Turn potential into matter.
We, Eric and Marieke, love to share our beautiful place in the middle of nature so that you can learn and explore in peace and, in doing so, grow personally. We do this together with our team members, each of whom brings their own qualities to make your time at The Matter as valuable and insightful as possible.
Marieke van der Spek
She connects with people, brings calm, and in a unique way holds up a mirror to break through old patterns and create new possibilities.
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Eric van der Hoeff
With his first psychedelic journey, Eric planted the seed to give his life a new direction after 30 successful years as an entrepreneur in fruit growing.
Read moreOur mission
“It is our mission to facilitate others so that they gain new insights, get closer to themselves and be able to see their own beautiful and unique qualities again. To be who they want to be.”
Noor van Gestel
Psychedelic Facilitator & CoachMovement is at the heart of Noor’s life – both her own movement and getting others into motion. Movement in all facets of being human, with the most fascinating one being the journey inward.
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Mirjam van Ruth
Psychedelic Facilitator & CoachMirjam sees life as an adventure in which we get to live, and explore ourselves and our fellow travellers. Together we not only discover who we are, but also how we can inspire and enrich one another.
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Our commitment
North Star Ethics Pledge
The North Star Ethics Pledge is a commitment to a set of principles for individuals working professionally in the field of psychedelics.
- Start Within
- Study the Traditions
- Build Trust
- Consider the Gravity
- Focus on Process
- Create Equality & Justice
- Pay it Forward
Frequently asked
questions
In the Netherlands, it is legal to purchase and consume psilocybin in the form of ‘magic truffles’. Truffles are a different part of the mushroom, known as sclerotia, which remain dormant and help the mushroom regrow after damage. Magic mushrooms, in contrast, are illegal.
Psilocybin is completely safe when used responsibly in a safe environment with people you know and trust. It is a naturally occurring substance that is converted by the body into psilocin, which acts on the serotonin receptors in the brain. Psilocybin is not addictive and there are no known reports of overdoses.
Psilocybin is not an addictive substance. You may enjoy and get a lot out of the experience, but you’re not likely to become physically dependent on psilocybin.
The age limit of 25 years is installed because the brain is still growing and developing up to that age. Important contra-indications as some disorders are found almost always before the age of 25 (but not always before 20). We must take this contra-indication very seriously because of the immense consequences when things go wrong. And as a young adolescent you rather not come in contact with a very high dose of psilocybin, like participants use in our Retreats.
If you are taking medication, consult your doctor before taking any further steps. Before you sign up for a retreat, please let us know what type of medication you are taking. We can also consult our medical expert to help you gain clarity.