'The Flagellant' is the title of this attempt to portray the experience of volcanic ecstacy characterizing the final stages of the death-rebirth process (BPM III), where agony and pleasure fuse in an inextricable amalgam. Various parts of the painting can be perceived as related either to physical suffering or to sensual pleasure: wounds with torn flesh, drops and traces of blood after flagellation or beautiful patterns of exotic fabrics and Persian rugs.

The experience of volcanic ecstacy in perinatal sessions is frequently associated with visions of purifying fire (pyrocatharsis). While releasing enormous amounts of destructive energy, LSD subjects identify with erupting volcanoes, atomic explosions, thermonuclear reactions, and even cosmic catastrophes.

The last seconds before biological and spiritual birth in an LSD session. The triangular area in the center of the picture is where the top of the head or vortex breaks through; the highly charged currents of energy reflect the extreme tension that is typically associated with this moment. Individuals facing the final release experience expectations of apocalyptic catastrophe, such as the fear of an impending explosion in which the entire world will be annihilated.

A representation of identification with the universe. This experience, from an advanced stage of LSD psychotherapy, is associated with ecstatic rapture and visions of cosmic processes on a galactic scale.