What exactly is Timothy Leary’s concept of “set and setting”? Set and setting refer to the interplay between substances, your internal state, and your external environment. If you’ve ever taken the same dose of a psychedelic drug in different environments, you likely appreciate the importance of “set and setting.”
What Is It and Why Is It Important?
Why can the same dose of a psychedelic drug lead to vastly different experiences? Psychedelics make you acutely aware of your internal state and surroundings. Both your internal and external environments influence your overall psychedelic experience.
Set and Setting: What is it?
Timothy Leary and his colleagues introduced the concept of “set and setting” in 1964 in their guidebook, The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead. This concept has since become universal in the psychedelic community.
Understanding Set and Setting
Before diving deeper, let’s define set and setting. “Set” refers to your inner state—your beliefs, mood, emotional state, and personality. “Setting” refers to your external environment, including the people around you, the sounds, smells, weather, and even cultural factors.
Exploring Set and Setting in Depth
For example, knowing that psychedelics are illegal and stigmatized can influence your experience. Dr. Ido Hartoghson has extensively researched how broader social systems affect the psychedelic experience, describing this as a “collective set and setting.” This includes societal attitudes toward psychedelics and the physical and social environments available.
How Does Set and Setting Work?
Set and setting aren’t unique to psychedelics but are frequently discussed because psychedelics amplify these factors. They act like a magnifying glass, intensifying your internal and external states. If you’re anxious, psychedelics can heighten that anxiety. If you’re feeling creative, they can enhance that creativity. This shapeshifting quality makes understanding set and setting crucial.
How to Check on Your Set
Knowing how to gauge a “good” set is essential. Sara Gael, a harm reduction officer at the Zendo Project, suggests asking yourself if you’re using psychedelics to escape a situation or emotion. If so, you might need to address your mental health before using psychedelics. Talking to a psychedelic-friendly therapist can provide additional insight and support.
Understanding the Risks
Many use psychedelics for therapeutic effects, but these substances can also magnify emotional states. Using psychedelics to escape trauma can enhance that trauma. Professional support is crucial if you’re struggling with mental health issues.
Finding the Right Setting
The ideal setting for a psychedelic experience varies from person to person. Consider safety, social support, comforts, and familiarity. A psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy environment might be quiet and private, while group rituals offer different dynamics.
Navigating Support Systems
Even if you prefer solitude, having a trusted, sober “trip sitter” is recommended, especially for first-timers. This person should be familiar with psychedelics and provide a calming presence. Alternatively, if you choose to be around others, ensure they are people you feel safe with.
Ensuring Comfort and Safety
The people and environment you choose are vital for a safe experience. Many prefer the familiarity of home, where they can easily access comforts and support. If you venture outside, consider what you might need, such as water, snacks, and a phone.
Conclusion
Timothy Leary’s concept of Set and Setting is foundational in psychedelic exploration. It highlights the importance of both internal and external factors in shaping your experience. By understanding and applying these principles, individuals can approach their psychedelic journeys with greater mindfulness and safety, maximizing therapeutic potential while minimizing risks.
