Julian Palmer - Articulations: On the Utilisation and Meanings of Psychedelics

Chapter Two : The Meaning of
DMT in the Trees

Chapter Seven : The Crisis
and the Construct

Appendix II

Preface

Articulations is a written effort to address the heart of the meaning of psychedelic states, how we can practically interpret these states, and ultimately how we can effectively and intelligently utilise the plants and compounds.

Science, being the essential religion of the times, is not an authoritative reference point for this work, as there is relatively little that modern-day science can communicate, or has communicated, regarding the typically quite subjectively complex world of interior psychedelic states. That being said, I do hope that much of what I have communicated here can be an inspiration for scientists and researchers of all kinds, to allow further understanding of these states of consciousness.

In this work, I have communicated my observations, understandings and what many would consider to be theories. I believe this way of apprehension can be useful for decoding the most basic elements of the psychedelic state and allow an acute focus on the various cultural issues associated with psychedelics. Personally, I have no doubt that these understandings accurately reflect the actualities of peoples experiences of these states. While I understand that many will see these understandings and views as quite far out, I think that if we are to advance our primary understandings, our foundational premises must evolve and transform as well to reflect the actualities of what each of us can experience. Much of what is written here is of a philosophic bent and is meant to be, true enough! as Terence McKenna would say. In that light, I have attempted to formally, colourfully, and contextually cover the many aspects of what I think should be addressed, so that the layperson or experienced psychedelic explorer can more easily understand and decipher what actually occurs for them in the psychedelic state.

I do believe the present Western models of understanding and most of the maps available, even those of eastern mysticism, quantum physics, or any form of shamanism, do not provide enough scope to truly understand the psychedelic phenomenon on its own terms. So this book is not a map, but perhaps more of a travel guide, into which a great deal of practical research has been carried out.

I also feel I that within this book I am communicating on behalf of the thousands of people I have spoken with, and many of the words here could easily be theirs as much as mine. For those new to this area, if they desire to have such experiences themselves, there are some guidelines or ideas about how to safely and consciously commence this exploration.

It has been commonly said in the past that knowledge is power, yet in this age of Google, information ceases to represent a real power, when so much information is at most people's fingertips. Yet, the ability to be inspired and act and do something with information is where a more essential power lies. Many read and type but few act, especially when it comes to psychedelics, highlighting the often extreme fear and reticence many have toward these states. This book is not a clarion call to take psychedelics, but a sounding board for those who already engage with psychedelics or for those who may want to take their first steps.

This book arose out of 15 years of deep immersion into the world of psychedelics. There are very few people in this world that I have met, if any, who have had the extensive experience I have had with ayahuasca, the many DMT-containing plants, and also synthetic compounds like the phenethylamines, ketamine, 5-MeO-DMT, as well as other power plants such as iboga, to be able to make assessments about these materials, how they work, and how we can use them. Over thousands of hours of flight time, I came to understand not just these compounds, but also some unique understandings of the nature of human life itself. My own investigations were ambitious and I sought not answers, but results! I was enmeshed in revealing meaning, involved in processes of healing and collective transformation. I suppose I undertook a kind of education, but also went through many trials and ordeals, in both the inner and outer world. This work emerges from many years of being subjected to forces and pressures that have stimulated and shaped me.

This book does not aim to share very much technical knowledge about psychoactive chemicals and plants. These days such information can easily be found on the internet or in many other books. What I stress in this work is a primary issue: that the use of plants and perhaps chemicals for the sake of self understanding, personal growth, and both emotional and mental awareness can assist individuals to realise how to cause less pain to themselves and other human beings, and optimise their ability to create true and lasting fulfilment in themselves and others.

I believe that these plants and substances can be extremely beneficial and useful, but may also present many potential pitfalls and troubles. With broadminded knowledge and understanding of how these psychedelics work, we can utilise these tools with a constructive mindset. Thus this book was born.

Chapter One : The Revelation of DMT

First Steps

The first time I tried to have a breakthrough experience by smoking crystal DMT (N,N-Dimethyltryptamine), I wasnt able to inhale enough of the harsh smoke and had a gentle kind of experience in which some colourful beings communicated to me, You really dont need this. Live your life, as it is what you truly have. We have ALL THIS. But, what is most important is your life and how you live it!

When I had refined my smoking technique and was finally able to truly break through, I went out of my body into a phantasmagorical world, where I was shown marvelous forms of being and felt completely safe and loved. I was exhilarated by the experience and had many more breakthrough experiences over the next few months, going even deeper into the indescribable.

In those days, the DMT smoke from the waxy, red Acacia obtusifolia crystal was like nectar to me. I could easily smoke over a point, or 100mg, quite a strong dose, in one big lung hit through a glass crack pipe. But it wasnt always easy. Before smoking the DMT, I would often pace around and fret for up to two hours and typically listen to a CD of electronic chill music called Goa Transcendental on repeat. Now, I have no fear or even anxiety regarding smoking DMT as I have spent a long time working through it, eventually to realise there is simply no purpose to such anxiety.

Even over 15 years later, I still have flashes of what I experienced in those days. Those adventures changed my life. I knew for sure that something else existed apart from the physical realm, because I had experienced it. That something else completely revealed its nature not that I could ever totally understand it. However I knew first-hand what was beyond the physical realm was extraordinarily intelligent and sophisticated. These experiences infused my being with a sense of trust and some sort of understanding of the continuum of life.