We define the reality surrounding us based on what we perceive. Through the skillful use of instruments, we have expanded this reality. We know of radiation, its consequences, and—partially—its effects. But its essence remains hidden from us.
Our vision operates in the range of 750 nm to 400 nm; everything above and below is invisible to us. Our hearing functions from 16 Hz to 20 kHz—above and below that, we are deaf. And our olfactory perception, closely tied to our sense of taste? It, too, operates within a very limited range. Beyond that, we rely on our tactile senses, which are also quickly overwhelmed.
I am a person who is quite open to psychedelics like LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and mescaline—the classic substances used by shamans. Substances that expand consciousness or completely detach it from the ego. Substances and compounds that supposedly induce hallucinations.
I don’t use them to enhance parties—I’m certainly no party animal. On the contrary, I prefer things quiet and relaxed. People get drunk, become aggressive, or act like rutting apes, all trying to prove how amazing they are.
No. I only use these substances under specific rules, which I strictly adhere to. Long breaks between uses—which are necessary to avoid diminishing their effects—and proper ritual preparations.
At first glance, this may seem unnecessary to most, but it’s about the sequence of a ritual. For the subconscious, such actions are extremely important—even if we cannot fully grasp their meaning in our so-called waking consciousness, and they may seem ridiculous to many in our time. I don’t care; I know they have an impact on the subconscious and can indeed serve as keys to another form of perception. I became aware of this when, as a teenager, I first attempted the ritual of Abraham von Worms.
Burning incense, or working with essential oils and perfumes, is also part of this—for the olfactory sense plays an extremely vital role here. Scents are the strongest links to our memories and seemingly forgotten things.
Such rituals also help avoid so-called bad trips. Although, to be honest, I find even those quite fascinating. However, I do not make the mistake of being intimidated by them or fighting against them.
The aforementioned groups of substances act as a key to the subconscious, and I believe they also open doors leading not only to hidden memories but also to impressions that we have never actually experienced.
What am I talking about? It’s easiest to illustrate with some examples.
I am aware that the following will be dismissed by most as nonsense or delusion. But I guarantee that none of it is exaggerated or embellished. I am describing these experiences exactly as I had them—including things that are, by all logical accounts, impossible.
- Gender & Physical Perceptions
I was born a man and feel very comfortable in my own skin. I’ve never considered changing that. However, during one trip, I experienced a female orgasm—a completely altered perception of the body. It was fascinating and definitely something I could say would not belong to my collected experiences—at least not in this life!
During another session, I inhabited an entirely different bodily awareness—that of a hunter belonging to an indigenous Mesoamerican tribe—who revealed to me several hunting techniques of his people.
Another particularly intriguing moment was when I learned how one could use natural drugs to sharpen one’s senses—to detect movements and sounds more easily—without becoming high or sending the mind on a journey.
A different experience involved drumming alongside an old Javanese shaman. He taught me how rhythm and drumming influence the mind and guide consciousness to a different plane. And no, I know nothing about the island of Java, nor do I speak Javanese—but during that session, I did. I have also spoken Shona—a Central African dialect entirely unfamiliar to me up until that point.
- Religious Figures & Spirits
India, for me, used to mean cheap fabrics, vibrant colors, friendly people, and my favorite motorcycle brand, Royal Enfield. Today, I am more interested in the cultural background because, during several sessions, I encountered both the deity Hanuman—a blue monkey god who taught me how I could meditate better through certain breathing techniques—as well as Shiva, who attempted to convey something I couldn’t understand. At least, not in words.
Another fascinating experience was meeting the forest god Cernunnos—who, as I learned during that session, had been demonized by the church and transformed into Baphomet. Comparing depictions of these two supposedly different figures the next day suggested that this isn’t as far-fetched as it seems.
I suspect—though it’s only a suspicion—that the Templars had experiences with certain substances back then (which wouldn’t be surprising, as these were natural substances found worldwide—aside from LSD, which is semi-synthetic and based on ergonine, an alkaloid of the ergot fungus). Their prayers may have been directed at these old forest deities, which, of course, didn’t sit well with the church.
Equally fascinating was my encounter with Grandmother Spider—one of the deities of the Hopi people. Again, I had only very cursory knowledge of this tribe before, and I can confidently say I had never heard of this legend. Grandmother Spider is said to have created the universe with her web, and her bite—similar to that of another snake deity—spiritually serves two purposes: It nourishes her while simultaneously granting the bitten a new perspective on the world.
The encounters with various spirits were equally intriguing. What’s particularly remarkable is that whether one listens to reports from shamans or trip accounts from Western psychonauts, the descriptions of these entities are far too consistent to dismiss as mere hallucinations. This is especially true regarding the behavior of the entities!
The parallels are far too strong worldwide for this to simply be a product of imagination! I mention this because cultural conditioning is naturally significant when comparing such accounts. For example, I grew up in a Catholic environment.
- Animals
Some of the most baffling experiences I’ve had involve animals. On one occasion, I felt sexual arousal from sensing the pulse in someone’s arm. Confused, I questioned what was happening—and realized that I was inhabiting the form of a sperm whale gliding through the oceans, interpreting the movements of another whale’s pectoral fin as a signal of readiness to mate.
A similar account exists from the 1960s, in which a psychonaut described similar sensations with certain amphibians—something only confirmed as accurate years later.
I won’t recount all the experiences I’ve gathered during such journeys—I dislike the term “trips.” However, I see substantial evidence suggesting that, beyond what we consider reality, there is far more that eludes modern understanding.
I am convinced that humanity could advance significantly if it were possible to legally explore this field of wonders. Early findings from Switzerland suggest that these substances increase the plasticity of neural structures and even promote the formation of new synaptic connections. Not to mention their positive effects on depression, which I can also confirm from personal experience.
To dismiss this as drug abuse is, in my opinion, the wrong approach—abuse requires specific circumstances to exist. Of course, any substance can be misused, as evidenced by the number of alcoholics. However, regarding psychedelics, I believe we should research them further—even if only under controlled conditions. Outright banning these substances? I see that as a mistake.
Right now, we are blocking our future because one thing I am certain of is this: In this alternate reality, technological innovations and ideas are waiting. They’re there—we just need to expand our consciousness with these naturally occurring substances from time to time and listen.