Frequently Asked Questions
Sagrado San Pedro Church is a nonprofit religious community rooted in sincere devotion to Huachuma — the sacred cactus of the Andes known by its colonial name San Pedro, and called Abuelo, the Grandfather, by those who have sat with it. We gather in worship, pray together around a sacred fire, and hold this tradition with the reverence it deserves.
No — and we are not going to pretend to be. No integration coaches, no trauma processing, no curated playlists. Just a fire, a sacrament, and a community of people who take this tradition seriously.
Huachuma is the Quechua name for the cactus known by its colonial name San Pedro — Trichocereus species — native to the Andes mountains. It has been used in sacred ceremony for more than three thousand years. At Sagrado San Pedro Church, Huachuma is honored as a consecrated sacrament used in prayer and communion with the sacred.
Abuelo means "grandfather" in Spanish — and it's one of the traditional names for the San Pedro cactus in Peruvian curanderismo. The name reflects how this plant is regarded in the tradition: not as a substance, but as an elder. A wise, ancient presence that has been guiding people for thousands of years. In Andean and Amazonian traditions, plant medicines are often given familial names — Ayahuasca is frequently called "grandmother," while San Pedro is called "grandfather." Different qualities of wisdom, different ways of teaching. We use the name Abuelo because it captures something true about how we approach this plant: with the kind of respect and humility you'd bring to a very old, very wise relative.
Sagrado San Pedro Church is organized as a nonprofit religious corporation and conducts its sacramental practice as sincere religious exercise protected under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). We do not make legal representations on behalf of our members and recommend that prospective members consult their own legal counsel if they have questions about their individual circumstances.
Sagrado San Pedro Church is non-dogmatic. We are not here to tell you what to believe, what to feel, or what your experience should mean. We take this tradition seriously without taking ourselves too seriously. We will not bore you with spiritual platitudes or prescribed narratives. Your relationship with this sacrament is yours to develop, not ours. We provide the ceremony, the community, and the sacrament. What happens between you and Abuelo is your own. Come as you are, pray as you will, and leave with whatever is yours to take.
Membership is open to individuals who sincerely affirm the Church's doctrinal teachings. To apply, complete our online membership application, review and agree to our Membership Covenant and Statement of Faith, and pay your annual membership dues. Applications are reviewed by the church staff and you will be notified of your membership status within a few days.
No prior experience is required. What is required is sincere personal belief in the sanctity of Huachuma as a consecrated sacrament. If you are coming primarily out of curiosity or for other reasons, we ask that you reflect before applying.
No. All sacramental worship services are open exclusively to Full Members of the Church in good standing. Membership must be established prior to attending any gathering. Non-members may not participate under any circumstances.
Our events are held outdoors around a sacred fire from noon to midnight. We begin by getting acquainted — a little time to settle in and meet the people you will be spending the day with. From there we open gently, moving into quiet meditation as the space finds its rhythm. The consecrated sacrament is then administered by our designated ministers. From that point the time is yours — walk, rest, sit by the fire, or find a quiet corner of the land. As midnight draws near the gathering softens naturally — music comes in, light refreshments are passed around, and the night winds down together. The following morning we gather again for a communal breakfast and an unhurried goodbye.
Our sacred meetings are led by experienced, trained ministers and facilitators who hold this tradition with care and respect. We are also working toward inviting traditional teachers and practitioners from Peru to join us at select gatherings in the future.
You can expect a sincere, grounded sacred meeting centered around the sacred fire, and communion with the sacrament. Services run from noon to midnight. The land is open — you are free to walk, sit, rest, or find a quiet place to pray on your own. Our ministers/facilitators are present throughout and available whenever you need them. Every gathering is different and every member's experience is their own.
We open the service gently, settling into the sacred space through quiet meditation. As midnight approaches the gathering softens — music fills the air and light refreshments are shared among the community. The following morning we come together for a communal breakfast, an unhurried time to sit with one another before returning to the world.
Upon acceptance of your membership and registration for a gathering, the Church will provide you with preparation guidance from our Ministers. In general, we recommend arriving well rested, eating a light meal beforehand, and coming with an open heart, an open mind, and respect for the tradition and yourself.
Our gatherings are intentionally small and intimate. Group gatherings typically range from 5 to 30 members depending on the event and accommodation tier. Individual one-on-one sessions are also available for members who prefer a more private worship experience. We do not host large public events.
Every gathering is unique. Each one takes place at a different outdoor location with accommodations that vary from primitive camping and tents to glamping and full cabin or room lodging. Some gatherings offer shared spaces and others include private rooms or tents depending on the event. Full details for each gathering including location, dates, and accommodation options are listed in the events section.
The Church offers tiered pricing to make gatherings accessible to all members regardless of budget. All accommodation fees cover hospitality and logistical services only. The sacramental worship service is always provided to members at no charge regardless of the tier selected.
Yes. The Church offers both group worship gatherings and individual one-on-one sessions for members. In addition to our regularly scheduled gatherings in California, the Church offers custom group gatherings nationwide for sincere members who wish to worship together in their own region. Contact us to inquire about a gathering in your area.
Our sacrament is cultivated with care by a devoted member of our community, grown sustainably in California. We are committed to the stewardship of this sacred plant and do not support the sourcing of poached plants or imported powder from Peru or elsewhere. Trichocereus species are increasingly threatened in their native habitat and deserve our protection. To learn more about conservation efforts and to show your support, we encourage you to visit our friends at the Huachuma Collective.
Yes. Sagrado San Pedro Church is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit religious organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Please consult your tax advisor.
No. All membership fees, tithes, offerings, and contributions are non-refundable under all circumstances, including voluntary resignation or termination of membership.
Our principal office is located in Sebastopol, California. Worship gatherings are held at outdoor natural locations in Sonoma County and surrounding areas. We are also planning future sanctuary locations in Peru and Spain. The Church also offers custom worship gatherings for specific groups nationwide.
You can support the Church through voluntary donations. All contributions go directly toward establishing permanent worship locations, sacrament cultivation, and serving our growing congregation. Sagrado San Pedro Church is a registered 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax-deductible. Donate here.
All event registration fees are non-refundable. Cancellations made more than 30 days before the event may be transferred to a future gathering within 12 months. No transfers are accepted within 30 days of the event. If the Church cancels a gathering a full refund will be issued. Read the full cancellation policy here.