The ebb and flow of ocean waves has a naturally soothing quality to it. We all experience it; we all appreciate it. But why do ocean sounds relax us and calm the mind? One speculative hypothesis is that these sounds remind us of life in the womb. According to this hypothesis, the sound of waves,…
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In psychedelic clinical trials, patients with a history of psychotic experiences, a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia, or a mood disorder with psychotic symptoms are typically screened out. (Other exclusion criteria – again, typically – include a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or recent suicidality.) The reason for excluding people with psychotic symptoms from trials on psychedelic-assisted therapy…
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In the natural world, there are more than 200 psilocybin mushroom species (most of these belong to the genera Psilocybe, but psilocybin-producing mushrooms also belong to genera such as Copelandia, Inocybe, and Panaeolus). There are also many different strains, or varieties, of psilocybin mushroom species. Most of these strains belong to the species Psilocybe cubensis.…
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It is common to associate psychedelics with environmentalism. In the popular imagination, psychedelic users might be viewed as tree-hugging hippies and Gaia worshippers. But beyond these stereotypes, there is also research to support the links between psychedelic use and connection to nature, which has led some to argue that psychedelics could help us solve the…
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Astrology is one of the most popular New Age beliefs and is commonly embraced by the general public (national newspapers still feature daily horoscopes, and publicising your zodiac signs is often an option on dating apps). Its popularity persists, despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that astronomical phenomena…
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