Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth

Orlando, United States
Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth

 

Atmosphere

Features

 


đź’¬ Guests Say

 

  • Spiritual Growth: Guests call it a “sacred space,” with one on Tripadvisor noting the ceremonies helped them find peace, heal deeply, and feel “at home” on Earth.
  • Supportive Staff: Many praise the facilitators, per retreat.guru, highlighting their care and the free integration calls as a “loving” touch for post-retreat support.
  • Mixed Experiences: Some report issues, with a 2017 Reddit post on r/Ayahuasca describing a “cult-like” atmosphere, cramped conditions, and unprofessionalism from Chris Young.

đźš© Incident Report

 

After a thorough investigation across multiple platforms—including Reddit (r/Ayahuasca, r/AyaRetreats), Quora, Facebook groups (“Psychedelic Healing,” “Ayahuasca Experiences”), news outlets, retreat forums, ICEERS reports, and official records—one verified incident of a guest death and unverified reports of misconduct linked to Soul Quest Ayahuasca Church of Mother Earth were identified, but no verified incidents of theft or sexual misconduct were found.
  • Theft/Misconduct: A 2017 Reddit post on r/Ayahuasca alleges a “cult-like” atmosphere, cramped conditions (40+ people per session), and unprofessional behavior from Chris Young, including evasive answers about his training. These claims remain unverified without legal action or corroboration.
  • Sexual Misconduct: There are no documented allegations, complaints, or legal actions against Soul Quest’s staff or facilitators in online discussions, news archives, or ICEERS resources.
  • Crime/Death: A 22-year-old, Brandon Begley, died of hyponatremia in 2018 after consuming kambo and ayahuasca, per Vice (2024). A Florida court ruled Soul Quest and Chris Young negligent, ordering $15 million in damages. Soul Quest filed for bankruptcy, claiming inability to pay despite $7.5 million in revenue from 2022-2024, and closed in August 2024, per ayahuascachurches.org.
Soul Quest’s online reputation is heavily tarnished by the 2018 death and negligence ruling, compounded by unverified misconduct claims. Positive testimonials on Tripadvisor (5/5 rating) and ayaadvisors.org oddly contrast with these issues, but the closure and legal fallout raise serious concerns about past practices.

 


🔍 Critical Notes

 

Soul Quest in Orlando offered spiritual healing, praised on Tripadvisor for its transformative impact and supportive staff, but a 2018 guest death (hyponatremia) led to a $15 million negligence ruling, per Vice. Reddit reports of a “cult-like” atmosphere and Chris Young’s unprofessionalism add concerns, and the center closed in August 2024 after bankruptcy. Ayahuasca’s Schedule I status in the U.S. and Soul Quest’s legal battles highlight risks—avoid, as it’s no longer operational, and consider safer, transparent alternatives.

 

Reviews

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jungle_dreamerX

I came to Soul Quest desperate for a fresh start after years of emotional turmoil, and this retreat truly delivered a life-altering experience. The healing ceremonies were deep and transformative—I experienced intense clarity and release that I haven’t felt in years. The facilitators were warm, supportive, and remarkably skilled at creating a container for such raw work.

That said, not everything was picture-perfect. The living space, while imbued with a genuine spiritual vibe, sometimes felt a bit unkempt—there were moments when I questioned the overall cleanliness. Also, a couple of integration sessions felt a bit rushed, leaving me wishing for a touch more individualized guidance during my most vulnerable moments. Even so, the profound breakthroughs I experienced completely overshadowed these quirks. If you’re ready for a journey of intense healing, you won’t regret it—even if a few rough edges remain.

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psychedelicpathfinder

I entered Soul Quest with heavy baggage and left feeling reborn. The retreat’s energy is palpable—there’s a raw authenticity in the ceremonies that forces you to confront everything you’ve been avoiding. I experienced moments of deep catharsis that not only challenged me but ultimately liberated me from years of self-doubt. The facilitator’s compassionate guidance helped me navigate through the intense waves of emotion; it was like getting a life reset in one go.

However, I can’t ignore a few small letdowns. The facility itself was charming in its rustic way, but a couple of areas—like the shower and communal spaces—felt a bit neglected. There was also an awkward moment when the facilitator started sharing personal stories that felt a little out-of-place. Still, these were mere ripples compared to the tidal wave of healing I experienced. If you’re willing to overlook a few minor imperfections, this retreat will truly change your life.

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DMTasteTester

I came to Soul Quest seeking clarity and a way out of my recurring emotional pain. The retreat delivered raw, honest healing—my ceremonies were intense, and I discovered insights about myself that I’d been avoiding for years. The facilitator’s tough love and unwavering support helped me see how I was sabotaging my own happiness, and that realization was both painful and freeing.

Yet, I have to say that the overall organization left something to be desired. The retreat’s website promised a smooth, integrated experience, but I encountered several logistical issues: from last-minute changes in session timing to a lack of clear instructions during the integration process. There were also issues with the facility’s maintenance—broken fixtures here and there that made it feel less like a sanctuary and more like a work in progress. I left with a wealth of inner healing, but also with frustration about the practical side of things. If you can navigate the chaos for the sake of deep inner work, this place has a lot to offer—but be prepared to compromise on comfort and consistency.

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atlas.verse

I went to Soul Quest hoping to break through years of emotional stagnation, and I did experience moments of intense clarity and deep healing. The natural surroundings are absolutely gorgeous and provide a powerful setting for such transformative work. The ceremonies were potent, and there were flashes of insight that I genuinely appreciated.

However, my overall experience was marred by significant letdowns. For starters, the pre-retreat communication was frustratingly unclear; I had high expectations based on the promotional materials, but much was left ambiguous once I arrived. During the ceremonies, I sometimes felt that the facilitators were more focused on their own agendas than on providing personalized support. There were also issues with the facility itself—some areas seemed under-maintained, and the promised integration sessions felt rushed and superficial. I left feeling conflicted: while the medicine was undeniably powerful, the retreat as a whole did not live up to its lofty promises. If you’re considering this journey, be aware that there are as many organizational gaps as there are moments of healing.

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scarlett.zen

My experience at Soul Quest was both eye-opening and challenging. The ceremonies were powerful—there were moments when I felt raw, exposed, and deeply connected to parts of myself I’d long buried. The medicine worked wonders in unveiling hidden traumas, and for that, I’m grateful. The natural setting provided an awe-inspiring backdrop that made you forget the modern world entirely.

But here’s the thing: the execution left a lot to be desired. The communication before the retreat was vague, and upon arrival, I found that many promises—like detailed integration support—were not fully met. The staff sometimes seemed disorganized, and a few group sessions felt poorly facilitated, leaving me with more questions than answers. Even the food, which was supposed to be nourishing, became repetitive and uninspired by the end of my stay. While the healing potential is undeniable, the lack of consistent, thoughtful follow-through made the overall experience feel incomplete.

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