What is the Sacred Medicine Path?

Psychedelics in Spiritual Practices

Throughout history, mankind has been grasping to know the Divine in many different ways. Some have been more traditional methods like meditation and yoga, which are absolutely important regardless of the path chosen, but others push the envelope to the brinks of the human psyche. One of the ways this has been done is through the use of psychedelics. 

When I refer to psychedelics, I do not refer to them as hallucinogens as this is a false classification to me for a number of reasons, but if the visible world is an agreed upon hallucination like some breakthroughs in neuroscience suggests, as well as most spiritual texts, then life itself would be the most common "hallucination" we all experience, thus not classifying psychedelics as any different than hallucinating while not under the influence of such compounds. To me, they expand the consciousness in ways that allows us to understand abstract concepts with feelings rather than language. You can "feel" the meanings of things that were otherwise elusive in the past. You experience not being the body in a literal sense; in an experiential sense.

Now, it has been in recent news that these substances show promise when dealing with psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction problems, and even PTSD. This was also understood by many shamans in the past, the Norse Berserkers being an example, as it has been well documented throughout history. We see this when looking at Native American cultures, too. It's funny what happens when we start looking to the ancients for some of these answers, isn't it? These substances allow the individual to be an active participant in the reconstruction process of one's thoughts as well as one's emotional attachments to trauma in the past. The things that have been holding you back can be let go of in one session rather than years of therapy. This isn't to say that therapy isn't essential as well, bu that there are options to help with those aspects that seem to be resistant to traditional methods such as talk therapy.

In my own experiences, I have gone through what is often referred to as ego-death, but that is no the only death involved in the process. Each phase is met with another death, as death gives way to life and understanding. It is my understanding that there doesn't exist a school, neither modern or ancient, that don't require some version of sacrifice, and this particular school of thought is no different. What makes this version different is that you follow in the footsteps of many mythologies where you sacrifice yourself to your Self. When this is done, you come face to face with your shadow in ways never thought possible.

When you meet your shadow as such, however, this is done with compassion and understanding, not in a hateful or malicious manner, even if the visuals and symbols shown are violent or scary in nature. I saw my childlike self on one of my journeys into the cosmic mind. He was scared and alone, much in the same way I felt when I was younger. I was able to see that it wasn't all bad, and I was able to show comfort to that child version of myself. I got to see the roots of the issues caused by things that were beyond my control in my youth, and remove those roots where they stopped serving a purpose. There were tears and laughter in exquisite bliss as the healing was taking place, as the valves of youthful trauma were opened wide. Afterwards I was free from the influence as it was before and I was able to have a say in my emotions when looking down those roads of my life. I was effectively free from the anguish of my youth.

What does any of this have to do with a path? It is a path that allows you to empty the garbage we carry around allowing us to be more effective at life and more effective at helping others with their own struggles. It is no surprise that these substances have been used by those who were tasked with exactly those purposes in life. This does not, however, suggest that this is the only way to experience these ecstasies, as meditation and yoga both are capable of producing these results. What I will say though is that these substances can and do help those that use them, and if they use them to better understand themselves, that alone is a worthy use of this tool. When it comes to spiritual development, being able to experience oneness, to feel the tapping of the Self dancing in the heart of us all, and to dissolve into pure consciousness has a way of expanding one's spiritual understandings to a degree that intuition becomes a guiding tool on their journey.

The sacred medicine path has existed since the first time these substances have been consumed, but it wasn't until the 1970s that they became illegal in the United States, effectively destroying where we could've been as a society had they not been. Most of these substances are non-addictive (LSD, Magic Mushrooms), and cannot be abused since they can only be taken after so many days of consumption. If taken too soon, there will be no effects on the person taking them, essentially wasting the substance in a vain effort. With this in mind, we have something that is safe and effective for human use, and something that has shown extremely promising results when it comes to psychological therapy in recent years here in America, something the Ancients already knew and understood. Maybe we should be paying closer attention to how these cultures dealt with psychological issues in the past? Maybe they might have more knowledge to impart on our overly material societies that don't seek relief for those that suffer, but rather seeks profit from their suffering?

Disclaimer: These substances are often illegal to possess. Use due diligence when considering using these substances, as they will (not may) show you aspects of yourself that you may be uncomfortable with. Always have a sitter just in case of bad experiences (I've been a sitter for a friend of mine that had a bad experience). This is intended to be informational and to spread awareness. What you do with the information beyond this point is entirely of your own free will and accord. Be safe and responsible.