Interest in psychedelic substances is increasing. Many view these substances as a source of increased personal insight, creativity, healing, and contact with a spiritual reality. Some artists and writers, from Aldous Huxley to Michael Pollan, have tried using various psychedelics to connect with anything from another reality to their inner self. Contemporary interest in psychedelics goes in waves. Bands like The Beatles and The Grateful Dead contributed to great interest in the 60s, which then declined through the 70s to the 90s before rising again now. But what do we really know about the effects of these substances? Medical research in this area still does not provide clear answers. However, we know that psychedelic substances affect the brain. They are hallucinogenic, meaning they can lead to hallucinations and altered consciousness. They change the way you perceive both yourself and the environment around you. Can chemical substances really be more effective than your own experiences in providing insight and clarity into the world you live in? We discuss these questions based on research, psychotherapy, and meditation.