Frequently Asked Questions

Is mushroom medicine right for me?

Psilocybin provides a magical, mystical experience that can bring us to a deep place of connection with nature, humanity and our inner emotional, spiritual landscape. Many people find they are inexplicably drawn to mushrooms and plant medicine with signs and signals popping up throughout the day. Some people have tried to heal with other modalities, medication and procedures and didn’t find relief, complete healing or a long term solution. 

In a safe, loving set and setting psilocybin has been known to ease depression and anxiety. Increased compassion, feelings of connection and connection to purpose bring many people to ceremony as well. Physical healing, including improved gut health and neurological improvements have been known to occur.  With mushrooms, many have found the ability to face, process and release old traumas, to erase old patterns, heal their physical bodies and to tap into the universal well spring of joy and love. However, these experiences are not guaranteed. I’m continually inspired by the brave people who find the courage to surrender to the journey and stick with the process, even in the uncomfortable moments.  Much of the healing occurs in the months after you leave the retreat and find the ability to operate in a whole new way. If you are ready to release and renew please do apply and we can talk in person about your personal journey toward ceremony. Please trust your gut, and wait till YOU personally feel called. And remember, you may feel nervous, apprehensive or some resistance toward attending and that’s perfectly normal.

I’m taking prescription medications, do I have to wean myself off of them?

Use of SSRI’s and SNRI’s (antidepressants, etc.) have been known to reduce the effect of plant medicine and mushrooms in particular. MAOI’s do have some contraindications as well. Please consult your doctor and discuss if weaning off your medication is right for you at this time. Depending on how long you’ve been taking medication you will need at least 3 weeks to be pharmaceutifal free to allow the plant medicine effect to work through you. Everyone has different reactions and healthcare journeys and more information can be found here.

I'm not a very "spiritual" person, is this for me?

You bet. I’m not gonna lie, it will be woo woo for sure. In the ceremony there will be use of plant energy cleaners like sage, candles, oracle cards, instruments, spiritual songs and prayers to spirit. But, all that said, this a non-religious, dogma free space and ceremony and lot of care goes into keeping the space energetically uplifting and inviting for people of all walks of life. 

What is a Feminine Energy Ceremony?

Ceremonies that hold a feminine energy involve an approach to healing that uses seemingly gentle means (song, rhythm, movement) to dig deeper inside. Beautiful decoration, heightened intuition, warm compassion and holistic wellness are also hallmarks. When we access the feminine energy within all of us we can tap in our greatest ability to heal. It's an incredible healing for all genders. A ceremony that holds a more masculine energy (which is just as important to balance) might involve feats of strength, stamina and bravery in the physical realm whereas feminine energy requires the same virtues but in the emotional realm.

What will the location and sleeping arrangements be like?

The retreat takes place on an acre in an old serene Sammamish neighborhood about 30 minutes east of Seattle Center. This house is my personal family retreat and sits surrounding by emerald green lawns and towering fir trees that offer both seclusion and inspiration. This is the fourth retreat I’ve held in this house as it’s perfect for small group retreats. There are 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and lots of space to gather or spend time in solitude both inside and outside. The beds all have newer, supportive mattress and simple toiletries and linens are all included.

What precautions are you taking to reduce the spread of covid-19?

Absolutely do not attend if you have any symptoms of contagious illness, including coronavirus. We will be complying with CDC guidelines by keeping the number of people at the retreat to a group of 10 or less. The house will be sanitized and cleaned professionally. Guests will be asked to be vaccinated OR quarantine for 10 days OR quarantine for 7 days after a negative covid-19 test result immediately before arriving at the retreat. The retreat staff are fully vaccinated.

Where do the mushrooms come from?

This medicine is grown in the foothills of The San Bernardino Mountains by a family that grows them intentionally for use in healing and spiritual journeying. They are very potent and will be served in a tea at the retreat.

Im allergic to EVERYTHING. Will I be able to eat at the retreat?

Meals at the retreat will be vegetarian with vegan and gluten free options. There will be a focus on foods that promote low inflammation and are organically grown. Meal were selected to holistically support your plant medicine journey by resetting the body and aiding in our physical healing. If you have an allergy or preference you'd like to make sure we can accommodate please make sure to discuss this at your interview or email hello@semiwoo.com

Can I arrive early/late or leave early/late?

Guests are required to arrive by 12pm on Friday May 14 and leave no later than Sunday May 16 at 1pm Each part of this process is designed for your safety while healing and so we ask that respect our ceremony and your invested by attending for the entire time. We also recommend you take time off on Sunday to Monday March 17 so you can ensure your transition back home has some more space to it.

Will it be weird if I come alone? With 3 friends? With my Dad?

With a  built in team  of warm, friendly people you’ll find inclusion to be natural and available if you’re willing to open up and join in. If you'd like to attend with your friends, parents, partner, roommate, enemy, boss etc. that is fine too but remember, not everyone is guaranteed a space. Women, men and non-binary folx are all welcome to attend. However all participants must be 21 and over.

Can I bring my pet?

Our family house rental agreement does not allow pets and due to possible allergies and retreat flow we won’t be able to accommodate any animal friends.

Is the facility accessible for all abilities?

 At this time our location does not meet ADA standards. There are stairs to the second floor where guest rooms are and the downstairs bathroom is a smaller 1/2 bath. However, if you think we could make it work, I’d like to chat with you, email me at hello@semiwoo.com.

Can I smoke weed, drink booze or bring my own mushrooms/plant medicine or drugs, etc?

No outside alcohol, drugs or mind altering substances are allowed at the retreat. Mixing different stimulants/depressants/substances can negatively impact your journey and place yourself and others in danger. Please refrain at least one to two weeks before the retreat begins.

Do you have payment plans? Is there a way I can volunteer or get a reduced price?

There aren’t any payments plan but you can take up until 2 weeks before the retreat to pay in full. Being paid in full secures your spot in the retreat so it’s in your best interest to be paid up as soon as possible to secure your spot after being given final approval. There are no work trade opportunities or reduced rates at this time but I have tried to price this experience at a rate that offers a lot of value compared to retreats that cost upwards of $5000 and require a trip abroad. A full refund will be offered up to 2 weeks before the retreat.

Will I be able to telecommute, have internet access and use my phone?

The wifi at this location and regular cell phone service and wireless service is spotty  Please plan accordingly to square away your work and communication BEFORE you come to the retreat. You will want to dedicate all your energy and focus into this experience, trust me! Cell phones, time keeping/recording devices and electronic devices (whether they have internet access or not) will not be allowed in the ceremony. For the duration of the retreat we’ll ask you to keep electronic devices on silent at all times, use them only in your room and self limit your use. 

What do I need to bring?

All linens and towels, bedding, your meals and beverages (including coffee and tea) will be provided. Laundry is available on site for your personal use.

To Bring:

-Your clothes and pajamas (The PNW has a wide range of temperatures. Remember to pack multiples layers including a jacket. Bring comfortable loose fitting layers of clothing for ceremony.) No fancy, complicated clothes needed! Dress for comfort and coziness. Include things like thick socks, beanies, headbands, robes, flip flops/slippers, etc. Some people wear white for ceremony but it is not mandatory.

-A reusable water bottle

-Sunscreen/bug spray/sunglasses/hats

-Comfort blanket/stuffed animal/pillow

-Ear plugs, sleep mask, headphones (if you use a white noise machine or special pillow you may consider bringing it for a better sleeping experience)

-Snoring strips if needed

-Specialty medicine/vitamins/supplements/substitutions/foods/teas/snacks

-A yoga mat if you’re local and have one (I will have a few extra)

-Journal

-Bring a sacred items for the altar (crystals, feathers, sticks, meaningful items, pics, etc)

-Books, cards, pen and paper, colored pencils and sketchbook, knitting, games and other non-digital things to do