Ayahuasca experiences in Uruguay: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of Neovegetalismo and Santo Daime

Abstract Background This study presents the qualitative findings of interdisciplinary research exploring ayahuasca-induced experiences in two distinct groups in Uruguay: a neo-shamanic group rooted in the Peruvian vegetalismo tradition and a Santo Daime Church. Aims Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, the study examines similarities and differences in subjective experiences during a neo-shamanic ritual and a religious ritual ( n = 18). Methods Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 26 participants of a neovegetalismo group and with 18 participants of Santo Daime. Results Experiences in the neo-shamanic ritual were generally intense, with 145 coded segments categorized into six main themes. Corporal Experiences emerged as the most frequent (69%), followed by Emotional, Sensorial, and Personal Experiences (61% each one), Spiritual & Transcendental Experiences (50%), and Cognition & Volition (19%). In contrast, the Santo Daime ritual, characterized by dance and communal singing rather than deep introspection or visions, was described as gentler (42 coded segments). The most frequently reported themes were Corporal (50%), Emotional (44%), Personal (39%), Sensorial (28%), Spiritual & Transcendental (6%), and Cognition & Volition (1%). Conclusions Findings suggest that ayahuasca-induced experiences are shaped by the interaction between the brew, ritual setting, and participants' mindset, highlighting both recurrent and context-dependent experiential patterns.