Saikedelix Introduction

[Saikedelix]

Hi, I am Saikedelix,

I have been using this website in my research for many years now, so I would like to start by thanking you all for contributing to this library of knowledge and experiences. I used to have an account here years ago, but I lost my password, do not like my old username anymore, and have had such a change of perspective since I last used it, that I thought it would be best to start over, so here I am for my intro essay.

Fairly seasoned psychonaut interested in naturally occurring psychedelics, I have a special affinity with spice, I have used it hundreds and hundreds of times in the past 7-8 years. I have tested plenty vaporisation methods, most of the more common ones, as well as some more obscure ones, and even some I haven’t found any mention of anywhere on the web, so I believe to be qualified to contribute in that area of the research.

I also have an interest in finding ways to constructively integrate psychedelics into our culture. By that I do not mean introducing more people to them, but using myself as a test subject to try to understand better their potential uses in the context we find ourselves in as individuals in this 21st century civilisation.

I also have first hand experience with some of the pitfalls of psychedelic exploration, and I believe that it is necessary to discuss those equally as much as the benefits, because I believe that being aware of them in advance could prevent from falling for them in the first place. I understand how this opinion can be controversial, because talking about negative aspects can lead to a bad reputation, but on the other hand having a bunch of unprepared and uninformed people jump on the bandwagon like we are seeing now that psychedelics are back in fashion surely ought to result in worse outcomes, which in the long term will not do our reputation any good. The 60s are the perfect example of why psychedelics taken out of context can result in a chaotic mix of positive and negative outcomes, effectively canceling each other out. I think we can develop our approach towards them as a society and demystify the advantages and dangers, to start having a less imaginary debate and more reliable data to eventually develop a constructive use of psychedelics suited to our society. Some other cultures have constructive relationships with entheogens, and I believe it is due to having a certain tradition, approach, respect, way of interpreting the experiences. What I think our culture lacks in its relationship to psychedelics is some grounding, we aren’t clear when to do it, how to do it, what to do it for, how to approach and interpret it, even what to feel about it, at times leading us astray, but I believe that through discourse we can learn how to deal with all that and evolve our relationship with those wonderful substances we have all so deeply felt the potential of.

I have learned quite a few more things in over a decade of psychedelic exploration, and I am looking forward to contribute and give back to this community that gave me so much!

 

[Nydex]

Welcome back, glad to have you! It is a beautiful place, almost like a second home to me. I've learned so much, and have to learn so much more, as we all do. Enjoy the new forum!

 

[DexterMTripp]

Welcome @Saikedelix
I'm interested to know the pitfalls of psychedelic exploration you have experienced.
What information do you have?

So far I've only had amazing experiences (I've only taken 3 trips since I joined..last was 1/25). I feel like a fourth is calling now though.
I will probably wait a few more weeks.
I've decided that for me, this substance is important enough to set a few rules for myself and it's use.

- I will always treat this substance with humility and respect.
- I will use this substance for self-discovery and not entertainment.
- I will not try to convince anyone else to use this substance. It needs to be of their own free will, and not coerced.
- I will take the time necessary to reflect on my last experience and the changes in me since my last use before another use.
- I will assist anyone in my circle in learning how to extract, as I feel that extraction is an honorable way to build an understanding and appreciation.

Thank you for sharing your story.

 

[Saikedelix]

Thanks Nydex!

Hi DexterMTripp,

I think one of the main pitfalls is really misinterpreting the teachings, whether it be from rushing to conclusions, taking them too literally, thinking they are meant for the whole world when in fact they are just meant for you, that sort of thing. I think one good way to avoid many of these pitfalls is to decide not to try to give a definite explanation to the phenomena.

I think the rules you set for yourself sound fairly healthy, just one thing I would personally slightly change is the second point, I find that putting too much expectations on them in any way tends to be counter-productive, a big part of constructively doing psychedelics is letting go, and that includes expectations, trusting that they will know better than you what you need and make you experience it. I personally find that not only do psychedelics give wiser answers than I, but they also ask wiser questions. Also, the truth is that sometimes psychedelics can be fun, and sometimes that is the kind of experience we need, there is nothing wrong with that. I think another pitfall of not only psychedelics, but anything aimed at personal development is to take on an excessively serious and rational perspective and lose the enjoyment of life. Not everything we do has to have a deeper or grandiose meaning, any constructive practice is supposed to make you appreciate life more as it is, so that should serve as an accurate indicator of how well you are doing in your approach and practices. All that matters is that you do not take it with the intention of just having fun, not because fun is bad, but because that would be another expectation you are not letting go, and another intention clouding your judgement. You are not doing this to unravel the secrets of the universe, that might happen as a byproduct, but you won’t be able to do much out of it anyways, and it won’t change your condition and reality in this plane of life, just your perspective on it. In my experience, the only constructive firm intention to have is just the one to do it, to have this experience, to completely let go and surrender to it, and to take whatever it gives you.

Another thing in your 4th rule, I don’t think the changes happen on their own, your perspective will change, but if you learn in an experience that you must change something about your approach to life, it is something you will need to willingly decide to do and consciously act upon. Habits can be deeply rooted, and without some effort they will take back over whatever you learned in your experiences if you don’t make it an integral part of your life and a habit.

On the matter of your last rule, this is just my opinion, but I would say only mention it if they first do, if they ask how to obtain it, do not teach them how to do it, but just tell them it can be learned and done relatively easily. Maybe mention a few websites like the nexus, let them make their own research, maybe just give them a few safety reminders once you see they made the research from their own initiative, otherwise let them do everything, the process acts as both a filter and definer of intention, as well as a preparation/initiation ritual of sorts. I am personally one to believe it is also better to let people discover the mere existence of spice through their own means, so I would recommend against even mentioning it until they do, but that is a highly debated subject and that is just my opinion. In any case, remember that depending on where you are it could get you in trouble, and if you introduce it to someone they may hold you responsible for their eventual shortcomings, and some people could judge you through a negative lens if you discuss psychedelics with them, and you are not in control of who they may tell what you tell them, so always be mindful when sharing on the matter, how you do so, and what your true intention behind the desire to do so is.

Just remember that with great power comes great responsibility.