Understanding Psychedelics as Allies in Healing
A narrative exploration of what healing truly means and how psychedelics assist in the practice - From neuroscience to mysticism to self-sovereignty
Series - Introduction
by Katie Simons, PharmD, BCPS
For millennia, cultures around the world have embraced psychedelic plants as powerful allies in healing. Across various traditions - ayahuasca in the Amazon, psilocybin mushrooms in Mesoamerica, peyote among Native American tribes, huachuma in the Andes, iboga in Africa, amanita muscaria in Siberia, and ergotamine among the ancient, pre-Christian Greek to name a few - psychedelic and psychoactive plants have long been revered as sacred tools, guiding individuals through profound journeys of healing, insight, and connection. In these cultures, psychedelic plants aren’t just seen as medicinal tools; they are seen as teachers, guides, and allies. Long before lab coats and clinical trials, there were shamans, mystics, and healers who understood that these plants hold a unique magic—a way to access realms beyond the physical and heal the mind, body, and spirit.
Over the past several decades, the psychedelic world has expanded from just plants to now many synthetic substances joining the ranks. As this landscape grows, so does the need to continuously check in with what we are doing in the psychedelic space. The practices of the past continue to remind us that these substances are our allies in the practice of healing - not our healers. Every encounter in the psychedelic space is an invitation to sit with oneself, explore inner landscapes, confront whatever may arise (often with surprising humor and humility), and to claim self-sovereignty in the process of growth and healing. Yet, all too often, one may find themselves on the other side of such an encounter wondering how to integrate (or as a I prefer to call it - embody) what they have seen and felt into every day life. After all, I took the red pill (with intent!)…so now what? Wasn’t that supposed to heal me?
These questions are often quickly ushered into the answer “Integration is essential.” As much as I agree, I also see the benefit in unpacking the topic of healing, as a whole, as well as how psychedelics act as our allies in this practice. This connects the dots to then inform the conversation around what it means to truly integrate in a way that ends suffering. Am I implying that healing means the end of suffering and that psychedelics can assist in this? Maybe I am. I guess you’ll just have to come along on this written journey to find out…
This is the introduction to a series of blog entries. A full downloadable copy of the series document is available here. Please be respectful of intellectual property when using and sharing.
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Please remember, this guide is not intended as medical advice, a substitute for medical care, or promotion for illegal activity.
