How to Interpret Soma & Ayahuasca Journeys: A Deep Dive into Inner Exploration

DISCLAIMER: The plants and compounds mentioned in this post are illegal in many countries, and even possession can carry severe criminal penalties. None of this post constitutes medical advice or should be construed as a recommendation to use psychedelics. There are serious legal, psychological, and physical risks. Psychedelics are not for everyone—they can exacerbate certain emotional problems, and there have been, in very rare cases, fatalities.

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This blog post complements a detailed video available on our YouTube channel. Be sure to check it out for more in-depth insights and visual explanations.

Introduction to Psychedelic Journey Interpretation

Ayahuasca and analogues such as Soma are very powerful psychoactive medicines that can evoke intense visions and emotions. As a Soma and Ayahuasca coach, I support individuals in preparing for and integrating these powerful experiences. In my experience, learning to discern what the medicine is telling us is not only about making sense of the visions. In fact, sometimes this is not important. It is about learning to cultivate greater discernment, more embodied wisdom. As my teacher Tsoknyi Rinpoche describes a meditation he calls handshake practice, it’s really about connecting our thinking mind with our feeling world.

Many participants struggle with deciphering the often abstract and symbolic nature of ayahuasca visions. For instance, Sarah once felt herself as a tree during a journey. Initially confused, she later realized this vision represented her need to feel more grounded and connected to her roots.

Step 1: Deeply Listen to Your Uncovered Feelings

At the core of working with ayahuasca journeys is the practice of deep listening. My teacher Adyashanti described meditation as deep listening, an idea that resonates with how I approach ayahuasca and other plant medicines.

Tuning into Subtle Nuances

This deep listening helps us to reconnect with our embodied intelligence and grounds us amid the powerful, dynamic process of working with medicines such as Soma and Ayahuasca. By refining our attention, we cultivate awareness of sensations and emotions, making it difficult to ignore the inner signals that ayahuasca amplifies.

Creating a Mirror for Consciousness

This focus creates a mirror for our consciousness, vividly reflecting thoughts, feelings, and images, forcing us to confront them. One client, John, described this experience as "facing a high-definition version of myself that I couldn't look away from."

The Three-Step Approach

Tsoknyi Rinpoche, another of my teachers, encapsulated this practice beautifully in three steps:

1. Reconnecting with our body

2. Opening our heart

3. Clearing our mind

The medicine aids this process by making our internal landscape vivid and undeniable, reconnecting us with our true selves.

Step 2: Drop the Story and Be with the Feelings in Your Body

Understanding that there is a time and place for delving into the narrative to release trauma is crucial. However, excessive focus on the story can sometimes act as a distraction.

The Subtle Body and Blockages

The teachings on the subtle body by Tsoknyi Rinpoche offer invaluable insights into understanding how Ayahuasca and Soma work. Often, we carry blockages from past events, memories, and traumas within our bodies. These blockages manifest as contractions linked to difficult memories.

The Pitfall of Overthinking

While engaging with the associated stories can sometimes help, it often leads to overthinking and analysis, avoiding the deeper emotional work.

Focusing on Present Feelings

Instead, we should focus on our present feelings. Get curious about what you are experiencing in the moment. Ask yourself, "What am I feeling right now?" without analyzing. If you locate a contraction in your body, offer it gentle, compassionate attention. If you can't pinpoint it, let this soothing energy wash over your entire body.

The Practice of "Dropping"

Dropping is when we release the thinking mind down into the body and connect with the underlying feelings. This practice isn't about indulging or suppressing thoughts but simply being with them. This approach enhances our exploration of inner landscapes, promoting healing without getting entangled in concepts and stories.

“Simply let experience take place very freely, so that your open heart is suffused with the tenderness of true compassion.”

— -Tsoknyi Rinpoche

5 Common Concerns in Soma & Ayahuasca Journey Interpretation

As a psychedelic preparation and integration coach, I often encounter several concerns from participants about interpreting their journeys:

1. Fear of Misinterpretation

Many worry about misunderstanding their visions. Remember, there's no "wrong" interpretation. The meaning that resonates with you is valid. Trust your intuition.

2. Overwhelming Emotions

Some find the intensity of emotions during and after the journey challenging. This is normal and part of the healing and creative process. Proper preparation and integration support can help navigate these feelings.

3. Nausea

Nausea is a common issue when working with ayahuasca. While some nausea is normal, being over nauseated can mean too high of a dose, particularly with respect to the harmala alkaloids. Paying close attention to the diet is also very important for avoiding or, at least, minimizing nausea.

4. Lack of Visions

Not everyone experiences vivid visions, and that's okay. The healing work often happens on a subtle, energetic level. It’s more important to pay attention and be with the bodily sensations and feelings underneath the vision and the stories.

5. Integration Challenges

Applying insights from the journey to daily life can be difficult. Working with a psychedelic preparation & integration coach can provide valuable support in this process.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery

Soma and Ayahuasca journeys are profound, offering rich insights into our inner worlds. By focusing on feelings rather than just thoughts and stories, we open ourselves to deeper understanding and healing. Remember, this is a personal journey of self-discovery and connection. Each experience is unique and valuable in its own right.

I encourage you to leave a comment below to share your experiences and thoughts on how you interpret your journeys, particularly the challenges in dealing with emotions and feelings. Your insights could be invaluable to others on this path.

Ready for the plunge?

Are you interested in deepening your understanding of Soma and Ayahuasca journeys or seeking support in navigating your experiences? As an experienced Soma & Ayahuasca coach, I offer personalized guidance to help you to prepare for and to integrate these plant medicine sessions.

1. Watch our detailed YouTube video for more insights on this topic.

2. Book a one-on-one consultation with me to discuss your personal experiences and receive tailored advice.

Don't forget to watch the accompanying video on our YouTube channel for a more detailed exploration of this topic. Let's continue this journey of deep listening and embodied understanding together.

Thank you for being part of this exploration.

Adrian Baker