Experiments

There are specific demonstrations which can be carried out that can show the public altered conscious states similar to the psychedelic experience, commonly known as replications. These replications are publicly demonstrated at the Fundamentals of Psychedelics lecture series.

Psychedelic Visual Experience

Figure 1. An optical illusion demonstrating a static image becoming animated (click image to enlarge).

Low Intensity

Specific optical illusions can demonstrate some of the visual effects experienced during the psychedelic experience. Most notably static pictures becoming animated. A quick example of this is illustrated in Figure 1.

High Intensity

A bright light which flashes at the same speed as the transmission rate of the optical nerve can induce visual hallucinations similar to effects induced by psychedelic substances. This effect is called stroboscopics.

Self Perception

Figure 2. A flip mirror which shows you what you look like to other people.

An ordinary mirror will show you your reflection as you see it everyday. Double mirrors or "flip mirror" or "true mirror" shows you as others see you - a view you rarely get. As your face is is most likely not perfectly symmetrical it can feel as if someone else is staring back at you.

Out of Body Experiences

Figure 3. Dr .Henrik Ehrsson at the medical university of Stockholm, Sweden demonstrating the phantom self experience.

Psychedelics such as ketamine act dissociatively, causing out of body experiences (OBE). By using stereoscopic cameras and a virtual reality headset a phantom self experience can be felt (see Figure 2).

Astral Projection

OBE effects show how the patient can feel as if they are leaving their body, Astral projection is then the feeling of re-embodiment within another. By using the same apparatus as listed above, the camera is then focused on an actor mimicking the actions of the primary viewer.

References