C
Ceremony A structured, often ritualized psychedelic experience, typically with spiritual or healing intent. Common in indigenous and neo-shamanic contexts.
Come-up The phase after onset when effects intensify rapidly. Often the most anxiety-prone part of the experience.
Comedown The gradual return to baseline as effects diminish. Can include fatigue, emotional tenderness, or clarity. E
Ego dissolution A temporary loss of the ordinary sense of self. Can feel like dying, merging, or transcending — often accompanied by profound awe or fear.
Entheogen A substance used to generate or encounter the divine within. Preferred term in some spiritual and indigenous communities over "psychedelic." H
Holding space Being present for someone without trying to fix, guide, or interpret their experience. The core skill of a good sitter. I
Integration The ongoing process of making meaning from a psychedelic experience and weaving insights into daily life. Often considered more important than the trip itself. M
Macrodose A full, perceptible dose of a psychedelic — enough to produce significant alterations in consciousness.
Microdose A sub-perceptual dose, roughly 1/10th to 1/20th of a recreational dose, taken on a regular schedule. P
Peak The most intense phase of a psychedelic experience, typically 2–5 hours after onset depending on substance. R
Reagent test A liquid chemical test that changes color in the presence of specific substances. Used to verify identity and screen for dangerous adulterants. S
Set and setting The two strongest predictors of a psychedelic experience: set (mindset, expectations, emotional state) and setting (physical environment, people present, ambient conditions).
Sitter A sober, trusted person who remains present during a psychedelic experience to ensure physical safety and provide grounding if needed. T
Thought loop A repetitive cycle of ideas or mental patterns that can occur during a psychedelic peak. Usually passes with a change of stimulus or setting.