The Phenomenology and Potential Religious Import of States of Consciousness Facilitated by Psilocybin

Psilocybin, a psychedelic drug, produces a range of conscious states including both mystical and nonmystical experiences. The text surveys and defines these states, discusses how to facilitate mystical experiences based on research experience, and notes their potential religious significance. Such states may help recognize spiritual reality, understand the biochemistry of revelation, and contribute positively to psychological treatment.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Accompanying the resumption of human research with the entheogen (psychedelic drug), psilocybin, the range of states of consciousness reported during its action, including both nonmystical and mystical forms of experience, is surveyed and defined. The science and art of facilitating mystical experiences is discussed on the basis of research experience. The potential religious import of these states of consciousness is noted in terms of recognizing the reality of the spiritual, in better understanding the biochemistry of revelation, and in exploring the potentially positive contributions that mystical consciousness may effect in psychological treatment.