The Hero's Journey: Psychedelics, Tolkien, and Religious Significance

Psychedelic experiences can be viewed as a hero's journey into the unknown, aimed at obtaining new insights or 'gold.' Upon completing this journey, the hero's responsibility is to share their findings with the community, rather than withdrawing from society. This framework resonates with classic narratives like Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings,' which weave together themes of adventure and communal sharing of knowledge. Tolkien, influenced by discussions with C.S. Lewis, understood the deep-rooted shamanic and religious significance in such tales, which resonated within culture and attracted widespread readership. The return from the journey is about integration and offering wisdom to the community, contrasting sharply with the notion of 'dropping out,' which can corrupt the sacredness of the psychedelic experience. The insights gained during these altered states reveal a profound truth about the vastness of existence, challenging individuals to confront the overwhelming nature of this realization.