Publication Date: June 23, 2023
Midnight Water: A Psychedelic Memoir by Katherine MacLean, Ph.D. is a story of grief and redemption by a groundbreaking scientist who led the way in psychedelic research. In Dr. MacLean’s first year on the faculty at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, her path takes an unexpected detour following the death of her younger sister from cancer. After leaving her faculty job, MacLean travels the world— bringing medical and humanitarian aid to remote Himalayan villages and creating sanctuary spaces for psychedelic support— until she settles on an organic farm. While birthing and raising her two children, leading workshops, psychedelic retreats, and training to become an MDMA therapist, MacLean’ s traumatic past and the loss of her sister continue to haunt her. When her father is dying, MacLean realizes that she must dive straight into the heart of her own labyrinth in order to forgive him. Midnight Water is not only a personal story of psychedelic healing but an inspired vision for a psychedelic future that positions women and family caregivers at the center of home-based healing, from birth through death.
While death is an inevitable conclusion, the way we handle it can vary. Author Katherine MacLean, Ph.D., shares her psychedelic memoir dealing with grief in Midnight Water.
The author establishes herself as a scientist and former faculty member at John’s Hopkins School of Medicine. Her research in studying psychedelic medicines such as psilocybin in “magic mushrooms” suggests these items can promote mental health and emotional well-being.
As she details her sister’s battle with cancer and subsequent death, MacLean’s method of coping is through meditation and alternative therapies. This part of the story will resonate with anyone who has ever held a vigil with a dying loved one.
It’s through psychedelics that MacLean faces memories of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of her father. When he, too, battles cancer, MacLean faces the challenge of forgiving him before it’s too late.
Midnight Water offers a unique perspective in responding to grief, especially as it pertains to coping and channeling those feelings in a positive way.
Katherine MacLean, PhD is a Research Scientist with expertise in studying the effects of mindfulness meditation and psychedelics on cognitive performance, emotional well-being, spirituality, and brain function. As a postdoctoral research fellow and faculty member at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, she conducted clinical trials of psilocybin, the primary chemical found in “magic mushrooms,” and other psychedelic compounds. Her groundbreaking research on psilocybin suggests that psychedelic medicines can enhance openness to new experiences and promote mental health.
