Frequently Asked Questions
Centro Espiritual Luz Divina (CELD)
Who is eligible to be a member of CELD?
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 Espiritual Luz Divina 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 Espiritual Luz Divina (CELD) is an independent spiritual church based in the United States. Our work is centered on the sacrament of the Ayahuasca, used within a structured, respectful, and intentional ceremonial context.
Our teachings are inspired by the broader lineage of Amazonian sacramental traditions, including the teachings associated with José Gabriel da Costa (Mestre Gabriel), whose work emphasized spiritual discipline, moral refinement, and a conscious connection with the Divine.
Through the ceremonial use of the sacrament of the Ayahuasca, we seek to cultivate clarity, responsibility, inner alignment, and a deeper understanding of our spiritual path. This process supports individuals in living with greater awareness, harmony, and purpose in their lives and in their communities.
Our mission is rooted in the principles of Light, Peace, and Love, which guide our spiritual practice and community.
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?
Participation in our ceremonies is supported through voluntary, suggested donations offered by members of the community. These contributions help sustain the Church’s religious mission, maintain the sacred space, and support operational needs.
Suggested donation ranges are as follows:
Luz Divina Session & Escala Session: Suggested donation begins at $290, which may include lodging accommodations.
Weekend Session - retreat: Suggested donation begins at $1,200, which may include meals, lodging, and structured spiritual support throughout the retreat.
All donations are voluntary and are not required for participation. No goods or services are sold. Contributions are made in support of the Church’s religious activities and community, and may be tax-deductible in accordance with applicable law.
What are the facilities like?
CELD is located within a beautiful 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?
Yes. Since ceremonies start in the evening, members are asked to stay overnight during ceremonies for their own safety.
Is anything expected of CELD members outside of attending ceremonies?
No. Members are expected to abide by CELD 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 luzdivinacommunity@gmail.com or Call or Text at 954 614-8290 for additional details and availability.
How do I get in touch?
Want to Speak with Someone? Feel free to reach us directly by Call or Text at 352-988-4518 and a CELD leader will reach out to you.
