WRITING
Psychedelic Salon with Lorenzo Hagerty
Lorenzo was nice enough to rebroadcast this interview
In this memoir, Matthew not only shares his experiences with sacred medicines and indigenous rituals but also bizarre stories from his childhood and years dealing with addiction and how he found recovery. Schultz details traveling the world and working with many different healing modalities. This book not only seeks to educate the skeptic but also offers words of warning for those seeking out these practices.
Matthew John Schultz has worked extensively with Lakota and Mayan elders and was gifted their wisdom and practices as well as being named Path Keeper by both cultures. He is a water pourer for sweat lodges, a sacred pipe carrier and worked as an Ayahuasca facilitator around the world. He also is a multimedia artist, musician and educator. He is a founding member of the dark ambient band Lab Report and the industrial band Pigface as well as the creator of the hermetic order of The Division and The Mandala Project.
“This is like no other book I’ve ever read. Brutal and intense but also warm and wickedly funny. There’s a lot to take in with this work, but those who follow Matthew’s journey to its conclusion will be rewarded with an experience uncommon of most memoirs – especially those written by others mostly known to the general public for their musical history alone. Matthew’s work transcends that – this is something else entirely. It’s not an easy ride, but it’s worth every turn of the page. Reaching this book’s finale is well worth the time invested.”
~ Joel Gausten
Author of: The 3 Am Girls and More
From Satan to Sabbath: The Metal Interviews 2000-2009
“Schultz has traveled around the world and seen both the good and bad sides of the Ayahuasca movement and the shaman industry which has grown around it. Therefore, in addition to being an entertaining read, The Dark and the Light marks an important step in the process of opening dialogue on how something that has the potential to transform people’s lives can be supported, and how safeguards can be put in place to protect peoples mental and physical health - and pocketbooks - from creeps, charlatans and predators.”
~ Brian Mier
Co-Editor of Brazil Wire
“Matt’s brilliant and sober artistic vision presents an interesting counter-narrative to the siren song intoxicating thousands of gringos in search of “shamanic” journeys in Central and South America. Full of gritty colorful characters, and a surrealistic style that reflects its own internal compulsions, addictions, and trauma, “The Dark and the Light” strikes me like Warhol and Lou Reed’s response to the Summer of Love in their 1967 release of “The Velvet Underground and Nico”. Let the flower children spend a night in “The Factory” if they dare. Highly recommended.”
~ Michael Kokal
"In "The Dark and the Light," Matthew John Schultz invites readers on an extraordinary odyssey through the realms of sacred medicines, indigenous rituals, and the depths of personal transformation. Schultz fearlessly recounts his own tumultuous journey, from the shadows of addiction and trauma to the illuminating paths of recovery and spiritual awakening.
What sets this memoir apart is its raw honesty and unflinching authenticity. Schultz doesn't shy away from the gritty realities of his past, sharing both the harrowing lows and the transcendent highs with equal candor. From bizarre childhood anecdotes to soul-stirring encounters with ancient wisdom keepers, every page brims with vivid imagery and profound insight.
One of the most compelling aspects of Schultz's narrative is his exploration of the Ayahuasca movement and the shamanic industry surrounding it. Drawing from his firsthand experiences as an Ayahuasca facilitator and his interactions with indigenous elders, he offers a nuanced perspective on the potential for transformational healing as well as the pitfalls of exploitation and abuse within these practices.
"The Dark and the Light" is not merely a memoir; it's a call to action. Through Schultz's captivating storytelling and astute observations, readers are prompted to question the ethical implications of spiritual tourism and the commodification of ancient traditions. Yet amidst the darkness, there is also hope—a beacon of light that illuminates the path toward genuine healing and genuine connection.
The reviews speak volumes about the impact of Schultz's work. Joel Gausten praises the book's brutal intensity and wicked humor, while Brian Mier underscores its importance in sparking dialogue about safeguarding mental and physical well-being in the realm of shamanic healing. Michael Kokal aptly compares Schultz's narrative to an avant-garde masterpiece, urging readers to embark on this transformative journey with an open mind and a courageous spirit.
In conclusion, "The Dark and the Light" is a tour de force of memoir writing—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of personal redemption. Schultz's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of personal redemption. Whether you're a skeptic seeking answers or a seeker of truth, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind."
~ Mr Robot
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