North Star Council

North Star Council is the psilocybin ceremony practice of Niko Whitefeather in Vancouver, Washington, who now works under his own name. He holds one-to-one and small-group ceremonies in a forest yurt about 30 minutes from Portland International Airport, or in a client’s home, with preparation and integration around each.

Approach

Whitefeather calls himself a healer, guide and ceremonialist. He has worked with plant medicines for 15 years, learning in traditions that include Santo Daime and Spiritism, the Lakota Red Road, Q’ero teachings from the Andes and mestizo practice, and has spent the past decade in Brazilian syncretic practice. He is a certified psychospiritual guide and is studying for a master’s in integrative psychedelic therapy at the AWE Institute. He says he has supported more than 200 people since going full-time in 2021, and states that he is not a licensed mental health professional. He also offers microdosing guidance, coaching, ketamine-assisted work and retreats.

Practical details

Fees have ranged from $1,000 to $3,500, on a sliding scale based on income, for groups of one to ten people. The 700-square-foot yurt has no electricity, a composting toilet, a wood stove and spring water; anyone who needs more comfort can ask for a home visit, with travel costs agreed, or rent nearby lodging.

Care and safety

Every process starts with an hour-long consultation on intentions, medical history and contraindications, followed by one to three preparation sessions. Clients bring their own mushrooms, which the practice says is how it can operate legally. Rotating assistants, who may include therapists, join the ceremonies, and at least one helper certified in CPR and first aid is always on site, with emergency plans in place. Integration sessions afterwards focus on grounding, making sense of the experience and practical next steps.