3 Psychedelic Books to Have on Your Shelf

The New Psychedelic Revolution

James Oroc 2018, Park Street Press

James Oroc, author of the acclaimed Tryptamine Palace, takes on a sizeable bite here in describing the history and evolution of the global psychedelic scene, from its roots over 100 years ago through the current presidential administration. The breadth of culture described is truly impressive. Keep in mind that the flow is a bit clunky at times, and it’s a shame that there are no illustrations for the scores of visionary artists mentioned here—but still, it’s a worthwhile read, with fascinating first-person details on the modern festival scene. Nobody has quite tackled a global psychedelic history with this breadth and depth before.

Magic Medicine

Cody Johnson 2018, Fair Winds Press

This is an excellent overview of the compounds that have shaped today’s psychedelic milieu. Magic Medicine breaks down and describes 23 psychoactive substances under the categories of classical psychedelics (2-CB, 5MEO-DMT, ayahuasca, DMT, DOM, LSD, Morning Glory, peyote, psilocybin, San Pedro, and Yopo), empathogenic psychedelics (MDA, MDMA), dissociative psychedelics (DXM, ketamine, nitrous, salvia), and unique psychedelics (amanita, cannabis, DIPT, fish and sea sponges, iboga, “Mad Honey”). With you likely wondering what a few of those substances even are, this is overall a pretty decent guide (with just a few notable omissions)—and I’d argue that many of these compounds described are more psychoactive than psychedelic. The book details the history and modern use of mind-altering substances for anyone looking to go deep into the topic. 

Read: What Permaculture Teaches Us About Psychedelics(Opens in a new browser tab)

Amazon Magic

Jaya Bear 2000, Colibri Publishing

Amazon Magic is fascinating autobiography of a Peruvian ayahuasca shaman who, as a young man,  got lost in the rainforest and lived with one of its remote communities for a year. Over the years, he repeatedly isolates himself in the jungle to familiarize himself with all kinds of healing plants. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to get to the root of indigenous ayahuasca traditions. A true classic.