Tripping the Light Fantastic

Hallucinogens and enlightenment

© Brian Allan

Word count: 3,584

*Authors note*: I do not in any way endorse the reckless or unsupervised use of psychedelic or other any other variety of drug legal or otherwise nor recommend that anyone does so.

Introduction

At its most basic level, this is an essay on the nature of consciousness and the mind/brain interface. Both are subjects of incredible variety and subtlety and cannot be fully summarised in a few thousand words. Although I am aware of research conducted by Dr. Michael Persinger, professor of neurophysiology at the Laurentian University in the USA, on the effects of electromagnetic (EM) fields on the temporal lobes within the brain and the sensations they produce, in this instance I will concentrate on the use of hallucinogens.

At present there are several opinions vying for acceptance and all are variations on the following three.

1) Mind and therefore consciousness is the sole end result of neurological and electrochemical processes taking place in various centres within and confined to the brain.

2) The second argument posits that a property, mind, cannot suddenly appear out of nothing and therefore had to have been there in one form or another in the first place. This appears to be what Prof. Rupert Sheldrake refers to in his theory of 'Morphogenetic Fields', which refers to an alleged matrix of information that surrounds us and can be unconsciously accessed by the interaction of the mind, effectively a variation on Jung's 'collective unconscious'.

3) The final theory suggests that within the brain there already exist mechanisms designed to interact at a sub-atomic level with certain quantum processes extant in the universe. This may be the ultimate answer to how some sensitive people are able to contact or see ghosts, apparitions or ET's, which in one sense appears to make sense and is even logical. If indeed we as individuals are considered to emerge from a quantum soup, then when we die, it is reasonable that our component atoms eventually return to the same soup, mind and all, in effect creating a closed loop.

Tripping the Light Fantastic

While convention insists that there are no realities except that in which we live, solid, tangible and visible, reality that can be measured, quantified, touched, smelled and observed. In terms of Euclidean and Newtonian physics these parameters serve well enough, however, it is now becoming increasingly apparent that convenient metaphors for reality can no longer be taken as immutably carved from stone. Gradual acceptance of other paradigms, especially those from more esoteric belief systems is gradually altering scientific perceptions of what is acceptable and what is not. The most fundamental of these processes concerns the nature of mind as opposed to brain and the almost heretical belief that nothing in nature presents a barrier to mind.

As far as conventional science is concerned, mind is a function of the brain, a set of electrochemical processes taking place in a blob of organic matter confined within the skull. All aspirations and desires, longing, love and hate, inspiration and genius are nothing more than the firing of electrical signals within a neural net. Although couched in a multitude of data and convincingly attested to by legions of scientists, the rationale behind this particular outlook is gradually but inexorably altering.

The alternatives, although more oblique and difficult to measure, are only now slowly finding acceptance as very real possibilities. What mystics have said for millennia, i.e. that there are other realities was hijacked by mainstream religions and adapted to justify their position. For them there was only one possible answer to the profound mysteries surrounding us; the reality of and necessity for a God. Something or someone to explain away the harsh realities of life, to turn to in times of distress and alternately praise or berate depending on circumstance; in effect a truly supernatural entity. Newtonian scientists still see no contradiction in holding to their strictly materialistic view of the universe and simultaneously accepting the reality of an intangible entity governing their lives. Neither do churches see any dichotomy in preaching the acceptability of one variety of the supernatural, yet expressly forbidding any contact with non-approved spiritual entities. As far as religion is concerned, for human beings to dare explain or attempt to rationalise the machinations of God is in itself tantamount to blasphemy. The mind of God we are told is both unknown and indeed unknowable and certainly beyond the thought processes of mortal man; but this is changing.

It becomes difficult to rationalise or justify the position of an entity existing outwith the confines of space and time, when on one level, mankind is able to achieve the same feat. Through transcended states, the human mind is apparently able to both negate all barriers, visit locations and contact entities that have no place here on Earth. The most obvious and simplest method of achieving transcendence is through sleep and its corollary, dreaming. It is a natural condition that affects us all and one to which we attach no special importance. The effects of dreams are, unless the dream becomes a nightmare, transitory and the sleeper seldom remembers details of the dream once in the wakened state. Science now recognises that the physiological and especially the neurological changes that take place in the sleep-state may be part of a process by which input from other sources may be possible. Recent experiments indicate that sleepers appear to be influenced by the deliberately directed thoughts of others and this seems to be reflected in their dreams. While this is interesting in itself, the introduction of psychoactive chemicals into the equation has revealed some fascinating and perhaps frightening possibilities.

Studies of the customs of shamans reveal that they frequently and deliberately use altered states of consciousness to seek enlightenment and knowledge. Among the methods used, which include rhythmic drumming, chanting and repetitive movements, is the ingestion of natural, plant-based hallucinogens. Although there are several of these already present naturally within the human body including serotonin and dopamine, there is another powerful chemical, DMT or N-Dimethyltryptamine, which is claimed to hurl users into 'hyperspace'. While it is recognised that the presence of excessive serotonin in the brain can and does induce a variety of impressions and images, by using DMT it is possible that we can access a realm not normally available in our everyday state. This powerful chemical is found in many organs of the body, the spleen, liver, lungs and the pituitary gland in the brain. The precise role of the substance is not fully understood, but at its most basic it appears to play an important function in dreaming, and when produced by the pituitary, it perhaps even facilitates the dream itself as the combined writer, director, and cameraman. All except one category of hallucinogens fall into two groups, one is based on cactus-sourced mescaline and the other includes such substances as LSD and the entire family of tryptamines which includes the neuro-transmitter serotonin. The third substance is ketamine, which although a hallucinogen is not from either family. One of the unique properties of DMT as opposed to other hallucinogenic substances is its ability to transport the user into realm apparently inhabited by intelligent, unearthly entities. Although the use of this substance probably goes back for millennia, the first recorded use of the mind altering drug is attributed to a priest, Friar Ramon Paul who accompanied Columbus on his second voyage to America. He reported that the natives they encountered used a substance called 'Kohhobba' to contact the spirit word. Presumably it was effective because they still use it, or something very similar. It is to the ability to facilitate contact with these 'spirit entities' that we will return later in the article.

Use of these chemicals was not confined to the natives of North America; it is also use by South American shamans who manufacture a substance called 'Ayahuasca' which is derived from two separate items of jungle flora, a species of vine called B. caapi and another plant called Psychotria viridis. The puzzling thing about this process it that on its own, the DMT is inactive if taken orally and is broken down by the enzyme MAO (monoamine oxidase) so an MAO-inhibitor additive (which in the case of Ayahuasca is 'harmine') is used. This allows the DMT to affect the relevant portions of the brain unhindered by the enzyme. The mechanism by which this sophisticated knowledge was originally imparted to the native people is at this time still unknown to science although there are a few possible answers; trial and error, pure luck, a combination of both, or perhaps something else?

The book of Enoch tells us that, one of the 200 fallen angels who followed Semyaza (the role model for Satan) from Heaven to Earth, was responsible for disseminating pharmacological, narcotic, and hallucinogenic plant knowledge to humanity: Chapter VIII states,

1. Moreover Azazyel taught men to make swords, knives, shields breastplates, the fabrication of mirrors and the workmanship of bracelets and ornaments, the use of paint, the beautifying of the eyebrows, the use of stones of every valuable and select kind, and of all sorts of dyes, so that the world became altered.

2. Impiety increased; fornication multiplied; and they transgressed and corrupted all their ways.

3. Amazarak taught all the sorcerers, and dividers of roots;

4. Armers taught the solution of sorcery;

5. Barkayal taught the observers of the stars;

6. Akibeel taught signs

7. Tamiel taught astronomy;

8. And Asaradel taught the motion of the moon.

A step too far? At first glance this explanation might seem quite preposterous, but compared with the revelations and insights produced by the effects of DMT and the number of permutations required to find the two complementary chemicals, there may indeed be a grain of truth in it. It is further interesting to note that parallels are frequently drawn between the descriptions of the 'fallen angels' and possible extraterrestrial intervention in the genesis of the human race as described by Hebrew scholar Zechariah Sitchin. As we shall see, images suggestive of extraterrestrial beings regularly feature in the visions of those using DMT.

The use of exotic chemicals by relatively primitive peoples is neither totally unique nor confined to North and South America. It is on record that the Zulu tribe of Africa used a preparation derived from cannabis to prepare for battle. The cannabis was refined and distilled until the chemicals producing feelings of well being and relaxation had been removed, leaving the undesirable components that induce sensations of paranoia and aggression. Once again this is a complex and painstaking chemical process and one wonders how they arrived at this result until the above possibility is considered.

In line with the Zulus and Rastafarians (who also use cannabis as part of their religious ceremonies, describing at 'the sacred herb') there are a few churches using Ayahuasca in their sacraments. One such, 'Santa Daime' in Brazil use a version of the traditional brew, but it is claimed to be too weak to produce visions, but weak or not, it no doubt occasionally produces the desired effect. Santa Daime is now slowly expanding and has congregations in Portugal and Spain where Christian hymns have been integrated and are sung during services. Again, this is not unique since the practice of Voodoo, (another belief system that encourages transcended states among its devotees) also incorporates some elements of Christianity into its canon of belief. Indeed, Hungarian researcher Stephen Szara revealed that the inhabitants of Haiti, (the birthplace of Voodoo) use a type of snuff prepared from 'Piptadenya' seeds to allow visions of their gods. The snuff contains small amounts of DMT.

First synthesised in 1931 by British chemist Richard Manse, DMT was later found to occur in nature in the plants Anadenanhtera peregrina and Mimosa hostilis (1955 and 1959 respectively) but little attention was paid to this work until the mid 1960's when other researchers began experimenting with the substance. Stephen Szara injected himself intramuscularly with 75mg of DMT hydrochloride and experienced, 'intense visual displays…within five minutes. These reached peak effects within half an hour, diminished and then disappeared within half ah hour, (Stafford [108] p.134). It is recognised that DMT is an effective but very short acting drug with a short dwell time in the human body. Another researcher, Dr Oscar Janiger, who experimented with the drug, described the experience as, 'Terrible, like being inside a pinball machine with lights going of all over the place'. Perhaps predictably, 1960's drug guru Dr Timothy Leary used the drug and was highly enthusiastic and positive about both it and its effects. However, all those who have used it warn that it is not a drug for beginners or the faint hearted. One first time user who smoked DMT described the experience as like 'Parachuting at night into a tribe of frenzied New Guinea natives at the height of an elaborate war dance'.

As has been mentioned previously, while the effects of intramuscular injections DMT are impressive in terms of visual effects, intravenous injections produce effects, which in intensity are similar to those experienced while smoking DMT. While intravenous injections of the chemical appear to induce contact with alien entities, all methods that require injection carry with them a separate risk of infection etc. However, leaving the possible risks aside, it is to these perceptions that we now turn our attention.

Subjective reports from people taking part in controlled experiments using DMT appear to include remarkably similar sounds and imagery which begin with a buzzing sound that grows progressively louder until the subject is 'thrown into hyperspace' and have the powerful impression that they are transcending time and space. Whilst in this state they tend to encounter a variety of beings that possess a vast knowledge of the cosmos and once again in common with alleged abductees, images of strange machines and devices are also common.

While quantum science continues to confound and irritate proponents of conventional physics, nevertheless, its theories come ever closer to discovering a 'theory of everything' and with it, the prediction of an infinite number of universes secreted away in the 11th dimension. This particular branch of quantum physics encompasses 'M-Theory' and posits the existence of membrane, or 'M-brane universes'. These universes are infinitely wide, high and thin and are in effect two-dimensional. How interesting therefore to read from a first-time user, that 'I see an iridescent membrane, taut and gently pulsating, something stretching and pushing toward me, on the other side, straining to emerge, (authors emphasis). A fissure rends, tears, and inside I glimpse the existence of some thing or place consisting of a dense, whirling body of brilliantly multi-coloured life/thought stuff, seeping and beckoning.' It is easy to draw comparisons between the theoretical existence of membrane universes and what was observed subjectively by the volunteer, the temptation to speculate is strong because the similarities are remarkable. The report continues; 'I witness myself as an outline-constructed 2-D [two dimensional] diagrammatic shell of many coherent light points…(authors emphasis). I exit into utter emptiness, [a] space matrix…they peer towards me, eyes bright and watching in small faces, then small hands to pull themselves slowly into view, they are small, white-blond imp kids'. In another report detailing her second DMT experience by the same volunteer we read, 'I found myself once again in the company of the 'elves', (authors emphasis), it is perhaps no co-incidence that DMT is also nicknamed the 'Elf hallucinogen'.

Another volunteer reports, 'not only did I have what I can only call a 'close encounter' I was left with two thoughts. First, were they waiting for me, and they were not friendly. [On the] third attempt [it] seemed like they could not wait for me to experiment. In this event I did not have actual contact, but rather, 'felt' them wanting to get into my consciousness…I was profoundly affected'. Another, more experienced female user of DMT recorded this encounter, 'This time I saw the 'elves' as multidimensional creatures (authors emphasis,) formed by strands of visible language'…'the elves were telling me that I had seen them before, in early childhood.

Memories flooded back of seeing the elves: they looked just like they do now: ever shifting, folding, multidimensional… they are teaching me to speak and read'.

The reports continue in a similar vein…'It was as if there were alien beings there waiting for me', and again, 'the entities approached me from the front, rapidly and repeatedly appearing to enter and pass right through me', (authors emphasis). There is little point in continuing with additional accounts, they are all practically identical in the form and descriptions of the entities encountered, always the sense of an alien presence and the impression of limitless space. Interestingly this impression is born out in the work carried out by the 'Scole Group' in their five-year experiment designed to prove the existence of life after death, (see 'The Scole Experiment' by Grant and Jane Solomon). Several times over the five years the researchers were told by 'spirit entities' that there were an infinity of dimensions and they were inhabited by entities not necessarily friendly towards human beings.

This is a common theme among psychics, especially those who specialise in dealing with the 'lower astral plane' and the entities who dwell there. It is also further evidence that perhaps there have always been those who were talented, gifted or willing enough to travel there and confront what lives there. In effect, what is called 'the astral plane' is in most senses identical .to the M-brane universes predicted by quantum physicists, the only difference is in terminology, belief and a flat refusal to re-define the term. This in itself is not too surprising, irrespective of how open-minded people are and what their beliefs may be, for self-preservation they cling to what is familiar and 'safe'.

Indeed, is the astral plane in fact 'hyperspace', the very hyperspace allegedly encountered by users of DMT? It seems as though DMT releases consciousness (mind), from conventional space/time and projects it into another, separate range of realities. Here, in this 'other place', a mind used to dealing in three-dimensional concepts is confronted with one of four or more but even in the understandable confusion and distortion, there is no reason why this world should not be populated by rational thinking beings who wish to communicate.

The final question here is, if there are alternate realities just beyond physical reach, and if they are inhabited by sentient creatures and if these creatures are a metaphor for ET's and ghosts, then can they be accessed by the use of specific hallucinogenic chemicals? In my opinion yes, I believe so, and the circumstantial evidence is inexorably mounting. It is no surprise that debunkers queue up to decry attempts made to rationalise their position and present 'proof' of the reality of the unimaginative claims. It is always easier to attack a new paradigm with the solid ammunition of entrenched tradition than examine the possibility that it might be correct. However, one word of warning here; once one accepts the theoretical veracity of M-theory and the ability of consciousness enhancing drugs to release the mind from the confines of the skull, then a very dangerous possibility begins to emerge. Unless reality checks are established, then anything and everything becomes possible and nothing can be ruled out. With this outlook established, then no serious, worthwhile research or critical evaluation can be carried out.

In the end we are left with common images and impressions gleaned from millennia of experience whether with or without the use of drugs. The images, with some regional and social variations, are to all intents and purposes the same. If we can accept that they are not due to similar neural hard-wiring or sheer fantasy, is it possible, or even reasonable to suggest that we all inevitably encounter the hyperspace 'otherworld' when our bodies eventually expire? It is also reasonable to posit that consciousness-expanding chemicals might actually prepare us for the ultimate pilgrimage? This harrowing journey is already familiar to shamans who, if the legends are correct, must literally enter the 'spirit' realms beyond death's barrier and return to their physical bodies before they are truly a shaman. Shamanism is a state of being that is both earned and conferred, it is not self awarded.

Finally, the last question must be, are we all in effect extraterrestrial entities inhabiting human shells? Is the spark that drives us and illuminates the path of originality and genius drawn, not from a chance collection of DNA molecules, but from a higher, more deliberate and measured source? If the Enochian explanation of how man learned to use his innate skills is correct, then it is not impossible that the fallen angels/ET's, taught humankind the means of its own ultimate salvation. The puzzle then becomes even more profound; are the images encountered using DMT those of the beings who gave us the technology in the first place and is our ultimate reward and home the realm they inhabit? Most of us we will not discover the truth of this until we finally pass on, but perhaps the clues are already here and accessible in the accounts of those who have already seen what lies ahead.