James Fadiman, Ph.D.
Hands down, this is always the first book that I recommend to anyone who wants to know more about psychedelics. Even after absorbing a ton of information about psychedelics over the years, I feel like this book has many new things to teach me. It covers several topics of which I was previously unaware, such as the concept of sub-perceptual microdosing and the positive impact that listening to non-vocal music pieces during the beginning of a psychedelic experience can have on one’s overall journey. My intention when reading the book was to learn how to become a guide for others undergoing psychedelic experiences, and Fadiman’s advice for “trip sitters” is very concise, helpful, and wise. The book also has plenty of advice for those thinking of embarking on their own psychedelic voyages, like paying attention to components like set, setting, substance, sitter, session, and support. The Psychedelic Explorer’s Guide does a great job of dispelling some of the myths about psychedelics, offers a practical and positive itinerary for a successful experience, introduces several important people in this field, and does so in a way that is unbiased and helpful. In my opinion, this is a must-read for psychonauts and guides alike.