Out of the Shadows: A Cornucopia from the Psychedelic Press

How psychedelic drugs as cultural drivers and creativity enhancers have in the modern era shaped music, art, literature, and depth psychology.

The word "psychedelic" means "mind manifesting." The use of psychedelics as cultural drivers and creativity enhancers in the modern era has shaped music, art, literature, and depth psychology.

Psychedelic drugs have acquired a certain reputation and polarize opinion. In their heyday, this remarkable group of psychoactive substances was believed to hold great promise for treating medical conditions, assisting psychotherapy, fueling creativity, and allowing profound spiritual experiences. However, political reaction and legal restrictions pushed their use back into the shadows in the mid-1970s.

Currently there is a resurgence of interest into their clinical and therapeutic use. Research is gathering real momentum and some of the traditional misinformation and stereotypes are being reversed. This collection of original papers from the Psychedelic Press UK journal takes us on a fascinating journey through topics such as the use of psychedelics in medicine and psychotherapy, archetypal psychology and spiritual awakenings, and creative surges in literature, myth, and visionary art.

This is a reprint of the 2015 edition.

Tim Read is a medical doctor, psychiatrist and psychotherapist based in London. He was Consultant Psychiatrist at the Royal London Hospital for 20 years leading the Emergency Liaison service and the Crisis Intervention Service. He has trained in psychoanalytic therapy (IGA) and in transpersonal therapy (GTT). He is a certified facilitator of Holotropic Breathwork and has a special interest in working with expanded states of consciousness. His book 'Walking Shadows: Archetype and Psyche in Crisis and Growth' was published in 2015.