Original Magic: The Rituals and Initiations of the Persian Magi - Michael M. Hughes 2018

Intoxicants and Entheogens
Self-Care and Resilience

If you use intoxicating substances, strive to approach them ritually and with appropriate respect and caution. Alcohol can be medicinal and is an excellent social lubricant (which is why it is the most common drug used by humans), but it can also destroy lives when used indiscriminately or excessively. Only you can discover if it is an ally or an enemy, but if you drink, try to never do so unconsciously or habitually. And if you suspect you might have a problem, stop and find out. If you can’t stop, get help.

While cannabis can be a powerful broad-spectrum medicine and a boost to sensual and aesthetic pleasures, expanded consciousness, and creativity, it is a literal dream stealer—it limits your ability to experience REM sleep, which is when most dreams occur. So if you use cannabis, try not to use it daily, or if you do, make sure to occasionally take a few days off. As many daily stoners have noted, your dreams come back with a vengeance when you stop.

Dreams are important for spiritual development and are keys to hidden levels of consciousness and psychic abilities. They convey important messages. Don’t let regular cannabis use (unless needed medicinally) block you from receiving them.

Psychedelics, both plants and chemicals, have a long history in witchcraft and magic. They can be unparalleled tools for growth and insight but should never be used indiscriminately or casually. And they are not for everyone, or even most people. I have a simple rule: if you find yourself drawn to plant and chemical magic, do your research, make sure your materials are pure, and go slowly and with the assistance of experienced helpers. If you are not drawn to these powerful substances, don’t let anyone convince you to try them. And please use the utmost caution with plants traditionally historically associated with witchcraft, many of which are poisonous when ingested.

One exception is MDMA, which can be remarkably healing and therapeutic for many people when used intelligently and judiciously. It is no exaggeration to say that one experience with it, in the right circumstances and with the right people, can be the equivalent of years of conventional therapy—which is why it is currently (as of this writing) being used in trials for people with otherwise intractable PTSD. Unfortunately, it is illegal, which means it carries the risk of arrest and imprisonment. Illegality also means that without a proper lab to test it, one cannot be sure that what one is taking is pure MDMA or a dangerous fake.

My hope is that in a more enlightened future MDMA, psilocybin, and similar medicines will become available to people who need or desire them, perhaps in the controlled setting of spiritual retreats and with the help of qualified therapists. If you find this concept appealing, you may want to volunteer or make a donation to the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) or other organizations working to make that vision a reality.