Disclaimer: "Psychedelics are largely illegal substances across the world, and we do not encourage or condone their use where it is against the law. However, we accept that illicit drug use occurs and believe that offering responsible harm reduction information is imperative to keeping people safe. For that reason, this article is designed to enhance the safety of those who decide to use these substances. Psychedelics at the very least should be respected. For the best guidance, consider seeking out legal psychedelic therapy centres" - Author: Resident Writer, Freya A5tr311a

So, you’ve finally booked your ‘trip’ and you’re building up the courage to enter the sacred space of ‘Mama Aya’. To maximise your experience, here are 7 things you need to create your own personal care package - 7 Things You Need For Your Next Trip!

A bottle of water

You will probably be advised to not drink too much – if at all – during the ceremony itself. However, keep a bottle of water handy anyway because trust me, a chilled glug of Adam’s Ale will be a welcome relief to a hardcore hallucination. Water is a powerful grounding tool, and if it’s right at your fingertips, you don’t have to stumble your way to the bathroom (if you’re even lucky enough to have one at all!) Plus, water can provide much-needed throat lubricant when the environment gets filled with sage or incense smoke.

A pack of tissues

For all those snotty tears while you relive memories from your dysfunctional childhood. Or for the unfortunate event of tipping your puke over yourself/your bed/your neighbour! In any eventuality, tissues will be your best friend. You may have a facilitator or helper kind enough to keep you stocked up with reams of toilet roll, but don’t count on it – sometimes you’re left to fend for yourself!

Wet wipes

A handy tissue-water hybrid for when you need to drag yourself down from the stratosphere and step back into your human condition. You surely know how refreshing a slick wetwipe feels around the neck on a hot day or a stuffy flight? Yeah, double that and you’re halfway there. And you’ll be able to mop up a whole host of bodily fluids too! I promise you, wetwipes are a sneaky luxury item that you won’t regret. Bonus tip: if you gift one to your neighbour, you’ll have a friend for life.

A cuddly scarf/blanket

My pashmina scarf is a complete essential, whatever the weather. Having something familiar and homely can seriously help your inner child during times of trouble. And, as grim as it may sound, your scarf/blanket can aid in emergency bodily fluid messes if absolutely necessary. My scarf got completely snotted on after I collapsed into an emotional pile on the floor during a pre-ceremony ecstatic dance session. This same item got wrapped round a pillow I puked on, AFTER the ceremony had ended! Anything can happen, bruh.

Lip balm

With all that puking and crying – not to mention the dieta and fasting – dehydration is a real thing. And dry lips are a nasty inconvenient side effect of this. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be semi-addicted to lip balms already and panic if you leave home without one. So, it’s nice to know you’re in arms reach of some sumptuous salve during ceremony. Plus, if it’s got a particularly familiar scent, it will also serve as a grounding tool when you’re losing grip on reality.

Socks

Cold feet are the Devil’s work as far as I’m concerned. And if you’re anything less than totally comfortable and cosy, it can really affect your experience. Be warned that your body temperature will fluctuate dramatically, so get ready for fever and get ready for chills. But remember, that once you kick your socks off, I dare you to try and find them amidst all the chaos, let alone try and put them back on when you’re tripping!

Earplugs/headphones

There’s nothing worse than chillin’ in the ceremony room, floating down from hyperspace, still doing some contemplative work when someone’s slack pharynx starts flapping away. It’s sometimes really important to stay in the ceremony room and not venture to your bedroom/tent where you may suffocate in silent darkness. But if the calm binaural beats are being chain-sawed to pieces by snorts and snores it can be fucking difficult. So…ear plugs. Sorted, at least semi-sorted anyway.

I wish you all the very best for your journey into hyperspace. And know that you have absolute balls of brass for venturing into the unknown, so good for you!! Please feel free to comment and share your experiences and share your tips with me! Namaste, bitches.