Ancient teachings from the medicine women of the Muisca tribe, Colombia
In ancient times, women understood that their menstrual cycles were intimately connected to the phases of the moon, sharing a 28-day rhythm. In honoring the moon, they recognized this cyclical bond. Within these traditions, when women were menstruating, they would gather in sisterhood to support one another. They would sing, dance, and reflect upon the teachings, guided by the wisdom of their elders. In reverence for this natural process, they began referring to menstruation as “the moon.” As women, we are fortunate to experience this monthly time of cleansing and introspection. Through the nature of our cycles, we are inherently connected to the rhythm of life, allowing us to more readily embark on a spiritual path.
In many indigenous cultures, a woman’s menstrual cycle is honored as a ceremonial time. It is viewed as a gift from Mother Nature, a sacred period of connection, growth, and purification. During this time, medicine women traditionally would refrain from participating in intense rituals, such as plant medicine ceremonies, and from engaging in daily activities like cooking and cleaning.. The menstrual cycle is considered a time for rest, purification, and prayer—a ceremony in its own right. Recognizing the womb as a portal for life, it is treated with the utmost reverence and care during this sacred moment.
In our tradition, menstruation is regarded as a profound period of purification for women—encompassing physical, energetic, and emotional dimensions. Yagé (Ayahuasca) is similarly recognized as a powerful cleansing medicine, often inducing purging, diarrhea, and temporary physical weakness. The concurrent undertaking of these two potent purification processes is considered excessively intense, akin to subjecting oneself to dual, rigorous cleanses simultaneously. Consequently, women are advised against consuming Yagé during their menstrual cycle. This guideline is rooted in extensive observation and study by our community elders, who have consistently noted that combining menstruation with Yagé frequently leads to considerable physical and emotional strain. In respect for these natural processes and the potent energies at play, this tradition is maintained to safeguard the well-being of all participants.
Many women may choose to align their visit to when they are less likely to receive their menstrual cycle, in order to participate in the Yage ceremonies. However, the mysterious wisdom of the medicine can bring us lessons in unexpected ways, even if you miss the ceremonies. If a woman unexpectedly receives her moon during the week and does not participate in the Yage ceremonies, she will instead get to join the Moon Ceremonies. These are powerful women-led ceremonies, to celebrate this sacred time of connecting us back to the beauty of womanhood. We work with the natural sensitivity and connection of the feminine, combined with optional alternate plant medicines, to recall the powerful energy of creation that our womb holds.
When my moon arrived the night before the first ceremony, I initially felt a wave of disappointment. I had come to view my menstrual cycle as a sacred time, yet the old feelings of “inconvenience” resurfaced. However, after speaking with female facilitators and reflecting, I began to understand that the plant’s spirit works in mysterious ways.
Instead of participating in the Ayahuasca ceremony, I was guided to a Moon Ceremony led by medicine women. This sacred gathering taught me about the deep spiritual reverence for the menstrual cycle, honored as a ceremony in itself. Surrounded by supportive women, I received a transformative three-part ritual involving sacred plants and a journey with mushrooms, which offered profound healing and insight.
Most people don’t go on an ayahuasca retreat with the intention of having to miss an ayahuasca ceremony and I was no exception. This change of plans however ended up being a very happy accident. The combination of my moon cycle, the mushroom medicine, and powerful female guides, created an incredibly sacred experience. I had an even more profound journey during the moon ceremony than my first night with the ayahuasca. Sathya and the team created a beautiful serene and safe space that allowed me to go deep. My journey was accompanied by beautiful guitar music, a comfortable setting near a fire, singing and shamanic cleansing. Next time I return, the sacred moon ceremony will be the main event.
We understand the complexities involved in organizing one’s life to participate in a plant medicine ceremony. However, please be aware that if your menstrual cycle begins unexpectedly and overlaps with the ceremony days, you will not be able to participate in the Yage ceremonies with Taita.
In such cases, we hold a separate moon ceremony for you, where an alternative medicine is offered, usually mushrooms. This ceremony is conducted with the intention of empowering you and supporting your connection to your sacred time of menstruation.
As women, our relationship with our menstrual cycle offers a profound opportunity for deep transformational work.
In our tradition, we recognize that a woman’s energy is exceptionally powerful, particularly during her menstrual cycle when her auric field expands significantly.
While this expanded field is imbued with healing energy, it can create interference when it intersects with the potent energies present during ceremonies. In some cases, this interference has been observed to obscure the vision of the Taita or other participants, potentially leading to challenging or confusing experiences for those involved.
To ensure the safety and clarity of the ceremonial space for all participants, women within this lineage do not participate in ceremonies during their menstrual period.
Absolutely, your experience within the Moon Ceremony can be just as profound and transformative. Mushrooms, like Yage, are traditionally recognized as powerful healing earth medicines. While mushrooms do not induce the physical purging that Ayahuasca does, they can facilitate a potent experience of transformation and self-discovery, especially during the sacred time of bleeding. They offer a unique and deeply insightful journey.
The Moon Ceremony is held with the sacred intentions of womanhood and draws upon the ancient teachings of the women elders from the Muisca tribe, who guide women to live in harmony with their natural cycles. This ceremony provides a rare opportunity for modern women to reconnect with their inherent rhythms and embrace the wisdom of their bodies. Sitting in a sacred circle with other women becomes a powerful space for healing. It involves as much intention, depth, and transformative potential as the Ayahuasca ceremonies and can sometimes be exactly what a woman needs at that particular moment in her life.
Moreover, being in community and participating in other various activities with Taita has led many women to experience profound and tailored experience. They find a sense of renewal and empowerment that continues long after the retreat. Many women who attend the Moon Ceremony find it to be a deeply rewarding experience and choose to return for future retreats, drawn by the beauty and power of these sacred gatherings.
