June 12th
Celebrating Trip Sitter Day - Honoring Susi Ramstein
Join us every
June 12th to celebrate the legacy of Susi Ramstein, the pioneering trip sitter who
guided Albert Hofmann through the first intentional LSD experience
On June
12th each year, we honor Susi Ramstein, the first LSD trip sitter and a key figure in psychedelic history. As Albert Hofmann's laboratory assistant, Susi played a pivotal role during the groundbreaking moment when Hofmann intentionally ingested LSD on April 19, 1943.
Her
support and guidance during this experiment laid the foundation for what we now know
as trip sitting and harm reduction in psychedelic
experiences.
The First Trip Sitter: Susi Ramstein
Susi Ramstein was born in Basel, Switzerland, in
1922. After completing her training at Sandoz Laboratories, she became the junior laboratory assistant to Dr. Albert Hofmann. Susi's work was critical in the research of ergot alkaloids, and she was present when Hofmann first synthesized LSD-25 in 1938. However, it wasn't until April 1943 that LSD's profound effects were discovered.
Bicycle Day
On April 16, 1943, Hofmann unintentionally ingested a small amount of LSD, experiencing its effects for the first time. Intrigued by this, he decided to experiment with a larger dose on April 19th, a day now celebrated as Bicycle Day.
As Hofmann experienced intense visual and psychological effects, Susi's steady presence and practical support were crucial. She ensured his safety, fetched supplies, and communicated with medical professionals, demonstrating the essential role of a trip sitter and the principles of harm reduction
As Hofmann experienced intense visual and psychological effects, Susi's steady presence and practical support were crucial. She ensured his safety, fetched supplies, and communicated with medical professionals, demonstrating the essential role of a trip sitter and the principles of harm reduction
Her calm and supportive presence was an early example of harm reduction in practice, ensuring Hofmann's safety and comfort.
Susi's Own LSD Experience
The First Woman to Take LSD
On June 12, 1943, Susi Ramstein became the first woman to intentionally take LSD. Her experience was marked by vivid visual distortions and a profound sense of wonder. Unlike Hofmann's intense trip, Susi's experience was more controlled, and she managed to take the tram home, observing her surroundings with newfound curiosity. Her insights from this and subsequent experiences
contributed significantly to early psychedelic research and harm reduction
strategies.
The Importance of Trip Sitters and Harm Reduction Today
Susi Ramstein's legacy lives on in the practice of trip sitting and harm reduction. Modern trip sitters provide essential support during psychedelic experiences, ensuring safety and helping navigate challenging moments.
Their role is critical in therapeutic settings, where psychedelics are used to treat conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Harm reduction strategies, such as creating a safe environment, offering emotional support, and being prepared for emergencies, are integral to these practices.
Their role is critical in therapeutic settings, where psychedelics are used to treat conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Harm reduction strategies, such as creating a safe environment, offering emotional support, and being prepared for emergencies, are integral to these practices.
How to Celebrate Trip Sitter Day
Trip Sitter Day is a time to recognize the importance of support, guidance, and harm reduction in psychedelic experiences. Whether you're a seasoned psychonaut or new to the field, you can honor Susi Ramstein's legacy by:
- Learning about the history and importance of trip sitters and harm reduction strategies
- Sharing stories of positive trip sitting and harm reduction experiences
- Hosting events or gatherings to celebrate safe and supportive psychedelic exploration
- Volunteering as a trip sitter or supporting psychedelic harm reduction organizations
- Posting on social media content about harm reduction strategies or tips on how to trip safely. Use hashtags #tripsitterday, #june12tripsitterday and #harmreduction
Created by
Entheogenic Expert and Legalize Belarus