Breaking Open the Head

A few months ago I ended up having this book reccomended to me by three seperate and completely independent sources within the space of about a week. This having been the case I felt inclined to put what I had been reading at the time on hold and get my hands on a copy. A decision that I did not come to regret. I have learned to be somewhat wary of anything that looks as though it might end up being a 'Journey of Discovery' or 'Quest for Spiritual Enlightenment' book, as too often have I found myself presented with the naive and ill-informed waftings of some overprivelaged Tarquin condescending to the rest of the human species because they got to spend a couple of years flapping around on a beach somewhere, and everybody else didn't. Within about two paragraphs of 'Breaking Open The Head' however, I realised that this was not to be such a book. The authors' writing style is lucid, illustrative and snappy, with all waft and unnecessary rambling kept to a bare minimum. The chapters alternate between those which describe key events in Pinchbecks' faltering path towards personal and spiritual gnosis, and those which serve to elucidate the issues raised with detailed background information; placing his own growing enthusiasm for entheobotany against a rich background of interdisciplinary research. Ultimately Pinchbeck proposes an extremely good, if not completely irrefutable argument not just for the preservation of shamanic communities in order that we might learn from their mind-bogglingly comprehensive undertanding of all things pertaining to life and existence, but for the stunted, disenchanted children of Western Consumer Culture to perhaps begin rediscovering the sources of this knowledge. The shamans' world view is fundamentally far more flexible than that of the developed world which has pushed such practices to the point of extinction. One way or another such wisdom as mankind has lived alongside since the dawn of time must surely persevere.

Amazing book, exactly what it says in the description, the only downside I could pick is it is a bit wordy at some points, with obscure words being used. Other than that it’s great.

This is a fantastic read and really opened my eyes. Psychedelics are powerful medicine and we could learn alot from their usage. Time to dissolve that ego!

If I could give this book 11 stars, I would. The mind - blowing, life - changing impact this book had on me in my late teens and to every single person I've lent a copy to (never to have returned as they have passed it on!) cannot be over - stated. This book does what it says on the cover: breaks your head wide open.

Great book, insights for anyone interested or on thier own voyage into psychedelics, and a few cautionary notes to ponder

Good read if you are interested in altered states / shamanism etc. Bit pricey i thought but interesting writer

But not my cup of tea really

A great journey and very well written knowledge for the curious adventurer. take s you there , wherever there is :-)