Anomalous psychedelic experiences: at the neurochemical juncture of the humanistic and parapsychological
Journal of Humanistic Psychology – March 01, 2022
Source: CORE
Summary
Psychedelic experiences can trigger extraordinary mental states that blur the line between mystical and scientific understanding. Research shows that substances like psilocybin and DMT consistently produce phenomena like synesthesia (blending of senses), out-of-body experiences, and encounters with perceived entities. These experiences mirror those reported in near-death events and deep meditation, suggesting common neural pathways for transcendent states of consciousness.
Abstract
This paper explores the nature of psychedelically-induced anomalous experiences for what they reveal regarding the nature of 'expanded consciousness' and its implications for humanistic and transpersonal psychology, parapsychology and the psychology and underlying neuroscience of such experiences. Taking a multidisciplinary approach this essay reviews the nature of ten transpersonal or parapsychological experiences that commonly occur spontaneously and in relation to the use of psychedelic substances, namely synaesthesia, extra-dimensional percepts, out-of-body experiences, near-death experiences, entity encounters, alien abduction, sleep paralysis, interspecies communication, possession, and psi (telepathy, precognition, and clairvoyance and psychokinesis)