Note to listeners, I remixed this episode to include our new theme music by Wes Swing. Dr. Rachel Harris, author of 'Swimming in the Sacred,' discusses her research on underground guides and the importance of their wisdom in the field of psychedelics. She distinguishes between ceremonial work and research, highlighting the transformative focus of the former. Dr. Harris emphasizes the need for researchers to consult experts and learn from the experiences of underground guides. She explores the historical context of the psychedelic underground and the challenge of holding these medicines in the modern world. The conversation also delves into the role of gender, the importance of personal work, and the future of psychedelics and integration.

Takeaways

• Underground guides offer a unique perspective on psychedelics, focusing on transformation and spiritual development rather than diagnoses and symptom reduction.
• Researchers should consult underground guides and experts to inform their studies and design appropriate research methodologies.
• The psychedelic underground has a rich historical context, and it is important to consider how these medicines have been held in sacred ways in indigenous cultures for centuries.
• Personal work and training are crucial for therapists and guides working with psychedelics, and therapists should have their own therapy experiences to better understand the psychedelic journey.
• The future of psychedelics requires careful consideration of how these medicines are held and integrated into different contexts, including therapeutic, ceremonial, and personal growth settings.