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Narratives of the mystical among users of psychedelics

Willy Pedersen, Heith Copes, Liridona Gashi

Acta Sociologica January 11, 2021 DOI: 10.1177/0001699320980050 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Qualitative study Peer reviewed
Sample size 50
Population Psychedelic drug users
Topics Mysticism Psilocybin
Keywords Narrative Aesthetics Transcendence philosophy Politics Perception Psychoanalysis
Citations 25
Key findings Mystical experiences from psychedelic use follow archetypical patterns but are expressed through culturally specific storylines.

Abstract

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.

Comparable studies

Other qualitative studies on mysticism, most cited first.

Study Year Design Participants
Qualitative and Quantitative Features of Music Reported to Support Peak Mystical Experiences during Psychedelic Therapy Sessions Individuals with extensive experience administering psilocybin or psilocybin-containing... 2017 Survey and qualitative/quantitative analysis n = 10
Common Core Thesis and Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Mysticism in Chinese Buddhist Monks and Nuns Chinese Pure Land and Chan Buddhist monks and nuns 2011 Mixed-methods study n = 139
Do Drugs Have Religious Import? A 40-Year Retrospective 2004 Interview
Auras in mysticism and synaesthesia: a comparison. Synaesthetes who experience colors in response to human faces and figures 2012 Qualitative study n = 4
When Seconds Turn Into Minutes: Time Expansion Experiences in Altered States of Consciousness People who reported Time Expansion Experiences 2020 Qualitative study n = 74

Citations in the library

Cited by 17

and 12 more in the library

Cites 24

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Related reading

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Mysticism Psilocybin LSD Mystical experience