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Albert Einstein on Consciousness

"A human being is a part of the whole, called by us 'Universe', a part limited in time and space.

He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest- a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us,
restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us.


Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."

- Albert Einstein

2C-E

2C-E is a naturally occurring psychedelic chemical belonging to the phenethylamine group. It was discovered by Alexander Shulgin and documented in his book PiHKAL. Because of its short history of human use, this compound has not been researched thoroughly and still remains unscheduled (pseudo-legal) in most countries around the world.

2C-E Powder

When ingested orally or insufflated (snorted), active doses can be as low as 5mg and 1mg respectively. The effects are very similar to those of LSD and psilocybin, however there are certain nuances which differ. The visuals are ridiculously intense and more 'wobbly' than shrooms, yet there are also intricate and colorful geometric patterns with eyes both open and closed.

2C-E is interesting in that it can induce different trips in different environments. In a social party environment, it can take on an almost MDMA-like quality, overjoying the user and creating a strong empathy for other people and reality. In a relaxing, thought-provoking atmosphere it can create spiritual journeys comparable to the immensity of those experienced with  LSD.

Although there are only slight physical side-effects, including twitching of limbs, there have been 4 fatal overdose deaths related to 2C-E. It is rather safe however, as long as the dosage is measured carefully with a milligram scale. Also, it is best to overestimate the effects and start out small, in a comfortable and safe area.

More information can be found here.

"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." - Buddha

Things To Be Learned With Psychedelics

There is profound insight to be gained through the introspection associated with psychedelic experiences. Here is a small arrangement of ideas that inspire thought and understanding:

• Everything is one
• Life is what you make it
• Be true to yourself
• On the grand scale of things, nothing really matters
• The actions of humans are strange
• Knowledge is always power
• Ignorance is not always bliss
• The mind is infinite
• Beauty resides in all aspects of reality
• Cogito Ergo Sum

Use these not as concrete truths, but as jumping-points for mental stimulation and exploration. 

Tycho

Tycho is an ambient electronic music producer and graphic designer based in San Fransisco, California. His intricate and moving sound-scapes strongly resonate and collaborate with open-mindedness during the psychedelic experience.


Give some more of his music a listen!

Look at your skin as not that which separates you from the universe, but as that which connects you to it

DMT

Vial of crystalline DMT

Dimethyltryptamine is an endogenous, yet illegal, psychedelic compound found in almost all plants and even the human body. Famously utilized for thousands of years by the indigenous people of South America, it can either be brewed into a drinkable mixture called ayahuasca or extracted into crystal form and smoked.

It is believed to be produced by the Pineal Gland in the human mind, and may also be released during birth, death, and the REM stages of sleep. The brain is able to process DMT extremely quickly and thoroughly, suggesting the chemical may play a major role in the development of self-awareness.

DMT vaporizes at a very low temperature which is the essential component to smoking it correctly. It can be layered into a bowl of cannabis or melted into a plug of pre-burned steel wool. In either case, one should be careful not to let the flame touch the substance because heat can and will destroy it's potency. Long, slow inhalations of thick vapor must be taken until it is no longer possible to do so. The effects will effortlessly materialize with a strange increasing tone that builds until the user is completely absolved of any earthly realities.

The experience of 'breaking through' on DMT includes an infinite range of sensations, beautiful and even impossible sights. Jaw dropping awe is instilled as the user launches to a higher realm of consciousness in which mere human logic cannot begin to comprehend the influx of knowledge. As the user returns and once again becomes aware of physical reality, all visual stimuli is intensely interesting and a strong sense of refreshment, enlightenment, and appreciation envelopes the mind. An average journey lasts around 15 minutes, with enjoyable after-effects sometimes prevailing for as long as an hour.

Physical side effects include raised blood pressure and extremely serene breathing. Because DMT already exists in the human body, it is extraordinarily safe, perhaps even the most benign drug know to man. This is in sharp contrast with the fact that it is the single most powerful psychedelic compound ever ingested by the human race.

For more info on DMT look here.

Perception is the Origin of Time

Psychedelic Ego Death

Ego death is the realization of unity between the mind and the Universe. It is a very spiritual occurrence that can be achieved through years of meditation or high doses of psychedelic drugs.

The experience derives it's name from the fact that the mind is absolved of the existence of the self, or ego. Individuality no longer exists and only fundamental being, true consciousness, remains. Such epiphanies are often referred to as enlightenment, and those that have reached this spiritual level often structure their lives and philosophies around it.

When a person truly integrates with the Universe at large, perception of other beings is drastically altered in a beneficial way. Because all consciousness is equal, the only differences between individuals are the result of inconsistent stimuli and experience. Once this is understood, morality takes on a whole new meaning. What separates you from any other conscience, may not be very much at all.

"To forget yourself is to see everything else. And to see everything else is to become an understanding molecule in evolution, a conscious tool of the universe.” - Jerry Garcia

Ian Clemmer is a 3D artist based in Los Angeles, California. More of his astounding work can be found here.

Glass Water Pipe Buyers Guide

Glass is the ultimate smoking utensil. When it comes to purchasing a glass water pipe or bong, there are a few very important factors to consider.

High-quality pieces are blown by reputable brands using only borosilicate glass. Avoid the cheap knock-offs on the market because they are made from low-grade chinese glass by less-than-talented workers.

A frosted glass-on-glass joint (where the bowl slides into the downstem) is a necessary component for unsurpassed air-tightness and taste.

Glass thickness plays a critical role in the life expectancy of a bong. The most common thicknesses are 5mm, 7mm, and 9mm, with the thickest obviously being the most durable and long-lasting.

The entire point of utilizing a bong is to filter and cool the smoke before it enters one's lungs. When the smoke must bubble through many tiny holes before reaching the user, the contact area between smoke and water is increased, creating a smoother hit. This is called diffusion. An immense variety of methods are available to achieve this,  including percolators, ash catchers, and diffused downstems.

Finally, a bong should be visually appealing to its owner. Because every glassblower has their own style, each water pipe is a unique piece of art that is meant to be cherished for as long as possible.

Of course there are many other factors at play such as size and shape, not to mention all the other possible variations, but in the end it all comes down to personal preference and making a decision that you will enjoy.

Consciousness Never Ceases to Exist

Nocturnal Wonderland Texas 2012

Nocturnal 2012 was an adventure to say the least. Literally the biggest party in Texas, this event spans two entire days, four stages, and brings in close to ten-thousand people each night. This year's lineup was massive, including Tiesto, Datsik, Borgore, Mt Eden, Nero, Pendulum, Cookie Monsta, 12th Planet, and many more. Being entirely outdoors, with every tree covered in lights, and eccentric ravers creating an immense sense of unity made this an ideal environment to dose psychedelics and become engulfed in the festive wonder that is Nocturnal.

Salvia

Salvia divinorum is a plant containing the psychoactive compound salvinorin A. It is legal in 25 states, and can be bought at smoke-shops or on the internet. Although formally classified as a dissociative, it does have some psychedelic properties.

When the dried leaf, or a higher potency extract, is smoked with a torch lighter and inhaled for 30 seconds, intense effects are achieved. All stimulus being received by the brain is scrambled into absurdity and the awareness of one's own existence dissipates.

The visual aspects of a salvia trip include bogus versions of one's physical surroundings, morphed together at strange angles to a point of complete confusion. All sensory input literally tumbles through perception at a mind-boggling rate, while false gravities physically pull in varying directions. The entire experience lasts less than five minutes, but for many it is so ridiculous they refuse to try it again.

It is very hard to take away any interesting knowledge or ideas from the trip, and in this way salvia is unlike practically all other psychedelics. However, it is not habit-forming and there are no physical side effects, so experimentation with salvia can be quite entertaining as long as safety precautions, such as always having a trip-sitter and not standing up, are taken.

For more info on salvia, look here.

General Tips for Awesome Trips

• Expect nothing
• Be in a safe, comfortable environment
• Be spontaneous but don't be stupid
• Have a music playlist prepared
• Have snacks and drinks on hand
• Don't drive
• Don't talk to authorities
• Respect the drug, your mind, yourself, and the universe
• Have a friend trip with you if you are not ready for a solo experience
• Have a few entertaining things prepared, but don't worry if you aren't constantly doing something
• Converse, draw, write, think, explore nature, and most importantly, enjoy yourself!