Rev. Merrill Ward, Ep. Gn., is an ordained Gnostic priest, advisor, counselor, educator, and researcher in the field of entheogenic spirituality. He is a longstanding advocate for cognitive liberty and for the safe, responsible sacramental use of entheogens in support of psycho-spiritual healing, personal growth, and well-being. With more than 35 years of study and practice in comparative world religions and related spiritual disciplines, his focus places particular emphasis on the mystical unitive experience, as well as the practical application of sacred entheogenic practice for the expansion, exploration, and enrichment of human consciousness and deeper connection with Source.

Over the past 18 years, Merrill’s field work has contributed to important scientific and academic research, including studies published through Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, and Harvard Divinity School. He has consulted with the Usona Institute, served as an advisor to Journey Colab, and served as an entheogenic advisor for the XR wellness company TRIPP. As a respected and trusted elder in the field, he is also a contributing educator within the F.I.V.E. network and has participated in retreat and educational offerings with Tandava Retreats. A frequent speaker, presenter, moderator, and panelist, he regularly offers in-depth presentations and talks on sacramental spirituality and related topics at conferences and symposia nationwide.

Merrill is the founder, chief officiant, and minister of Awakening Divinity Ministries. He is also a devoted and loving father and has lived for the past 25 years in Southern Oregon, on the lands of the Shasta, Takelma, and Latgawa peoples. Prior to his present work, he spent more than 25 years in Los Angeles and New York working in film, television, multimedia, music, and advertising as a creative producer, executive producer, and assistant director. He remains dedicated and honored to be involved in this sacred work in service to community and our shared planetary evolution.