DM Turner- The Esseential psychedelic guide

to make significant changes in us with a single use. Many advanced users
consider this ability to "reimprint the mind" as the most important benefit of
psychedelics. If examined closely, most psychedelic experiences will fit the
following model. Psychedelics will dissolve one's identity and perceptual
framework, a process commonly called "ego death." Next one experiences
the raw or undifferentiated energies flowmg through their senses from a
formless or unclefined state. They can tap into the vast banks of imagery
within their mind, addmg their creative powers to generate limitless visions
of intricacy beauty, and meaning. During this time one may try on various
"filters" through which everything is perceived, and create hallucinations or
expenence many personalities. The journeyer will be outside of their normal
conceptual framework and will be able to look at their thought processes
and personality from new angles. Later in the experience they will
re-assemble a new personality, based on their old personality, but hopefully
improved.
In some cases it takes users numerous sessions to go through the process of
ego death, and detach from their familiar mode of perceiving things. This
often occurs when someone begins experimenting with small doses, and
very gradually increases the amount they consume. In these cases the
psychedelic never fully transports them out of routine awareness. When ego
death is spread over weeks or months, it can take on strange manifestations
as one experiences separation from various aspects of their familiar reality
tunnel.
Much of each person's experience is based on SET and SETTING. Set refers
to a person's mental and emotional makeup expectations about the
experience, cultural upbringing, etc. Setting is the immediate environment
and stimulus present during the experience whether outdoors or in a
building, with friends or alone, the presence or absence of music, artwork,
etc.
If I had to choose one setting as being the most conducive to a positive
experience, I'd pick one which most closely resembles the time honoured
methods of using these substances. This would involve taking a natural
psychedelic like mushrooms or Peyote. It would be done outdoors m nature,
away from the noise and activity of any city and with a group of respected
friends or family. For novices being initiated into the psychedelic world the
session would be guided by trusted and experienced "elders."
People who try to manifest the lessons learned through psychedelic use
seem to benefit the most from them. Examples of this are people who take
psychedelics to modify their personality or thinking process, use them as
part of a healing process, or have some creative outlet such as art or music.