Having now reached the grand old age of 37 and have lived through the age of ‘Aciiiiiiiiid’ and open field raves I can come clean. Oh, and not to mention 2 trips to Amsterdam and a twenty something holiday in Ibiza. It’s time to ‘fess up.
I’m a complete drug virgin (unless mugwort and wormwood tea count then I’m guilty as charged). I haven’t even tried a cigarette. Never. Not once. Not ever. Never.
It just hasn’t been something I wanted to do. I don’t have a holier than thou attitude because I believe each to their own path and it would probably be a safer route if illegal drugs were not so, well, illegal. Having spent 3 1/2 years living next to a house where drugs were sold I witnessed the dealer occasionally getting temporarily rich, constantly being paranoid and often terrified that the money he owed would come to be collected (I know all this because he’d do his business outside my house). I also watched the kids he sold to become haunted and vacant and deathly thin.
I’ve also, like I mentioned, been to Amsterdam and, although I can only comment as a brief observer, the city works pretty well where drugs are allowed. You can go to the smoking cafes if you like, and if you don’t then that’s fine and dandy too. People come and go, whizzing about on their bicycles and don’t seem to be harmed by the open attitude. The only trouble I saw was drunk Brits shouting, yelling and being obnoxious. Embarrassing.
But still, I’m digressing a bit here. Recently I’ve been reading a lot about Shamanism. It’s cropped up here and there, as has references to taking drugs for spiritual growth and quests. As you can see, my experience in this world is limited to zilch but I’m interested.
These drugs aren’t some man made chemical cocktails but natural plants. Plants that can open up spiritual experiences and sensations. I find it very sad and frustrating that these ‘drugs’ are for the most part illegal with very heavy penalties attached to them. Really, what right does Big Brother have to restrict something which Mother Nature Herself has given?
I am a spiritual seeker and I don’t like having options taken from me. As you can probably tell Reckless is not my middle name – I’m not likely to jump into the world of drugs to escape everyday life (with 3 kids I would have done that a long time ago!). I would, possibly, maybe, like to experience a different sense of reality for spiritual growth. Then again I might not. But I would like to be able to make that choice.
I have no experiences of drugs, just opinions. But I’d love to hear your thoughts, views and experiences if you’d like to share 
Oh for spiritual explorations I would highly recommend psychedelic mushrooms. Of course, i would make sure your first time is with someone you trust, and with someone who could possibly help with guided meditation during the experience. Anyways, psychedelic shamanistic rituals have been some of the most intense & exciting spiritual experiences I have ever had. I have never felt so close to or as a part of nature itself in any other experience. It lliterally opened my mind, body & soul to the whole oneness of the universe. I would not be the same pagan I am today without it. I truly felt the elements, the goddess/god in my soul. It Is kinda cliche but it is such a perfect way to commune with nature itself. Really, life affirming. I have also guided, very close pagan brothers and sisters who all agreed that it changed them & awoke something deeply spiritual that they didnt even know they were capable of. It is truly a natural window to increased sense of spirituality. More later I guess…
Thanks, Dusk, for sharing your experiences. It was acutally reading about the Mesoamerican use of mushrooms that got me researching more. In the UK it's totally illegal to take or possess mushrooms even though there are 6 varieties native to the British Isles. If you are caught with possession it's 7 years in prison and an unlimited fine!
You described a very beautiful experience, not at all the paranoia the media would lead us to believe. Again, thanks
I'm a drug virgin too. Like you I have never smoked. I didn't see what the big deal was. I saw my brothers stoned and wreacking havoc on the family. Also I am allergic to Mugwort. Have you every heard of a witch allergic to mugwort?!
Lol -no never heard of that one! x
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I agree with you. It is the natural drugs that allow you to have a truly spiritual and inner-self experience. The synthetically-created, human-made drugs do nothing but mess with your mind, personality, thoughts, desires…they really damage you: aside from the physical harm they do to your body, they also make your forget to look after yourself, and I also think they're way more addictive than natural alternatives.
Actually, what got me interested in this subject was research on shamanism and their anthropologic roles throughout history. Nearly all cultures of shamanism explore, and utilize psychotropic substances. It is a big part of a lot of the mystique associated with shamanism. To this day you can still arrange an ayahuasca guided experience with some south American shamans. I would love to do that, but don't have that kind of money. Also, it is possible to have a peyote experience from native American tribal shamans. I have done that with a good friend as well. Unfortunately most psychedelic substances are illegal so the only way to procure it would be through less savory means. One can also try growing their own. I would just say don't pass up the experience if your given the chance. It is absolutely rapture inducing. Besides not too long ago witchcraft/paganism itself was illegal. Laws are there to protect the majority. Obviously, psychedelic explorations are not for everyone. Sorry about writing style my only internet is on my phone at the moment. I do love you guy's blog, and wish I would have started responding sooner. Your g ood people. Merry meet & blessed be you & yours.
-Dusk )O(
Well from the point of view of a somewhat "wild" 42 years old that has now come down (a bit), synthetic drugs will always be worse for you, your body and mind. There is nothing wrong with natural substances HOWEVER I would still say as someone already recommended, if you do decide to try, do so with someone you know and trust and also that knows the effects (ie has done it too).
Any drug will affect you, natural or not, and you might be surprised by it. I smoked for 20 years and stopped 7 years ago and haven't looked back, any other drug I have tried is now in the past and my vice of choice is a glass of wine
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Make sure you do it sensibly and you probably won't regret it
Thanks for your comment and honesty, Anton
Although I can't imagine where I could possibly have the time right now to experiment with natural drugs it would be good to have that option. Maybe when the kids have left home (which will be a long time having a 2 year old) I'll have my wild child years 