The Separation of Spirit and Wellbeing?: Core Questions and Practices for Psychedelic Healing

The salient inquiry offered in the call for papers invites reflection on the constellation of psychedelic medicine/medicalization, culture, and spirituality (as differentiated from religion) and relationship among them. At the heart of this constellation is the relationship between healing and spirituality. In this paper, we will explore four forms of psychedelic holding practices: administrators/distributors, sitters, assisted psychotherapists, and curanderos. Each of these four forms require different skills, qualities of presence, spiritual partnerships and pair with different medicines. As we move forward in our collective awareness and capacity, it is not sufficient to lump all consciousness medicines under the single umbrella of “psychedelics” if we are to be clear on our intention for working with them, the setting in which they are administered, and the skill set required by the practitioner for safe and effective use—whether for spiritual growth or healing of suffering.