Frequently Asked Questions
Centro Espiritualista Luz Do Vegetal Church Inc.
Who is eligible to be a member of CELDV?
Membership is open to anyone over the age of 18 who feels a sincere calling for spiritual growth, transformation and a deeper connection to the Divine. Our members include people from all walks of life: doctors and lawyers, artists and first responders, mothers and grandfathers, college students and members of the armed services. We are an inclusive spiritual community that welcomes people of all races, ethnicities, faith backgrounds, nationalities, sexual orientation and gender identity.The membership application will help us determine any contraindications with the sacrament that could limit your eligibility.
Do I need to practice a particular religion to attend?
No. Centro Espiritualista Luz Do Vegetal welcomes individuals from all walks of life and spiritual backgrounds. You do not need to identify with any specific religion - only to approach the experience with openness, reverence, and respect for others’ beliefs.
What are your beliefs?
Centro Espiritualista Luz Do Vegetal Church was founded in 1996 in Manaus, Brazil by Mestre Asplinger Feitoza. Our teachings are based on those of Mestre Gabriel, founder of the União do Vegetal religion in the 1960s, who believed that the Sacrament of Ayahuasca provides revelatory experiences and a path to connection with the Divine. These revelations allow us to cultivate the spiritual virtue necessary to create more harmony, peace and love in our lives, and those around us. The Church’s motto "Light, Peace, and Love" reflects this sacred mission.
How often do I need to attend?
There are no attendance quotas. Members are encouraged to participate regularly enough to maintain connection and continuity in their spiritual practice. Some attend every month, while others come less frequently depending on personal circumstances.
Where are you located?
We are located in a private wooded spiritual contemplation center in Clewiston, Florida. Conveniently just 2 hours from all major airports and cities in Florida including Miami, Florida, Naples and Orlando. Exact location details are provided to confirmed members for privacy and safety.
How often do you hold ceremonies?
Ceremonies are held two times per month – including two one-night ceremonies on Friday and Saturday, and a three-day spiritual intensive during one weekend per month. We also hold a special 7-day spiritual retreat once annually. A detailed calendar of services is available to members.
How do I find the church schedule of events?
Check out our Ceremonies Calendar. Once you login into our private website you will find all the dates and details of our individual sessions, weekend sessions and our annual retreats.
What is the recommended donation amount?
The suggested donation for one ceremony is $290 (includes cabin lodging) and $1200 for the three-day (includes meals and lodging). Additional donations are always welcomed to help cover ongoing maintenance of our Church facilities and day-to-day operations. Donations are tax-deductible and made voluntarily.
What are the facilities like?
Our Church is located within a 15-acre wooded sanctuary surrounded by forests, interpretive trails, a small lake, and a screened-in, open air ceremonial space. Lodging includes 18 private cabins equipped with electricity and air conditioning, 3 glamping tents on platforms and three full bathrooms with showers.
Is it necessary to stay overnight?
Since ceremonies start in the evening, members are asked to stay overnight during ceremonies for their own safety.
Is anything expected of Church members outside of attending ceremonies?
No. Members are expected to abide by the Church rules and a code of conduct while on premises to ensure the safety of all members, but nothing else is mandatory.
What protocols are put in place to ensure safety?
The purpose of the member application is to evaluate whether you are physically and emotionally eligible to participate in our sacred ceremonies. New members are asked to share their medical background (including current medications, supplements and recreational drug use) to ensure there are no contraindications. This is strictly for safety purposes; this information is never shared, and any changes to your medical profile are reviewed prior to each ceremony. Staff are trained in emergency medical procedures.
What is Ayahuasca?
Ayahusaca is a tea made from two plants indigenous to the Brazilian Amazon – the vine Banisteriopsis caapi and a bush botanically related to the coffee plant, Psychotria viridis. Its use as a sacrament for spiritual transformation dates back centuries, and there is a significant body of contemporary scientific research around its properties, uses and benefits. The communion with the sacrament in a ceremonial context creates an enhanced state of consciousness capable of amplifying one’s perception of his/her essentially spiritual nature.
What should I do to prepare for the ceremony?
Once your membership application is accepted, you will be given detailed instructions on how to prepare for the ceremony, including recommended diet and cessation of certain pharmaceutical and/or recreational drugs.
Are there protocols in place to protect member confidentiality?
Yes. Everyone’s journey is deeply personal and held with the utmost respect. All personal information shared during the application process and services is kept strictly confidential and used only for purposes related to your safety. We will never share your personal information, medical history, or experiences during ceremony without your explicit consent, except where required by law (for example, in situations involving immediate risk of harm to yourself or others).
I'm interested in hosting a retreat. Do you offer facility rentals?
If you are a retreat facilitator planning prayer retreats, women’s retreats, men’s retreats, or other types of gatherings, please contact us directly at luzdovegetalchurch@gmail.com for additional details and availability.
How do I get in touch?
Want to Speak with Someone? Feel free to reach us directly at luzdovegetalchurch@gmail.com or by Call or Text 352-988-4518 and a Church leader will reach out to you.
