The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys

I have absorbed a lot of information concerning psychedelic substances during the past few years. Some sources have taken a scientific approach, full of statistics, surveys, and other assorted data. Others have focused on the spiritual use of these substances, which include direction for practices like meditation, yoga, and breath work. There are also accounts of recreational use, which clearly illustrate the possibilities of both positive and negative outcomes of using and abusing these substances. These sources have included books, movies, podcasts, YouTube clips, and audio lectures. I also have my own experiences with several of these substances, and had already come to my personal opinion that they have the potential to awaken in me unexpected paths in my life, greater self-understanding, an ability to engage in self-healing, and a stronger connection with the Universe and the inhabitants of our planet that we call Earth. I have learned so much about psychedelics that I often come across a feeling of "Oh, I've learned that already" while reading a book or watching a documentary. However, James Fadiman's "The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide: Safe, Therapeutic, and Sacred Journeys" is the first work in quite a while that had so many new things to teach me. This book covers many aspects concerning psychedelic use that I was previously unaware of, such as the concept of sub-perceptual dosing and the importance of listening to non-vocal music such as Classical during the beginning of a psychedelic experience. I first heard of this book from Lorenzo Hagerty's "Psychedelic Salon," a podcast that I have listened to for the past six years. Fadiman is the guest on episode 302, during which Lorenzo interviews him about the book and his experience in the psychedelic research field. After hearing Fadiman speak about these things, I put the book on my "To-Read" list and purchased it a few months later. My intention when reading this book was to learn how to become a guide for others undergoing psychedelic experiences. I was pleasantly surprised by the wealth of information contained in the book afforded to those of us who wish to better integrate our psychedelic journeys into ordinary reality as well as learn to be a better guide to others. Following my reading of this book, I have already identified some aspects of my own psychedelic traditions that I would like to change in an effort to focus more on the therapeutic and spiritual uses of these substances, rather than my previous goal of having a good time. While I still believe that the recreational use of these substances can have a positive outcome, I am now sold on the concept of using them in a more intelligent manner. This book does a great job of dispelling some of the myths about psychedelics, offers a practical and positive itinerary for a successful experience, introduces several important people in this field, and does so in a way that is unbiased and helpful. It is important for the psychedelic community to have truth on its side, and Fadiman does an excellent job of collecting both scientific and anecdotal evidence and arranging it in a way that is easily understood. I commend him on his work and look forward to more coming from him in the near future.

great read. great info. well worth the time.

Good read ! Lots of helpful tips and personal experiences from PHD Docs. Love good to have handy

The Psychedelic Explorers Guide is most likely the best of its genre. However, this book, as good a it is, because of its basic orientation, is essentially flawed. The psychotheraputic protocol which he describe s was developed during the 50 's and 60 's. This was before the rise and spread worldwide of the ayahuasca religions of Brazilian origin. Also before the widespread knowledge and acceptance of shamanic ayahuasca healing methods. If this entheogenic assisted psychotheraputic protocol were to be legalized soon , it would be accepted and become widely used in psychological therapy. But it isn't likely to be, so, besides being an ineffective and awkward way of treatment ,it's future is bleak; because, at least for a good while yet,it will continue to be banned. Experiments are being approved by the USA govt. They are currently showing success and the mainstream usage is probably inevitable. Nevertheless , this book is heads over heels better than it's closest rival , Psychedelic Healing " by Goldsmith. I have them both; have read them closely, and in basic form and function, they' re almost identical . So why is the one so much better. Well, you could say its just a matter of opinion, of course. However, since I study this subject closely , and have read many books about it. ( and, best of all, have fond memories of entheogenic trips in my younger days; that's why I love the genneral subject) Anyway, i'll say here that my opinion definitely carries more weight than average. So the basic fact is that I liked Fadiman a lot more than Goldsmith as people . Goldsmith just came across as less likeable than Fadiman. Apart from being turned off by the one and being accepting and approving of the other, I'll just give one specific example to illustrate: The chapter titled " Can Sub Perceptual Doses of Psychedelics Improve Normal Functioning" . Importantly, Albert Hoffman, the "inventor" of LSD, predicted just this effect. And it turns out to be true, anectdotally , of course, in the testimony of the very few people who regularly practice this protocol.But, way more importantly is the fact that umpteen millions of people around the world take Prozac and it's ilk , but LSD could do the same, only better by far. Or so we might surmise. Nevertheless, however much I endorse the enthusiasm and faith both these authors have in the efficacy of psychedelics to ameliorate the psychological maladies of mankind, i take issue with their reliance upon Western psychotheraputic protocol. The time tested methods of psychedelic protocol have worked for millenia in traditional societies . There is absolutely no reason to think that a very recently fashioned system called psychoanalysis is superior to the " old fashioned " way of healing and curing. And ,since I know quite a lot, I am sure that their methods of using psychedelics are inferior to the time tested ones. For a fuller understanding of the subject, the best book ( besides actually engaging in an organized ritualised entheogenic group session ) is Ayahuasca Ritual and Religion in Brazil by Labate and MacRae. This is a difficult book, mostly because its been translated from the original Portuguese by various people (its an anthology) . The English is often awkward, depending upon which article was translated by whom. In general though, if you really want to know about the various ways to go about using entheogens, this is the source to get it from.The Brazilian Government has endorsed all religious uses of entheogens and there are three main auahuasca using ones, plus very many small subgroups using ayahuasca and also other groups using different kinds of entheogenic sacraments. The governmentally enforced religious tolerance ( these groups can complain to Brazilian officials about infringements upon their legal ( ! ! ! ! ) freedoms ) . In the USA it is now legal to be a practicing member of the UDV ayahuasca religion. But that's the only entheogenic religion that's withstood stood the scrutiny of the Supreme Court. No others have tried yet, except for The Native American Church; which passed through the Supreme Court ,but is limited to tribal members only. Later, there will be more, no doubt. So my final judgement on the whole matter of entheogenic assisted psychotherapy; is that it's a vast improvement over ordinary psychotherapy, but definitely not anywhere near as effective for psychological healing as entheogenically assisted religion, or entheogenically assisted shamanic healing. I could specify why, but I won't here, because I'm not going to write a comment that is any longer here.

This book is totally worth it. It has everything you need to understand hallucinogens, and how they effect the individual mind

Having previously read a book on psychedelics (psilocybin in particular), I was pretty excited to read this one. I had found out upon ordering the book that it was more geared towards the discussion of LSD, it still was written to allow the reader to understand the majority of psychedelics. I saw some of the one and two-star comments stating that the author didn't show any evidence that he had taken any psychedelics but if they had really read the book there are several times where he states that he not only had taken them but conducted his own research with others. Anyway if you are passionate about the topic the book will be a fantastic read and you won't want to put the book down (I read it within 3 days, that's how much I enjoyed it). Again, the book is filled with research and it even walks you through some of the trials that were done which I thought was extremely insightful. Highly recommend.

The best preparation manual for your first mushroom trip.

Very interesting and informative.

Great book, priceless science based information and knowledge.

Very happy with this book. There’s a lot of information and knowledge in this book, it really guides you. It arrived quickly and undamaged. 🤩

Jeder, der sich selbst mit psychedelischen Wirkstoffen und Halluzinogenen beschäftigt, sollte dieses Buch unbedingt lesen. Autor Fadiman geht hier auf die verschiedenen Wirkstoffe ein, beschreibt eine sinnvolle Schadensbegrenzung und listet Methoden auf falls doch mal etwas schief gehen sollte. Auch für Tripsitter ist dieses Buch bestens geeignet, es ist sehr empfehlenswert mal in die verschiedenen Kapitel rein zu lesen, da dem Tripsitter eine hohe Verantwortung zukommt. Generell beschreibt Fadiman die Wichtigkeit des Sets und Settings - die zwei kritischsten Säulen des Nutzung von Halluzinogenen. Neben LSD, Psilocin und DMT wird auch Ayahuasca erwähnt. Generell ein tolles Buch für jeden Forscher, Anwender und Sitter.

A brilliant and thoughtful book by one of the leading proponents of safe and responsible use of psychedelics, primarily LSD. Although he acknowledges the spiritual power of entheogenic substances the main focus of the book is how to use these substances to enhance creativity. Based on his own research - together with Willis Harman - in the 60s. As well as eye witness accounts from recent times. Also touching on the (controversial) subject of regular use of low dose LSD in every day (work) life. The book has many scopes. accounts of the mind and career changing events for the early pioneers like Albert Hofmann, Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary, Huston Smith and Stan Grof. Interviews with James Fadiman himself taken from Higher Wisdom (SUNY Series in Transpersonal and Humanistic Psychology) and Time it Was: American Stories from the Sixties . Although Fadiman clearly defines himself as a law abiding citizen this book DO contain some well thought out and reasonable criteria for a succesful session. Especially focusing on the need of an experienced guide (who does NOT- unlike in the Leary experiments - take the substance her self). Personally I think there can be arguments for self experimentation with out outside helpers - as described in Acid Diaries: A Psychonauts Guide to the History and Use of LSD . As even the most emphatetic guide might influence and subtly shape the experience. Unlike the embarrasing Psychedelic Healing: The Promise of Entheogens for Psychotherapy and Spiritual Development this book is clearly written by an experienced psychonaut with a broad and spiritual vision. Personally I think of these substances as sacraments and that using them for any mundane purpose is like the executives meditating before a business meeeting - if they really knew what they were doing, if they really went into it they may (to quote Jerry Garcia) rather feel like going outside chasing butterflies than attending the planned meeting. But no doubt Fadiman's case stories are weighty arguments for the (obvious)fact of the creativity enhancing potential of LSD. Essential read for everyone into qualified discussion of the benefits of these substances for the growth of humanity in all aspects of Life.

The book was published in 2011 and many web links referred to are not active anymore. However, I believe the content is still representing nowadays reality: hope for institutional openness that are yet to materialize.