For years when people asked what is my profession, I would try and seek out ways to fit my craft into labels that felt more accessible and palatable for them. I understand the power of psychological safety in choosing a guide, so I do not shirk away from finding language that aligns with important values we hold dear in our society to ensure integrity of craft. What do you do Ehren? Well I’m a transformational coach, a harm reductionist guide, an experience curator, a journey facilitator… As you can imagine, even these definitions often leave people head scratching requiring far more details to paint the full picture.
Even harder are the questions that come about regarding what gives me the credentials or authority to serve in this highly sensitive supportive role for others. This is even more difficult inquiry to answer within our contemporary society given the serious emphasis placed on certified trainings, licenses, education, and concrete credentialing. When the absolute truth be told, none of these linear educational paths within themselves are sufficient to prepare someone for the profound power of ushering someone safely through a high dose psychedelic experience. Do I have coaching certs? Absolutely, PCC and Third Wave Certified. Trauma informed? You bet! University education? Dual Major Anthropology & Education with extensive Post Grad work. Modality training? More practices than I can honestly remember. Is this what makes me ready to be a guide? Not even close.
For 15 years, my life has been devoted to the sacramental use of psychedelics for healing, personal growth and self-realization. Yet my even deeper focus, is learning the subtle art of ceremonial facilitation. For years I studied with Lakota-Sioux elders, immersed within Qabalistic Lodges, walked the path of the Ets Chayim with Aryeh Kaplan, poured over the embodiment teachings of Paul Selig, lived by the Four Agreements, produced transformative events for hundreds of thousands and have woven a life tapestry through intentional initiatory experiences. The confluence of living “Life as a Ceremony” has created an unshakable relationship with the vitality of ritual being a doorway to inner healing and self-discovery.
As our society continues to explore what makes someone ready to hold that precious space where the very psyche & soul of an earnest seeker is laid bare in the hope of healing, it’s important to remember that formal study alone does not prepare someone with the unfathomable vigor, bountiful compassion, subtle artistry and ethical integrity required to do it well. Experience and devotion to the craft is essential. Come to know your facilitator. Take the time to dive in and feel the lineage of this doula of the spirit. It can be one of the most important decisions you ever make in your life.
I’m Ehren Cruz, and I am a Psychedelic Ceremonialist. My whole life is a ceremony. What does that mean you ask? Well, I humbly invite you to connect, inquire, and dive into my life as a caretaker of sacred space. And together, let’s discover the true boundless potential of the human spirit to heal, transform, and transcend limitation. But be prepared, the psychedelic journey is only a beginning. Living an intentional, empowered choice based life is the true great odyssey we are embarking on together.