Psychedelics, Hallucinogens, & Entheogens
Subject Guide
DISCLAIMER
Many of these articles discuss the physical, psychological, & spiritual healing potential of various substances. While I stand by the value of certain entheogenic substances & practices, do not take this scholarly subject guide as medical or therapeutic advice. Such practices are not to be taken lightly without proper guidance, preparation, & understanding, none of which are provided merely by doing some reading. Additionally, not all practices are safe for all people; what's more, many of these substances could be illegal in the area you live in. I urge you not to run off and do drugs without taking proper precautions for your physical safety, mental health, & that of those around you.
A compilation of interesting research and writing on substances which could be considered psychedelics, hallucinogens, and/or entheogens. These primarily focus on social, psychological, and anthropological perspectives, but there's a little bit of natural history and medical research in here as well.
A lot of mythologizing happens around this topic, so I try to avoid texts which over-value (or demonize) them. I'm less interested in them as salvation or keys to the entire universe, and more interested in them as an aspect of human experience and as a lost medicinal/healing tradition that may be beneficial to revitalize.
- Blainey, Marc G.
"Forbidden Therapies: Santo Daime, Ayahuasca, and the Prohibition of Entheogens in Western Society." Journal of Religion and Health, 54(1), 2015. | JSTOR - Anthropological text on the Brazilian religion of Santo Daime, which centers the ritual use of ayahuasca, and the clash between the law and religion when psychoactive substances are involved.
- Curtis, Russ; Roberts, Lisen; Graves, Elizabeth; Thompson Rainey, Heather; Wynn, David; Krantz, Daphne; & Wieloch, Verena.
"The Role of Psychedelics and Counseling in Mental Health Treatment." Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 42(4), 2020. | ResearchGate - A thorough look at the most up-to-date (as of 2020) research on the use of psychedelics in the context of mental health counseling, as well as other variables which impact efficacy.
- Dannaway, Frederick R.
"Strange Fires, Weird Smokes, and Psychoactive Combustibles: Entheogens and Incense in Ancient Traditions." Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 42(4), 2010. | PDF - Article which explores ancient "incense cults" which produced altered states of consciousness through breathing in certain smokes.
- Fortress of Lugh.
"The Sacred Brew: The Indo-European Cult of Mead." YouTube, 2025. - Fascinating video about the religious significance & uses of mead in ancient Indo-European societies.
- Pollan, Michel. "Desire: Intoxication / Plant: Marijuana." from The Botany of Desire. Random House, 2001. | PDF
- Explores the history of cannabis cultivation by humans, its spread to various parts of the globe, and the possibility that much of its appeal actually lies in its impact on our memory function.
- Richards, William A.
"Entheogens in the Study of Religious Experiences: Current Status." Journal of Religion and Health, 44(4), 2005. | JSTOR - An overview of entheogenic experience and relevant research (as of 2005) and proposals for how to pursue further understanding.
- Rosa, William E.; Hope, Stephanie; & Matzo, Marianne.
"Palliative Nursing and Sacred Medicine: A Holistic Stance on Entheogens, Healing, and Spiritual Care." Journal of Holistic Nursing, 37(1), 2019. | PDF - Exploration of the incorporation of entheogens and other spiritual practices into end-of-life care, in order to promote mental wellness and resilience for terminally ill patients.
