Chasing the Numinous: Hungry Ghosts in the Shadow of the Psychedelic Renaissance

As psychedelic medicines gain renewed scientific, public, and commercial attention, this presentation examines the shadow side of this global renaissance. Drawing from depth psychology and the archetypal image of the Hungry Ghost, Dr. Osterhold explores whether the West’s intense fascination with psychedelics—from personal healing to entheogenic tourism and corporate commodification—reflects a deeper cultural and spiritual malaise. Inspired by C.G. Jung’s insights, this talk invites critical reflection on the psychological undercurrents and ethical implications of our collective pursuit of the numinous, while acknowledging the therapeutic and spiritual promise of psychedelics.