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MSc course module

Entheogens and Psychedelics

Study the transpersonal nature of the psychedelic experience, altered states of consciousness and exceptional experiences.

Overview

Taking a cross-disciplinary and multi-cultural approach, this module option explores transpersonal and transformative qualities of the psychedelic experience, illuminating its meanings and implications for individuals and communities.

  • Are psychedelics genuine entheogens? Do they give access to ‘real’ mystical experiences?
  • What are the benefits of transpersonal psychedelics experiences, and what are the risks of using psychedelics?
  • What transpersonal experiences occur with psychedelics, do these experiences also occur without chemical agents, and what can be learned about the neurobiology of transpersonal experience from studying psychedelic experiences?
  • What do transpersonal psychedelic experiences tell us about the nature of reality (i.e., ontology), the limits of human experience, and the shamanic worldview vs the Western worldview?

Synopsis

Psychedelics – mind/soul manifesting – or entheogens – creating the divine within – are substances that stimulate profound qualitative changes to one’s state of consciousness. These substances, in the form of flora, fungi, and occasionally fauna, have been used by humans for millennia in their magico-spiritual practices, often termed ‘shamanic’. More recently these substances have been explored scientifically and medically for their potentially beneficial properties in the treatment of psychological and, increasingly, physical health problems, as well as in the catalysis of creative problem solving and spiritual insight, and for personal growth.

This module option will explore the transpersonal nature of the psychedelic experience, drawing upon transpersonal psychology, parapsychology, cross-cultural psychiatry, neurobiology, cognitive neuroscience, anthropology, ethnobotany and the study of religions, among other disciplines. It will cover the study of a range of transpersonal and exceptional experiences, such as mystical, shamanic and mediumistic experiences, inter-species communication, entity – such as divine beings – encounters, psi experiences, out-of-body and near-death experiences, insight and creativity, love, compassion, connectivity and empathy, and other experiences and concomitants of the psychedelic encounter

Accordion Content
  1. Discuss what psychedelic experiences may reveal about the nature of reality, the shamanic worldview, and the neurobiology of consciousness and transpersonal experience.
  2. Explore research into the potential of transpersonal psychedelic experiences in healing contexts, and suggested implications for mental health.
  3. Consider research from a range of disciplines and methodological approaches that contribute towards understanding the transpersonal psychedelic experience.
  4. Engage live with the tutor through forums and webinars.

Option tutor

David Luke

Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Greenwich, Honorary Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College.

Enquire now for February 2024

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