Humans are experiencing and experimenting with Psychedelics since we were hunter gatherer. Nobody else than Terence McKenna have spoken and written on this topic. He also suggests that Psychedelics eaten by our ancestors might have ignited the cognition in Human beings. An Awareness of who we are, who is exploring the reality and who is watching the experiencing the experience. He also spreads some light on Somā being the most powerful Psychedelic found in a mushrooms in Himalayas and Western Ghats in India. Psychedelics that Shiva is believed to consume in Indian mythology and religions. 

In the modern world Psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin have become popular amongst the trippers. Although used for drug abusive , there are significant amount of people who use Psychedelics for various reasons. Reasons that are meaningful in nature, reasons that are communicated within community of Psychedelics. These reasons are self expression, self discovery and artistic expression. Although intervened we will focus our attention of association of  Psychedelics with artistic expression and creativity; As it the theme nurtured for this blog.

In recent years, growing number of Artists have embraced the Psychedelics experience as a mean of exploring the deeper aspects of the human psyche and producing works of art that reflect this exploration. These Artists are called Psychonauts. A person who intentionally induce a state of high to explore the nature of reality and interconnections of its complexities. Someone who explores the inner workings of the mind through altered states of consciousness, often using psychoactive substances. Someone who uses Psychedelics for artistic expression and self discovery. 

The term Psychonauts was brought into light by Terence McKenna, of which we have spoken about earlier; in 1970s. He strongly believed that Psychedelics have potential to unlock the mysteries of human psyche and lead to the glimpses of self realisation and enlightenment. Many spiritual masters like Ramdas in the west have experimented and advised use of Psychedelics in spiritual journey. Although the topic is too controversial, the magic of altered state of consciousness and it’s effects on the work of artists is undeniable. It offers a window to understand interconnectedness. Many psychonaut artists believe that Psychedelic experience reveals the interconnectedness nature of all things, and this is often reflect4d in their art. Artist would use fractal patterns and imagery to represent the interconnectedness of the universe, while other may create works that explore the interconnectedness of human psyche and the natural world. These artworks are mesmerising and induce meditative state in the person experience this art.

Having said that, Psychedelics helps Psychonauts to look at thing from the sense of self. Like self within is experiencing the self without. He then expresses the awe and sense of wonder. Many Psychonauts believe that the psychedelic experience can reveal a deeper understanding of the universe and our place within it, and this is often reflected in their art. Moreover, this experience may also lead the Psychonauts towards a spiritual path of transcendence. Where the altered state helps to find something more permanent in nature. Something that is constant within. Beyond peace, bliss and joy. An unmoving center that is found when everything complexity of this universe is magnified and amplified. 

Featrued Image Credit : Kokay.m