FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Our community is rooted in openness, clarity, and care. We know that stepping into a new spiritual path often comes with many questions, and we welcome curiosity as part of the journey. This page is here to help you better understand our beliefs, practices, and the way our church is structured.

  • The Spore Foundation is a 508(c)(1)(A) faith-based spiritual community devoted to sacred transformation, nature-based spirituality, and reverent relationship with entheogenic sacraments. We are not a traditional church. We are a decentralized, emergent spiritual network, where the sacred is embodied, and the liminal is honored as holy ground. Through ceremony, integration, and community care, we support those walking a spiritual path of remembrance, healing, and becoming.

  • Our ordained ministers are spiritual stewards who serve the community with deep reverence and responsibility. They act as guardians of the sacraments, guides of sacred ceremony, and companions on the path of awakening.

    Each minister has not only completed extensive training in safe and ethical practices but has also undergone their own initiatory process of spiritual practice and personal transformation.

    Ordination is not simply a title but a sacred commitment. Our ministers are held to a clear code of ethics, ensuring that they embody integrity, humility, and compassion in all of their service. Their training includes spiritual leadership, trauma-informed care, integration practices, and deep study of ceremonial tradition. This preparation allows them to guide others with sensitivity, discernment, and respect for the sacred.

  • Membership is open to individuals who feel spiritually called to our mission and values. We welcome seekers of all backgrounds, identities, and belief systems.

    Because of the intimate and sacred nature of our work, we ask all prospective members to complete an application, agree to our code of ethics, and participate in a short orientation.

  • We offer two pathways into our community — Free Membership and Supporting Membership ($100 per year). Each option carries its own set of benefits and level of involvement in the church.

    We rely on donations to help support the ongoing mission of the church, our ministers, and the sacred work we provide.

  • Membership affirms that you are choosing to participate in our community and our sacraments as a matter of sincere spiritual practice. We are not a social club, and we do not use our religious status as a shield to circumvent the law.

    We provide a spiritual community where members can participate in sacred ceremonies, receive spiritual guidance, engage in integration circles, and grow in their relationship with spirit, self, and community.

    See our Membership page to apply for SPORE membership!

  • As a faith-based spiritual community, our retreats are offered by suggested donation, not fixed fees. We use a sliding scale with a minimum suggested donation to make this life-changing work accessible to as many people as possible, while sustaining the organization’s ministers, facilities, and community that make it all possible.

    Once you join our private member community, you'll receive detailed information about upcoming retreats, suggested donations, and how to give in a way that aligns with your heart and means.

    Your donation supports the infrastructure, sacraments, scholarships, and ongoing service offered by The Spore Foundation.

  • We work with sacred entheogenic sacraments within a ceremonial, prayerful, and legally protected religious context. Our sacraments are not recreational, and they are not used casually.

    Each ceremony is held with deep intention, safety protocols, and trained professionals who serve as spiritual guides. Sacraments are considered sacred gifts that reconnect us with the Divine, the Earth, and the truth within. Participation is voluntary and by invitation, in alignment with our spiritual commitments and community discernment process.

  • Psychedelic medicines have shown promising results in treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. These medicines, when used in a controlled and supportive setting, can facilitate profound healing and transformation by inducing altered states of consciousness that allow individuals to access and process deep-seated emotions, memories, and traumas. Research suggests that psychedelics have the potential to promote neuroplasticity, increase emotional resilience, and enhance overall well-being.

    Many people find deep personal insight, emotional relief, or a renewed sense of purpose after working with psilocybin. While results can vary, the combination of intention, a supportive setting, and integration support greatly increases the chances of meaningful benefit.

  • During a sacred ceremony, you can expect to be in a safe and supportive environment guided by trained guides. The process typically begins with thorough preparation, including discussing intentions, addressing any concerns or fears, and establishing a comfortable setting.

    Once the sacrament is administered, you may experience a range of effects, including altered perception, heightened emotions, and profound insights. Throughout the experience, your spiritual guide will offer guidance and support, helping you navigate any challenging or uncomfortable moments. After the ceremony, there is usually an integration period where you have the opportunity to reflect on your experience, process insights, and integrate them into your daily life.

  • Some people experience noticeable shifts after just one ceremony. Others may benefit from multiple, paired with integration work to fully unfold the insights. It's not a linear path—it’s about how deeply you engage with what comes up.

  • When conducted in a controlled and supportive setting by trained professionals, psychedelic medicines can be safe and effective. However, there are risks associated with these substances, including the potential for adverse psychological reactions, physical discomfort, and triggering of underlying mental health conditions. It's essential to undergo thorough screening and preparation before engaging in a psychedelic ceremony to ensure it is appropriate for you.

    Additionally, working with experienced spiritual guides who adhere to ethical guidelines and safety protocols can mitigate potential risks and maximize the benefits of the experience. As with any therapeutic intervention, it's crucial to approach psychedelic medicines with caution and informed consent.

  • The duration of effects can vary depending on the substance and dosage, typically ranging from several hours to a full day. Following the peak effects, individuals may experience a gradual return to baseline consciousness, often accompanied by feelings of introspection and emotional sensitivity.

    The recovery period after a sacred ceremony is essential for integration and processing. Practicing self-care, engaging in reflection, and connecting with support networks can facilitate the integration process and support overall well-being.

  • With a properly prepared ceremony, it's rare not to feel anything. However, experiences can sometimes be subtle rather than dramatic. Set, setting, intention, and dosage all contribute to how the experience unfolds.

  • It won’t "fix" external circumstances, but it can change how you see yourself and your choices which often leads to meaningful shifts in relationships, career paths, and life purpose.

  • Temporary discomfort can happen, especially if you're processing emotions that have been suppressed. This is why preparation, support, and integration are so important, to help you move through difficult periods in a healthy, supported way.

  • Clinical studies from institutions like Johns Hopkins, NYU, and Imperial College London show that psilocybin can produce long-lasting positive changes in depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, and general well-being—even after just one or two sessions.

    Research has shown that psilocybin experiences can lead to sustained improvements in mood, emotional resilience, and quality of life 6–12 months later—especially when combined with integration support.

    While we don't treat medical conditions, many people find that working with plant medicines like psilocybin reduces feelings of stuckness, heaviness, or emotional overwhelm. It often brings new perspectives, a sense of emotional release, or a renewed connection to purpose and Self.

Important Notes

We are a faith-based 508(c)(1)(A) religious nonprofit. We are not a medical or mental health facility, and we do not diagnose or treat illness. Participation in our community and ceremonies is a matter of spiritual practice and personal choice.