MFP Education Center

A Beginners Guide to Psychonautics, Part 4

“Deep in the human unconscious is a pervasive need for a logical universe that makes sense. But the real universe is always one step beyond logic.” 

― Frank Herbert, Dune

We haven’t talked Psychedelics in a while…

Buckle in as I begin with a quote from none other than Frank Herbert, the visionary mind behind the timeless sci-fi epic, Dune. With Dune II commanding screens across the globe, the allure of expanding consciousness through the mythical “Spice” is enthralling our collective imagination. And let’s not forget the added allure of a star-studded romance and three hours of mind-bending sci-fi spectacle. 

It’s evident that Herbert’s creative genius was profoundly shaped by his encounters with plant medicine, weaving intricate layers of politics and spirituality into his masterpiece. His narrative hints at an unwavering belief in the boundless potential of these substances to guide us toward personal growth and serve the greater good. For many in the psychedelic community, there’s a tantalizing notion that these compounds might just hold the key to awakening our collective consciousness and forging a deeper connection to our spiritual essence.

“The most precious substance in the Universe is the spice melange. The spice extends life. The spice expands consciousness. The spice is vital to space travel.”

Could Mushrooms and Plants allow us to jump through space? I think so!

Less about Spice, more about Dr. Spicy!

Embarking on the journey of exploring consciousness is a boundless dedication to personal growth, collective well-being, and the interconnectedness of all life. Embracing my advocacy for plant medicine, I’ve found that curiosity blossoms with each step of experimentation and learning. How is it that these ancient teachers – fungi, plants – hold such profound wisdom to unify body, mind, and soul? As I conclude my experiences with the Vital Program, I’m resolved to delve deeper into the realm of psychedelics, seeking to uncover the truths we all yearn for.

Since penning the Beginner’s Guide to Psychonautics, my evolution towards my authentic self has morphed into a journey becoming The Fittest Shaman. The deeper I discover my essence, the brighter the hues of happiness and purpose paint my life’s canvas. Some may argue that communing with plant wisdom should be a rite of passage, akin to unlocking a treasure chest of self-discovery. After all, understanding your true self seems to be the prerequisite to unlocking the secrets these plant sages hold. Yet, let’s not forget, when it comes to plants, the conversation isn’t one-sided – they’ve got minds of their own! 

But hold your breath, there’s more to unfold! I’m feeling primed and poised to plunge even further into the psychedelic realm. And an intriguing opportunity has presented itself – a chance to dance with the elusive DMT. So, what’s the buzz about DMT, you ask? Well, Dimethyltryptamine isn’t your run-of-the-mill chemical; it’s the key to unlocking the vaults of our consciousness. Think of it as the magic potion brewed from plants and vines, famously known as Ayahuasca. This sacred elixir, a cornerstone of Amazonian and Shamanic rituals, invites seekers on a mystical journey that’s said to rival the most vivid of dreams, lasting a good 4 to 6 hours. Now, Ayahuasca will have to wait for another day. Today’s tale revolves around a brief yet intense rendezvous with 5-MEO, a potent strain of DMT.

Let’s jump into the world of 5-MEO DMT, shall we? To put it simply (both figuratively and literally), consider an analogy with protein supplements. Picture this: back in the years 2013 to 2015, Marco earned his stripes as the go-to “Mr. Supplement Salesman Shaman” at GNC. Now, when it comes to protein, there’s a type known as “isolate” that you can digest quickly. Unlike the slower-digesting forms like concentrate or casein, isolate hits your system like a bolt of lightning due to its rapid breakdown of protein molecules. Similarly, think of 5-MEO DMT as the quick-acting powerhouse of the psychedelic realm. It doesn’t just hit fast; it hits hard.

Creating an alter space to honor the sacred practice of plant medicine

The Journey Begins 

The Intention

I am often asked  – why would you even do this? A valid question for those without an understanding of psychedelics or those who hold onto the negative stigmas of these substances. My answers are straightforward:

1. Expand Your Mind: Once you open your consciousness and curiosity to plant medicine, there’s no turning back. Your mind and reality will undergo a transformation, for the better, when these medicines are used as intended. Consider Paul in Dune 2. Without giving away too much, his microdosed exposure to spice expanded his mind, allowing him to embody his highest potential.

Microdose Spice=Blue Eye Vibes

2. Soul Searching: The question of why I feel drawn to this work continues to linger in my mind. Intuitively, I sense my purpose and find fulfillment and presence in my life’s work. Yet, I’m compelled to unearth the story that my soul has woven across countless lifetimes, seeking to uncover deeper truths and embody authentic leadership.

3. Connection to Divine Source: It is one thing to trust/pray/meditate to a higher power that guides us through this lifetime. It is another thing to experience this connection and energy. 

4. Neuroplasticity: I am still processing the drastic change in neural behavior from this previous year. Through microdosing, journeys, and opening my mind to trying new things, I have noticed a significant change to how my brain is capable of processing tasks, and creativity.

Most importantly is being with a group of like-minded individuals who understand, and support your process 🙂

Set, Setting, and Process

To be quite honest, I went into this experience with minimal judgment and expectations. I knew I was going to be supported in a safe and professional space by the facilitator, Tyler, who was quite informative about the 5-MEO source during our pre-integration call. The source, called Bufo, is a Toad that excretes a venom containing the chemical. He was upfront about the intense  “Blast Off’ experience that happens through his three stage process of administering the venom. 

• First, to be clear, he does not bring a bag of Toads with him. The venom is stored in a vial that attaches to a vaporizer that I inhaled the substance from.
• Second, I am in a safe, sacred space, with another facilitator, eye mask, and music as most professional facilitated journeys are.
• Third, I processed three vials with three dosages (small, medium, large) to provide a progressive experience. By process I mean I took two deep breaths, then began to slowly inhale the vaporized 5-MEO with guidance from Tyler. Within 5 seconds of inhalation, I immediately began to feel the effects.

The Ceremony Room: Note the three vial spaces on the small table

The Experience

Hit 1: The Nervous System Overload Stage (15-20 Minutes)

Like many of my journeys, this one unfolded through intense physical sensations rather than vivid visuals. The initial dose of 5-MEO surged through me like a wave of energy, igniting tingles and vibrations that reverberated throughout my entire being. To ground myself amidst the intensity, I returned to my breathwork, soothing my nervous system and slowing my racing heart. Amidst this somatic journey, I found myself hyper-aware of lingering sensations from past physical traumas, like an old scar in the center of my stomach. Placing my hand over the spot, I went into contemplation, tracing the memory back to a childhood incident where I received a gnarly cut while playing neighborhood manhunt. The realization struck me profoundly, especially as I confirmed the scar’s existence post-experience. As the initial rush began to subside around the 15-minute mark, I sensed a pivotal choice looming: to surrender and go deeper into the medicine, knowing that something profound awaited.

Hit 2: The Testing the Cliff Stage (15-20 Minutes)

I remember my exact words being “Jesus Christ” as Tyler helped me ease into a lying position after taking the second hit. I found myself in this awkward state, teetering between transcending out of my body and remaining acutely aware of my physical presence. Amidst the unfolding journey, geometric patterns danced before my eyes, while the pounding of my heart threatened to burst from my chest. It felt like standing on the edge of a cliff, testing the limits of my courage. This stage proved challenging as I grappled with the intense sensations, knowing that the third hit loomed ahead. As the visual patterns faded and I returned to my body, I wrestled with controlling my racing heart, reminding myself of the resilience I’d cultivated through intense CrossFit workouts. Just breathe, I told myself, surrender to the medicine, and trust that everything will unfold as it should.

Hit 3: The Blast Off Stage (45 Minutes)

I sensed the magnitude of what lay ahead before taking the hit. This was the experience I’d been waiting for, the one that would reveal what I needed to see. I turned to Tyler, questioning if I could handle it after the intensity of the second hit. His response, “That’s why you’re here!” echoed with both reassurance and challenge. With a deep breath, I surrendered to whatever awaited me, even contemplating the possibility of death. Was I already knowing what was to unfold?

Midway through a 15-second inhalation, I felt myself slipping into a realm I never imagined reaching. As Tyler gently guided me backward, I hummed, vibrated, and let out noises, attempting to process the overwhelming white light enveloping me while my heart raced uncontrollably. The soundtrack felt divine, transporting me to a realm of pure consciousness where my heartbeat faded, physical sensations dissolved, and I became pure nothingness. Contemplating whether I was truly dead felt strangely fitting in this ethereal space. Whether physical or metaphysical, I sensed my soul beginning to detach from its physical form, moving onward into a realm free from stress, burdens, and suffering. 

Part of me embraced the bliss of this transcendence, knowing that the soul continues to thrive past physical form. For moments there was no more fear, no more sadness to the thought of our loved ones moving on. Yet, another part of me began to wrestle with the fear of leaving behind a life filled with purpose and potential. Did I make a mistake? Gradually, I managed to summon the notion of taking a breath, though I couldn’t physically feel it. Then, I dared to speak, asking Tyler if I was alive. His soothing voice reassured me as I reached out for the comforting touch of his hand and the facilitator’s. The sensation of feeling their grasp without feeling my own hand was surreal. 

What felt like hours turned out to be only 20 minutes of this otherworldly experience before slowly returning to my physical form. The realization that I was back, alive, and safe flooded me with indescribable relief and gratitude, bringing tears to my eyes as I clung to Tyler, overwhelmed by the sheer gift of existence. I could continue living, serving, and experiencing the richness of life. Reflecting on this near-death experience, I wished I could have monitored my vital signs. The remainder of my journey was marked by contemplations on the essence of death and the profound impact it holds in our lives. As the final song approached, I dropped to my knees, burying my face in the pillow, and released a final, cathartic cry of gratitude.

Tyler gifted the third vile for reflection.

You may Ask again, Why the heck would you do this?

 #GiftsforGrowth: Surrender to Death

Don’t let the weight of the word “death” deceive you. It’s not just an end; it’s our wisest mentor and a crucial catalyst for the natural evolution of both self and the universe. Embedded within the fabric of existence is the profound cycle of rebirth that death initiates. Death isn’t just about the passing of loved ones; it’s a concept that permeates our psychedelic experiences, urging us to shed old identities and perspectives, paving the way for a more enlightened self-discovery.

While I can’t claim my 5-MEO journey mirrored an afterlife experience, what I can attest to is the overwhelming sense of love and gratitude it brought forth for my life. It reshaped my thinking, leaving an indelible mark on my soul. Now, the challenge lies in integrating this newfound wisdom, embracing death as a guide to unearth all facets of myself. 

I firmly believe that our society’s awakening hinges on our relationship with death. If we reflect on the tumultuous year of 2020, it seems the universe is nudging us toward a collective awakening. Yes, there will be many forms of death along the way, but rather than fear, we should embrace them as harbingers of hope. So, I pose this question to you: How will you forge a relationship with death to uncover its profound wisdom?

*Dune II Spoiler! If you drink you die…if you drink you shall see!