A hefty tome, and not something I have read all in one go, but something I see myself dipping in and out of. The linking of myth, psychology and ancestry weaves a rich picture and well thought out reading. I would recommend to the right audience.

Wow! I was a fan of the mythic archetypes and the exploration of psychedelics from a more poetic perspective. The wisdom of weaving practical guidance with the philosophical journey was a great take for this book.
This would be great for any psychologist or counselor who is looking into offering psychedelic assisted therapy, but it could also be a great exploration for someone considering psychedelic assisted therapies.

Simon Yugler’s Psychedelics and the Soul offers a profound exploration of the intersection between depth psychology, mythology, and psychedelic healing. Designed for both seasoned psychedelic facilitators and seekers on the path of self-discovery, this book invites readers to embark on a mythological journey through 10 archetypes, each representing different aspects of the psyche and the human experience. By blending the wisdom of Jungian psychology with Indigenous traditions and contemporary psychedelic practices, Yugler provides a rich and timely guide to using psychedelics as a tool for healing not just the individual soul, but the collective unconscious in a world teetering on the edge of crisis.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is its use of archetypes—universal themes that transcend individual experiences—to frame the psychedelic journey. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific archetype, including The Well, The Underworld, The Serpent, and The Sacred Mountain, among others. Yugler’s choice of these timeless symbols allows readers to engage with their psychedelic experiences on a deeper, more meaningful level. Rather than seeing psychedelics as mere tools for therapeutic or recreational use, he encourages readers to view them as gateways to the mythic unknown, offering opportunities for personal and collective transformation.

Yugler’s approach to psychedelics is deeply rooted in Jungian depth psychology, which emphasizes the importance of exploring the unconscious mind and confronting the shadow—the repressed or hidden aspects of ourselves. His chapter on The Underworld, for example, delves into the difficult but essential process of facing grief, trauma, and the soul’s descent into darkness. By likening this experience to ancient myths of descent and return, Yugler helps readers contextualize the sometimes terrifying or painful aspects of psychedelic healing as part of a larger, universal process of transformation and rebirth.

What sets Psychedelics and the Soul apart from other works in the emerging field of psychedelic literature is its emphasis on the collective dimensions of healing. In chapters like The Tree of Life, Yugler addresses how psychedelics can foster a deeper connection with the Earth and raise awareness of global challenges like climate change. This chapter is particularly relevant in today’s context, as it explores how psychedelic experiences can reawaken our animistic instincts—our recognition that the Earth is alive and ensouled, and that our healing is intimately tied to the healing of the planet. This connection to the Earth feels vital and urgent, providing a fresh perspective on the role psychedelics can play in environmental and social activism.

Throughout the book, Yugler skillfully weaves together mythological storytelling, psychological insights, and practical tools for integration. His background as a psychedelic therapist shines through in his emphasis on the importance of integration, particularly in the final chapter, The Journey Home. Here, he focuses on the crucial process of making sense of psychedelic experiences after the journey, a stage that is often overlooked. By drawing on Indigenous wisdom traditions that emphasize community and ritual, Yugler reminds readers that the journey doesn’t end when the psychedelic effects wear off—it continues through the work of weaving the insights gained back into everyday life, relationships, and the broader community.

Another strength of this book is its accessibility. While Yugler draws from complex psychological and mythological concepts, his writing remains approachable, offering tangible tools and reflective exercises that readers can engage with. This makes the book not only intellectually stimulating but also highly practical for those looking to deepen their own healing journeys or support others in doing so.

In conclusion, Psychedelics and the Soul is an essential read for anyone interested in the transformative potential of psychedelics, especially those who seek to go beyond the personal and explore the larger mythic and collective dimensions of healing. Simon Yugler’s integration of depth psychology, mythology, and Indigenous wisdom provides a holistic framework for understanding the psychedelic experience as a path to soul healing and planetary regeneration. At a time when the world is facing unprecedented challenges, Yugler’s vision of psychedelic medicine as a tool for both personal and collective awakening feels not only relevant but deeply necessary.

I appreciated what this book was trying to do. Like the author, I believe psychedelics are valuable and have a place in spirituality. The book is informative, well-researched, and great as a how-to guide. However, it could've been organized better and the myths could've been tied back to the main text to be relevant more smoothly. It was a little distracting when reading from beginning to end, but not a big deal if someone is using this book as a reference guide.

Lengthy in title, this book uses incredibly well-done brevity in covering its topics: psychedelics as a medicine, as a tradition, as a hint to a way of life that is incongruent with the Euro-American West's soulless, disconnected, commercial type of being. Introduced by myths from various cultures, Yugler uses beautiful writing, Jungian psychology, and tales from his own experiences as a psychedelic user and facilitator to introduce us to these worlds.

I started this book during finals season—rookie mistake. Still, though it took me far longer than usual to finish, I thought about the book and its contents just about everyday, and to say it put voice to a lot of what I've been feeling lately (about life in the West, more broadly), but through a lens I never imagined (mushrooms!, to put it narrowly) was a surprise.

If you're interested more in psychedelics as an activity than the cultural, psychological, and mythic analyses, as I was, you'll also enjoy this. It has practical, grounded, how-tos at the end of chapters, translating the metaphor-heavy discussions into concrete advice for delving into this world.

And, on that point, one thing I appreciated greatly was Yugler's touching on of the so-called New Age Spirituality movement—in this context, the "Psychedelic Renaissance." So often, I grab books that appear similar in premise or style to this one, only to find them hollow, palatable to the masses that may pass it by in the Spirituality section of Books-A-Million, next to $30 candles and crystal sets gathered in ways akin to blood diamonds. That is not this book, however. Instead, it feels like something I would find in the library of someone experienced, pages worn and thumbed through.

ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

This book was very well structured and easy for someone who has never read much about this topic to follow along and understand. The book was approachable and I learned a lot about this topic that I didn't know much about when I first started to read it. I love finding books about new topics and reading about it and this book is great for people who are curious about the topic and wants to learn more about it.

Psychedelics and the Soul is an insightful read about the archetypal journey of psychedelics and the mythological themes that arise as one meets their soul through drug induced experiences. This book was fascinating on many levels, from the myths the author used as gateways into the depths of psychedelic healing, to the case studies of participants in psychedelic healing. The archetypal journey of healing is not specific to mind altering substances but to any deep psychological work as the archetypes are found embedded in the collective unconscious and spans most cultures understanding of mind, body, and soul.

This is an interesting read, recommended for those interested in Jungian Depth Psychology, alternative healing, and for those curious about the growing popularity of psychedelic therapy.

This book looks at myths and the archetypal realms that psychedelic medicine may take one to. It is beautifully written and somewhat trance inducing in and of itself… a useful resource for psychedelic facilitators and a valuable addition to this growing field of study.

NetGalley review

DNF was not my cup of tea, couldn’t keep my interest to much story letting, not enough of the substance of what even this kind of book should have

Psychedelics and the Soul" by Simon Yugler is a mind-expanding exploration into the intersection of psychedelics and spirituality. Yugler delves deep into the transformative potential of psychedelics, offering insights into their profound effects on consciousness and the soul. With a blend of personal anecdotes and scientific research, he navigates the complex terrain of altered states of consciousness with clarity and depth. Whether you're a seasoned psychonaut or simply curious about the healing potential of psychedelics, this book provides a thought-provoking journey into the depths of the soul. Get ready to embark on a transformative exploration that challenges perceptions and expands horizons.

This book felt a little disjointed in places, the connections between the long italicised myths and the information about psychedelics didn't always flow well. However, there were some introspective parts and made for an interesting read.

The long italicised myths are hard to read (font wise and length).
The book can feel a bit dense sometimes so that does affect readability.
I did find it interesting overall, especially the tips that directly pertained to the how’s of tripping and even how to facilitate others.

"Simon Yugler's 'Psychedelics and the Soul' is a captivating exploration of the transformative power of psychedelics. This book goes beyond the surface to delve into the depths of the soul, providing profound insights into the potential for healing and cultural repair. Whether you're new to psychedelics or seeking a deeper understanding, 'Psychedelics and the Soul' offers an enlightening journey into the realms of consciousness and healing."