Book Review-Seeding Consciousness: Plant Medicine, Ancestral Wisdom and Psychedelic Initiation by Tricia Eastman

Book Review

Seeding Consciousness: Plant Medicine, Ancestral Wisdom and Psychedelic Initiation

By Tricia Eastman

Publisher: Bear & Company

316 Page E-Book

Release Date: November 12th, 2024

Seeding Consciousness: Plant Medicine, Ancestral Wisdom and Psychedelic Initiation by Tricia Eastman is the book I wish I had when I started my journey with Psychedelics and Cannabis for expanding consciousness, mysticism and other spiritual pursuits. Not only is Seeding Consciousness a manual of sorts, to reach initiatory experiences with the help of psychedelics such as psilocybin and other psychedelics, but these methods can also be applied to more subtle initiatory plants, such as cannabis, for those looking to start slowly with these experiences. Eastman draws upon a wealth of personal experience and expertise in the therapeutic use of psychedelics, as well as shamanic initiation with these plant allies, having received multiple initiations into multiple different indigenous traditions.

I truly found this book to be eye-opening, changing some of the perspectives I’d previously held regarding psychedelics and spiritual initiation, mainly that of the shadow self and integration. Those experiences can be, and typically are, very intense. Adding in psychedelics does increase that intensity, sure; however, they offer an ally to heal during and after that intensity. Ego death is a terrifying thought, until you’ve been initiated into that experience; those who do go through these experiences can attest that the positive effects after the fact are well worth the intense and often cathartic experience that you have to go through during the process.

Seeding Consciousness is at once a manual on psychedelic initiation and healing and integrating the self, but is also a tome of ancestral wisdom, from the oldest ancestors who have the wisdom and share it with us. I chose this book because I am an avid psychonaut, and exploring consciousness is a large part of my spiritual path and the various practices I work with. I truly have no complaints about this book, and appreciated Eastman’s down to earth writing and understanding of the human condition, making it relatable and helpful along the journey of healing the soul. I have no critiques for Seeding Consciousness; I give it a 5/5 Pentagram rating! It’s excellent for beginner and advanced psychonauts alike, and those looking to grow into psychedelic spirituality, regardless of which plant ally you align best with.

Tricia Eastman is a lineage-honoring medicine woman and founder of the non-profit Ancestral Heart, which bridges worlds rooted in her mestiza ancestry with profound insights from a decade of Bwiti initiations and training. She is a renowned speaker, artist and writer, and has had the honor of engaging with Stanford University, the World Economic Forum, and on Gaia TV’s Psychedelica. She has curated psychedelic wellness retreats worldwide, and just opened a wellness retreat center in Portugal. She lives in the U.S. and Portugal.

 

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Author Bio:

The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Poison Witch, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for over 15 years, venerating and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including those from Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Slavic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place, even Saints, Angels and Demons! He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone, among others. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism, Ceremonial Magick and Occultism, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He has also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and the author of multiple columns, including The Modern Merlin’s Corner, Entheogens for the New Gen, Stellium, and Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters. He also has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!