World Psychedelics Day Pays Homage to Amanda Feilding
World Psychedelics Day pays homage to the great Amanda Claire Marian Charteris, Countess of Wemyss and March—widely known as Amanda Feilding —who passed away at her ancestral home, Beckley Park in Oxfordshire, on the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025, aged 82 .
A trailblazing advocate in the field of psychedelic science and drug policy reform, she founded the Beckley Foundation (originally the Foundation to Further Consciousness) in 1998. Through her initiative, Amanda led a global movement supporting rigorous neuroscientific and clinical studies into the cognitive and therapeutic potential of psychoactive substances—especially LSD and cannabis—to treat depression, anxiety, addiction, and enhance creativity and well-being .
Known for her conviction and curiosity, Amanda’s early experiments were extraordinary—even legendary. In 1970, at age 27, she performed trepanation (drilling a small hole in her skull) to explore its effects on consciousness, a bold demonstration of her willingness to personally test her hypotheses . Over decades, she wrote more than 50 peer‑reviewed articles, earning both skepticism and admiration—but above all reshaping conversations around mental health and policy. .
Her tireless lobbying efforts, scientific collaborations, and public advocacy played a crucial role in destigmatizing psychedelic research; The Economist aptly dubbed her “the queen of consciousness” and chronicled her lifelong campaign to rescue psychedelics’ reputation .
She is remembered not only for her groundbreaking intellectual contributions but for the grace, courage, and warmth with which she lived. In her final weeks, she remained deeply engaged with her husband, two sons, and her grandchildren preparing for what she called “her next great adventure” with excitement and peace .
Her legacy through the Beckley Foundation endures: a vibrant bridge between science and consciousness, her impact will continue in the policy reforms, research breakthroughs, and countless lives she inspired. We celebrate her vision, bravery, and unwavering spirit. A life well lived in full curiosity and compassion.
WPD 6•20