I love Salvia Divinorum. I think it is a seriously important entheogen in a true psychonaut's divining collection.
I know many people here have had rough times on Salvia Divinorum, some even traumatic, but that doesn't mean it should be relegated to the depths of "devils mint" or wotnot, I have seen many people calling it such. All substances have the capability to produce uncomfortable, difficult experiences, but that is outside of the domain of the substance itself, and lies within the user.
I myself had had many difficult times on tryptamines etc. but I still esteem them extremely highly, and will continue to pursue exploration with them. Salvia is no different. It is certainly unique in that it produces arguably the most profound shift in conscious arrangement than any other entheogen, but to me that is where it's strength lies. It has so much to teach, and I believe that if people let go of their paranoia and preconceived notions of Salvia Divinorum as just a drug that "fucks you up maaaannnnnnn", then we can move on to glean so many things that she tries to teach us.
There appears to be some kind of psychic symbiosis taking place when we impart of Maria Pastora - wherein the entity/entities seem to be trying to learn from us as much as they are attempting to excitedly show us around their realm. Their eagerness is often what causes much of the uncomfortable sensations, as we are not used to being dragged so far away from everything we know to be real, in such a hasty manner. But there is no harm intended, and Salvia Divinorum will always have something new to show you, and bring you safely back home when the symbiotoic link begins to dissolve.
In my opinion, one of - if not the most - wonderful substances out there for psychedelic exploration. Always use with respect, and keep this beautiful plant from succumbing to the deplorable war on drugs.
Peace, SA