They Welcomed Me, But I Wasn't Ready
Salvia divinorum
Citation:   ender. "They Welcomed Me, But I Wasn't Ready: An Experience with Salvia divinorum (exp14920)". Erowid.org. Jul 20, 2005. erowid.org/exp/14920

 
DOSE:
4 hits smoked Salvia divinorum (leaves)
BODY WEIGHT: 120 lb
The first time I tried the sage, I had no idea what was coming.

I read as many reports as possible, and did the necessary research before my venture. I chose my whole house to be the setting, but locked all doors so that to get outside would take a bit of effort (and conscious thought, most importantly). I chose not to have a sitter, simply because I knew no one who had tried it before, and that can often cause even more confusion and possibly even fear in the first-timer. I had read the reports of little success, so I knew there was a chance that I would be disappointed. The leaves were dry and brittle, so I crumbled one leaf into the bowl of my bong (water cooled is a must).

1st hit (all held for 25 seconds): disorientation immediately following exhale
2nd hit: I knew I'd be going somewhere, but everyone else claimed 4 hits, so I proceeded.
3rd hit: 'here we go' I said to myself.

I sat back a minute and knew that I was about to embark on something new and bizarre. After about 30-40 seconds of sitting in bewilderment, I opted for a 4th hit:

KABLAM!!

It was as though I was in one of those dreams where you feel you've already awakened, and begin to act and move around. When I walked, I felt as though my legs stopped moving, and I was on a moving walk-way. My only mission was to get into the next room to grab a blanket. I returned successfully (but don't remember exactly). Next thing I new I was 'waking up' on the couch thinking 'it was a delusion, and I'm still here on the couch' except I had the blanket in hand. At that point my mind started going into loops not unlike those of a high-level acid trip. [Note: nothing else that occurred can be equated to acid or any other substance.]

I had a strong feeling that 'they' were observing me. Who's they? I have no idea, but they weren't belligerent; merely observant. I also realized that my vision, though not impaired, was irrelevant to the state I was in. It was simply not needed. I couldn't tell if my eyes were open or closed, anyway, so I'm not sure if the things around me really existed or not. [Note: I stand corrected, the only other 'acidic' thing that occurred was the visuals that are subtle like the tiny, tiny bubbles that form at the edge of all objects; usually with a reddish hue.]

I wasn't ready for all this. I didn't expect to be here, so I began to panic a little. I started talking out loud, and identifying myself. It's a little trick I learned after a very, very bad acid trip I had once. I had my 'reality item' before I entered this world. I grabbed it and said 'you are in your house alone, you smoked a very powerful substance, and the experience will soon be within your grasp.'

I also made sure to check the time before hand so that I could always check it in case things started to go awry. I checked the time, and 20 minutes had passed. I could feel things start to die down. The come-down lasted approx. 1 hour 30 min. It was gradual and a bit uncomfortable.

Lesson? Now I know where it takes me, and I know who's there to greet me, so I won't be uncomfortable next time. The locked doors was a good idea. The Boards of Canada on the stereo was not. If you plan on listening to music, make sure it's the kind that isn't a head trip even when you are sober.

Today I tried one hit just out of curiosity:

Again I was amazed and somewhat unprepared, but you only lose touch briefly for about 1 minute. They were there again, but they weren't too clear, and left shortly thereafter.

1 hit: tells them I'm coming but can't stay long
2-3 hits: I can stay for a bit, but don't want to leave the ground
4 hits: as I said: 'KABLAM'
5-more: I don't think I'm interested in going there just because.

Since Salvia divinorum has a small duration, one can't really plan a long trip (but the distance travelled is truly immeasurable). Now that experimentation is over, from this point onward I plan only to use it as more of a shamanistic tool.

Exp Year: 2002ExpID: 14920
Gender: Male 
Age at time of experience: Not Given
Published: Jul 20, 2005Views: 5,333
[ View PDF (to print) ] [ View LaTeX (for geeks) ] [ Swap Dark/Light ]
Salvia divinorum (44) : Alone (16), Entities / Beings (37), First Times (2)

COPYRIGHTS: All reports copyright Erowid.
No AI Training use allowed without written permission.
TERMS OF USE: By accessing this page, you agree not to download, analyze, distill, reuse, digest, or feed into any AI-type system the report data without first contacting Erowid Center and receiving written permission.

Experience Reports are the writings and opinions of the authors who submit them. Some of the activities described are dangerous and/or illegal and none are recommended by Erowid Center.


Experience Vaults Index Full List of Substances Search Submit Report User Settings About Main Psychoactive Vaults