Some may be distressed to hear of this, as I am 18 years sober in AA, but yes, a few weeks after reading this, I went to the neighborhood head shop and got some 20x, a pipe, and screens. I put in a small amount and took one puff, as I had read of the dangers and had no sitter. I laid down, and felt some effects, but I knew I wasn't all the way there.

A few hours later, I put about twice as much in, and took 3 good hits. Then I laid down. Initially, I had enough presence to turn off the porno I had playing (it was starting to invade the trip). Then I went on a journey, of the folding style described.

Actually, I knew I was tripping, and I enjoyed it a lot. Reminded me of the first time I put windowpane in my eye, and someone tossed me a pack of cigarettes across a parking lot, and I saw trails. The images had a strong deja-vu quality. Memories of front yards, fences, and dogs of days gone by were flipping into me lengthwise. Knowing I was tripping, I was unable to grasp what was a real image from childhood, and what was from the trip. The images had a colorful, cartoonish nature. Looking back, the images could only have come from inside me, correct? I permitted myself to try to find meaning. I was close to re-defining the benchmarks of my physical reality. It was exploring one of the deepest current psychological challenges I face, after my father's death. What is a "normal" yard, fence, dog? What is my new source of positive validation? What are my goals?

I was aware of my body, and aware I was "paralyzed". Also aware I was quite alright, physically. Throughout, I was aware that I would shortly return. I can see how this would be very useful to a shaman. I really enjoyed it, but I was left without the permanent insight I feel I received in many acid trips (I can control hiccups, due to acid).

The only downside, recovery-wise, was a bit of a return of my urge to smoke. I did cigarettes for 20 years, quit in 1993, and the smoking part, believe it or not, was all that lingered, as far as wanting to "use". I don't feel my alcoholism means I need to forfeit exploring salvia.

I've still got a lot left, 2 or 3 weeks later. Maybe this afternoon? Seems to be harmless fun.

-Chuck, Vegetarian fanboy


P. S. I am so not a drug addict, I had no fear of screwing up my recovery. In these 18 years, all I've done is pain killers for a broken collarbone and my surgery, and I got about 60 or 80 each of Valiums and Xanex off the internet, and have taken about 6 valium and 2 xanex in 8 months. I was curious to see if I could mail order a high. I wanted to be a druggie part of the counterculture growing up in the 70's, but those folks didn't really want a drunk hanging around. By the way, how long will the Valiums and Xanex last (shelf life)? I may need to give most of them away.