Some Kind of Psychedelic Experience

I’ve been thinking a lot about the culture that my music and I fit into. One of the words the keeps coming up for me is, “psychedelic”. In popular culture and internet media, there seems to be a very strong connection between the use of the word “psychedelic” and the use of mind altering substances. Indeed, according to Wikipedia, the term was first coined in 1956 by psychiatrist Humphry Osmond as an alternative descriptor for hallucinogenic drugs in the context of psychedelic psychotherapy. 

For me personally, the term psychedelic does not necessarily have to connect with the use of illegal drugs. I personally use this adjective to describe a higher state of consciousness in which I feel my awareness is expanded, my senses heightened and I feel more connected to source energy. This state is different than ordinary, limiting beliefs. I like to apply the adjective “psychedelic”, to sacred geometric imagery and patterns. 

The term “psychedelic” is derived from Ancient Greeks words “psyche”, meaning “spirit” and “deloun”, “to make visible, to reveal”. Something which is psychedelic thus reveals the soul. As such, I think that all art is psychedelic; it shows us more about ourselves.

As I look up definitions and synonyms for, “psychedelic” online, I encounter unstable words, such as “crazy”, “freaky” and “experimental”, which tend to have negative connotations. This to me indicates a cultural agenda to create anxiety and fear around creativity and personal growth. I think that dreams are psychedelic. Our imagination is psychedelic and the urge to expand our perceptions and experience more is natural and a part of being a healthy human. It is important to step outside of our personal comfort zone.

I feel uncomfortable with the position of psychedelic substances in today’s western culture. It is sad to me that these substances are illegal. I myself have had very meaningful mushroom and ayahuasca experiences. I feel uncomfortable promoting plant medicines because of their status but I also feel that it is insincere to devalue their role in my personal healing journey. I would like to note that my use of psychedelic substances was never excessive and it did occur in the context of a yoga asana practise, the study of mythology and symbolism, music, meditation and other personal growth practises. 

While I was in my 20s, I liked to drop acid and go to dance parties and this unfortunately brought me in contact with the dark side of the drug world. Making entheogens illegal forces the curious into the black market and onto the wrong side of the law. It is highly unfortunate for happy-go-lucky psychonauts to come into contact with coersion, slavery and other means of control. These two worlds are not mutually compatible. I am happy to see movements to legalize the therapeutic use of cannabis, mushrooms and MDMA. 

I think that sacramental use of plant medicines and psychoactive substances should be legal as it stands to benefit humanity. I think that the 1960s psychedelic counter culture has permanently influenced popular culture. The term does not have to mean illegal drug use but can indicate a more aware state of consciousness, which can be the result of ritual practise, intentional personal growth, curiosity and learning.