Transpersonal Psychology: Psychedelics

07 Jun Transpersonal Psychology: Psychedelics

Psychedelic plants and medicines have been part of the human experience for thousands, if not tens of thousands of years (Walsh & Grob, 2015). As noted in the section on Indigenous cultures above, these substances were used for healing purposes. Walsh and Grob also state that modern culture has “significantly underestimated the variety, power and potential of altered states as well as their profound transformative capability” (p. 432). As also noted above, it was unlikely that the healing use of these substances would engender a negative effect, as their use was primarily by a trained shaman in a culture that supported this type of healing.

A contemporary example of a subculture that promotes the positive use of psychedelics is dance culture, as described by St. John (2012). The early days of Goa trance culture, the birthplace of the current EDM worldwide phenomenon, espoused the values of spirituality, the transpersonal, and separation from the materialistic worldview. Many people in the psychedelic community deride such psychedelic usage as “recreational” as if this is of lesser value. Some have suggested replacing the word “recreational” with “celebratory,” as certainly the participants at a rave may be high, but they are celebrating life. This shows that our culture prioritizes healing methods that are serious and painful instead of ones that heal through ecstasy and joy.

There is a lot of spiritual bypassing in the psychedelic community. This is evident with its often repeated catchphrase “there is no such thing as a bad trip.” This infers that even the most shattering experience will eventually be seen by the experiencer as beneficial, and everyone will live happily ever after. This statement can only come from those privileged enough to have never been given more than they could handle.

© 2023 Catherine Auman

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