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Ancient Mother Ayahuasca Retreats: An In-Depth Review for Sessions in Netherlands

Ancient Mother is a healing center in Drenthe, Netherlands that helps participants discover themselves and overcome life’s obstacles such as addiction, trauma, and anxiety, operating from their tranquil new location called Motherland since May 2025. They offer weekend retreats with 2 ayahuasca ceremonies and four-day retreats combining 2 ayahuasca and 1 San Pedro ceremony, as well as couples retreats. The center is based in Assen, Drenthe and can be contacted at info@ancientmother.nl.

🎯 At a Glance

• Locations: Set in a 400-year-old farmhouse near Assen, nestled among green fields and quiet forest paths with a spacious garden opening into protected walking areas and deer as frequent visitors. Their new location, Motherland in Drenthe, offers a serene and tranquil environment for healing.
• Approach: Small group retreats with no more than 12 participants and a grounded team of four experienced guides offering deep presence and personal care. Group sizes max out at 6 guests for some retreats. They hold space with deep respect for the sacred, focused on grounded, loving transformation free of spiritual performance.
• Suitable For: Those seeking to overcome addiction, trauma, and anxiety. Individuals focused on clarity, healing, and inner freedom who value intimate settings with experienced guides. People looking to soften, open, and meet what’s true within themselves and others.
• Costs: Average price of EUR 362 per day. Described as great value for an Ayahuasca and San Pedro retreat in Europe.
• Overall Assessment: Professional center with great reviews that is surprisingly well-priced. Directory evaluation: B+ (notable for intimate setting and experienced guides, no significant safety flags found).

💬 What Guests Are Saying

Reviews consistently highlight the exceptional care provided by facilitators, particularly Margriet who is described as having natural shamanic abilities and creating deeply safe experiences. Guests repeatedly emphasize the professional, compassionate guidance and the transformative nature of their experiences. The setting receives high praise for its peaceful natural environment, whether on the previous houseboat location surrounded by water and retired horses, or the current farmhouse location with its garden and forest paths. Many participants describe feeling completely safe and well-cared for throughout their journeys.

The integration support stands out as particularly valuable, with multiple guests noting the helpful tips and ongoing support provided after retreats. Food quality and the overall organization receive consistent positive mentions. Several reviews compare Ancient Mother favorably to other retreat centers, with guests stating it surpassed their expectations and felt like coming home. The small group sizes and high guide-to-participant ratios create an intimate, family-like atmosphere that many find deeply nurturing.

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🚩 Incident Report

Following a thorough review of online sources including Reddit subreddits like r/Ayahuasca, r/Psychonaut, and r/WellnessHive, Quora threads, Facebook groups such as Psychedelic Healing and Ayahuasca Experiences, news outlets, retreat discussion boards, ICEERS safety reports, and public records, no incidents of theft, sexual misconduct, or criminal activity were found associated with Ancient Mother.

• Theft: No reports of theft or financial misconduct found in online sources checked.
• Sexual Misconduct: No reports of sexual misconduct or inappropriate behavior found in online sources checked.
• Crime: No criminal charges, arrests, or legal issues found in online sources checked.

No Reddit discussions expressing concerns about safety or negative experiences were found. The absence of any warning posts or red flag discussions across major psychedelic community platforms is notable.

New update as of March 2026: No new incidents or concerns identified.

🔍 Critical Notes

Ancient Mother appears to provide a genuinely safe and secure environment with guides who are fully aware and attentive to participants’ needs. The center takes a realistic approach, not promising breakthroughs but offering a place where they can happen. Their emphasis on simplicity, honesty, and deep care suggests a grounded approach to plant medicine work.

However, as with all ayahuasca centers in the Netherlands, participants should be aware of the legal gray area surrounding these substances. While psilohuasca (using magic truffles) is legal in the Netherlands, traditional ayahuasca exists in a more complex legal space. The center appears to navigate this carefully by offering multiple plant medicine options. Standard medical contraindications apply, particularly for those with heart problems or high blood pressure.

🆘 Screening & Mental Health Risks

Ancient Mother notes that ayahuasca and psilohuasca ceremonies are not recommended for people with a history of high blood pressure or heart problems. While specific details of their screening process are not publicly available, the consistently positive reviews regarding safety and the professional approach of the facilitators suggest appropriate intake procedures. The emphasis on creating safe spaces and the attention given to participant preparation indicates a responsible approach to participant screening. As with any plant medicine work, participants should consult with healthcare providers before attending, particularly those with mental health conditions, medications, or medical concerns.

🧪 Brew Substance

Ancient Mother works with traditional ayahuasca prepared as a vegetable brew with active ingredients dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and monoamine oxidase enzyme inhibitor (MAO inhibitor). They also offer psilohuasca, which consists of MAO inhibitor and truffles, with effects similar to ayahuasca due to the molecular similarity between DMT and psilocybin. Additionally, they work with San Pedro (Huachuma), described as having masculine energy that complements ayahuasca’s feminine energy perfectly during multi-day retreats. The center appears to use authentic traditional preparations rather than synthetic alternatives.

📍 Location, Setting & Style

• Netherlands: Located in Drenthe, Netherlands, a province known for its natural beauty and tranquil countryside. The Netherlands provides a relatively stable legal environment for psilohuasca ceremonies using magic truffles, which are legal in the country.
• Setting: A 400-year-old farmhouse nestled among green fields and quiet forest paths, with a spacious garden opening directly into protected walking areas where deer are frequent visitors, and evening gatherings by the open fire under the stars. The new Motherland location in Drenthe offers a serene and tranquil environment for full immersion in peace and healing.
• Style: Retreats begin Friday afternoon at 15:00 with a welcome at the farmhouse, tea, and introductions in a pleasant, calm atmosphere. Ceremonies last an average of six hours, followed by fruit salad and delicious meals prepared by their private cook. Nature walks are included as part of the experience.

Practical guidance: The center provides information about the easiest way to reach them and can arrange pickup from Rotterdam central station if necessary. Previously described as 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes by public transport from Amsterdam central station. Booking appears to be done through their website or various retreat platforms.

Should You Book?

Ancient Mother appears well-suited for those seeking an intimate, professionally-guided plant medicine experience in a safe, nurturing environment. The consistently positive reviews, emphasis on safety, small group sizes, and experienced facilitators make it a solid choice for both first-time participants and those with previous experience. However, those seeking a more traditional South American shamanic experience or larger group dynamics might want to consider other options. The center’s strength lies in creating a family-like atmosphere with deep personal attention and comprehensive integration support.

The Team & Story

The core team includes Margriet, described as a fantastic guide who prepares participants thoroughly, Susan, noted for her radiant personality and expertise about ayahuasca and health, and Harold, providing a calming and reassuring presence. Margriet’s background spans careers as an advertising creative, singer/songwriter, published author, and coach, with spirituality being integral to her life and inspiring her to look beyond appearances. Reviews describe Margriet as a “born Shaman” and emphasize the team’s professional approach and deep care. The facilitators appear to have extensive experience with plant medicines and focus on creating safe, sacred containers for transformation.

Prep & Integration Tips

Participants are encouraged to think about intentions before journeys – specific issues to deal with, traumas to heal, or questions to seek answers to. The center provides amazing support and tips for integration after retreats. Time spent on integration is described as very valuable. Specific preparation guidelines including dietary requirements are likely provided during the booking process, though detailed public information about preparation protocols was not found in available sources.

Pros & Cons

Book Your Ceremony

Bookings can be made by contacting info@ancientmother.nl. The center appears to be available through various retreat booking platforms as well as direct contact. Given the small group sizes and positive reputation, advance booking is likely recommended.