There are some not obvious, but no-so-small things that a plant medicine guide or facilitator shouldn’t overlook and behaviors that are warning signs.

Your guide provides little transparency on journey day:

On the day of the journey, if going through a ceremony, the guide should provide an overview of what they’re going to do and answer any questions. It will be hard for them to answer during the ceremony, so it’s tantamount to do this prior.

Your guide engages in dogma:

If they spend time telling you theirs is the only way, they are wrong. This is dispelled merely based on the sheer amount of unrelated cultures that have done ceremonies through history. They may have valid reasons for preferring their chosen way based on training, heritage, and how they relate to it, but theirs is not the only way.

That said - unless you’re uncomfortable - don’t start telling them how to do their work, you’re working with them for a reason.

Your guide is on their phone:

Neither the guide or the client should be using technology during a journey. No TV, laptops, phones, tablets. No checking email or social media.

All of the above can be jarring for a client during a journey and indicative of a guide who is not engaged.

Technology exceptions for the client:

🎧 Headphones or speakers to listen to a playlist.

✈️ A phone to play the playlist, set on airplane mode with the playlist downloaded and everything else turned off. Basically turn it into an iPod (remember those?).

Technology exceptions for the guide:

📖 An e-reader (not an iPad) as this can be 8 hours long and there will be stretches of time where they don’t need to be actively engaged, yet ready to be if needed.

🆘 A phone set to do not disturb in the event an emergency call needs to be made or received.

Is your guide providing snacks?

They should. You’ll be hungry at some point and easy snacks should be available. Bonus points if they ask you what kind of snacks you like beforehand. They should ensure you’re set up with dinner before leaving (if not staying in the same place).

You will not want to cook, so ordering in or having something ready to heat up is the way to go.

Are there any other small things you can think of that might make your guided journey better?

As a plant medicine guide, I’d love to hear about your journey and answer any questions you have on plant medicine facilitation. Reach out for a free consultation.