Minutes of the October Oneironauticum, by Jennifer
An inspiring, marvelous group of women and men gathered for the Women’s Visionary Congress at Wilbur Hot Springs. For Sunday night Oneironauticum, approximately forty people gathered to hear about the Calea zacatechichi, our oneirogen for the evening. Being the sort of people who like to have in depth information, several attendees asked questions about potential interactions between Calea and other substances. In the experience of Oneironauticum participants, any substances that noticeably inhibit dreaming will overpower the Calea. Large amounts of alcohol, THC containing substances (marijuana, hashish), or medication that aids sleep (Benzodiazepines, such as valium, xanax, and klonopin, or Zolpidem, also known as ambien) all generally suppress the effects of the Calea, probably because they inhibit dreaming. Nobody who has participated in Oneironauticum has reported any adverse reactions from combining Calea with other substances. I also recommended not driving after consuming the Calea. Many people begin experiencing dreamlike states within half an hour of drinking the tea. Operating this world heavy machinery is not advised in dream states.
After the introduction of the Calea, we discussed dream states. Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) shared that he and his wife had kept dream journals (among other journaling) during her two pregnancies with their children, to present to each later in life. Marcela, who led the group in yoga during the Congress, told me stories of her rich dream life. Like me, she remembers on average three dreams per night. These dreams are so vivid that she often wakes up laughing, crying, or exclaiming. Another young woman reliably receives guidance in her dreams when she’s faced with important decisions.
Of those gathered, about half partook of the Calea zacatechichi tea. A few also smoked the Calea just before sleep, also a traditional way the Chontal people of Oaxaca ingest the herb.