Yes, if you want to approach the churches, then do some research. If you were to approach the Catholic church knowing nothing else than the fact that they drink wine, and you want to experience the wine, they would probably say "come on in" because they want to convert people no matter what. But the Ayahuasca churches are different -- they do not proselytize and they do not see themselves as merely functioning as a way for people to experience Ayahuasca. The Santo Daime welcomes people who are sincerely called to them, but they screen people and will discourage you from coming if you are just interested in the Ayahuasca and nothing else -- and they know from experience that people who are just looking for an Ayahuasca experience don't care for the Santo Daime works, which are highly ritualized and which are about deep prayer.

But if you are interested, then besides the page I linked to above, www.forums.ayahuasca.com/phpbb...um.php , where you could ask questions as you research, the Daime churches I know of ask that before requesting to come you at the minimum read the preface (by Jonathan Goldman) to Alex Polari's book "Forest of Visions." But that is the bare minimum. There are a lot of resources about Santo Daime on the web, including a lot of Youtube videos of Daime works. This thread www.forums.ayahuasca.com/phpbb...ic.php has a lot of good videos that can give a little bit of the flavor of Santo Daime.

It is much harder to get an invitation to the UdV, btw, than to Santo Daime. Plus, one difference between UdV and Santo Daime is that UdV requires spiritual monogamy of its members -- you can't drink Ayahuasca in any other venue if you are a member, and practicing other spiritual paths in addition to UdV is not welcomed, and taking other entheogens is forbidden. Members can be expelled from UdV for smoking pot (on their own time).

Whereas the Santo Daime is eclectic, sees all good spirits and good practices as being on the same side, and does not in any way restrict or discourage members from practicing other spiritualities in addition to Santo Daime, or from drinking Ayahuasca in other venues, or from taking other entheogens. Their very name is the Eclectic Center of the Universal Flowing Light -- Eclectic and Universal are in their very name. But *within* their own works, rules and procedures are strict because they create a containment field for a very strong collective energy.

to be "a bit turned off" and still take the time to share a helping hand is very beautiful and humbles me - thanks - thank you - your reply sharpens my hearts inquiry.