Narratives of the mystical among users of psychedelics

This in-depth interview study (n=50) identified three narratives, 1) the transcendence of time and space, 2) deep euphoria, and 3) the perception of being at one with ‘a larger whole’ related to the use of psychedelics.

Abstract of Narratives of the mystical among users of psychedelics

“We are now witnessing a radical revival in clinical research on the use of psychedelics (e.g. LSD and psilocybin), where ‘mystical’ experiences are at the centre. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 50 psychedelic drug users, we document how they draw on archetypical mystical narratives, comprising three key dimensions: (1) the transcendence of time and space; (2) deep euphoria; and (3) the perception of being at one with ‘a larger whole’. We suggest that the evolving new cultures around the use of psychedelics contain a variety of narratives, with clear roots in traditional mystical thinking. At the same time, these narratives reflect current cultural and political influences, including the narratives of oneness with plants and animals and our perceived need to protect nature. We conclude that the way people experience mystical occasions due to psychedelic use have archetypical patterns, but culturally specific storylines.“

Authors: Willy Pedersen, Heith Copes & Liridona Gashi

Summary of Narratives of the mystical among users of psychedelics

We are now witnessing a radical revival in clinical research on psychedelics, where ‘mystical’ experiences are at the centre. We document how psychedelic drug users draw on archetypical mystical narratives, with clear roots in traditional mystical thinking.

Introduction

Mystical experiences are thought to be an integral part of human history, and a large proportion of the general population report having had such experiences at some time in their lives.

People who use psychedelics often speak of their experiences using the language of the mystical or spiritual. However, few sociologists have investigated how people experience and make sense of their use of these substances using interviews outside of clinical settings.

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