My First Sacred Psilocybin Ceremony

Visionary Veterans Co-Founder, Dana Irving talks about her first medicine ceremony and how it helped her on her healing path.

My First Sacred Psilocybin Ceremony- Dana Irving after her ceremony in Nov. 2024.

Testimonial and Blog post

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I decided to participate in my first psilocybin ceremony under the guidance of an indigenous leader and a fellow veteran. I’d only experienced a few sweat lodges before, and while those were deeply grounding, this felt like stepping into an entirely different realm. The fact that the ceremony took place on sacred land made it feel even more meaningful—a connection not just to the medicine but to something far older and wiser.

From the moment the ceremony began, I could feel the intention and reverence in every detail. The prayers, the songs, and the leader’s presence created a space where I felt safe and supported. As the medicine began to take hold, I quickly realized this was nothing like any recreational experience I’d had in the past.

It was as though I was receiving a constant “download”—streams of insights, emotions, and visions coming at me so quickly that I didn’t have the time or capacity to focus on just one thing. It wasn’t overwhelming, though; it felt like a river washing over me, carrying away layers of pain, doubt, and resistance. I wasn’t in control, but I also didn’t feel the need to be.

During the journey, I felt a deep connection to the earth beneath me and the sky above. It was humbling to sit in the presence of the indigenous leader, both holding space with such wisdom and strength. Their chants and prayers seemed to guide the medicine, creating a container that allowed me to surrender fully.

The aftereffects were profound. For the week following the ceremony, I noticed significant changes in my physical and mental state. Chronic pain that had been a constant companion was dramatically reduced—I could move and breathe more freely than I had in years. My mind felt clearer, sharper, as if a fog had lifted. Emotional burdens that I didn’t even realize I was carrying felt lighter, and I found myself more present and at peace with myself and others.

This ceremony wasn’t just an experience; it was a shift, a realignment. I came away with a deeper respect for the medicine, the sacredness of the process, and the importance of proper guidance. It felt like a reminder that true healing comes when we step out of our own way, trust the process, and allow ourselves to be held by something greater. -Dana