Disclaimer: The Humano Ludens project does not encourage the use of psychoactive substances by minors. This page is intended to simplify the concepts within the main entheogens article, and nothing more. Also, psychedelics are illegal in many jurisdictions. You have been warned.
I will take you into your mind
A message from Ayahuasca
There you will find beauty sublime
There you will find terror and pain
You will find a peace beyond pleasure
You will find a strength beyond fear
I will take you into your mind
To face your soul within
To conquer your self within
This is my prayer for humanity
This is my prayer for humanity
Entheogens are psychedelics used for the purpose of inducing a mystical or spiritual experience. Used properly, they are powerful tools for healing and change. They heal us by reconnecting us to the earth, to each other, and to states of awe and wonder. Through this rekindled connection, we will be better able to address environmental issues, tribalism, and nihilism.
How do they reconnect us? They reconnect us in part by suppressing our ego, or our self-perception. Doing so allows us to see things from a different perspective, one beyond our occupation, our race, and our preferences. This shows us how much we have in common, and that we are interconnected.
Using Entheogens Skillfully
Like any tool, entheogens should be used in a safe and informed manner. There are three particularly important steps to consider when using entheogens. Failing to take these preparations seriously can lead to undesirable consequences, such as a ‘bad trip.’
Intention
Be explicit about why you’re taking a psychedelic. This could be for healing, spiritual insight, problem-solving, or something else. Setting clear intentions helps to give context to a psychedelic experience.
Know your dose; this will depend on how intense you want your experience to be. If you’re a beginner, start small.
Set And Setting
Your set is your mindset, and your setting is your environment. Calm your mind through meditation or a relaxing activity like a walk in the woods prior to a psychedelic journey. Finish ongoing tasks first so they don’t provide a source of anxiety.
Be sure to have a ‘container,’ a quiet area set aside specifically for your journey. Keep an ‘anchor’ within the space. This is a comforting object to keep you grounded if the experience gets too intense. Make sure that your container is generally comfortable.
Let someone know what you’re doing, and where you are, in case you need help. If you’re a beginner, find someone to stay with you while you journey.
Integration
You might learn a lot from your psychedelic journey, but if you don’t incorporate any of your lessons into your life, it won’t make much of a difference. Be intentional about integration. Even though integration occurs after the psychedelic has worn off, it can be the most challenging (And rewarding) phase of your journey. Consider sharing your experiences with a therapist or integration coach.