The Secret Chief Revealed

The books, websites and publications on the following pages are recommended for more information about psychedelic therapy and related topics. This list serves as an introduction and is by no means all-inclusive.

Like the Secret Chief, many therapists in the United States have surreptitiously employed psychedelic substances in spite of their illegality. Once they discovered the efficacy of such substances, they could not in good conscience withhold such effective means of treatment from their clients despite the risk of incarceration . One of the unfortunate consequences of this situation is that experiences and results cannot be publicly shared, which deprives current practitioners of a great deal of valuable information.

Nevertheless, there are many publications which present promising work with psychedelics, including dramatic help for tough cases that had been impervious to conventional forms of treatment. The World Wide Web Psychedelic Bibliography, available at www.maps.org/wwwpb, compiles a number of other bibliographies of psychedelic research and includes thousands of references, some with full text PDFs. These include the MAPS MDMA Literature Review Project (which includes full text PDFs of most papers), the Hofmann Collection (with over 4,000 psychedelic research papers from the late 1940s to the early 1970s, most with PDFs), and a number of other bibliographies. Other compilations are cited at the end of this section.

A major problem is to know how to evaluate the various references. Much of the current public misunderstanding is the result of the position of mainstream professionals and government agencies who have concentrated on emphasizing only the negative aspects of psychedelic use, screening out any data that would imply usefulness. Dr. Roger Walsh ² comments on the selective bias of public information:

Barriers to research and publication appear to have resulted in a bias toward selective dissemination of predominantly negative information about the effects of psychedelics...

There have probably been few areas in psychology that have been subject to as much misinformation and sensationalistic reporting by the media as psychedelic experiences. While preliminary clinical research suggested that they might have considerable research and clinical potential, the popular press preoccupied itself almost entirely with sensationalistic accounts of dangers. This media treatment soon resulted in the cessation of almost all research and a bias at many levels of society toward the dissemination of only negative reports...

...What seemed to be widely unrecognized was that large numbers of people appeared to have derived, at least from their o w n point of view, significant benefits from psychedelics, a situation markedly at variance with media accounts of their devastating effects.

In this same paper, Walsh describes submitting a paper to a reputable professional journal that included evidence suggesting that in some cases, people might find psychedelics beneficial. Surprisingly, the editor responded that the paper could be accepted only if any reference to positive effects of psychedelics was removed. Since this was a fairly open-minded editor, Walsh wonders at the chance of publication of positive statements in other places.

To clarify the various positions held, it may be helpful to refer to recent writing which sheds light on the conflicting perceptions of those who claim to be experts. The problem is that mainstream science holds a very limited view of the nature of the human being. Clarification of this situation is now being presented in the relatively new field of Transpersonal Psychology, which recognizes those aspects of human experience in which the sense of identity of self extends beyond the individual or personal to encompass wider aspects of humankind -- life, psyche, and cosmos -- validating the spiritual foundation of life. An overview of many of the aspects of transpersonal psychology is presented in the book Paths Beyond Ego: The Transpersonal Vision,³ a compilation of articles by over thirty contributors knowledgeable in this field.

An extraordinarily comprehensive overview of all aspects of human development is presented by Ken Wilber in Sex, Ecology, Spirituality: The Spirit of Evolution ⁴ and in more readable form in A Brief History of Everything ⁵. To again quote Walsh, a leading authority in the field of Transpersonal Psychology: ⁶

The aim of these two books is to trace evolution -- physical, biological, and human -- and to set it within the context of the perennial philosophy: the common core of wisdom at the heart of the great religious traditions. Human evolution -- of brain and mind, society and culture -- is traced from early hominids to today and related to phenomena such as the evolution of gender relationships , human relationship to the earth, technology, philosophy, religion, and more.

The scope of the work is extraordinary. Only a handful of thinkers, such as Aurobindo in the East and Hegel in the West, have assembled such evolutionary visions. Yet Wilber's view is unique in not only providing a far reaching vision but also grounding that vision in contemporary research in fields such as cosmology, biology, anthropology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, and ecology.

The crux of the most serious disagreements among psychedelic investigators is the value placed on objective experience versus subjective experience. Mainstream science, through the dictum "if it can't be measured, it's not science," by and large ignores subjective or interior experience in favor of the objective outside world. This leaves them living in, according to Wilber⁵, a "monological" world, or "flatland." In such a world, much of that which is of great value to humans is nonexistent, such as the very essence of consciousness and the nature of the human mind. It is precisely these latter elements that are so effectively revealed through appropriate use of psychedelics. It is worth reading A Brief History of Everything ⁵ to observe how all aspects of humanity and life can be put into perspective, a perspective developed by a brilliant mind that has carefully examined the data from many areas of scientific research, as well as the world's spiritual disciplines.

With a chemical such as LSD, which opens up access to vast dimensions of the human mind, it should be clear that those w h o have not taken the chemical or who have not reached transpersonal levels of experience are in a poor position to evaluate the potential of psychedelics and their numerous applications. Consequently, while a great number of investigations were conducted over the years, the outcomes vary considerably depending on the experience and qualities of the investigator. Some investigators conducted research to specifically debunk claims made for the use of LSD. Since set and setting have been found to be eminently definitive factors in the outcome of psychedelic experiences, the experiences of subjects are highly colored by the attitude and belief system of the investigator, particularly with naive subjects. It is therefore important in evaluating published papers to be aware of the qualifications and position of the investigator. The difference in outcome with unskilled supervision can be like using a large amphibious airplane to get from place to place by taxiing around in the water without realizing that it can take off and fly.

The diversity of viewpoints revealed by examining the literature can be appreciated by pondering the label attached to psychedelics by some members of the medical profession, "psychotomimetic" (psychosis mimicking). Another term widely adopted by the medical profession is the term "hallucinogens," which is often used in a deprecatory manner. Those who originated the term psychotomimetic most likely were unable to distinguish between the disorienting and illuminating aspects of the psychedelic experience, or had no personal experience with LSD, or else had uncomfortable personal experiences. It is now well recognized by seasoned psychedelic practitioners that a major requirement for a rewarding experience is honesty, whereby one willingly and fruitfully confronts and resolves any uncomfortable feelings being experienced. Through such confrontation, much valuable learning takes place. The extensive work of Jacob and others in the field indicates that one of the major causes of discomfort while taking psychedelics is the subject's attempt to maintain an image of him/herself that is not in harmony with one's authentic self. The greater the investment in the created image -- and consequently, the greater the reluctance to change -- the greater the discomfort. The disparity can be so great and so painful that the subject employs psychotic episodes to escape the discomfort. This is part of the reason that some members of the medical profession have chosen the term "psychotomimetic" to describe the action of drugs like LSD.

I have concluded that a more accurate term is "psychosis releasing," as the action of a psychedelic often focuses on those areas in the unconscious that most demand resolution. The willingness to surrender to the experience and allow such resolution to proceed often results in the most valuable kind of learning about one's repressed feelings, hidden values, compulsions and aspirations, and inappropriate behavior. In addition, as repressed psychic material is discharged, the inner core of our transpersonal nature can manifest. This can lead to profound and ecstatic realization of the true nature of ourself and the cosmos.

It is interesting that it is the group that prefers the psychotomimetic label for psychedelics whose professional opinion has been accepted by many media and government officials. This outcome may perhaps be accounted for because many mainstream scientists are very unsettled by the fact that among the most outstanding experiences of psychedelics is the discovery of the presence of Divinity and the sacredness of life. In the current Western world, our scientists are the most respected source of truth, even though polls show that over 90% of the American population believes in God.

For some reason, which I am sure has complex roots, many mainstream psychiatrists and government officials prefer to discount the opinions of those who are truly qualified. Their position may have been greatly influenced by the proselytizing of the Tim Learys of the world, and the unacceptable antics of many young people abusing psychedelic substances. There may also be an aversion to persons truly enjoying themselves, which seems to be frowned upon by many puritanical Americans. But this does not excuse them from objectively examining and appraising all the data, nor from recognizing the appropriate credentials of those qualified to evaluate the use of psychedelics. A well balanced summary of psychedelic therapy research is contained in Grinspoon and Bakalar's book Psychedelic Drugs Reconsidered⁷ in the chapter on Therapeutic Uses. Their conclusions at the end of the chapter, including their suggestions for further study, are well worth noting.

1. Passie, Torsten. 1997. Psycholytic and Psychedelic Therapy Research 1931 - 1995 : A Complete International Bibliography. Hannover: Laurentius Publishers.
2. Walsh, Roger. 1982. "Psychedelics and Psychological Well-being." Journal of Humanistic Psychology. Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 2232.
3. Walsh, Roger, and Vaughan, Frances, eds. 1993. Paths Beyond Ego: The Transpersonal Vision. Los Angeles: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Perigee Books.
4. Wilber, Ken. 1995. Sex, Ecology, Spirituality: The Spirit of Evolution. Boston: Shambhala.
5. Wilber, Ken. 1996. A Brief History of Everything. Boston: Shambhala.
6. Walsh, Roger. 1996. "Developmental and Evolutionary Synthesis in the Recent Writings of Ken Wilber." Revision. Vol. 18, No. 4, p. 9.
7. Grinspoon, Lester, and Bakalar, James B. 1979. Psychedelic Drugs Reconsidered. New York: Basic Books, Inc.

50 Years of LSD: State of the Art and Perspectives on Hallucinogens. A. Pletsher (Ed.). Parthenon Publishing; 1994. A series of papers on the historical, pharmacological, psychopathological , transcultural and clinical aspects of LSD, presented at a conference sponsored by the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences on the 50th anniversary of the discovery of LSD.

Dark Night, Early Dawn: Steps to a Deep Ecology of Mind. Christopher M. Bache. State University of New York Press; 2000. "With moving honesty and rare lack of inflation, Bache has brought forth a conception of the human psyche that intimately reconnects the personal ordeals and awakenings of the individual to the larger collective suffering and spiritual transformation of the entire human species, at the most crucial of historical thresholds. This is a book to read soon and to integrate carefully." -- Richard Tarnas, author of The Passion of the Western Mind: Understanding the Ideas that have Shaped our World View.

The Discovery of Love: A Psychedelic Experience with LSD-25. Malden Grange Bishop. Dodd, Mead & Company; 1963. This book is a detailed and fascinating account of a person's initial encounter with LSD. It also reveals the incredible power of a well planned and well executed psychedelic journey. Beginning in 1961, and stretching over the next three years, the International Foundation for Advanced Study in Menlo Park, California, conducted research with LSD and mescaline, processing some 350 participants. As a historical record, Bishop's book provides an important firsthand account of these experiments from a participant's point of view. To follow a conservative, 54-year-old businessman's transformation into a person who values love above all else in life is a profound testimony to the power of this sacred medicine we call LSD.

The Doors of Perception / Heaven and Hell. Aldous Huxley. Harper Collins; 1954 / 1956. A demonstration of what a refined, prepared mind can do with the opportunity afforded by a psychedelic in observing nature, art, colors, and forms in their full glory, with a profound appreciation of the transpersonal and numinous aspects of life. These books more than any other in their time period encouraged many to investigate the psychedelic experience.

Drawing it Out: Befriending the Unconscious. Sherana Harriette Frances. Introduction by Stanislav Grof, M.D. Prologue and Afterword by Tanya Wilkinson, Ph.D. MAPS; 2001. "I do not know of any single document illustrating the extraordinary healing and transformative potential of psychedelics in a way that matches in its importance this book by Harriette Frances and the unique illustrations that accompany it. Her ability to find artistic expression for the images and depth of her psyche is truly extraordinary!" -- Stanislav Grof, M.D., author of LSD Psychotherapy.

Drugs, Set and Setting: The Basis for Controlled Intoxicant Use. Norman Zinberg. Yale University Press; 1984. A pioneering book that illuminated the factors that permit some people to use illegal drugs, including psychedelics, in a controlled fashion.

Ecstasy: The Complete Guide. A Comprehensive look at the Risks and Benefits of MDMA. Julie Holland, M.D. (Ed.). With c o n t r i b u t i o n s from Andrew Weil, Ralph Metzner, Rick Doblin, Douglas Rushkoff, Sasha and Ann Shulgin, Rabbi Zalman Schachter, and others. Park Street Press; 2001. "MDMA is a unique compound with great potential for positive use. This is the most complete book about it, with much information to help people realize that potential as well as reduce any possible harm." -- Andrew Weil, M.D., author of 8 Weeks to Optimum Health and Spontaneous Healing.

Ecstasy: The MDMA Story. Bruce Eisner. Ronin Publishing; 1994 (second edition). A widely read summary of the history, usage and effects of MDMA.

Entheogens and the Future of Religion. Robert Forte (Ed.). Council on Spiritual Practices; 1997. "Entheogen" is the currently designated name for a psychedelic used for spiritual realization. According to Jonathan Ott, the word is derived from Greek and means "realizing the divine within." Dr. Huston Smith says, "collectively, these essays constitute the best single inquiry into the religious significance of chemically occasioned mystical experiences that has yet appeared."

Exploring Inner Space: Personal Experiences Under LSD-25. Jane Dunlap . Victor Gollancz Ltd.; 1961. Written by a well known scientific authority whose books were so popular the publisher refused to let her use her correct name. Jane Dunlop describes in detail five outstanding experiences under the influence of LSD. More beautifully written and profound descriptions of remarkable LSD experiences probably don't exist.

Gateway to Inner Space: Sacred Plants, Mysticism and Psychotherapy. Christian Rätsch (Ed.). Prism/Avery Publishing; 1989. A collection of essays by many leading researchers in the field of altered states of consciousness. Issues addressed include the medical use of psychedelics, "molecular mysticism," death and rebirth themes in shamanism, comparisons between meditative and psychedelic experiences, and states of tryptamine consciousness.

Hallucinogens: A Reader. Charles S. Grob (Ed.). Penguin Putnam, Inc.; 2002. A collection of essays by and interview with: L a w r e n c e Bush, Gary Fisher, Albert Hofmann, Terence M c K e n n a , Ralph Metzner, Jeremy Narby, Thomas Riedlinger, Glenn Shepard, Huston Smith, Myron Stolaroff, Rick Strassman, Donald Topping, Roger Walsh, and Andrew Weil. A great deal of the misunderstanding regarding the nature of psychedelic substances arises from the fact that the majority of scientists and researchers who have examined these substances in the past have not understood the essential spiritual nature of mankind. This collection of authors are thoroughly familiar with the true potential of psychedelic substances due to their direct personal experiences with them. This is the only way these substances can be properly understood and appreciated. Dr. Grob has assembled a well-informed collection of writings on the nature of psychedelics.

Handbook for the Therapeutic use of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide-25, Individual and Group Therapy. D.B. Blewett, Ph.D. and N. Chwelos, M.D. 1959. Despite being prepared in the late 1950s, this handbook contains some of the most informed and valuable data available concerning the effective methods of conducting LSD therapy. Available on the www.maps.org website.

The Healing Journey: New Approaches to Consciousness. Claudio Naranjo. Pantheon Books. Random House; 1973. Incisive case reports about the therapeutic use of MMDA, MDA, ibogaine and harmaline. A classic in the field of psychedelic psychotherapy.

Higher Wisdom. Charles S. Grob and Roger Walsh (Eds.). SUNY Press; 2004 (in press). Eminent thinkers reflect on the continuing impact of psychedelics. Contains interviews with Betty Eisner, Ram Dass, James Fadiman, Gary Fisher, Pet e r T. Furst, Stanislav Grof, Micheal Harner, Albert Hofmann, Laura Huxley, Zalman Schachter, Alexander T. Shulgin, Ann Shulgin, Huston Smith, and Myron Stolaroff.

The Human Encounter with Death. Stanislav Grof, M.D. and Joan Halifax, Ph.D. E.P. Dutton; 1977. A remarkable portrait of the experiment in which patients dying of cancer at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center in Baltimore, Maryland were treated with psychedelic therapy.

The Ibogaine Story: Report on the Staten Island Project. Paul de Rienzo, Dana Beal & Members of the Project. Autonomedia; 1997. An account of the discovery and development of ibogaine as treatment for drug addiction, with a special focus on the political aspects of ibogaine research.

In Search of the Ultimate High: Spiritual Experiences through Psychoactives. Nicholas Saunders, Anja Saunders, and Michelle Pauli. Rider (an imprint of Ebury Press, Random House); 2000. An analysis of the cross-cultural and spiritual implications of altered consciousness produced by psychedelics. Featuring a fascinating collection of the accounts a n d insights that hundreds of truth seekers around the world have obtained from their thoughtful and reflective use of psychoactives. An excellent book for people who want to know more about the spiritual uses of psychedelics in contemporary society.

Insight Outlook. Albert Hofmann. Humanics New Age; 1989. A personal review of Dr. Hofmann's world view. He describes the early childhood mystical experiences that established his basic understanding. It was his desire to more c o m p l e t e l y understand the mystery of matter and the miracle of the plant world that led him to chemistry. He chose to work at Sandoz because their chemical explorations involved plant materials, thus leading him more directly to the understanding of nature. The book sets forth the major tenets of his philosophy, which was reinforced by the openings provided by appropriate use of LSD.

Ketamine: Dreams and Realities. Karl Jansen, M.D., Ph.D. MAPS; 2001. "Indispensable reading for those with any interest in ketamine. Entertaining, thought-provoking, and thorough." -- Rick Strassman, M.D., author of DMT: The Spirit Molecule. LSD, My Problem Child: Reflections on Sacred Drugs, Mysticism, and Science. Albert Hofmann. J.P. Tarcher, Inc.; 1983. This book traces how LSD originated, the discovery of its psychic effects, its applications to therapy, and the crushing developments that ensued from the widespread use of LSD as an inebriant. The book describes a number of valuable individual experiences, as well as visits with key figures like Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary, and others.

LSD Psychotherapy: Exploring the Frontiers of the Hidden Mind. Stanislav Grof, M.D. Introduction by Andrew Weil, M.D. MAPS; 2001. Considered the most complete book on psychedelic therapy, this is a treasure house of all aspects of the work: history, procedures, client preparation, qualifications of the therapist, and more.

Pharmacotheon: Entheogenic drugs, their plant sources and history. Jonathan Ott. Natural Products; 1996 (second edition). The introductory Proemium is a must read for those wishing to understand the current political, social, and scientific dilemmas of psychedelic drugs.

PIHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. Alexander T. Shulgin and Ann Shulgin. Transform Press; 1991. Comprehensive, definitive guide to the psychedelic phenethylamines, such as mescaline and MDMA, and a great love story. Two parts: first the human story of the search for active mind compounds within a marriage of two active minds. Next, detailed catalog of the chemistry, characteristics of action and synthesis of 179 compounds and results of human assay at varying dosages.

Psychedelic Drugs Reconsidered. Lester Grinspoon and James B. Bakalar. The Lindesmith Center; 1997 (third edition). Two of the world's leading experts on drug use provide the general reader with a comprehensive survey of psychedelic drugs and the scientific and intellectual issues they raise. The authors review the chemistry of psychedelics, their effects, and the history of human experience with them as well as assessing the potential value of the drugs. Excellent bibliography.

Psychedelics Encyclopedia. Peter Stafford. Ronin Publishing; 1992 (third edition). Highly readable book on history, background, preparation, chemistry, methods of use, results, and social implications of the known psychedelic drugs.

The Psychedelic Reader: Classic Selections from the Psychedelic Review . Timothy Leary, Ralph Metzner & Gunther M. Weil (Eds.). Citadel Press; 1993. Selections about the therapeutic, religious and legal aspects of psychedelic drugs from the first four issues of the Psychedelic Review (19631964), t h e journal edited by the Harvard psychedelic research team.

Psychoactive Sacramentals: Essays on Entheogens and Religion. Thomas B. Roberts (Ed.). Council on Spiritual Practices; 2001. In 1995, the Chicago Theological Seminary, along with the Council on Spiritual Practices, held a conference to examine the potential benefits and concerns related to employing entheogens in spiritual practice. Speakers included leaders in religion, mental health, research, and allied fields. The views of the participants have now been published in this book, which is a valuable collection of information in an exciting field.

Pursuit of Ecstasy: The MDMA Experience. Jerome Beck, Ph.D. and Marsha Rosenbaum, Ph.D. SUNY Press; 1994. Expanding on a study sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the authors present a thorough and trustworthy review of the emergence and spread of MDMA use, the path toward illegalization, the diverse social worlds and scenes evolved around the use of MDMA and how they result in different experiences, why people use MDMA and what if anything makes them stop, long term benefits and therapeutic potential, adverse reactions and abuse, and recommendations for harm reduction and continuing research of the therapeutic potential.

Realms of the Human Unconscious: Observations from LSD Research. Stanislav Grof, M.D. E.P. Dutton; 1976. A systematic and comprehensive discussion of the transpersonal model of the human unconscious. A uniquely valuable contribution to the field of psychology.

The Road to Eleusis: Unveiling the Secret of the Mysteries. R. Gordon Wasson, Carl A. Ruck, Albert Hofmann. Harvest/ HBJ; 1978. Three scholar-scientists document their theory of the LSD-like component of the religious rites at Eleusis, celebrated for 2,000 years.

Shivitti: A Vision. Ka-Tzetnik 135633. Gateways Books; 1998. An autobiographical account of a concentration camp survivor's experiences with LSD psychotherapy, conducted in Holland by Professor Bastiaans. Very moving and illustrative of the processes of LSD psychotherapy.

Storming Heaven: LSD and the American Dream. Jay Stevens. Harper Collins; 1987. A thorough, well written, intensively researched history of the advent of psychedelics on the American scene. With each new aspect introduced, the author traces back to the roots of that development, and shows how it progresses to intertwine with the overall picture.

Thanatos to Eros: Thirty-five Years of Psychedelic Exploration. Myron J. Stolaroff. VWB-Verlag für Wissenschaft und Bildung; 1994 (see page 166 for complete description). This Timeless Moment. Laura Huxley. Mercury House; 1991. A personal account of Aldous Huxley's last years by Laura, his wife, including details of the outcome of his request to be administered LSD while dying. Profoundly inspirational.

TIHKAL : The Continuation. Alexander T. Shulgin and Ann Shulgin . Transform Press; 1997. A continuation of the Shulgin's popular book PIHKAL: A Chemical Love Story. The first part of the book blends travel, botanical facts, scientific speculation, psychological and political commentary. The second part describes in detail a wealth of tryptamines, plus appendices presenting topics such as cactus alkaloids, natural beta-carbolines, current drug law, and all known tryptamines that might be psychedelic. Once again the Shulgins honor us with an outstanding collection of vital information, particularly for those interested in the psychedelic field.

The Varieties of Psychedelic Experience. R.E.L. Masters and Jean Houston, Ph.D. Delta; 1966. A research-based comprehensive review of the effects of LSD on human personality, along with a section on the role and training of the guide.

Albert Hofmann Foundation · www.hofmann.org
Association for Transpersonal Psychology · www.atpweb.org
Center for Cognitive Liberty & Ethics · www.cognitiveliberty.org
Council on Spiritual Practices · www.csp.org
Dancesafe · www.dancesafe.org
Drug Policy Alliance · www.dpf.org
Drug Reform Coordination Network · www.drcnet.org
Erowid · www.erowid.org
Heffter Research Institute · www.heffter.org
Iboga Therapy House · www.ibogatherapyhouse.org
Institute of Noetic Sciences · www.noetic.org
Island Group · www.island.org
Lycæum · www.lycaeum.org
Marijuana Policy Project · www.mpp.org
Media Awareness Project · www.mapinc.org
Mind States Conferences · www.mindstates.org
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies www.maps.org
NORML· www.norml.org
Peyote Way Church · www.peyoteway.org
POT-TV · www.pot-tv.net
Psychedelic Bibliography · www.maps.org/wwwpb
Schaffer Drug Library · www.druglibrary.org
Trip · www.tripzine.com

Ambrosia Books & Academic Publishing (formerly Rosetta Books), HC 71 Box 34, Taos NM 97571. Ambrosia offers quality books, art, and obscure out-of-print research relating to ethnobotany and pharmacology. They are also the publisher of Entheos: The Journal of Psychedelic Spirituality. Edited by Mark Hoffman. Yearly two-issue subscriptions are $28.00 (USA). See website for costs to foreign countries. www.entheomedia.org. Catalog $3.00.

The Entheogen Review, POB 19820, Sacramento, CA 95819. A quarterly journal that acts as a clearinghouse for current underground data about the use of visionary plants and drugs, offering information that is unavailable anywhere else. Edited by David Aardvark and K. Trout. $25.00 (USA), $35.00(foreign). See www.entheogenreview.com.

FS Book Company, POB 417457, Sacramento, CA 95841. (800) 635-8883. A large selection of books related to Cannabis, mushrooms, and psychedelics. See www.fsbookco.com. Catalog is $2.00.

Psychedelic Resource List (fourth edition), POB 19820, Sacramento, CA 95819. Descriptions and reviews of over 650 organizations related to psychedelics. 207 pages. $24.00 (USA), $29.00 (foreign). See www.entheogenreview.com/prl.html.

The Albert Hofmann Collection: LSD & Psilocybin References www.erowid.org/references/hofmann_collection.php In the early 1950s, Sandoz began collecting LSD and psilocybin-related articles as part of Albert Hofmann's work with these substances. For nearly 35 years, Sandoz gathered over 4,000 documents: LSD and psilocybin journal articles from the late 1940s through the early-1980s, a few student theses, newspaper clippings, and other unique items. In the mid 1990s, the collection was given to the Albert Hofmann Foundation, and during the late 1990s, along with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies and the Heffter Research Institute, they collaborated to create a digital index of the papers. In 2002, representatives from the Erowid web site and from MAPS completed the digital index of this entire collection.

Psycholytic and Psychedelic Research 1931−1995: A Complete International Bibliography. Torsten Passie, M.D., M.A., with preface by Hanscarl Leuner, M.D. Laurentius Publishers; 1997. To order contact MAPS by e-mail at askmaps@maps.org or contact Laurentius Publishers by e-mail at dehmlow@bib.mhhannover.de.

An excellent bibliography on the use of psychedelics in psychotherapy, this work is a valuable guide for students and researchers. A meticulous worldwide search by the author has revealed 687 pertinent scientific publications for further study. Research and therapeutic work with psychedelics remains controversial. The presentation of correct information helps overcome irrational projections, conclusions and prohibitions. Scientific research shows these catalysts can be used effectively and safely in medical psychotherapy.

This bibliography includes a precise subject index organized by substances, settings, methods, treatment results and more. The preface by Professor Hanscarl Leuner (Göttingen University, Germany), the leading European authority on research with psychedelics, provides an expert view. The introduction gives an overview of psycholytic and psychedelic therapy. This document is available as part of the WWW Psychedelic Bibliography, at www.maps.org/wwwpb.

Religion and Psychoactive Sacraments: A Bibliographic Guide. Thomas B. Roberts, Ph.D. and Paula Jo Hruby, Ed.D. (Eds.). Contains over 550 annotated references to books and dissertations which address the topic of entheogens, psychoactive plants, and chemicals used within a religious context. In the view of editor Thomas Roberts, the Guide firmly establishes that theologians, clergy, scholars and laypersons see the topic of psychoactive sacraments as important and worthy of discussion and that disagreement, discussion, and debate exist over the questions: Is there legitimate religious use for psychoactive sacraments, and if so, what is appropriate? The index greatly enhances the usefulness of this booklet. Notes and Excerpts for each book range from half a page to three pages. The books described are almost exclusively in the English language and the emphasis is on North America. The editors note that the vast research in world-wide anthropology is under-represented and deserves a guide of its own. Available online at www.csp.org/chrestomathy.

World Wide Web Psychedelic Bibliography www.maps.org/wwwpb This bibliography is designed to systematically digitize and protect the body of valuable psychedelic research papers for posterity. Sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, the Heffter Research Institute and the Albert Hofmann Foundation, this site mainly has annotated and nonannotated bibliographical listings but has some full-text listings. Includes bibliographies for: Psychedelics and the Dying; Psychedelics in Western Culture; Sandoz Pharmaceuticals' collection of research on LSD and psilocybin; Sasha Shulgin's MDMA bibliography; Howard Lotsof's ibogaine bibliography; the Janiger and Paltin bibliography of LSD. This site is frequently updated.

Thanatos To Eros: Thirty-five Years of Psychedelic Exploration, 192 pages, color hard-back cover, ISBN 3-86135-453-5.
Myron Stolaroff was the founder and President of the International Foundation for Advanced Study in Menlo Park, California, an organization devoted to research with LSD and mescaline from 1961 to 1965. Six professional papers covering this work have been published in appropriate journals.

Early on, Stolaroff was convinced of the value of psychedelic substances, and devoted his career to studying them. This book includes a detailed account of his own personal experiences -- coming to grips with an excruciatingly painful birth experience and its impact on his life, and learning to recognize and break free of powerful, oppressive feelings of failure and inadequacy. Facing and resolving repressed material opened the door to discovering the joy and vitality that life has to offer. It is a journey from the grip of Thanatos, the drive for death that effectively defeats enjoyment of life, to Eros, the drive for life that brings ultimate fulfillment.

An essential ingredient in the success of this struggle was t h e use of psychedelic substances. These sacraments, as he prefers to call them, allowed him to confront and resolve powerful shadow material. More important, they opened the gateway to that level of Divine love and grace that is the source of true healing and the freeing of our ultimate capacities.

Stolaroff's desire to discover effective means for self-realization led him to continue exploring newly discovered substances as long as they were legal. This book describes work done with family, friends, and research volunteers employing MDMA, 2CB, 2C-T-2, 2C-T-7, 2C-E, and others. Numerous experiences are described in detail. Since for many people psychedelic experiences tend to fade if not appropriately utilized, serious consideration is given here to the concentrated effort required to accomplish rewarding changes.

These experiments and the discussions presented shed intriguing light on the nature of psychedelic experiences, the nature of the human psyche, factors affecting rewarding experiences, and aspects of transcendental levels of consciousness. Substantial evidence is presented of the inordinate power of the human mind, unrecognized by mainstream science -- a power currently widely misdirected to create human pain and suffering. Numerous trials demonstrate that when used with integrity, skill, and fortitude, psychedelic substances can reveal the unfathomed love supporting all of creation, a love that can dissolve the death grip of Thanatos to free Eros and joyously illumine life in all of its aspects.

"I do not remember that a book from a living author impressed me more than Thanatos to Eros... My accord with your concepts of life and reality can best be summarized if I tell you that already in the first two paragraphs of the Introduction, the core of my belief has found its perfect, most beautiful expression."

"Myron Stolaroff is one of the bravest, most sincere and forthright psychonauts of our time... The result is a book which speaks volumes to the psychology and spiritual worth of these substances..."

Thanatos To Eros may be ordered from: THANEROS PRESS P.O. Box 773, Dept. SC Lone Pine, CA 93545
Price: $22.95 per copy. Add $3.00 per copy for shipping and handling.

For Air Mail to Europe: add an additional $6.00. California residents add $1.78 sales tax for each book. Please make check or money order payable to: Thaneros Press. NOTE: Limited supply available.

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER: THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY ASSOCIATION FOR PSYCHEDELIC STUDIES (MAPS)

HERE THERE BE DRAGONS JUST six hundred years ago, maps of the known world contained the inscription, "Here there be dragons," indicating terra incognita about which we knew nothing and hence feared to tread. Today we find this viewpoint exceedingly quaint. What changed ? Knowledge and information was gathered by souls brave enough to challenge orthodoxy and venture into those uncharted realms inhabited by dragons. They returned with firsthand information that refuted "common knowledge" and led to a revised worldview.

Regarding our inner environment, however, many still fear that "here there be dragons." Replacing fear with understanding will require the use of every tool available, including psychedelic substances, to increase our knowledge of the internal terrain. Unfortunately, using psychedelics to explore these uncharted landscapes was forbidden for several decades.

Recently a few brave scientists have been permitted to make the trek and conduct psychedelic research. Would you like to have access to results of that research, and become part of this continuing "quest for knowledge?"

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is a membership-based IRS-approved non-profit research and educational corporation founded in 1986. MAPS pursues its mission by assisting scientists to design, to obtain governmental approval for, to fund, to conduct and to report on research into the healing and spiritual potentials of psychedelics and marijuana. Such uses may include psychotherapeutic research and treatment, treatment of addiction, pain relief, spiritual exploration, shamanic healing, psychic research, brain physiology research and related scientific inquiries.

MAPS serves as a non-profit pharmaceutical company that seeks to develop MDMA, other psychedelics and marijuana into prescription medicines. Now that the FDA is once again permitting scientific research into the risks and benefits of psychedelics and marijuana, your support of MAPS can make a substantial difference in the rate at which the field advances. Rates are:

MEMBERSHIP TYPE	RATE (OUTSIDE USA)
Student/low income	$20-34
Basic	$35-49
Basic Plus (includes a free book)	$50-99
Supporting (includes a free book + water bottle or coffee mug)	$100-249
Patron (includes two free books)	$250+

Make check or money order payable to MAPS. Credit card charges add $1.00. We can accept checks made on American banks, international postal money orders, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Paypal. MAPS cannot accept foreign checks. See "Ordering Information" on the following page to contact MAPS for memberships and donations.

The Secret Chief Revealed: Conversations with a pioneer of the underground psychedelic therapy movement (ISBN: 0-9660019-6-6) $12.95/copy

Shipping and Handling Charges
U.S. and Canada Priority mail (allow 3-7 days): $4.00 (add $1.50 per additional book)
Overseas airmail rates (allow 7-10 days): $12.00 (add $10 per additional book)
Overseas surface mail rates (allow 4-6 weeks): $5.00 per book

Method of Payment
Check or money order in U.S. Dollars, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, or Paypal.
Wholesale Orders Welcome:

Other ways you can order The Secret Chief
Via secure credit card transactions at http://www.maps.org/secretchief/
Toll-free number (orders only, please): 1-888-868-MAPS (6277)
Through your favorite local bookstore
Send orders to: MAPS -- Secret Chief 2105 Robinson Avenue Sarasota, FL 34232
USA Voice: (941) 924-6277
Fax: (941) 924-6265
e-mail: askmaps@maps.org
Toll-free number (orders only, please): 1-888-868-MAPS (6277)