The truffle ceremony
A truffle ceremony can have various names such as a “psilocybin ceremony”, “magic mushroom ceremony”, “shroom ceremony” or a “plant medicine ceremony”. In the Netherlands, we mainly call this the truffle ceremony because only the magic truffle, which contains psilocybin, is legal. During our truffle ceremonies, we offer you many extras so that you as a participant can experience the strong experience, insights and therapeutic effects of magic truffles. For example, you can make use of various additions with us or simply choose a higher dosage if that is possible. We tailor the ceremony and preparation based on possibilities and personal wishes.
Schedule of truffle ceremonies
Atmospheric photos of the Schiedam location
The magic of truffles
The effects of psilocybin truffles
Psilocybin is a psychoactive substance found in magic truffles. After conversion into psilocin, it has various effects on the brain. Among other things, this produces an increased sensation of connectedness with the environment, changes in perception and distortions of the sense of time. Psilocin works by binding to serotonin receptor sites in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This leads to a change in stimulus processing and neurochemistry. These changes are primarily responsible for the euphoric and hallucinogenic effects. A comprehensive explanation of how psilocybin works and what it can be used for can be read via the following button.
Psilocybin dosage during the ceremony
The dosage of the truffles, and therefore of psilocybin, has a major influence on how strong the psychedelic effects will be. The higher the dosage, the greater the chance of strong stimulation of the serotonin receptor known as the 5-HT2A receptor, which leads to more intense effects. The effects are divided into different trip levels, with lower doses yielding less intense experiences and higher doses leading to stronger hallucinations and changes in perception. Take a look below at what the various doses and trip levels involve so that together with you we can determine the best dosage.
However, there are other factors that have an effect. For instance, diet, balance in neurochemistry, and the use of medication and drugs also influence the course of the trip.
| Psilocybin Dosage | Trip level | Duration (h) | Suitability |
| Microdose | 1 | 2-3 | Beginner |
| Medium dose | 2-4 | 5-6 | Beginner |
| High dose | 4-5 | 6-7 | Any experience |
| Heroic dose | 5 | 7-8 | More experienced |
During trip level 1, negative feelings arising from a serotonin deficiency may fade. Due to altered communication between the brain hemispheres, music sounds more intense, colours become more vivid and the surroundings feel more tactile. In this phase, people are more open, social and honest with themselves and others. Trip level 1 is experienced at microdoses as the maximum trip level. During a truffle ceremony with medium, high and heroic doses, one briefly experiences trip level 1 at the beginning and returns to this level at the end of the session. In general, almost everyone during a truffle ceremony will choose a higher dosage than trip level 1.
Intenser experience of colours and visual effects, such as the moving and “breathing” of objects and walls. With eyes closed, two-dimensional patterns are perceptible. Due to changes in short-term memory, the participant experiences a constant alternation between distracting thoughts and extreme focus. The natural filter in the brain is bypassed, leading to an increase in creativity. In this phase, cross-connections can be discovered, such as the reasons behind certain events and ways of dealing with them. For this trip level, it also applies that most participants want to have a slightly stronger trip experience.
Very clear visual effects are observable. Everything appears curved or distorted. Patterns are visible on walls, objects, faces, and so on. There are mild hallucinations, such as the effect of flowing rivers in wood grain or other structures. There is some sensory confusion, for example, seeing sound as colour. Time distorts, making everything seem to take place in the “now”. From this level, it is quite possible to connect with the subconscious brain, whilst still being able to steer it well. Fears that cause stress without one being aware of it may be present in the subconscious. This level is useful for addressing those fears from the subconscious. Fears often originate from the past or for the future. These fears are not real in the present moment, and acceptance is possible during this trip level. Many participants of truffle ceremonies choose to reach this level.
Powerful hallucinations, such as objects transforming into other objects (morphing). Ego perception fades; for example, objects can talk to you or you experience contradictory feelings simultaneously. There is a certain blurring of reality, and time becomes an incomprehensible concept. Potential out-of-body experiences may occur. A mixing of stimuli from different senses takes place. Due to the loss of the ego and the associated self-protection, one is often brutally honest with oneself in this phase. Problems can be addressed and come to terms with. The connection to the subconscious is very intense at this trip level, making it possible to learn a lot about one's own identity, while it seems as though it concerns someone else due to the loss of the ego. Most participants in truffle ceremonies want to reach trip level 4 during the ceremony.
Special combinations
When taking part in a ceremony, you can choose from various extras to deepen the psychedelic experience. For instance, you can combine the truffles with cacao, blue lotus, passionflower (psiloflora) or Banisteriopsis caapi (psilohuasca). These additions can help to enrich the experience, promote feelings of relaxation and connectedness, and enhance the spiritual dimension of the ceremony. Each of these extras has unique properties that can influence and deepen the journey, enabling participants to have an even more intense and meaningful experience.
Please note: This is not suitable for everyone and can only be determined in consultation beforehand.
Psilohuasca ceremony
Psilohuasca is similar to ayahuasca experience because it is a combination of a psychedelic substance and an MAOI. With ayahuasca the psychedelic is DMT, whereas psilohuasca uses psilocybin or psilocin.
Psiloflora ceremony
Psiloflora is similar to ayahuasca and psilohuasca regarding hallucinations, but is less intense on the body. Neither is a strict diet required nor are there as many contraindications.
cacao truffle ceremony
At the cacao truffle ceremony, the effects of cacao are used as a heart opener, but it also slightly extends the duration of the truffles. Cacao can also improve the mood.
Blue lotus truffle ceremony
Blue lotus during a truffle ceremony gives a mildly stimulating, yet also dreamy effect to the truffles. This combination is suitable for those who want to experience a spiritual or healing trip.
Pure truffle ceremony
The mentioned combinations are especially suitable if you already have more experience with psychedelics such as truffles, DMT, 2C-B, ayahuasca, LSD and other hallucinogenic substances. If this is your first session, we recommend choosing just the effect of psilocybin and therefore using only truffles. This is because the use of pure and simple truffles is more predictable and easier to dose than with the mentioned combinations.
The extra support at Triptherapie
We offer more than just the truffle ceremony. In addition to the ceremony itself, we provide standard pre- and aftercare as standard. Prior to the ceremony, every client receives personalised advice based on the intake and the client's objective. We also provide small assignments that may come in useful. Furthermore, preparation can minimise any fear or uncertainty by improving neurochemistry through nutrition and/or supplements. After the ceremony, an integration session can be held to process the experience and integrate it into daily life. You can read what this might look like during a programme below.
Before the ceremony
- Safety screening based on the intake
- Nutritional advice in preparation for the truffle ceremony
- Supplement advice to improve neurochemistry
- Video and reading suggestions that can be brought to life during the session
- Small tasks that can help prepare for the session
During the ceremony
- Time to meet and unwind
- A group theme that can support goal setting
- Small groups so there is room for a sense of community and:
- Taking time for yourself is possible by temporarily retreating into separate booths
- Experienced supervision with always at least one supervisor per four participants
After the ceremony
- Food and drink are included and are predominantly healthy
- The overnight stay is included as standard but is not compulsory
- Any breakfast is included
- Post-session tips will be sent by email
- An integration session a few days after the ceremony
Start the intake
Truffle ceremony experiences
For our clients, we go that extra mile. We do our utmost to create a wonderful experience for every participant. In doing so, we draw upon our extensive experience in organising individual and group sessions. More than 3,500 clients with diverse wishes have already visited us. With this experience, we design the truffle ceremonies in such a way that we can manage the most important aspects, such as the correct dosage for each participant, sufficient guidance per participant, and the opportunity for some privacy during the ceremonies.
What our clients think about the truffle ceremonies and our other psychedelic sessions can be read in the reviews.
Schedule of truffle ceremonies
When participating in a truffle ceremony or psychedelic retreat at Triptherapie, a fully catered programme is included, allowing you to focus entirely on your inner journey.
The group sessions take place at our locations and always include the following:
- A personal preparation plan based on an initial assessment
- The full psychedelic ceremony with a legal psychedelic
- Guidance by two experienced therapists or tripsitters
- Meditation, aromatherapy, music and other in-depth techniques
- A healthy meal after the ceremony
- Overnight stay on site, with comfortable beds or mattresses.
- Breakfast the following morning
- A initial telephone consultation and an integration session a few days after the session
FAQ about magical truffle ceremonies
Frequently asked questions about the magic truffle ceremony
View the answers to the most frequently asked questions about psychedelic ceremonies, such as a truffle ceremony, here. Can't find the answer you're looking for? You can also ask your questions to our chatbot Trippy or get in touch with us.
A truffle ceremony is a guided experience where truffles containing psilocybin (the active ingredient in magic mushrooms) are used in a ritual or therapeutic setting. These ceremonies take place in a safe, supportive environment under the guidance of our experienced trip sitters and therapists. The goal is usually personal growth, spiritual exploration, emotional healing or processing trauma.
During a truffle ceremony, the participant goes through various phases:
PreparationThis includes a conversation with the facilitator to discuss intentions, answer questions, and share any fears or expectations. Physical and mental preparation, such as fasting or meditation, can also be part of this process.
IntakeThe truffles are consumed, often in a quiet, serene environment. The dosage is adjusted to the experience and needs of the participant.
The experienceFollowing ingestion, the psilocybine begins to take effect, which can lead to deep emotional, visual and spiritual experiences. The facilitator remains present to offer support, ensure safety and guide where necessary.
IntegrationFollowing the ceremony, there is time for reflection and discussing the experience. Integration is a crucial part, whereby the insights and emotions that emerged during the ceremony are processed and applied in everyday life.
The positive effects of a truffle ceremony depend heavily on the circumstances in which you use psychedelics. In a therapeutic setting, such as a truffle ceremony or truffle therapy, the health benefits are generally greater than with recreational use, because the purpose of the ingestion partly determines how the experience turns out.
More BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)
Psilocin, the active substance in truffles, stimulates the 5-HT2a receptor, causing the body to release more BDNF. This protein activates genes that grow new brain cells, nerve cells and connections. A higher BDNF level is associated with faster learning, better memory, slower brain ageing and greater neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to bounce back stronger after damage or stress. This could also explain why higher BDNF levels are linked to a lower chance of depression.
Reduced activity of the Default Mode Network (DMN)
The DMN is the brain network that is active during rest and is involved in rumination, social evaluation and future planning. A truffle ceremony reduces DMN activity, causing the sense of time to blur and allowing you to live more in the here and now, with fewer worries about the future. This leads to lower stress levels and lower cortisol, which gives the body space to work self-healigly against inflammation. The reduced inflammatory markers in turn increase serotonin and BDNF release, which further reduces anxiety and depression.
Less ego activity
At higher doses, ego activity decreases. An overactive ego constantly seeks validation and self-preservation, which can lead to restlessness, anxiety, separation and addiction. Lower ego activity is associated with greater connectedness, less depression, higher levels of serotonin and BDNF, healthier choices and less stress.
Releasing pent-up emotions
During a session, long-suppressed emotions sometimes surface. Allowing and releasing this “old pain” can help resolve emotional blockages and psychosomatic symptoms, and for some feels like a liberation.
Support with exposure therapy
In conditions such as PTSD, a low dose of psychedelics can be combined with exposure therapy. The biochemical state of rest and reduced anxiety induced by psychedelics can make reliving a trauma more bearable, thereby reducing the emotional charge of the memory.
Sustainable change through good preparation
The lasting benefit lies not only in the session itself, but in how the insights gained are translated into healthy behavioural changes. Proper preparation, where for example the neurotransmitters in the brain are balanced beforehand, improves the outcome of the session. Triptherapie includes a questionnaire in the intake for this purpose, so that targeted advice can be given.
At present, health insurers do not reimburse psychedelic therapy. For the time being, psychedelic therapy is not yet recognised as a medical treatment and is rather seen as coaching under the influence of a recreational substance. We expect that psychedelic therapy will only be partially reimbursed under certain conditions by 2027/2028. By that time, more research will have been completed and health insurers may be less hesitant.
Truffle ceremony experiences can vary greatly depending on the person, the dosage, the setting and the intention. Here are some common experiences that participants may have during a truffle ceremony:
1. Emotional Release
Many people experience a deep emotional release, with long-stored feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger or joy coming to the surface. This can have a therapeutic effect, especially for those processing trauma.
2. Visual and Sensory Changes
Psilocybin can lead to changes in perception, such as vivid visual patterns, colours that appear more intense, or an altered awareness of time and space. Some also experience a deeper connection with their senses.
3. Spiritual Insights
Many participants report a sense of connectedness with the universe, a higher power or their inner self. This can be accompanied by insights about life, death, love or the purpose of existence.
4. Physical Sensations
Some experience physical sensations, such as tingling, warmth or a feeling of weightlessness. Sometimes the body can also release tension, which manifests as shaking, crying or laughing.
5. Ego-death
At higher doses, a temporary decrease in the ego can occur, during which the sense of a separate “self” fades. This can be both overwhelming and liberating and often leads to deep insights about the nature of existence.
6. Connection with Nature and Others
Many people feel a deeper connection with nature, other people or the universe. This can bring about a sense of unity and love.
7. Facing Fear or Shadow Aspects
Sometimes the experience brings up difficult emotions or memories, challenging the participant to accept and integrate them. This can be an important part of the healing process.
8. Creativity and New Perspectives
Psilocybin can open the mind to new ways of thinking, leading to creative insights or solutions to problems someone has long struggled with.
9. Euphoria and Bliss
Many participants experience periods of intense joy, bliss or a sense of peace and acceptance.
10. Integration of Insights
Following the peak of the experience, participants can reflect on what they have learned and how they can apply these insights in their daily lives. This is a crucial part of the process.
However, would you like to read the reviews of customers who have previously had a session with us? Then take a look at Trip therapy reviews.
Around 75 per cent of participants feel tired the day after the truffle ceremony. This is due to the fact that some trips are intensive and that falling asleep after truffle use is sometimes somewhat more difficult. We recommend not scheduling any appointments the day after the ceremony.
Around 75 per cent of participants feel tired the day after the truffle ceremony. This is due to the fact that some trips are intensive and that falling asleep after truffle use is sometimes somewhat more difficult. We recommend not scheduling any appointments the day after the ceremony.
Most people are under the influence of truffles for between 4 and 7 hours. Depending on the dosage and how the body works, this varies per person. However, the most intense effects last for about 2-3 hours, which we call the peak experience. Furthermore, after the trip there is still an afterglow present that can last for a number of hours.
On average, people are only able to drive again 10-14 hours after consuming truffles. However, we advise against driving until you notice that the effects have completely worn off. At our truffle ceremonies, overnight stay is included, allowing you to wait until the substance has completely worn off.