THE SACRED AND THE SUBSTANCE (RSFT-3300)

This synchronous online course seeks to formulate a history of psychedelia today, including modern history while at the same time attending to some of the inherent harms associated with the movement. We'll explore how traditional communities association with sacred plants has been both respected and exploited by new practitioners, some of them with the best of intent. We'll look at technical practices with sacred plants and explore the role of exotification and Global tourism. We'll look at the division between the religious and the spiritual and the notion of Spiritual bypass. We'll also pay attention to the laws governing substance use, from mandated 12 step meetings to the role of the DEA in regulating what is considered Sacred. Finally, we'll be exploring the new crop of Guide training programs to see what they say about the future of psychedelia in the movement. This course will feature queer, indigenous, and POC perspectives. We will have guest lecturers from some of the prominent voices in this psychedelic community today. Reflection papers, final projects, and/or a final paper will be used for evaluation. This course is intended for all of those with an interest in the topic. Previous experience is not a prerequisite. Course meets synchronously Mondays and Wednesdays, 7/5/21 to 8/5/21, from 10am-1pm PST. [Auditors excluded]