Spiritual growth is a deeply personal and transformative journey. We often draw upon Evelyn Underhill’s (1911) framework of mysticism to help individuals navigate their spiritual paths. Underhill outlines stages that many experience as they seek deeper meaning and connection in their lives. In parallel, there’s a resurgence of interest in the potential role of psychedelics—such as psilocybin and LSD—in facilitating spiritual experiences (Richards, 2015). This essay explores how psychedelics might aid in progressing through Underhill’s stages, supported by contemporary research.
Underhill’s Mystical Framework
Underhill (1911) describes the mystical journey through the following stages:
- Awakening: An initial realization of a reality beyond oneself.
- Purification: Self-examination and shedding of ego-driven behaviors.
- Illumination: Gaining deep insights and experiencing a sense of divine presence.
- Dark Night of the Soul: A period of doubt and spiritual dryness, prompting deeper introspection.
- Unity: The ultimate experience of oneness with the divine or ultimate reality.
These stages offer a roadmap for understanding the profound experiences individuals may encounter on their spiritual journeys.
Psychedelics and Mystical Experiences
Psychedelics have been used for centuries in various cultures for spiritual and healing purposes (Grof, 1980). Modern research is beginning to scientifically validate the potential of these substances to induce mystical experiences similar to those described by Underhill.
Awakening
The awakening stage involves a heightened awareness of a reality beyond ordinary perception. Griffiths et al. (2006) conducted a study where participants who received psilocybin reported profound experiences of interconnectedness and transcendence. These experiences often serve as a catalyst for individuals to explore spirituality more deeply.
Purification
Purification entails introspection and a desire to align one’s actions with newfound insights. Studies have shown that psychedelic experiences can lead to significant behavioral changes, such as overcoming addictions or making healthier lifestyle choices (Carhart-Harris et al., 2018). This mirrors the self-examination and shedding of negative patterns described by Underhill.
Illumination
During illumination, individuals report deep understanding and a sense of unity with the divine. Barrett and Griffiths (2017) found that participants who had mystical experiences under the influence of psychedelics often sustained positive changes in mood, behavior, and attitudes toward life. These insights can be both transformative and enduring.
Dark Night of the Soul
A worthwhile journey is not without challenges. The “dark night” involves confronting difficult emotions and existential questions. Johnson et al. (2008) note that challenging psychedelic experiences can lead to significant personal growth when properly integrated. Support and guidance are crucial during this stage to help individuals navigate and make sense of these intense experiences.
Unity
The culmination of Underhill’s framework is unity—a profound sense of oneness with the universe or the divine. High-dose psychedelic experiences have been reported to produce feelings of ego dissolution and universal connectedness (MacLean et al., 2011). Such experiences can fundamentally alter one’s perception of self and reality.
Research Supporting the Connection
Recent studies support the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in facilitating spiritual experiences:
- Long-Term Positive Effects: Griffiths et al. (2008) found that mystical experiences induced by psilocybin led to sustained increases in well-being and life satisfaction.
- Therapeutic Applications: Psychedelic-assisted therapy has shown promise in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, and addiction by facilitating profound personal insights (Ross et al., 2016; Johnson et al., 2014).
- Personality Changes: MacLean et al. (2011) observed increases in the personality domain of openness after psilocybin sessions, indicating lasting psychological change.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
While the potential benefits are compelling, several important considerations must be addressed:
- Legal Status: Psychedelics are classified as controlled substances in many countries, and unauthorized use is illegal.
- Safety: These substances can elicit intense psychological experiences and should only be used in controlled settings under professional supervision to ensure safety and provide support.
- Integration: The lasting value of psychedelic experiences often depends on proper integration. Professional guidance can help individuals process these experiences and incorporate insights into their daily lives (Richards, 2015).
Conclusion
The exploration of psychedelics within the context of spiritual development is a fascinating and evolving field. At Keith Norris Counselling, we believe in the importance of safe, legal, and ethical approaches to spiritual growth. Psychedelics may offer profound opportunities for individuals to experience stages of Underhill’s mystical framework. However, it’s crucial to approach this potential with caution, respect, and professional guidance. Ongoing research and open dialogue are essential as we continue to understand the role these substances may play in facilitating spiritual journeys.
References
Barrett, F. S., & Griffiths, R. R. (2017). Classic hallucinogens and mystical experiences: Phenomenology and neural correlates. In A. L. Halberstadt, F. X. Vollenweider, & D. E. Nichols (Eds.), Behavioral neurobiology of psychedelic drugs (pp. 393–430). Springer.
Carhart-Harris, R. L., et al. (2018). Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: Six-month follow-up. Psychopharmacology, 235(2), 399–408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-017-4771-x
Griffiths, R. R., Richards, W. A., McCann, U., & Jesse, R. (2006). Psilocybin can occasion mystical-type experiences having substantial and sustained personal meaning and spiritual significance. Psychopharmacology, 187(3), 268–283. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-006-0457-5
Griffiths, R. R., et al. (2008). Mystical-type experiences occasioned by psilocybin mediate the attribution of personal meaning and spiritual significance 14 months later. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 22(6), 621–632. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881108094300
Grof, S. (1980). Beyond the brain: Birth, death, and transcendence in psychotherapy. State University of New York Press.
Johnson, M. W., Richards, W. A., & Griffiths, R. R. (2008). Human hallucinogen research: Guidelines for safety. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 22(6), 603–620. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881108093587
Johnson, M. W., Garcia-Romeu, A., Cosimano, M. P., & Griffiths, R. R. (2014). Pilot study of the 5-HT2AR agonist psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 28(11), 983–992. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881114548296
MacLean, K. A., Johnson, M. W., & Griffiths, R. R. (2011). Mystical experiences occasioned by the hallucinogen psilocybin lead to increases in the personality domain of openness. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 25(11), 1453–1461. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881111420188
Richards, W. A. (2015). Sacred knowledge: Psychedelics and religious experiences. Columbia University Press.
Ross, S., et al. (2016). Rapid and sustained symptom reduction following psilocybin treatment for anxiety and depression in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1165–1180. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881116675512
Underhill, E. (1911). Mysticism: A study in the nature and development of spiritual consciousness. E. P. Dutton & Co.
Disclaimer
This essay is for informational purposes only. Psychedelics are controlled substances in many jurisdictions, and their use carries legal and health risks. At Keith Norris Counselling, we emphasize the importance of adhering to local laws and regulations. Any consideration of their use should involve consultation with qualified professionals. The potential therapeutic and spiritual benefits discussed are based on controlled scientific studies and may not generalize to unsupervised settings.