Ayahuasca, a potent sacred plant brew of the Amazon region, is increasingly popular among spiritual tourists for its ability to help people accept their paradoxical nature, both the glorious and the dark sides. But few understand how it is used traditionally, the importance of the rituals that native practitioners follow, the special diet, austere condtions and specific sacred songs. This autobiographical account reveals the protocols of a traditional ayahuasca retreat and encourages seekers to use ayahuasca with respect.