Psychonaut 101: Read Erowid. The Five S's: Source: Know about where you're getting it so you know you're getting what you think you're getting. Self: How do y

Psychonaut 101: Read Erowid. The Five S's: Source: Know about where you're getting it so you know you're getting what you think you're getting. Self: How do you respond to this chemical? What brings you comfort, what brings you stress? What might you want and not want around? Setting: Where are you? Who is around you? Set: What is your mindset and intention for this experience? For "Source"; I recommend something I call the "Wine Test". You don't need to know anything about wine to know if someone else does; get them talking and see if they have lots of details. If your prospective source is paying attention, they'll know what people's experiences have been on what they're supplying. They'll care about it being at least a good thing, if not exactly the right thing. If they're apathetic, or only care about your cash, walk away. For "Set", I recommend a little intentionality ceremony. Hold the dose in your head, contemplate what you're looking for out of the experience, and say it aloud as one part prayer and one part benediction. A good fallback is "We who are about to do this accept all foreseen and unforeseen consequences." To avoid / handle bad trips, just start changing things. Change at least one thing, then change at least one other thing, repeat until better. Music has a huge effect, so generally, start by changing that. Finally, repeat after me: Cars are hard. Fire is hot. If you think you can fly, start from the ground.