Humans have benefited from hallucinogenic experiences for thousands of years. Researchers have postulated that Psilocybin may even be responsible for leaps in human evolution.

In Greek society (4,000 until 2,000 years ago) people were engaging in once in lifetime rituals, known as the Eleusinian Mysteries. These sacred rites were facilitated by Priestesses in the community. Men would come to drink a sacred hallucinogenic elixir, and prepare for how to live with wisdom and grace in the last phase of their lives.

In Africa, plants with psychoactive properties, such as Ibogaine have been used for 1000’s of years. Similarly, in Central and South America, Ayahuasca was woven into indigenous life for communal and ceremonial healing.

In the 1950’s, Gordon Watson learned more about the Mazteca culture, and Maria Sabina, a Curandera (healer) shared with him the “magic mushroom” psilocybin, which had been used for healing and ceremony. Once this potential was exposed to western society (Time Magazine, 1957), the study and use of these medicines “mushroomed”. This occurred around the same time that LSD was widely being investigated by the Pharmaceutical and Medical Industry for addiction, mental health and consciousness expansion.

It is with reverence for the lineages, and indigenous communities that I come to offer and practice expanded state psychotherapy. I am the daughter of a first generation Italian-American pharmacist and work within the western cannon, using Ketamine, a legally prescribed compound that can be used in the psychotherapy setting. Other substances (MDMA, Psilocybin, etc) are rapidly approaching wider use as their value is recognized.

Let’s go within, alchemize and transform.