Bwiti Roots • Retreat Center
Treating:
Depression
Anxiety
Addiction
PTSD
Chronic Illness
Relationship Difficulties
Eating Disorders
Mind Expansion
Palliative Care
Suicidal Ideation
Utilizing:
Ibogaine
Port-Gentil, Gabon
About Bwiti Roots:
Bwiti Roots offers a unique blend of transformative healing experiences and community empowerment. As a non-profit organization deeply rooted in the Gabonese Bwiti Fang tradition, we are committed to both your personal growth and healing and the well-being of Bwiti communities in Gabon.
Your Healing Journey:
Join us on Gabonese Bwiti Fang Iboga ceremonies, guided by our expert practitioners with a lineage steeped in tradition. Our ceremonies, infused with sacred music and traditional Bwiti shamanic practices, provide a safe and sacred space for introspection, healing, and spiritual growth. Your journey with us is a path to self-discovery and renewal.
Healing with Purpose:
At Bwiti Roots, every step of your journey serves a greater purpose. As a non-profit, we reinvest all profits into initiatives that uplift Bwiti communities back in Gabon. From education and infrastructure development to advocacy and cultural preservation, we are dedicated to fostering holistic well-being and preserving sacred traditions.
Sustaining Iboga Plantations:
In collaboration with local communities, we actively fund and manage Iboga plantations in Gabon. This not only protects the sacred Iboga plant but also sustains the livelihoods of those involved. Our commitment extends to responsible and sustainable Iboga cultivation practices.
Join Our Mission:
By choosing Bwiti Roots, you become a vital part of our mission—to make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities alike. Your participation in our ceremonies directly contributes to positive change in Gabon and beyond.
Experience Healing with Purpose:
Discover the power of traditional Bwiti Fang Iboga ceremonies at Bwiti Roots, where your personal journey is intertwined with a broader mission of community support and cultural preservation.
The Process
STEP
1
Screening and Connection -
Upon expressing interest, participants engage in a screening call. This serves as an opportunity for us to get to know each other better.
During the call, we address any questions or concerns, discuss your intentions and needs, and gather essential medical history information.
STEP
2
Acceptance and Preparation -
Once the screening process is complete, and you are accepted to join us, you'll be asked to secure your spot with a deposit.
Detailed instructions on how to prepare for the ceremony will be provided. This includes dietary guidelines and recommendations for creating a conducive mindset.
STEP
3
Arrival and Purification -
Participants are warmly welcomed and picked up from the nearest airport or train station to our location.
On arrival, you're offered refreshments, and our team assists you in preparing for the purification bath and ritual.
During this time, you have the option to share your intentions for the ceremony, either in private sessions or within a group setting.
STEP
4
First Ceremony - Healing and Release -
In the first ceremony, you will be guided by our experienced Bwiti practitioner as you receive a dose of the sacred wood.
This ceremony often involves deep introspection and addressing personal traumas or issues that need resolution.
While this ceremony can be challenging, our practitioner provides unwavering support throughout the process.
STEP
5
Rest and Recovery -
Following the intensity of the first ceremony, most participants need a day of rest.
You'll be served nourishing, light meals, and the day is dedicated to recuperation, both physically and emotionally.
STEP
6
Second Ceremony - Celebration and Integration -
The second ceremony marks a celebration of the work accomplished during the first ceremony.
Participants receive another dose of medicine, but this ceremony is usually lighter and focused on integration.
It's a time to reflect on your journey and insights gained.
STEP
7
Sharing and Farewell -
In the morning after the second ceremony, participants typically feel a sense of renewal and clarity.
A group meal and discussion provide an opportunity to share your experiences and connect with fellow participants.
As the ceremony concludes, we arrange transportation for your departure from the location.
STEP
8
Integration and Ongoing Support -
After the ceremony, participants often feel like they've undergone a significant reset in their lives.
You'll experience increased clarity, inspiration, and a lighter, happier disposition.
We encourage all participants to stay in touch for ongoing support during their integration journey. We're here to assist as you embrace positive changes and new habits in your life.
At Bwiti Roots, our holistic approach ensures that your healing journey is well-supported, from the moment you express interest to long after the ceremonies are complete.
Session Types
Traditional Bwiti Fang Iboga Initiation
A Bwiti initiation is a profound and spiritually significant ceremony within the Bwiti tradition, characterized by several key elements: Larger Dose of Iboga Medicine: During a Bwiti initiation, guests are administered a significantly larger dose of Iboga medicine compared to standard ceremonies. This heightened dosage is intended to facilitate a deeper and more transformative spiritual experience. In the context of an initiation, participants often consume a full plate of Iboga root bark in one go. This concentrated dose enables individuals to access profound spiritual realms and insights. The Bwiti initiation ceremony includes specific rituals that are considered highly sacred and are meant to be kept secret. These undisclosed rituals play a crucial role in the initiation process, deepening the connection between the participant and the spiritual realm. Due to the secretive nature of these additional rituals, the details are typically not disclosed to outsiders or those who have not undergone the initiation themselves. This secrecy is a fundamental aspect of preserving the integrity and authenticity of the Bwiti tradition.
3 Days Iboga Ceremony - Various locations
The Iboga ceremony is a profound three-day retreat that comprises two medicine ceremonies. It serves as a powerful opportunity for individuals seeking to address personal traumas or embark on a journey of spiritual discovery. During the Iboga ceremony, participants are introduced to the Iboga medicine. The retreat provides a supportive and nurturing environment for individuals to engage with the medicine and work through their emotional and psychological issues. One of the hallmarks of the Iboga ceremony is the emphasis on providing a caring and supported experience. Experienced facilitators and practitioners guide participants through their journeys, ensuring safety and offering emotional support throughout the process. This allows individuals to confront and address deep-seated issues in a compassionate and transformative manner. For those who are intrigued by the healing and spiritual potential of the Iboga experience, the Iboga ceremony serves as an excellent stepping stone toward the more intensive Bwiti Initiation. It provides participants with a taste of the profound insights and healing capabilities of Iboga, preparing them for a potentially deeper connection with the Bwiti tradition.
Upcoming Events
3 Days Bwiti Retreat - UK · January 19-21, 2024
Experience the transformative power of the Bwiti tradition right in the heart of the UK. Our 3-day Bwiti retreat offers two profound medicine ceremonies, providing a safe and supportive space for healing, personal growth, and spiritual exploration. Led by experienced practitioners, this retreat is ideal for those seeking trauma resolution or a deeper connection with their inner selves. Discover the magic of Bwiti in a nurturing environment and take the first step on your journey to profound transformation.
7 Days Traditional Bwiti Iboga initiation retreat – Gabon · February 26 - March 3, 2024
Embark on a life-altering journey in the heartland of the Bwiti tradition. Our 7-day Bwiti Initiation in Gabon is a profound spiritual odyssey that encompasses deep healing, self-discovery, and cultural immersion. Guided by authentic Bwiti practitioners, this initiation involves sacred ceremonies, including the consumption of Iboga root bark, secret rituals, and traditional music. It's a transformative experience designed to connect participants with ancient wisdom and the spirit world. If you seek spiritual enlightenment, profound healing, and a profound connection with the Bwiti tradition, this initiation is your gateway to a new way of being.
Price
Bwiti Ceremony - France
$1,000
Bwiti Ceremony - UK
$1,000
Bwiti Iboga Initiation - Gabon
$2,700
Staff
Audrey (Braddock Ndjogo) · Nganga
Audrey, the visionary behind Bwiti Roots, is deeply rooted in her Bwiti lineage, tracing back to her mother’s side. Her mother, Séraphine, a revered Nima (Bwiti Shaman), passed away in 1999 when Audrey was just twelve years old, residing in France at the time. In her final moments, Séraphine expressed her heartfelt wish to be laid to rest in her village in Gabon. Honoring this poignant request, Audrey’s father embarked on a journey to Gabon after Séraphine’s passing.
Initially, Audrey struggled to comprehend why her mother had chosen to be buried so far away, as she identified primarily with her French upbringing and had limited awareness of her Gabonese heritage. Nonetheless, a strong connection to Gabon persisted within her, courtesy of her mother’s presence there.
Despite Séraphine’s physical absence, her profound bond with Audrey remained unyielding. As Audrey matured, an increasingly compelling force urged her to visit her mother’s grave in Gabon. Eventually, she undertook the voyage, an expedition that would unveil her true identity, ancestral roots, and purpose in life.
Awaiting Audrey since her mother’s passing was her Gabonese family, who instinctively knew she would return to fulfill her destined role. During her initial visit to Gabon, Audrey underwent an initiation guided by her aunt, Mamou, a Bwiti Nima. By the end of this transformative experience, Audrey sensed the imminent transformation of her entire existence. Subsequently, upon returning to the United Kingdom, she relinquished her corporate career and shed all inauthentic aspects of her life, creating space to pursue her genuine purpose —the same purpose that had resonated through countless generations of women before her.
Today, Audrey embodies her role as a Nganga, a facilitator of Bwiti iboga ceremonies. With her profound ancestral connection, she holds sacred space, both in the earthly realm and the spirit world, ensuring safe passages for all participants. Serving as a bridge between realms, Audrey’s presence guarantees secure and transformative journeys for those who seek them.
Treating:
Depression
Anxiety
Addiction
PTSD
Chronic Illness
Palliative Care
Suicidal Ideation
I just want to expand my mind
Eating Disorders
Relationship Difficulties
Utilizing:
Ibogaine
Specialties:
Traditional Bwiti Fang Ceremonies
Roger · Nganga
Roger, one of the esteemed founders of Bwiti Roots, embarked on his transformative journey in Gabon back in 1977. Initially arriving as a development worker, he crossed paths with the remarkable Seraphine Avome Ntoutoume. Plagued by relentless headaches that eluded the remedies of doctors and medicines, Roger found solace when Seraphine extended her invitation to seek treatment in one of her family’s villages—an invitation that would serve as his first Intiation and introduction with Bwiti. While his physical well-being swiftly improved, his apprehensions and curiosity hindered him from fully embracing the profound experience. However, as he made subsequent visits to Gabon, Roger gradually grasped the immense significance and power inherent in the Bwiti tradition.
When Seraphine passed away in France in 1999, Roger resolved to repatriate her remains to Gabon and lay her to rest in Ntann, her ancestral village. Beyond being a tribute to her memory, this poignant act symbolized the village’s rebirth.
Ntann, once a thriving community nestled deep within the forest, had caught Roger’s attention back in 1978 when it was facing decline. Seraphine often reminisced about her vibrant and peaceful childhood in the village. However, by 1999, only a handful of dilapidated huts veiled by overgrown foliage remained, along with a sole resident—Victor, the current village chief.
Following the solemn funeral ceremonies, Roger felt an unwavering conviction to breathe new life into this languishing place. It was during a transformative visit to Gabon in 2019, accompanied by his daughter Audrey, that an initiation experience inspired them to establish the Bwiti Roots NGO.
Currently residing in a village situated in the picturesque Limousin region of France, Roger steadfastly undertakes regular journeys to Gabon, honoring his commitment to the revitalization and preservation of Bwiti traditions.
Treating:
Depression
Anxiety
Addiction
PTSD
Chronic Illness
Palliative Care
Suicidal Ideation
I just want to expand my mind
Eating Disorders
Relationship Difficulties
Utilizing:
Ibogaine
Specialties:
Traditional Bwiti Fang Ceremonies
Mamou · Nyma
Maman Ogningue, affectionately known as Mamou, is a revered figure within Bwiti Roots and a vital presence in the Ntann community. Residing in Ntann, she has dedicated her life to the sacred practice of the Bwiti tradition. Since 2007, she has held the esteemed title of Nima, a recognition bestowed upon her by the Gabonese Ministry of Health.
As the guardian of the temple and sacred objects, Mamou ensures the preservation and sanctity of the Bwiti heritage. Her role extends beyond that of a caretaker; she is also a skilled Shaman and serves as the head of the traditional medicine clinic, offering both physical and spiritual support to those seeking healing. Drawing from her deep wisdom and extensive knowledge, Mamou serves as a trusted guide in the initiation journeys of individuals following the Bwiti Fang tradition.
Mamou’s impact reaches far and wide, having initiated over a hundred individuals in the Medouneu region to date. Her profound dedication to Bwiti Roots and the local community has been instrumental in preserving and passing down the sacred teachings and rituals of Bwiti.
With her expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Bwiti tradition, Mamou continues to inspire and guide both the members of Bwiti Roots and those who seek the transformative power of Bwiti.
Treating:
Depression
Anxiety
Addiction
PTSD
Chronic Illness
Palliative Care
Suicidal Ideation
I just want to expand my mind
Eating Disorders
Relationship Difficulties
Utilizing:
Ibogaine
Specialties:
Traditiona Bwiti Fang Ceremonies
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Locations
Port-Gentil, Gabon
Price
Bwiti Ceremony - France
$1,000
Bwiti Ceremony - UK
$1,000
Bwiti Iboga Initiation - Gabon
$2,700