Where do we go during psychedelic experiences?

Psychedelic exploration, often reductively described as ‘being high’, encompasses far more than what this term conveys. It opens pathways to understanding the interconnected nature of reality.

These journeys offer profound insights into what it means to be human. They encourage us to rethink our perceptions and connections. This rethinking extends to the very fabric of our reality, leading to a deeper, more nuanced comprehension of our existence.

Indeed, multiple metaphors can describe this intricate process of discovery, each shedding light on different facets of the experience.

The underworld analogy #

The metaphor of a descent into the underworld, mirroring the myth of Demeter from Greek mythology, provides a compelling framework for understanding psychedelic experiences.

Demeter’s journey is not merely a physical descent but symbolises a transformative passage through darkness towards enlightenment. Likewise, psychedelic explorations often represent a plunge into the deeper realms of the psyche.

This journey reveals layers of consciousness that are typically hidden in everyday life. Echoing Demeter’s odyssey, these experiences can lead to significant insights and personal rebirth, as individuals navigate through the shadowy aspects of their mind.

Intersecting realities #

Moving from myth to modern interpretations, the concept of intersecting realities, as explored by Rachel Harris in Swimming in the Sacred, offers a further dimension to our understanding.

This perspective challenges the traditional dichotomy between the sacred and the mundane, suggesting that the psychedelic ‘world’ overlaps with our consensus reality. During these experiences, it seems that the boundary between the two becomes porous, revealing a reality that, although always present, is rarely perceived.

This blending of worlds fosters a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all things, transforming our perception of the mundane into something extraordinary and sacred.

The lens of consciousness #

During my encounters with high-dose psychedelics, I underwent a transformative realisation that reshaped my understanding of reality and consciousness.

I came to view the universe as a vast expanse of thought, with each of us acting as unique ’lenses’ that focus this thought, thereby shaping our collective reality.

I was particularly struck by periods of temporary amnesia, where I lost connection with the usual anchors of my world. These moments necessitated the active reconstruction of consensus reality, not merely as a return to the familiar, but as an effort to piece together a commonly understood world.

This process led me to understand that our daily anchoring to shared reality is deeply linked to our memories and interactions with others. These elements serve as stabilising forces, aiding in our navigation and maintenance of a sense of collective understanding and existence.

This insight brought a deeper appreciation of identity as a consistent thread that weaves through our changing experiences and perceptions. In the altered state of consciousness induced by psychedelics, this thread appears to unravel, confronting us with the foundations of what constitutes our self.

My experiences resonate with Aldous Huxley’s concept in The Doors of Perception, where he suggests our minds act as filters to reality, making it manageable and comprehensible. However, under the influence of psychedelics, these filters become more permeable, allowing an influx of thoughts and perceptions.

Building upon Huxley’s idea, my experiences underscore our active participation in moulding and concentrating our shared reality. This process, deeply anchored in our relationships and memories, shapes our identity and our place in the universe.

The interconnectedness I’ve observed is evident not only on a universal scale but also in our intricate connections with other living beings. As ’lenses’, we collectively contribute to constructing and maintaining our consensus reality, highlighting a profound symbiosis that defines our existence.