Healing With Ayahuasca: An Interview with Najib Saab of 963 Tribe

Disclaimer: We do not encourage illegal activity. Check with and adhere to your local laws. We do not claim psychedelics or plant medicine to be a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult with your doctor. The goal of this article is to promote safety and education.

There is something profoundly magical about the transformative power of ayahuasca, and few people understand this better than Najib Saab. As the founder of 963 Tribe, a vibrant local religious community and organization specializing in sacred plant ceremonies, Najib has guided countless souls through life-changing ayahuasca journeys.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Najib, and we talked about what makes ayahuasca so unique, explored what 963 Tribe ceremonies entail, and discussed how he nurtures his community and curates a safe and beautiful experience for each participant. Whether you’re new to ayahuasca or a seasoned psychonaut, Najib’s insights offer a fresh and inspiring perspective to this ancient practice.

From Tragedy to Transformation

Najib’s journey to becoming a facilitator began with a life-changing accident that left him questioning his purpose. “I left work late one rainy night, and on my drive home, a car hit me and we both spun out. Shortly after I got out to check on the other car, I was struck by another driver in a Hummer. Luckily someone pulled me out of the road and got me to a hospital,“ he recalls. “The first time I looked in a mirror after the accident, I was surprised to find that I was okay for the most part. I remember laughing hysterically, then crying and asking God: why am I alive?”

During the following months, the subject of ayahuasca made its way onto Najib’s radar, repeatedly coming up until a friend booked a ceremony for them in San Diego. It was during this journey that Najib finally discovered his purpose: to heal himself so that he could one day facilitate in the healing of others.

“I began traveling to learn everything I could about ayahuasca ceremonies,” he explains. “After gathering a wealth of knowledge about the practice, I went back to the person who facilitated my journey, a man who was studying within the Shipibo lineage out of Pucallpa, Peru, and he took me on as a student.”

Sacred Plant Ceremony

When we asked how ayahuasca differs from other psychedelics, Najib described the sacred plant’s energy as an embrace from a loving grandmother. The sacrament consists of two plants, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaf of the chacruna plant, which together, are brewed into a tea. “It comes from the earth, and is consumed in its purest form,” he says. “When you commune with these plants, you end up meeting an energy or entity called Ayahuasca. And it knows you—all your trauma, all your experiences, everything. It knows you better than you know you. And it shows you what you need to know however you best receive the information.”

In the weeks prior to ceremony, Najib encourages participants to follow a specific diet that eliminates salts, sugars, animal products, and other stimulants. This process helps them mentally and emotionally prepare for their journey, while simultaneously uncovering any dependencies they might have. “These sacrifices create a form of reverence for the plants,” Najib says. “Each time we are made to release these things, we are reminded of our intention for the journey ahead. It also provides us the chance to differentiate what’s healing from what’s habitual.”

When it’s finally time, the ceremony begins with a beautiful orientation put on by Najib and other facilitators. Participants are then guided through a series of rituals over the next 4 to 6 hours, including an opening prayer, an optional second dose after 2 hours, and ikaros—a medicine song with the purpose of healing and moving energy.

Najib ensures that every participant feels supported throughout the experience by curating a safe and beautiful journey for each individual. Within this compassionate environment, he offers guidance and provides them with a safe space to explore and release what no longer serves them while embracing the love and gratitude that emerges from their healing process.

The Impact of Ayahuasca

Over the years, Najib has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of ayahuasca ceremonies for individuals struggling with addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation.

“Sitting with the sacrament directly helps them in profound ways. I’ve witnessed people successfully detach from SSRIs, Adderall, methamphetamines, as well as other hard drugs and alcohol. I’ve even seen people who’d attempted suicide just weeks prior get a whole new lease on life, and go from just surviving to thriving.”

Najib says participants often discover that their issues originate outside of where they thought they did. “For some, it goes further back, whether that’s in their personal history, past lives, or with their ancestors,” Najib reveals.

Ayahuasca seems to know just what each individual needs to see through their conscious mind, helping them release negative energies in a process called purging. While many people associate purging with vomiting, Najib says it can manifest in various forms like yawning, crying, and laughter, but oftentimes, it’s a gentler release of thoughts, limiting beliefs, responsibilities for things outside of your control—whatever is holding you back in life.

About 963 Tribe

963 Tribe Church is a 508(c)(1)(a) nonprofit religious institution, and its name is rooted in the Solfeggio Frequency, also known as the “God frequency” (963 Hz), a sacred sound that is believed to connect individuals to the Creator, Spirit, Source, or whatever one personally resonates with.

Currently, the tribe consists of over 300 members and hosts 5 to 6 regular ayahuasca ceremonies every month, including a larger ceremony at the end of each month. They also offer private and semi-private sessions, along with more intensive 4 to 6-day retreats.

Najib and his team guide participants using Ayahuasca (or in some cases, Bufo), and provide integration support through community events where members can share a meal and discuss their healing journeys. Najib describes the community as “an amazing space where people can come together to share their experiences and support one another.”

He advises those curious about ayahuasca to approach it with an open heart and mind, and release any expectations. “The whole purpose of the ceremony is to find whatever truth the sacrament has for you,” he says. “But don’t seek to do it alone. If you’re struggling or suffering, we’re here for you.”

You can follow Najib’s journey at their website, 963tribe.com, or on Instagram at @963tribe.