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From reddit on closer
Dear r/Ayahuasca readers,
I have been involved in recent conversations regarding a particular organization offering Ayahuasca in the United States, Birdsong Visions. I have sat with this group in ceremony before, and I am in correspondence with a number of people who were affiliated.
Over the course of this month, information has come to light that makes me feel, quite strongly, that the leaders of this organization are not in integrity, and that there should be a public notice regarding a lack of informed consent in the events offered by BSV. I have already submitted my account to the moderator team here, and received their permission to make this information available. A frequent participant of this subreddit, who wishes to remain anonymous, was able to corroborate my claims independently, to the satisfaction of the moderator team. My aim is not to attack or harass any individual, but solely to help members of the public protect themselves. I am no longer in contact with the leaders of BSV, and have no plans to be in the future. My account is as follows:
At the most recent retreat, the leader of Birdsong spiked the Ayahuasca brew with highly potent psilocybes and served it without telling the participants. A facilitator figured out what happened and told everyone involved in the community through an encrypted messaging app. The participants in the retreat were informed about what happened by this facilitator. People in the community started coming out of the woodwork with a myriad of stories about their issues with the leader of Birdsong pertaining to patterns of untruthful information and broken promises.
The leaders of BSV admitted to spiking the brew, acknowledged it was not the right thing to do, but also said that they were judged too harshly. They also said in writing and in audio messages they would never serve medicine again. They followed up their admission with making bizarre legal threats against the people that first sounded the alarm. Despite having already admitted their actions. This all happened only a few weeks ago.
What has inspired me to make this post was an excerpt from this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ayahuasca/comments/13ovwkw/birdsong_question_for_the_community/
“We found out yesterday that Birdsong is shutting down due to some ‘egregious behavior’ during a recent ceremony. There was no information sent by the center themselves on this subject to clarify. After reaching out, they briefly clarified that they will still hold her ceremony but will soon after take a very long break.”
The leaders of BSV have clearly contradicted their word here. Their vows “to never serve medicine again” were empty, and they are attempting to continue their operations, with all the attendant accumulation of revenue. As such, I feel that this is an active situation that should be addressed in a public forum, in the interests of harm reduction and informed consent for the public.
In my opinion, Birdsong is to be avoided. Pretty much everyone that I know who was involved has vowed that they will never associate or work with this organization again.
Respectfully,
5 Reviews on “Birdsong Visions”
The most amazing experience of my life! I felt connected to the whole group. The entire time was filled with love, compassion and understanding. My experience went beyond all my expectations! The music was visceral. My heart opened wide. I’m brought to tears again by just typing this. I want Bird Song’s team in my life forever. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 🤗
To say that my weekend here changed my life is a real understatement.
I came here as a last resort to suicide.
I have been struggling with drug addiction and indescribable depression most of my adult life.
I left last month feeling that the weight of it all left me, feeling like my true self for the very first time in my life. I have had a second chance at life and I owe it all to this center for providing such incredible support, safety and non judgment holding me through it all.
Krysta’s voice held me in love and protection as I forgave myself in my most darkest places.
Being outdoors, being held by nature, being held by the team of selfless souls who I knew truly cared for me in every way, I’ve never felt so safe in my entire life.
Thank you so much for all you have done for me. I’ve never felt so free in my entire life.
I first attended Bird Song in May 2022. I went back in July 2022. I will be here a lot. Everything is perfect. Miracles take place here. Love and Truth is what you will find 🙂 So much gratitude for everyone here, never felt so safe.
I have now attended three ceremonies with this group, all of them revealing something new for me to focus on. All three have shed new light of my spiritual journey of self discovery. The medicine seems to work best when I feel safe and loved, and that is certainly the case at with the group of facilitators at Birdsong Visions. I feel that they do an excellent job of screening the participants to ensure the proper fit for this type of ceremony. It is very important to be around people you can trust as the experience includes a lot of group sharing of backgrounds,experiences, and empathy. Its a scared container. I have become a much more compassionate person with the help of my fellow participants.
The space itself is comfortable and it felt like home; every thing was well prepared and lovingly set-up. And then there is the music! Krysta’s voice and clear, guiding messages and guitar accompanied by other instrumentalists was astounding. Powerful and gentle, grounding and liberating, calm and exhilarating. The drumming and didgeridoo playing vibrated my spine in a most fascinating way. I never cried and smiled so much or felt so much love from the people around me. The medicine was just right, and helped me confirm that I am on the right path to strengthen my love and compassion. The nearly equal mix of men and women who participated not only sat together but formed a bond of trust making our shared experiences and thoughts powerful in this completely safe place.
The surroundings were perfect, quiet, and natural held outside under a large tent with quiet indoor space as well. The geodesic dome is truly a magical place. Some brought their own tents to sleep in, some slept in the ceremony space. We were provided healthy food, water, and a fire to gather around after ceremony. I truly felt the love and caring of the facilitators and everyone else participating. The Ayahuascha dose, for me, was just right and brought me to clarity on a number of personal issues. I also participated in the Huachuma ceremony on Sunday that just stripped all the protective armor from my heart and let me really feel both the pain and joy of life again. I cried and laughed and felt the love flow through me. This intense and wonderful experience lasted all day and into the night complementing the divine feminine Ayahuasca experience with a masculine energy empowering me to put my new inner knowledge into outward actions. Forever in gratitude to these medicines and all the facilitators.
Above all was the personal sharing we all provided to each other connecting us in the common family of humanity. I saw, heard, and felt the pain and joys of my siblings there sitting around the fire. The continuing integration zoom calls are also really helpful. These are powerful healing medicines brought to you by experienced, caring people .
Great team of people ensuring a positive experience! I enjoyed every aspect of my weekend here.