The tripping spriggan
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The tripping spriggan
Dickins' curation in 'The Tripping Spriggan' offers a fascinating, if occasionally uneven, dive into the intersection of psychedelics and esoteric thought. The strength lies in its historical breadth, tracing threads from ancient mysticism to mid-20th-century counterculture. A notable weakness is the lack of a cohesive theoretical framework guiding the selections, leaving some pieces feeling disconnected. The exploration of the 'spriggan' as a conceptual gateway, however, provides a consistent anchor. The anthology succeeds in bringing together disparate ideas, but a more rigorous editorial voice might have elevated it further. It's a valuable compilation for those already versed in the subject matter.
📝 Description
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Published in 2015, 'The Tripping Spriggan' is an anthology examining altered states through esoteric traditions.
Edited by Robert Dickins of Psychedelic Press, this collection of texts investigates altered states of consciousness and their connection to various esoteric traditions. It is not a single narrative but a compilation of diverse viewpoints intended to stimulate thought about the nature of reality and the mind. The volume is suited for readers already interested in psychedelics, consciousness studies, and comparative mysticism. It aims to move beyond superficial engagement with altered states, seeking instead to understand their historical and philosophical foundations. Those familiar with countercultural philosophy will find connections to their interests.
The book uses the 'spriggan', a figure from Cornish folklore, as a metaphor for phenomena encountered in altered states. It looks at how different cultures and esoteric systems have understood and incorporated these experiences. The collection touches on shamanic practices, mystical visions, and the philosophical questions raised by non-ordinary consciousness, placing them within the wider scope of human experience and spiritual inquiry.
Emerging in 2015 during a period of renewed interest in psychedelics, 'The Tripping Spriggan' connects contemporary research and cultural fascination with these substances to older esoteric traditions. Many historical mystical and shamanic practices involved intentionally induced altered states of consciousness as a means of spiritual seeking or encountering different realities. This book situates modern explorations within that long lineage, examining how concepts of altered perception and non-ordinary beings have been understood and integrated across diverse spiritual and philosophical systems.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• Understand the 'spriggan' metaphor as a symbolic representation of entities encountered in altered states, drawing parallels between folklore and psychedelic experiences. • Explore historical connections between psychedelic states and established esoteric traditions, such as shamanism and Gnosticism, as presented in the 2015 collection. • Gain insights into the philosophical implications of non-ordinary consciousness and its role in spiritual seeking, as examined through diverse essays and perspectives.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 'spriggan' in 'The Tripping Spriggan'?
The spriggan, a figure from Cornish folklore, is used metaphorically in the book to represent elusive entities or profound experiences encountered during altered states of consciousness, bridging myth and psychedelic phenomena.
Who edited 'The Tripping Spriggan'?
The book was edited by Robert Dickins, who is also known for his involvement with Psychedelic Press, indicating a focus on the intersection of psychedelic culture and scholarly inquiry.
When was 'The Tripping Spriggan' first published?
The book was first published in 2015, a period marked by a resurgence of interest in psychedelic research and its philosophical implications.
Does 'The Tripping Spriggan' focus on the therapeutic uses of psychedelics?
While touching on consciousness, the book's primary focus is on the esoteric, philosophical, and historical aspects of altered states, rather than solely therapeutic applications.
What kind of esoteric traditions are discussed in the book?
The work explores various traditions, including shamanism, mysticism, and Gnosticism, examining how they have historically engaged with altered states of consciousness.
Is 'The Tripping Spriggan' a collection of original research or historical texts?
It is primarily a collection of essays and texts that explore the subject matter, drawing from both historical perspectives and contemporary interpretations edited by Robert Dickins.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Spriggan Metaphor
The titular 'spriggan' serves as a central, recurring motif. This folkloric entity from Cornwall is re-contextualized within the book as a symbol for the often uncanny, elusive, and sometimes challenging phenomena encountered during profound altered states of consciousness. The work examines how such figures, whether mythological or hallucinatory, reflect humanity's attempts to understand and categorize non-ordinary perceptions. It invites readers to consider these encounters not merely as subjective experiences but as potential interfaces with deeper realities or archetypal forces that have long been explored in esoteric lore.
Psychedelics and Esotericism
This theme investigates the historical and philosophical bridges between psychedelic experiences and established esoteric traditions. The collection explores how substances that alter consciousness have been used across various cultures and historical periods for spiritual insight, divination, and communion with the divine. It positions contemporary psychedelic exploration within a continuum of mystical practices, suggesting that the mind-altering effects can serve as a catalyst for esoteric development, akin to traditional meditative or visionary techniques.
Non-Ordinary Consciousness
The book examines the nature and significance of states of consciousness that deviate from everyday awareness. This includes shamanic journeys, mystical visions, and the effects induced by psychoactive substances. It examines the philosophical questions raised by these experiences: their reality, their interpretation, and their potential to reveal truths about the self, the universe, and the nature of existence itself. The collection probes how these states challenge materialist paradigms and open avenues for spiritual and psychological exploration.
Myth, Folklore, and Archetypes
A crucial aspect of the book involves the interpretation of myth and folklore as frameworks for understanding extraordinary experiences. Figures like the spriggan are analyzed not just as ancient tales but as symbolic representations of psychological or spiritual phenomena. The work suggests that these archetypal figures provide a language and structure for processing encounters that might otherwise be bewildering. This theme connects mythological narratives to the subjective range of altered consciousness, highlighting their shared roots in the human psyche.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The spriggan is not merely a fairy tale, but a mirror to the mind's furthest reaches.”
— This highlights the book's central metaphor, suggesting that folkloric beings can serve as symbolic representations for the complex and often surreal phenomena experienced during altered states of consciousness.
“Ancient shamans and modern psychonauts share a common quest for veiled realities.”
— This statement draws a parallel between historical spiritual practitioners and contemporary individuals exploring consciousness, emphasizing a shared human drive to access deeper levels of perception and understanding.
“Psychedelics can act as keys, unlocking doors long sealed by ordinary perception.”
— This interpretation focuses on the potential of psychoactive substances to temporarily suspend habitual ways of thinking and perceiving, thereby granting access to new perspectives or insights.
“The boundary between myth and the mind's projection is often blurred in ecstasy.”
— This points to the subjective nature of profound experiences, suggesting that the lines between externalized mythological constructs and internal psychological states can become indistinct during intense altered states.
“Understanding these states requires looking beyond the purely material.”
— This emphasizes the esoteric and metaphysical dimension of the book's subject matter, advocating for a perspective that embraces non-material or spiritual interpretations of consciousness and reality.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
The work appeals to traditions that explore altered states for spiritual attainment, particularly shamanism and various forms of Western esotericism that incorporate visionary practices. It bridges the gap between modern psychonautics and ancient mystical disciplines, suggesting a continuity in the human quest for transcendent experience. While not strictly adhering to a single lineage like Hermeticism or Kabbalah, it draws upon the broader currents of esoteric thought that posit realities accessible beyond ordinary sensory perception.
Symbolism
The 'spriggan' itself functions as a potent symbol, representing the often-unpredictable entities or insights encountered in altered states, akin to figures in folklore and mythology that embody liminal or boundary experiences. Other symbols explored implicitly include the 'key' (representing access to hidden knowledge or states) and the 'veil' (signifying the barrier between ordinary reality and deeper truths), common motifs in esoteric literature concerning consciousness transformation.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary thinkers and practitioners in fields like psychedelic therapy, consciousness studies, and transpersonal psychology find value in 'The Tripping Spriggan' for its historical context and philosophical inquiries. It informs discussions on the integration of psychedelic experiences, the archetypal dimensions of consciousness, and the potential for these states to foster spiritual growth, resonating with groups interested in the intersection of psychedelics, mythology, and esoteric philosophy.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Students of comparative religion and mythology seeking to understand the symbolic language used to describe altered states of consciousness across cultures. • Explorers of consciousness and psychedelics interested in the historical and philosophical underpinnings of their experiences, beyond purely recreational or therapeutic contexts. • Practitioners of esoteric disciplines who wish to draw connections between traditional mystical practices and contemporary explorations of non-ordinary awareness.
📜 Historical Context
Published in 2015, 'The Tripping Spriggan' emerged during a significant 'psychedelic renaissance'. This period saw a renewed interest in the scientific, therapeutic, and cultural implications of psychedelic substances, moving beyond the moral panics of the late 20th century. The book tapped into this zeitgeist, connecting contemporary explorations of consciousness with historical esoteric traditions. It appeared in dialogue with thinkers like Aldous Huxley, whose 'The Doors of Perception' (1954) had earlier explored similar themes, and amidst a growing academic and popular fascination with entheogens. Unlike purely scientific or medical literature emerging at the time, Dickins' collection focused on the philosophical and mythological dimensions, often drawing parallels with Gnosticism and shamanic practices, contrasting with more reductionist psychological approaches.
📔 Journal Prompts
The spriggan as a liminal entity: Reflect on its symbolic role in bridging folklore and altered states.
Compare the quest for veiled realities described by shamans and psychonauts.
Analyze the 'key' metaphor for accessing consciousness beyond ordinary perception.
Consider how myth provides a framework for understanding ecstatic experiences.
Examine the concept of the 'veil' and its dissolution through non-ordinary means.
🗂️ Glossary
Spriggan
A type of fairy or supernatural being from Cornish folklore, often depicted as grotesque or monstrous. In the context of the book, it serves as a metaphor for entities or profound experiences encountered during altered states of consciousness.
Psychonaut
An individual who explores the nature of consciousness and the mind, typically through the use of psychoactive substances, meditation, or other consciousness-altering techniques.
Esotericism
Systems of thought and practice concerned with hidden knowledge or spiritual truths, often involving mystical, occult, or Gnostic traditions, accessible only to initiates or through deep study.
Altered State of Consciousness (ASC)
Any mental state that deviates from normal waking consciousness, including those induced by meditation, dreams, hypnosis, illness, or psychoactive substances.
Entheogen
A psychoactive substance that is believed to cause spiritual or shamanic experiences. The term is derived from Greek words meaning 'god within'.
Liminal
Relating to a transitional or initial stage of a process, or occupying a position at, or on both sides of, a boundary or threshold. Often associated with ambiguity and transformation.
Gnosticism
A complex set of religious and philosophical ideas and systems that originated in the first century CE, emphasizing knowledge (gnosis) of the divine mystery and the path to salvation.
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