Encounters with supernatural entities are phenomena that have been reported by people who consume hallucinogenic drugs. These experiences, which can be terrifying or fascinating, have sparked interest in both the scientific community and popular culture. In this article, we will explore what these encounters are, how they are related to drug use, and what psychological explanations have been proposed to understand them.
The phenomenon of Encounters with supernatural entities
Encounters with supernatural entities during the use of psychedelic drugs have been described throughout history in various cultures and traditions. These experiences usually involve the perception of beings or entities that do not belong to the physical world and that can manifest in different ways, such as mystical figures, alien beings, deities or even abstract entities.
For many people who have experienced This phenomenon, encounters with supernatural entities are deeply impactful and transformative experiences. Some individuals describe sensations of connection with alternative realities, spiritual revelations or transcendental messages transmitted by these entities.
Relationship with drug use
Encounters with supernatural entities usually occur in the context from the consumption of psychedelic drugs such as LSD, psilocybin (hallucinogenic mushrooms) or DMT. These substances are known to alter the perception, consciousness and cognition of those who consume them, causing intense and often unusual visual, emotional and sensory experiences.
The ability of psychedelic drugs is believed to be to induce encounters with supernatural entities lies in its ability to alter brain activity and trigger states of expanded consciousness. These substances can affect cognitive, sensory and emotional processes, leading the user to experience different perceptual realities and perceive entities that seem to transcend the limits of the ordinary.
Psychological explanations of encounters with supernatural entities
Encounters with supernatural entities due to drug effects have been an object of interest for psychologists and neuroscientists, who have proposed various explanations to understand this phenomenon from a psychological perspective. Some of the most relevant theories include:
Psychological projection theory
According to this theory, encounters with supernatural entities could be the result of psychological projection processes, in which the individual attributes aspects of his psyche to external entities. In this sense, psychedelic drugs could facilitate the manifestation and externalization of internal aspects of the individual, giving rise to the perception of separate and alien entities.
The theory of reward system activation
Another explanation suggests that encounters with supernatural entities could be related to the activation of certain areas of the brain associated with the reward system. It is postulated that psychedelic drugs could stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, generating feelings of euphoria, empathy and connection with supernatural entities perceived as benevolent.
The theory of perceptual reconstruction
From this perspective, encounters with supernatural entities could be understood as phenomena of perceptual reconstruction, in which the brain interprets the sensory and cognitive information it receives in an altered way. Psychedelic drugs could influence the way the brain processes and organizes information, leading to the perception of entities and realities that deviate from the norm.
In short, encounters with supernatural entities by Drug effects constitute a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that has aroused the interest of researchers and psychology enthusiasts. While explanations for the nature of these experiences vary, it is evident that the interaction between psychedelic drugs, brain physiology, and the individual's belief system plays a fundamental role in the generation and meaning of these extraordinary encounters.