Unfolding realities: a decade in psychonautics
Ten years ago, I embarked on a path that has profoundly shaped my understanding of consciousness and reality — my journey into the world of psychonautics.
Psychonautics involves the exploration of altered states of consciousness, often with psychedelics, but it’s distinct from mere psychedelic usage. It’s an intentional, mindful approach to experiencing and learning from these altered states, aiming for personal growth, spiritual development, and a deeper understanding of the mind. Beyond just psychedelic substances, practices like meditation and breathwork are often integral to psychonautic explorations.
Initially, I was drawn to psychedelics out of a desire to understand how substances like LSD could alter one’s perception and consciousness. I had read extensively about these substances, but nothing could substitute for the first-hand experience. It was a decade later, during an intense mystical revelation induced by psilocybin-containing mushrooms, that my journey took a transformative turn, evolving from casual curiosity into a deep, personal quest.
In launching this series of reflections on my psychonautic journey, I start with a cornerstone of my solo explorations: the practice of set and setting.
Set and setting #
Understanding and respecting the concepts of set and setting, popularised by Timothy Leary, has significantly enhanced the quality and depth of my psychedelic journeys.
Set involves one’s mental and emotional state before embarking on a psychedelic journey, while setting pertains to the physical and environmental context of the experience.
My preparations for the set involve rituals designed to create a conducive mental space. Engaging in light physical activities such as yoga or a short walk helps release any pent-up stress in the body. I also practise fasting for a few hours before the experience, which ensures that the psychedelic is absorbed quickly; this is particularly important for substances like MDMA where food can impede absorption.
The act of designing the setting is, in itself, a crucial part of the set, akin to preparing for a journey. I start by ensuring that my space is carefully arranged to support and nurture my journey. Placing sensory elements such as lighting candles is not just about creating the right environment; it’s integral to mentally and emotionally readying myself for the experience. In this preparation, I also ensure I can keep hydrated and maintain a comfortable room temperature throughout, as physical comfort significantly affects the experience.
For experiences with new substances or higher doses, I keep a written note with details of the psychedelic, the start time, and the expected duration. This serves as a grounding tool during the journey.
Additionally, my inanimate ’trip sitter’ — a cuddly toy in the shape of a hyacinth macaw named Iris — acts as a cherished and meaningful object that provides continuity and a sense of security.
Day versus night trips #
Moving into the specifics of the psychedelic experience, the decision to embark on a journey during the day or night brings different dimensions to the experience.
Daytime trips, aligned with natural light and circadian rhythms, often feel more in tune with the body’s natural state. The daylight brings an openness and connection to the external world, infusing the experience with a sense of liveliness and expansiveness. Being in nature during these daytime explorations, particularly on lower doses, significantly amplifies the psychedelic experience, creating a profound sense of unity with the surroundings.
Nighttime journeys, by contrast, offer a markedly different flavour. The enveloping darkness and nocturnal silence foster a deeply introspective space. This setting tends to intensify the internal aspects of the experience, making it feel more intimate and personal. While it may disrupt normal sleep patterns, the unique atmosphere of the night often leads to significant inward-focused explorations. It’s during these nocturnal sessions that I’ve often encountered profound insights and delved deeper into my subconscious.
I’ve come to appreciate both settings for their unique qualities, recognising how they distinctly influence my mind and perceptions.
The role of music #
Another crucial aspect of the psychedelic experience is the choice of music. Music serves as a guide through the realms of altered consciousness. Changing music during the trip can be an effective tool to shift one’s mindset almost instantaneously.
The key is to have a diverse selection, both with and without lyrics.
Instrumental tracks can facilitate a more introspective journey, as they allow the mind to wander without the direction often imposed by lyrics. Conversely, songs with lyrics can evoke powerful emotions and narratives, guiding the psyche through different landscapes of thought and feeling.
Silence, too, holds profound significance in the psychedelic experience. Particularly with certain substances, embracing silence can be crucial for diving deep into the psyche and focusing on the messages and insights that emerge. In moments of silence, the mind has the space to process without external influence.
Ambient music, such as the works of Brian Eno, occupies a unique position in the auditory spectrum of a psychedelic experience. It acts as a bridge between the introspective quietude of silence and the more engaging presence of lyrical or instrumental music. Ambient music provides a soothing, ethereal backdrop, offering a gentle auditory experience that enhances introspection without being as directive as music with lyrics or as devoid of stimulus as complete silence.
Navigating the risks #
While these explorations have been immensely transformative for me, it’s crucial to address the inherent risks and challenges. The use of psychedelics, while offering profound insights, carries potential psychological and legal risks. It’s important for anyone considering this path to be aware of and prepared for these risks.
Psychologically, these substances can bring to the surface unresolved issues, induce intense emotional states, or in rare cases, lead to lasting mental health challenges. Legally, the use of many psychedelics remains prohibited or heavily regulated in many parts of the world, carrying significant legal consequences.
Therefore, a thorough understanding of these substances, respect for their power, and a cautious approach are paramount. It’s also vital to consider one’s mental health history and seek professional guidance when needed. By acknowledging and navigating these challenges responsibly, one can aim to minimise risks and embrace the potential for growth and insight that psychedelics offer.
A continual journey #
Reflecting on the past ten years of exploring the mind’s mysteries, I see how much I’ve grown and changed. My curiosity led me down this path, not a search for enlightenment, but it turned into a deeply personal and spiritual journey.
This journey has taught me to approach these explorations with care, openness, and an understanding of their complexities. Balancing the risks and the discoveries has been a crucial part of this adventure.
By sharing my story, I hope to shed light on the world of psychonautics, showing both its potential to transform and the need to approach it with respect and caution.