The MAGUEY Ecosystem
Vision
To contribute to a collective healing and raising of consciousness by fostering deeper connections to ourselves, our surroundings, and to spirit.
Mission
To respectfully, responsibly, and ethically support those who feel called to explore psychedelics as an agent of healing, self-discovery, and awareness.
Nigel Pedlingham
Founder and Lead Facilitator
As a wanderer who’s found home, I bring a unique blend of experience into service—formed from fifty years walking an un-trodden path. Originally from England, I now live in Amsterdam with my husband, our dog, and sometimes our daughter. Along the way, home has also meant Brighton, London, and the Nicaraguan city of Granada.
My own journey has been shaped by many twists and turns — British boarding school, corporate life in London, deep awakenings while living and traveling in Central America, and over a decade working in the non-profit sector, both globally and locally, on issues of social justice. There have been burnouts, broken hearts, a coming out, and a coming home to myself.
Today as the founder and lead facilitator at MAGUEY, I am an experienced, trauma-informed psychedelic guide and integration coach, supporting people to reconnect with their inner truth and navigate life’s deeper currents. I believe that personal healing not only nourishes the individual, but ripples outward to support collective wellbeing and transformation.
Psilocybin and other sacred plant medicines have been central to my own healing journey. Through them, I’ve learned to soften, to be enwondered, to trust, to create, and to reframe the past. These experiences, grounded in ceremony, have deepened my sense of belonging and catalysed spiritual enquiry.
Contemplative practice, yoga, shamanic drumming and plenty of time with the trees help keep me rooted and resourced. As a certified trauma-informed plant medicine facilitator, I offer safe, ethical, and heart-centred support for others walking the path of transformation.
The circles that hold this work
While MAGUEY is guided by Nigel, this work is held within a wider ecosystem of colleagues, mentors, supervisors, collaborators, and communities of practice. Their wisdom, accountability, support, and companionship help keep the work grounded, reflective, and continually evolving.
01
Professional Networks
I am a member and current Chairperson of the Guild of Guides Netherlands, a member of the Nectara guides network, and a signatory of the North Star Ethics Pledge. These communities provide opportunities for collaboration, professional development, peer learning, and ethical reflection.
02
Professional Accountability
My work is accountable to the Guild of Guides Netherlands Code of Conduct and Accountability Framework. I receive professional supervision through the Guild, participate in Nectara’s Guides Circle, and receive additional professional supervision from psychedelic leader and mentor Atira Tan.
03
Personal & Spiritual Mentorship
I believe that those who hold space for others must also be willing to do their own inner work. I undertake regular psychotherapy, receive bi-weekly spiritual mentorship, and am an active participant in a contemplative monastic community. These practices help me remain connected to humility, self-awareness, and ongoing personal growth.
04
Friends & Family
Perhaps most importantly, I am held by the love, honesty, and companionship of my spouse, family, and close friends. They help keep my feet on the ground, offer perspective when needed, and remind me that a meaningful life is rooted not only in service, but also in relationship, belonging, and everyday human connection.
Our team
Dr Warren Ashley
Omena Opunte
Warm, thoughtful, and highly organised, Omena is the steady presence behind much of what happens at MAGUEY. As our programmes assistant, she helps keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes, supporting participants throughout their journey and coordinating the many practical details that allow our retreats and programmes to unfold with care.
Warren joins the MAGUEY team as both an holistic medical practitioner and ceremony co-facilitator. Originally from Luxembourg, Warren trained in medicine in Austria and worked for many years as a physician in Germany, specialising in internal medicine, cardiology, and emergency medicine. Alongside his medical work, he has explored Ayurveda, naturopathy, psychology, plant medicine, music, and contemplative approaches to well-being, developing a holistic perspective that honours the relationship between body, mind, nature, and meaningful connection. Warren brings a calm, grounded, and compassionate presence to our work and is also available for optional health consultations, offering clients additional support before or alongside their retreat experience.
About the name
Coming originally from the Mexican Taíno language, MAGUEY (pronounced magwey) is an alternative name for the Mexican agave plant. The plant holds a personal resonance for me, you could say it’s my spiritual plant brother. I have always been drawn to its presence, its form and it’s story. Also known as the century plant it flowers just once in its life, sending forth its magnificent bloom, before dying. A dramatic representation of the circle of life.
MAGUEY features
From past participants
Stay Connected
Occasional notes on psychedelics, healing, and the inner life — from Nigel and the MAGUEY community. Alternatively, book a free discovery call with Nigel to discuss whether our offerings are right for you.