The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide

by James Fadiman, Ph.D.

From the Publisher: Drawing on the latest research and over 40 years experience in the field of psychedelic science and medicine, this new book is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in using psychedelics as tools for spiritual, emotional, and personal development. From the importance of having an experienced guide to the need for careful attention to set and setting, The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide contains a wealth of practical guidelines for using psychedelics effectively and responsibly.

The guide describes how different dosages can be used to facilitate different kinds of healing and self-discovery and dispels many common myths about the risks and benefits of psychedelics by reviewing past and current research into their therapeutic use. It even takes a close look at how these tools were used by spiritual, scientific, and industrial leaders including Ram Dass, Timothy Leary, Aldous Huxley, Huston Smith, Francis Crick, and Steve Jobs.

Praise for the Book: “James Fadiman, one of the foremost pioneers of scientific research of the potential of psychedelic substances for therapy, self-discovery, spiritual quests, and creative problem-solving, has written an invaluable guide for safe and productive sessions. Based on more than forty years of the author’s experience in the field and presented in a clear, easily understandable style, this book is a breath of fresh air, dispelling the mis-information that has been disseminated over many decades by sensation-hunting journalists and fear-based antidrug propaganda. The publication of The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide could not be more timely; it coincides with a major renaissance of interest in psychedelic research worldwide. The information that it provides will thus be useful not only for the hundreds of thousands of people involved in self-experimentation but also for the new generation of psychedelic researchers.” — Stanislav Grof, M.D., author of LSD: Doorway to the Numinous

“James Fadiman was the Forrest Gump of the psychedelic sixties. He witnessed the first flowerings of that amazing era of mind expansion, then kept popping up for cameo appearances whenever the action got particularly interesting and enlightening. Now, riding a new wave of scientific research into the beneficial use of these misunderstood substances, Fadiman is back with a practical and at the same time inspiring guidebook for the next generation of entheogenic explorers.” — Don Lattin, author of the bestselling The Harvard Psychedelic Club

“Approaching his subject from intimately historical, psychological-cultural, and accessible authoritative perspectives, Fadiman’s psychedelic magnum opus establishes the benchmark reference for anyone interested in understanding, experiencing, or supervising the effects of this unique family of psychoactive substances.” — Rick Strassman, M.D., clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and author of DMT: The Spirit Molecule

“At last, there’s a practical, commonsense manual for mindful therapeutic sessions using psychedelics, one thats informed by the latest science and unfettered by arcane platitudes. It will be a boon to personal transformation and a road map for avoiding trouble along the way for all who use it. Bon voyage!” — Charles Hayes, author of Tripping: An Anthology of True-Life Psychedelic Adventures

“Finally! A comprehensive guide not only to psychedelic use in a therapeutic setting but also, even more bravely, to psychospiritual exploration and cognitive enhancement. We are fortunate to reap the benefits of Professor Fadiman’s years of cumulative knowledge and experience as well as to hear from a cadre of ‘who’s who’ in the psychedelic cognoscenti.” — Julie Holland, M.D., editor of The Pot Book and Ecstasy: The Complete Guide

“Psychedelics have been part of native cultures for centuries and remain so in many areas of the world. Properly used, they offer a one-step guide to enlightenment and connection with intuition as well as the soul and the Divine. Dr. Fadiman’s book offers the best information and guidance available today. Everyone interested in exploring the world of inner consciousness will find this work indispensable.” — Norm Shealy, M.D., Ph.D., founder of the American Holistic Health Association and coauthor of Soul Medicine and Life Beyond 100

“The prohibition of psychedelic drugs in the twentieth century unfortunately restricted a most promising and profound inquiry into the religious mysteries of consciousness. This brave and encouraging book goes a long way toward restoring our constitutional right to explore these mysteries. By encouraging individual responsibility and intelligence in this era of purported health care reform, James Fadiman takes a bold and refreshing step toward reclaiming our freedom of religion, which is the very essence of democracy and the American dream.” — Robert Forte, editor of Entheogens and the Future of Religion and Timothy Leary: Outside Looking In

“The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide is a brave and uniquely valuable book. Written by one of the most highly respected and innovative researchers from the 1960s, this extraordinary book covers topics not found in any other book on the subject. Fadiman offers us a beautifully written, insightful summation of important early research on creativity, problem solving, and psychospiritual development, tragically cut off by government edict, as well as new research on the use of sub-threshold doses of LSD to enhance normal functioning, in the process creating a road map for the future of psychedelic research. The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide wisely focuses not on pathology but on human potential for health and, as such, shows us how these transformative substances can improve the future of psychology–and the future of society. Throughout this radical yet evidence-based volume, Fadiman uses a combination of the research and his own broad personal experiences working with Leary, Alpert (Ram Dass), Kesey, and other seminal figures in psychedelic research and practice to make the convincing case that psychedelics offer the power to transform society and reintegrate unitary spirituality into Western civilization. The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide is written with a wry humor that brings Fadiman’s sincere, soulful intentionality immediately to the reader, integrating and transforming from the moment one opens this important, mature, and absolutely essential book. If you are interested in the safe, effective, and transformative use of psychedelics to improve our lives and our society, you will devour this book. Fadiman’s The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide is the finest book ever written on the topic–a must read.” — Neal Goldsmith, Ph.D., author of Psychedelic Healing

About the Author: James Fadiman, Ph.D., is the co-founder of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology and has been involved in psychedelic research for over 40 years. In addition to writing and teaching, Fadiman gives regular presentations and workshops on psychedelic science and medicine. He lives in Menlo Park, California.

ISBN-10: 1594774021    –    ISBN-13: 978-1594774027