THE PSYCHONAUTS READING GUIDE
Psychedelics have played a big role in the development and evolution of human society and culture. Only a few movements have influenced humanity’s trajectory compared to psychedelics and their use among the various cultures and nations throughout history.
For those beginning their journey into the planet of psychedelics and eager to explore the science, tradition, and mythology behind one among the foremost exciting aspects of human history, we’ve good news!
This article lists many of the simplest and most informative books associated with psychedelics that ought to be present on every psychonaut’s bookshelf on the earth.
Read on to seek out answers to the foremost profound questions and concerns regarding psychedelics and their use through the foremost influential writers’ works on the topic.
# 1 FOOD OF THE GODS: THE look for the first TREE of data BY TERENCE MCKENNA
The most influential book on the topic has become the grounds for several documentaries, films, and other popular culture spin-offs since its release. The seminal work explores the origins of psychedelic use through humans’ evolutionary history and how certain mushrooms and other psychedelics may have influenced humans’ progress as a species.
The book also explores the normal foundations of the many other psychedelic substances and why they need to become a highly controlled and restricted phenomenon within the present century.
# 2 DMT: THE SPIRIT MOLECULE BY RICK STRASSMAN
As many will be familiar, DMT may be a highly hallucinogenic psychedelic substance that produces profound sensations. During this book, the author shares and analyses the results he has drawn after conducting comprehensive experiments with DMT on willing volunteers and exploring its therapeutic and spiritual effects.
Produced naturally by the pineal body, the author regards the cultural mentions of the substance and how it is often used wisely to cause incredible advancements in science and technology for the longer term.
#3 THE PSYCHEDELIC EXPERIENCE: A MANUAL supported THE TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD BY Leary, RALPH METZNER, RICHARD ALPERT, RAM DASS
This book is authored by Harvard students who participated in academic research into psychedelic substances’ effects on the mind and body. Through their experiences, they need found a parable between the writings of the Tibetan Book of the Dead and, therefore, the Psychedelic culture, arguing that the traditional text provides a manual for inducing highly spiritual psychedelic experiences.
The book continues to stipulate a secure process to encourage experimentation with psychedelic substances and the way one can adequately explore their benefits.
#4 LSD: MY PROBLEM CHILD — REFLECTIONS ON SACRED DRUGS, MYSTICISM, AND SCIENCE BY ALBERT HOFMANN
Written by the Godfather of Psychedelics himself, the book follows the author’s journey of discovery and self-experimentation with LSD. The book narrates his exploration of the psychedelic effects and creates a negative narrative associated with the substance that was unfairly sparked by public hysteria and misunderstanding.
The author argues that the answer to several social problems may dwell on the responsible use of psychedelics and connecting with the spiritual side of the human experience.
# 5 the way to CHANGE YOUR MIND: WHAT THE NEW SCIENCE OF PSYCHEDELICS TEACHES US ABOUT CONSCIOUSNESS, DYING, ADDICTION, DEPRESSION, AND TRANSCENDENCE BY MICHAEL POLLAN
This book explores the author’s personal experiences and narrates a detailed6 and descriptive history of the increase and fall of the psychedelic culture within the present century. The author highlights the social circumstances and psychological misconceptions that led to the restriction of research projects into psychedelics’ character and how it negatively impacted society’s progress.
With many excellent reviews, the book may be a must-read for psychedelic enthusiasts and psychonauts.
# 6 PROMETHEUS RISING BY ROBERT ANTON WILSON, ISRAEL REGARDIE
Regarded as one of the defining acts of this century’s psychedelics, the book is an amalgam and exploration of the many realms of science, spirituality, and philosophy. While incredibly intuitive in its narrative, the book provides the reader with a deep understanding of how significant thinkers across time have analyzed the character and effect of psychedelic substances and what humans can expect to find out from their responsible use.
The book combines philosophy, psychology, theology, evolution, religion, and many other facets of human society during a single detailed discourse and analysis.
# 7 PLANTS OF THE GODS: THEIR SACRED, HEALING, AND HALLUCINOGENIC POWERS BY RICHARD EVANS SCHULTES, ALBERT HOFMANN, CHRISTIAN RÄTSCH
Written by a renowned anthropologist and ethnopharmacologist, the book explores the findings and research associated with psychoactive plants and their traditional use across the world.
The book explores the impact of utilizing such psychoactive plants on the event of social interactions and cultures globally and how these plants have influenced the propagation of ideas and ideas in a parallel manner across the world.
The book contains analysis from three world-leading scientists who are experts within their field.
# 8 THE TEACHINGS OF DON JUAN: A YAQUI WAY of data (THE TEACHINGS OF DON JUAN #1) BY CARLOS CASTAÑEDA
For those that prefer a fictional twist to their reading, this novel is an excellent thanks to exploring psychedelic culture and tradition while offering a compelling narrative that’s enjoyable to read.
During a short series of books, the narrative follows the protagonist’s journey as he proceeds on his thanks to becoming a “man of knowledge” facilitated by psychedelic experiences and spiritual understanding.
The book provides a desirable cultural insight into psychedelic use’s history and, therefore, its propagation’s cultural connections.
CONCLUSION
This list is in no way exhaustive, and that we are sure that there are many wonderful and exciting books available on the topic that aren’t included in this article. Nevertheless, this small list can function as the start line for your exploration into the planet of psychedelics and supply how to find out more about the history, culture, and traditions surrounding this phenomenon.
