Author | Educator 
Matt Zemon
Doctor of Ministry · MSc Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health
Bridging ancient wisdom and modern consciousness research to help ordinary people discover that direct spiritual experience is their birthright.
Academic CredentialsRigorous training, lived experience.
Scholarly depth paired with practical wisdom from serving an entheogenic faith community.
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Pacific School of ReligionMatt earned his Doctor of Ministry from Pacific School of Religion, a graduate seminary specializing in religious leadership at the intersection of theology, social change, and contemporary spiritual life. His doctoral research examined the historical, theological, and legal foundations of entheogenic sacraments. In his defended dissertation, Matt demonstrated that psilocybin mushrooms can serve as a sincere and valid sacrament under both religious tradition and legal protection. Methodologically, his work drew on autoethnographic reflection, historical scholarship, and phenomenological analysis of mystical experience.
MSc Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health
Matt earned his MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King's College London, completed at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. His research examined how biological, psychological, and social factors shape mental health, and how the clinical evidence base for current treatments has been developed. His studies focused on the neuroscience of consciousness and the clinical evidence base for psychedelic-assisted therapy, including the conditions under which these medicines can be used safely and effectively.
King's college londonThe journeyA bridge between worlds.
Matt Zemon is Executive Director of the Council on Spiritual Practices, an organization that for over three decades has been dedicated to making experiences of the Sacred more available to more people. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Pacific School of Religion, specializing in psychedelics in religious practice, and a Master of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King's College London. The author of six books on psychedelics, religion, and healing, he serves an entheogenic faith community and views direct spiritual experience as rooted in religious tradition and protected by law.
Matt is grounded in the conviction that personal healing contributes to collective healing. He writes and speaks as a fellow traveler who does not promote psychedelics as shortcuts or cures.
Matt speaks regularly at conferences, universities, and religious communities on the intersection of psychedelics, spirituality, science, and law.
“I am not telling anyone to believe in light. I am helping them remember they are a candle.”
Core Philosophy— Matt Zemon
Personal healing creates collective healing.
Direct spiritual experience isn't reserved for saints or shamans.
The goal isn't peak experiences but integrated living.
How you carry the sacred into daily life matters most.
EndorsementsTrusted across disciplines.
FAITH“...a spiritually grounded resource for transformation and renewal.”
Rabbi Zac Kamenetz
Founder & CEO
Shefa: A Jewish Psychedelic Society
“...shows us how to hold both ancient tradition and emerging revelation.”
Rev. Molly Phinney Baskette
United Church of Christ Pastor
Author of Real Good Church
Research“the knowledge and guidance to engage with these powerful tools responsibly.”
Bessel van der Kolk, MD
#1 NYT Bestselling Author · The Body Keeps the Score
“offers veterans the tools to prepare for, engage with, and integrate psychedelic experiences.”
Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco and founder of the world’s first Center for Psychedelic Research at Imperial College London
military“a real alternative for those seeking relief.”
Lieutenant General Martin Steele
US Marine Corps (Retired)
“…illuminates critical work in preparation and integration essential to realizing the full benefit of these historic and promising therapies.”
Rear Admiral Losey
Retired Navy SEAL
arts“the tools to access this powerful form of healing—empowering them to confront trauma and step into a new chapter of their lives.”
Melissa Ethridge
Grammy-winning Musician · The Etheridge Foundation
“…valuable for those exploring how these tools can support growth, connection, and recovery in the psychedelic space.”
East Forest
Musician and Producer
mailing listFor Fellow Travelers
I write occasionally about what I'm learning at the intersection of psychedelics, religion, and direct spiritual experience. Subscribe if these questions matter to you.