I would just like to ask for knowledge and opinions on workshops, and general events centred around psychedelics and shamanism in Britain. After some baked thinking today I've realised how big a part psychedelics and shamanism are playing in my life now, I mean, after coming to terms with how real this all is I just want to branch out to others and it so happens that I know no one in my life outside the internet with a shared interest in these matters.

I'm sure it would do myself and others in similar positions good to speak to each other in person. So does anyone know of such events? Would anyone else be interested? I've just realised how far I'd be willing to take this, after so much inner-thought, exploration and anticipation; I have a thirst for action and unity.

I found this today, and I will be attending so to speak to as many people as possible. http://ukcpsychedelics.co.uk/conference/

Vibes..x

This looks interesting, and I'm sure I would enjoy a day like this. There is a lot to be said for actively getting involved in discussion with like minded people rather than the internet. I'm in a similar situation to you Equal Ob where I don't know anyone I can truely share these things with.

I'll hopefully see you there!

Hahaha it's really weird, I went to the University of Kent at Canterbury and this wasn't up and running when I was there, but I just linked up with this on Facebook a few hours ago, and fully intend on going as they have had some great speakers. I was strongly considering doing an MSc in Ethnobotany at Kent for a time.

If you're interested in and open to shamanic drumming, I would recommend a weekend course with Simon Buxton, author of The Shamanic Way of the Bee, and head of The Sacred Trust. He runs weekend 'Way of the Shaman' workshops that introduce participants to methods of core shamanism, with a focus on drumming. I haven't 'cracked' drumming yet, but I can say with certainty that it is a powerful tool with great potential. Simon has much experience, and doing this with other people in a circle helps. It induces a deep and peaceful meditative mindset even without journeying. Something I definitely intend on working more with...it is an empowering prospect to step into trance without the use of drugs...at least I think so. And drumming is much more ancient and much more widely used by shamans around the world than ingesting psychedelic plants and fungi, and it is scientifically documented to be both effective (measurable changes in brain waves via EEG) and have beneficial effects. Not strictly psychedelic I guess but thought it may be of interest.

Thanks for the heads-up on this EquaL Observer. I see that Mike Jay and Paul Devereaux will be giving lectures. It should be a very interesting event.