The Supernova Tragedy: Can Psychedelics Offer a Path Toward Peace?

This past week, the world was jolted by the terrorist attack launched at the people of Israel. I watched what happened at the Supernova Festival, a psychedelic trance event in Israel become the backdrop of an unexpected and deeply tragic attack. An event that aimed to be a sanctuary for “inner calm, peace, and harmony” was confronted with violence, reminding us of the stark divisions and challenges we face globally.

Such tragedies take us back to the inception of the modern psychedelic movement post World War II. Aldous Huxley, having experienced the devastations of the war, believed that mystical consciousness could be humanity’s salvation. He saw psychedelic drugs as a vessel to achieve this state, hoping for a more united and understanding world.

Echoing Huxley’s sentiments, the psychedelic counterculture of the 1960s championed the mantra “make love, not war,” dreaming of a peaceful world of understanding and elevated consciousness.

Rick Doblin, deeply moved by these philosophies, saw psychedelics as a tool to prevent tragedies like the Holocaust and foster global peace. Founding the Multidisciplinary Association of Psychedelic Science (MAPS), Doblin believed in the transformative power of these substances, envisioning their role in bridging divides, especially in conflict-heavy regions.

Yet, the events of this past week force us to reflect: Can psychedelics genuinely lead us towards healing and empathy in a world steeped in strife? It’s a challenging question, but many, like Doblin, remain hopeful.

Despite the bleak backdrop, the faith in the potential of these substances remains unshaken. It’s the hope that through various avenues – be they psychedelics, therapy, meditation, or dialogue – humanity will find its path to peace, healing, and unity.