the Pachakuti Mesa and Despacho ceremonies.

Question 18

Where are ceremonies held?

Accepted Answer

We hold ceremonies at several locations depending on the type. Wachuma ceremonies are held at Bear Mountain, NY and in New Jersey — outdoor settings that allow for deep connection with nature. Ayahuasca and Temazcal ceremonies take place at our sacred temple in Teaneck, New Jersey. Pachakuti Mesa and Despacho ceremonies are held in New Jersey. For our Peru retreats, ceremonies take place in the Sacred Valley near Cusco. Specific directions and details are provided after registration.

Question 19

How do I sign up for a ceremony?

Accepted Answer

The best way to begin is to reach out to us through our contact page, by email at oswal@huachumamoonlight.com or ariel@huachumamoonlight.com, or by phone at (201) 981-4545. We will discuss your intentions, answer your questions, and guide you through the intake process — which includes a medical screening and preparation guidance. We typically respond within 24–48 hours.

Question 20

How much do ceremonies cost?

Accepted Answer

Ceremony costs vary depending on the type of ceremony and format (group or private). We believe that healing should be accessible, and we approach pricing with fairness and transparency. Please contact us directly for current pricing information. We are happy to discuss options and work with you.

Question 21

How often are ceremonies held?

Accepted Answer

We hold ceremonies regularly throughout the year. The schedule varies by season and ceremony type. The best way to stay informed about upcoming ceremonies is to contact us directly, follow our Instagram (@onac_of_new_jersey_), or sign up for our newsletter to receive announcements about upcoming dates.

Question 22

What should I bring to a ceremony?

Accepted Answer

For outdoor Wachuma ceremonies, we recommend bringing comfortable layered clothing, a blanket or sleeping bag, a water bottle, sunscreen and a hat, a journal and pen, any personal sacred objects, and a light snack for after the ceremony. For indoor ceremonies (Ayahuasca, Temazcal), bring comfortable clothing you don't mind getting dirty, a change of clothes, a water bottle, and a journal. Specific packing lists are provided with your registration materials.

Question 23

Tell me about the Peru retreat.

Accepted Answer

Our Peru retreat is a transformative 12-day journey (August 19–30, 2026) in the Sacred Valley near Cusco. The retreat includes three Huachuma (San Pedro) ceremonies, opening and closing Despacho ceremonies, guided visits to sacred Incan sites, daily integration circles, morning meditation and breathwork, and an optional excursion to Machu Picchu. The retreat is led by Oswal Pomaquiza and takes place in the ancestral lands where these traditions originated.

Question 24

What is included in the retreat price?

Accepted Answer

The retreat includes international flights to/from Cusco, round-trip airport transfers from Cusco, 11 nights of comfortable accommodations in the Sacred Valley, all meals prepared with ceremonial dietary guidelines, all ceremonies and guided activities, experienced bilingual guides, 24/7 support and care, and a pre-retreat preparation guide with consultation call. Not included: travel insurance (strongly recommended), the optional Machu Picchu excursion, personal expenses, and gratuities.

Question 25

Do I need prior ceremony experience to attend the retreat?

Accepted Answer

While prior ceremony experience is helpful, it is not strictly required. The retreat is designed to support both newcomers and experienced participants. If this would be your first ceremony, we recommend having a conversation with us beforehand so we can assess your readiness and provide additional preparation guidance. The immersive retreat setting actually provides an ideal environment for first-time participants, as there is continuous support and ample time for integration.

Question 26

What about altitude sickness in Peru?

Accepted Answer

The Sacred Valley sits at approximately 2,800 meters (9,200 feet), which is lower than Cusco itself (3,400m). Most people acclimate well within the first day or two. We schedule Day 1 as an arrival and acclimation day with no ceremonies. Staying hydrated, eating light meals, and drinking coca tea (a traditional Andean remedy) all help with acclimation. If you have concerns about altitude, consult your doctor before the trip — some people take acetazolamide (Diamox) as a preventive measure.

Question 27

Who leads the ceremonies?

Accepted Answer

Our ceremonies are led by Oswal and Joann Pomaquiza. Oswal was born in the highlands of Azogues, Ecuador and trained extensively under Taita Miguel Mendiburu Saavedra, a revered shaman from Peru. Joann was born in Cuba and raised practicing Afro-diasporic spirituality with her mother, a healer. Together, they lead the New Jersey Chapter of the Oklevueha Native American Church, bringing together Andean, Caribbean, and indigenous American healing traditions.

Question 28

What is the Oklevueha Native American Church (ONAC)?

Accepted Answer

The Oklevueha Native American Church is a religious organization that welcomes people of all races, nationalities, religions, and lifestyles without prejudice. ONAC believes that ancient ways must be preserved, honored, and understood. Our ceremonies and sacred sacraments are practiced under the religious freedom protections afforded to the Native American Church. The practicing of Indigenous American spirituality empowers those who participate as they create balance and remove toxic patterns from their lives.

Question 29

Is this legal?

Accepted Answer

Our ceremonies are conducted under the religious freedom protections of the Oklevueha Native American Church (ONAC), which operates under the American Indian Religious Freedom Act and related legal precedents. The use of sacred plant medicines in ceremonial contexts within the Native American Church has legal protections in the United States. We take our legal standing and the safety of our community very seriously.

Question 30

I watched the documentary. How can I learn more?

Accepted Answer

We're glad the documentary "WACHUMA | Sacred Plant Medicine" by Natalie Romero-Marx resonated with you. The best next step is to reach out to us directly — we love hearing from people who feel called after watching the film. You can contact us through our website, email us at oswal@huachumamoonlight.com, or call (201) 981-4545. We're happy to answer your questions, share more about our practice, and help you determine if ceremony is right for you.

Your Questions, Answered

About the Ceremonies

Preparation & Safety

What to Expect

Location & Logistics

Retreats

About Us & Our Practice

Still Have Questions?