The Human Condition

You can see less that 1% of the electromagnetic spectrum and hear less than 1% of the acoustic spectrum. Actually, because both are technically infinite, you can see and hear exactly 0%. As you read this, you are traveling at 220 kilometers per second across the galaxy. 90% of the cells in your body carry their own microbial DNA and are not “you”. The atoms in your body are 99.9999999999999999% empty space and none of them are the ones you were born with, but they all originated in the belly of a star.

Photons

Since time slows relative to the speed of light, photons have no ticking time at all. This means, as far as they are concerned, photons are absorbed the instant they are emitted, even if the distance traveled is across the universe itself.

Fractal Recursions

Jock Cooper is a 3D Fractal artist who creates some amazing trippy work. Check out more of his stuff here!

Interactive Psychedelic Visuals

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Check out some more awesome flash visuals by DarkPsychedelic here!

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!

Electric Sheep

The amazingly trippy and complex fractal screensaver Electric Sheep constantly changes and can be viewed for days on end without repetition. Download it from here.

Kevin Smith's Clerks

Clerks is a low-budget independent film released in 1994. It's the first film directed by Kevin Smith, who appears in the movie himself as Silent Bob. With hilarious conversations, everyday musings of minimum wage employees, and general shenanigans, it takes you on a ride that you won't soon forget. Now a cult classic, Clerks embraces the beauty in the detail of day to day life.

Regarding Legality

“Psychedelics are illegal not because a loving government is concerned that you may jump out of a third story window. Psychedelics are illegal because they dissolve opinion structures and culturally laid down models of behaviour and information processing. They open you up to the possibility that everything you know is wrong.”
- Terence McKenna

You Are the Universe Experiencing Itself

The universe is infinitely expanding. Already it includes black holes, galaxies, stars, planets, and even life. Without life, nothing would have the ability to perceive, or in other words, nothing would exist to acknowledge the existence of the universe. There would be no reality.  What if perception and sentience are simply the next frontier of universal expansion. The accumulation of knowledge, thought, and experience becomes part of existence... infinitely expanding.

KravinGlass Pipes

Simply amazing work. Visit kravinglass.com.

Deadmau5

Joel Zimmerman is a big producer on the EDM scene. Although he is known for headlining raves with his upbeat electro-house and trance, he has created a few masterpieces ideal for the ears of the psychedelic explorer.





To listen to more of his music, look here.

Everything Is Only Temporary

LSD

Lysergic acid diethylamide, or acid, is a psychedelic drug discovered by Albert Hofmann in 1938. It was initially marketed as Delysid, a drug intended to treat psychiatric patients. But, as the counter culture discovered the experience, support for recreational use increased. The US government saw open-minded and free-thinking individuals as a threat to the stability of society and therefore made LSD highly illegal to possess in 1970.

Blotter Paper

Before William Pickard was busted by the DEA, he was producing multiple kilograms of pure crystalline LSD per week, and there was an abundance of it on the market. Nowadays a large percentage of supposed "acid" is simply a DOx research chemical sprayed on blotter paper, but the real thing IS still out there.

Acid's immense potency is astounding: only a few hundred micro-grams need be ingested to produce intense effects. LSD affects the way the receptors in your brain process thought, sensation, and emotion, often leading to a blend of the senses and the imagination. There are nearly no physical side effects, however chronic users have reported "flashbacks" even years after the original dose. There is little to no evidence to support claims that acid actually stays in the human body more than a few hours after ingestion.

The effects include euphoria, a feeling of universal-togetherness, intense streams of thought, and visual hallucinations including infinitely complex pulsing textures and melting colors.  An LSD trip is like being reborn, allowing you to gain new perspectives on existence and consciousness.

For more information look here.

Do Not Worship the Idea of Understanding the Universe

Kite 22 is a Houston, Texas based artist. Check out more of his work here.

Richard Linklater's Slacker

Slacker is an independent film shot in and around Austin, Texas in 1991. Richard Linklater's first work, it is a must-see for all psychedelic explorers. Many contemporary film-makers accredit this movie as their inspiration.

By employing unique cinematography, Slacker follows various deviant characters through seemingly normal situations in their everyday lives. However, when close attention is paid, awe-inspiring detail reveals lessons about human nature, consciousness, and life itself.

Watch it here.

In Celebration

Cannabis is a plant native to Central Asia that has been utilized for its psychoactive effects for nearly 3000 years. It has been illegal for less than 1% of human history. 

For more information regarding the laws against cannabis, visit NORML.org.

RIP Nujabes

Nujabes was a Japanese artist & producer who tragically passed away in a car accident early 2010. Fortunately, his beautiful music continues to touch lives.



To enjoy more of his work, explore his SoundCloud.

Mushrooms

Fungus containing psilocybin is a great starting point for those brave enough to explore their own mind. "Magic Mushrooms," as they are commonly referred to, are all natural and quite common throughout the United States and other parts of the world.

Copelandia cyanescens

Mushrooms are extraordinarily safe as long as the correct species is consumed. The only physical side effects include nausea and dilated pupils. No one has ever died from taking psilocybin mushrooms, however those predisposed to mental illness may have a negative reaction.

When it comes to obtaining them, there are three choices:

• Purchase them from a trusted source
• If they grow naturally in your area, pick them  ( for help with locating fields and identification, look here )
• Grow them yourself  ( this video series is very helpful )

The experience itself is almost indescribable. Imagine yourself free of all bias, ego, and worry. Any visible pattern will stimulate your brain to create complex and fluid geometrical fractals. A mushroom trip allows everything to be beautifully new and easy to understand. Many say the first psychedelic journey is life changing.

More info can be found here

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” - Teilhard de Chardin