Bristol PsySocial - Psychedelic Tradition in the Modern Age: Nature, Indigeneity & Reciprocity

Come join us for an evening of fascinating discussion, yummy food, and connection. Our socials are an opportunity to explore and cross-pollinate ideas related to psychedelics and network with a community of like-minded others. Whether you have a background in mental health, previous experience with psychedelics, or are simply curious about other states of consciousness, all are welcome.

This Month's Theme:  Nature, Indigeneity & Reciprocity in the Psychedelic Enlightenment  

We're living in a time of disconnect from the more-than-human world and place-based knowledge of our own lands. In this talk, philosopher and researcher Caspar Montgomery will question what it means to cultivate traditions and how to create modern-day psychedelic rituals that are fit for a world that is only going to get weirder. He will discuss our evolving relationship with nature, tradition, and indigenous wisdom in psychedelia and beyond. Some of the questions he will explore include:

• What does it mean to value nature in a world where “natural” is an ever-changing and paradoxical ideal?
• What is “Indigenous-washing,” and can romanticized Western caricatures be reconciled with the reality of shamans with smartphones serving ayahuasca from Coca-Cola bottles?
• How do we walk the line between appreciating and appropriating Indigenous wisdom, and who gets to decide what "indigeneity" really means?

About the Speakers

Caspar Montgomery 

Caspar is a researcher, teacher, and philosopher exploring psychedelics, animism, and the possibility that life could be more beautiful.

He has worked as a research assistant for Onaya Science, conducting ayahuasca research alongside Shipibo communities in the Amazon Rainforest. This experience sparked his interest in traditional ways of knowing, connecting to place, and relating to the more-than-human world, as well as moral conflicts about knowledge extraction and Indigenous reciprocity.

He volunteers with Heroic Hearts UK and PsyCare UK. He is helping to build Onaya’s Psychedelic Mentorship Training - a new qualification bridging the gap between modern science and traditional indigenous wisdom. He’s a big fan of breathing, biscuits, and the absurdity of existence.

Blake Byles

Blake Byles is a Master's student in Psychodynamic Counselling and Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he is exploring the integration of Indigenous wisdom, particularly from Māori philosophy, with Western psychology. His interdisciplinary research spans anthropology, psychodynamic therapy, ecopsychotherapy, and psychedelic science, aiming to create a more inclusive therapeutic space.

Inspired by personal experiences, Blake's work delves into the question of weaving Indigenous wisdom and the Oceanic Feeling into contemporary psychotherapy. His proposed framework integrates psychodynamic and transpersonal approaches with Indigenous knowledge, contributing to a pluriversal approach that embraces diverse wisdom and practices.

Evening Schedule

The event will be a potluck, so please bring food to share. Whether a dish or some snacks, all contributions will be very much appreciated. Tea and coffee will be available.

18:30: Arrivals, drinking tea, catching up and connecting

18:45: Formal opening with group exercise 

19:15: In conversation with Caspar Montgomery

20:15: Potluck dinner sharing

21:00 Open discussion and socialising
 

REFUNDS POLICY: Please note, we do not arrange refunds or exchanges. When possible we encourage reselling on Ticketswap.

ACCESS:  We do our best to include everyone in our events, regardless of health circumstances. If you have access requirements please email the event organiser directly to discuss. Many facilitators are able to offer reduced ticket prices for those truly unable to afford the ticket price. If this applies to you, do please get in touch with the event organiser.

For PSYCHEDELIC KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES please check out the Psychedelic Society website. 

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