Tending to the Psychedelic Fire
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| Year of publication | 2021 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
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| Description | In this very instant, we are living through what can be defined as a psychedelic renaissance. Experts from various fields are now turning their attention towards the effects of psychedelic substances and their surrounding culture. Psychedelics have, in fact, been proven to be beneficial for mental health therapy and are now being investigated from their properties. Those who cultivated their knowledge and founded their life around the study of psychedelics are beginning to be recognized for their efforts in previous decades. However, the very nature of the study of psychedelics is steeped in controversy and issues which address both the political, social, and cultural spheres. Although supported by various voices inside and outside the academy, the study of psychedelics and their usage has been fraught with misunderstanding and relegation to fringe cultural expressions. Prominent examples are found in Terence Mckenna, Ram Dass, John C. Lilly among others. Hailed by the psychedelic community as charismatic leaders of a new era however viewed with suspicion by institutions and establishments. In this presentation, I will analyze the features that have allowed the psychedelic community to survive in various times of crisis. These will include medical, cultural but also spiritual components which combined have allowed the formation of a strong current and the belief in the value of psychedelic spirituality and therapy. |
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