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Psychedelics | Guide | Ethics
The Guide is not the Guru
Holding space for psychedelic healing with integrity, presence, and love
When we speak of healing in the realm of psychedelics — especially psilocybin — we are not simply talking about the medicine:
We are talking about the container.
Often used in both therapeutic and ceremonial contexts, the term “container” refers not only to the physical space where a journey takes place but also to the quality of interpersonal presence between guide and journeyer.
A container is a living agreement.
It is boundaries and breath.
It is attention and atmosphere.
It is the silent, steady “I’ve got you” that invites someone to finally surrender to what wants to come through.
But what exactly is a guide? And what do they do — really — in a world where sacred experiences are now also being systematized and studied?
The Container Is More Than a Room
Before a journey even begins, a guide prepares the space.
One might imagine blankets and pillows being strategically placed with special attention to…
