We will concentrate here on certain aspects of ritual ayahuasca use, rather than recreational use - a type of respectful practice that is neither strictly shamanic nor religious. There is great variety in ayahuasca experiences. A common theme is contact with alien entities that may take many shapes or the visitation to alien and, at times, highly technological worlds. It is a common complaint by Westerners who visit the Amazon region that vegetalistas often under-dose them, perhaps to avoid difficult situations with foreigners who do not speak Spanish. The potency of the brew may differ greatly from shaman to shaman. There is also variation in the brew used by Brazilian syncretic religious organizations. One of the most remarkable effects of ayahuasca use is socio-integration manifested in the deep feeling of appreciation participants usually show for each other - as if each of them was able to perceive the inner self or essence of those present at the session. A strong feeling of bonding, almost a tribal feeling of belonging, is quickly created among participants, especially if they have the opportunity to be together during successive sessions. It is not uncommon for a high degree of communication on many levels to continue after participants return to their countries of origin.