Magic of the Psychedelics
The twin serpentine paths of the mystical and the mind-altering have traversed through history, guiding humanity's quest for knowledge, enlightenment, and connection. This journey into the realm of psychedelic substances is not a modern phenomenon but a continuum of our ancestors' exploration into the depths of consciousness and the cosmos. It is a brotherhood older than history.
The Ancients and Their Quest for the Divine
The use of psychedelic substances has roots deep within our ancestral memory, serving as a bridge between the material world and the spiritual plane. Ancient shamans across various cultures ingested plant-based psychedelics as a means to transcend the physical bounds of reality, to heal, divine, and commune with spirit entities. Their rituals laid the groundwork for the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the altered states of consciousness.
In ancient Egypt and India, the priesthood utilized the blue lotus and soma, respectively, in their sacred rites. These substances were revered for their ability to open gateways to the gods, allowing priests and devotees to receive divine wisdom and blessings. The blue lotus, in particular, was a symbol of rebirth and the afterlife and featured prominently in Egyptian art and mythology. The soma itself was revered as a divine being and its influence on Eastern philosophy and religion cannot be understated.
Greek and Roman Technologies of the Sacred
The Eleusinian Mysteries, ancient Greece's important religious rites dedicated to Demeter and Persephone, connected themes of life, death, and rebirth. Central to these ceremonies was the kykeon, a potion believed to induce visions and potentially contain ergot, a psychoactive fungus. This ancient practice mirrored today’s psychedelic experiences, suggesting a long-standing human quest and a visceral need for transcendence. Figures like Plato and Sophocles praised its transformative power, highlighting its capacity to elevate the soul and enable a form of spiritual rebirth.
The mysteries’ impact extended to numerous visionary figures across history, such as Aristotle, who sought wisdom within its secretive folds, and Cicero, who regarded the rites as foundational to the moral and spiritual fabric of society. Their experiences with the Eleusinian Mysteries hint at the profound influence these rituals had on shaping Western philosophical and ethical thought.
This connection between ancient rituals and modern psychedelic exploration underscores a continuum of human curiosity and the desire to connect with the cosmos. Albert Hofmann, the chemist who discovered LSD, and notable thinkers like Aldous Huxley, who explored and wrote extensively on mind-altering substances, echo this ancient pursuit. The legacy of the Eleusinian Mysteries serves as a bridge, illustrating humanity's enduring quest for enlightenment and the profound impact of psychedelics on culture, science, and spirituality.
Hermetic Mages and Pagan Witches: The Alchemy of Transcendence
As we journey through history, we encounter the hermetic mages and pagan witches, whose concoctions and brews were integral to their practices. These practitioners of the arcane arts sought to refine the essence of reality, to peel back the layers of the unseen world through ointments and potions that induced visionary states. Their work underscored the belief that altered states of consciousness were key to understanding the mysteries of existence and the astral plane.
The Renaissance of Psychedelics in Modernity
Fast forward to the modern era, the revival of interest in psychedelics has permeated the domains of art, science, and technology. Visionary artists such as Alex Grey have drawn inspiration from psychedelic experiences, creating works that depict intricate spiritual and biological themes, illustrating the interconnectedness of all life. In the realm of science, figures like Francis Crick, who discovered the double-helix structure of DNA, reportedly attributed his groundbreaking insights to his use of LSD.
The technological sphere has not been immune to the influence of psychedelics either. Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple, famously credited his LSD experiences as one of the most profound and enlightening of his life, shaping his understanding of the user experience and the aesthetics of technology.
The Ominous Psychedelic Undercurrent of Human Endeavor
The thread of psychedelic exploration weaves through the fabric of human endeavor, linking magic, science, art, and technology. These substances and the states they induce have acted as catalysts for creativity, discovery, and spiritual awakening. The examples are as vast as history itself.
The historical - and indeed even pre-historical - journey with psychedelics is a testament to their profound impact on human culture and understanding. They serve as tools for exploration and transformation, challenging us to question, to see beyond the veil, and to connect with the deeper layers of the cosmos. Magic, science, art, and technology, far from being disparate fields, are united in their quest for revelation and evolution, with psychedelics playing a pivotal role in this ongoing odyssey of the human spirit.
Guidance for the Modern Mage: Navigating Psychedelics in Magical Practice
As the ancient rites and rituals demonstrate, the use of psychedelic substances to deepen and expand spiritual practices is a tradition as old as time. For the modern hermetic mage or a witch, incorporating psychedelics into their magical workings offers a profound pathway to transcendent experiences. However, this journey requires preparation, respect, and a well-trained mind to navigate effectively.
Preparation: Setting Intentions and Creating Sacred Space
Intention Setting: Before embarking on a psychedelic-enhanced ritual, clear intention setting is crucial. Reflect on what you wish to achieve — be it greater insight, connection with the divine, or enhanced creative visualization. Your intention will guide the experience and keep you anchored.
Take the substance: This step can be done before or after the next step, depending on how fast-acting the substance is and how much of it you are taking. I personally really like to set up my altar and do the banishing spells as it is kicking in. I guess you should get in touch with me for more details here ;)
Creating Sacred Space: Cleanse and prepare your ritual space as you normally would, using sage, Palo Santo, or other purifying elements. The environment should be comfortable, familiar, and free from disturbances. An altar with symbols and tools that resonate with your practice can help channel and ground the energies invoked. Watch out for fire! Rather avoid all candles.
Protection Measures: Cast a circle or employ protective wards. Given the opening of psychic doors with psychedelic use, ensuring a protected space is paramount to ward off unwanted energies or influences.
Perform the ritual as usual, although I recommend taking it very slowly.
Alternatively, you can just stay within the protective circle, beat a drum or listen to meditative musing and try to reach the visions as they come. This way, you can listen to the spirit realm/astral plane/transpersonal layer without forcing your intent. This is a great divinatory and therapeutic tactic. Just don’t get lost or distracted and stay with the visions.
Mindset and Company: The Importance of Mental Discipline
Mental Discipline: A well-trained mind is essential when working with psychedelics in a magical context. The ability to maintain focus, direct will, and navigate the inner realms without losing sight of the intention requires practice and stability. Meditation, visualization exercises, and other mind-focusing practices are recommended to cultivate this discipline.
Guidance and Company: Especially for those not well-versed in navigating altered states, the presence of a trusted guide or fellow practitioner can be invaluable. This person can help maintain the ritual's focus, offer reassurance, and assist in grounding post-experience.
In our cult, we use the two-person team of the oracle and the operator. The operator directs the ritual while the oracle serves as the direct link to the astral plane.
Integration: Reflecting and Grounding Post-Ritual
Reflection: After the ritual, spend time integrating the experience. Journaling, drawing, or simply contemplating the insights and visions encountered can solidify the learning and revelations brought forth.
Grounding: Engage in grounding activities to fully return to your normal state of consciousness. This can include eating, spending time in nature, or performing a grounding ritual.
Ethical Considerations and Safety:
Legal and Ethical Considerations: Be aware of the legal status of psychedelic substances in your jurisdiction and the ethical implications of their use. Your practice should harm none and respect all beings.
Health and Safety: Ensure you're in good health, both physically and mentally, before using psychedelics. Understanding the substance, its effects, and proper dosages is crucial to avoid negative experiences.
Final Thoughts:
While psychedelics can serve as powerful tools in magical practice, they are not shortcuts to spiritual achievement or magical prowess. They require respect, preparation, and a maturity of practice. The modern mage or witch must approach them with reverence, understanding that these substances open doors to realms that demand our highest discipline and clarity of intent. Remember, the true magic resides not in the substance but in the heart and will of the practitioner.
Love,
Felix
So what was first magic or psychedelic experience? ;)