A psychology of mysticism is often pursued by reducing spiritual realities to the level of the psyche, which compromises its scope. This integration is not new but is embodied in an original understanding of a "science of the soul" that has existed across traditional cultures. It appears novel only due to the secular, hegemonic outlook of science, its obsession with evidence-based approaches, and past conflicts with religion.
The rising use of psychedelic substances in modern psychology stems from a focus on symptom management rather than holistic healing. The true cause of mental distress is a widespread 'crisis of meaning' that has led religion to be replaced by psychology, blurring the line between the psychological and the spiritual. Modern societies have lost a sense of the sacred. Entheogens cannot substitute for a true 'science of the soul' that offers a more satisfying conception of reality and a fuller understanding of humanity. A properly integrated approach to healing must draw on the deeper wisdom of the world's spiritual traditions.