Introduction

Building on a developing practice of first- person writing as critical method and a theory of knowledge as partial and situated, this chapter will take the form of a conversational autoethnography between two early career researchers, Dr Karen Hammond and Dr Nick Fuller. Inspired by the work of Ellis and Bochner (2006), this chapter highlights the potential of autoethnography to aid in the development and dissemination of creative forms of qualitative data analysis. It documents our exchanges and experiences in the context of two recent doctoral projects carried out in the University of the West of Scotland and the University of Stirling.

As we both occupy a marginal position between two different and apparently contradictory worlds, we think about how our other identities and, specifically, our spiritual and alternative healing practices outside of the academy have shaped our approaches to data analysis, with a focus on Nick's unique use of the shamanic journeying method. Together, we explore the challenge of developing creative approaches to qualitative data analysis in the context of mainstream research spaces where conforming to institutional and disciplinary norms is rewarded with research capital. Our dialogue seeks to address important ethical and practical considerations; as we render visible some of the difficulties in describing and engaging with highly individual experiences, we reflect on if and how such creative methods that require specific skillsets and qualities can be taught or passed onto other researchers. It is hoped that the conversational style will make learning data analysis methods more accessible and engaging for students and experienced researchers alike.

The chapter concludes by discussing ethical issues and implications arising from the shamanic approach, including concerns about cultural appropriation, and positioning the shamanic approach within wider spiritual epistemologies as well as identifying future developments and applications. In closing, we suggest our creative forms of analysis might address the inadequacy of ordinary language that is so often a problem in the fast- developing field of psychedelic research, and it is our hope that our contribution to this volume on creative data analysis will invite further and much needed discussion on the role of researcher identity and positionality in the analytical and research process.