Posts 1-10
1. Introduction to Psychedelics: Specifically in Greece
Psychedelics are a mystery of the natural world, with signs of usage throughout history within numerous different human civilizations. Psychedelics have been evidenced and hypothesized as being the 'gateway' to not only a higher/deeper understanding and questioning, but also as the 'dream state' between our world and a spiritual setting. A connection with something greater than humans without these inhibitors could ever achieve. Believed to be as intertwined into ceremonies as the 'body and blood' of Christ are in Christianity today, participants believed they were truly in the presence of a God, prophet, or seer whilst under the influence of these psychedelics. Taking the ancient Greek culture as an example; citizens, especially military generals and men of power, would travel to the oracles of Delphi, seeking guidance and answers. There the visitors would have a epiphany, a revelation on what path to take in their upcoming lives. An awakening of a deeper understanding, very common with the use of psychedelics. Today it is hypothesized and believed that the oracles of Delphi and those who would come to visit were in the constant presence of 'Ethylene Gas' a hallucinogenic. Because of the constant exposure to the gas, the oracles of Delphi never lasted long and were commonly replaced. It is interesting to look and see how pivotal a hallucinogenic was in the spiritual guide and decision making process that the Greeks would fully abide by and trust. The power this has over those who are unaware of its presence is made much more extreme as well. The Greeks truly believed the oracles held a power and were able to communicate with the Gods, with nothing more than a little natural gas.
2. Psychedelics Lead to Brain Development?
This post may be the most far-fetched I end up writing when hypothesizing on the overall influence of psychedelics. Researcher and historian Graham Hancock discusses the affect early natural psychedelics may have had on our ancestors increase in brain functionality, leading to creativity, intuition, and the ability to ask and consider deeply existential questions, such as where did we come from and why are we here. The altercations in brain activity and interacting chemistry due to the use of early psychedelics on our ancestors developing minds may have had lasing evolutionary effects, leading to a species with the gnawing desire to questions its origin and creator. A reason I do not entirely believe in this theory is because of the amount of evidence of many animals seeking out and ingesting natural psychedelics and hallucinogens. The most common of this being dolphin squeezing puffer fish, deer eating psychedelic mushrooms, wallabies and opium, and the list continues. It is still interesting to consider the reaction psychedelics may have had on our ancestors brain chemistry leading to the split from our common ancestors with chimps, as human beings began to develop their conscience. Chris Letheby; in his academic journal 'Naturalizing Psychedelic Spirituality' published in 2017, says "Key facts concerning psychedelics are partially explained in terms of increased entropy of the brain's functional connectivity" (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/doi/10.1111/zygo.12353/abstract). Were theses changes more permanent than we think?
3. The History of Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca with an amazonian indigenous origin has been dated back as far as 5,000 years ago, with a brew that has stayed constant in ingredients through the test of time. It is believed to have been discovered by trial and error of shamans and spiritual leaders of the time. These persons would mix and brew carious plants and herbs, testing the effects of their concoctions until perfected. Ayahuasca is just that, the 'perfect' version of extracting DMT; (Di-Menthyl Tryptamine) a very potent and active psychedelics and hallucinogen, found in many native plants. The uniqueness of ayahuasca is how the DMT is ingested into the users system. More commonly smoked with short lasting effects, the ingested version of ayahuasca creates for a much longer and possibly even more thorough of an experience. Being legal today in many South American countries, ayahuasca is generally consumed in 1-2 week long ceremonies led by shamans and spiritual guides. This is a spiritual and existential experience of the body and mind, something that should be anticipated and prepared for in order to make this experience as life-changing or eye-opening as possible. The 1-2 week long ceremonies have been a tradition passed on for thousands of years. Ayahuasca is not something taken lightly in these cultures, as shamans dedicate their lives to understanding the power of this psychedelic and helping guide others' experience of it. Reading first-person experiences of ayahuasca, the brew fully removes one ego, entirely allowing for true objective thought and leading to enlightened conclusions. Shamans and spiritual guides are always present during these ceremonies in order to ensure a powerful and meaningful experience.
4. Psychedelic Importance Today
Psychedelics are important to be experienced today because of the altering of perception, thinking, and an understanding of the material world as experienced daily by the natural human brain.This change in perception not only encourages thoughtful questions but also invites new angles of approaching personal life scenarios as well as more deeply pondering subjective and objective questions. The change in the ability to think on a problem allows for a much more immersive understanding and thought process on the subject at hand, opening new doors and leading to more answers. One of the most influential abilities of psychedelics is how it truly alters ones reality to a point where if you hadn't experienced it first-hand, you would not believe that such a perception change is possible. An experience like this makes one begin to wonder what else the human perception of reality is missing/unable to interpret. If naturally occurring; most commonly simple vegetation, substances found on Earth have the ability to influence our reception of the world, it raises the mystery of what else lies in the universe with psycho-activating/altering affects and what the possibilities of those are. With rising studies on the effects of psychedelics, scientists have also been known to micro-dose the man-made psychedelic LSD. This is due to the increase in brain functionality when focusing on a specific task as well as the rise in creativity for how to go about over-coming said task.
5. Psychedelic use in Ancient Egypt
When studying Egyptian archeology and ruins, there are many depictions to be found of the infamous Blue Lotus, the psychedelic of the area and time, shown being consumed and praised within carvings. The Egyptians believed in an eternal afterlife, the soul being separate from the body; the body simply a vessel for what lies within. Within the Egyptian Book of the Dead, there is a scripture that depicts the death of a pharaoh, only for his soul to be seen walk away from his body, described as shining as bright as the sun. The reason this is important is because the Egyptians called the blue lotus the 'third eye', believing it was a way to reach out to their God, Ra. The third eye was the extension of the soul reaching and looking out upon the world and making connection with the spirit world. The blue lotus played a large part in the Egyptians understanding/belief system of the after-life, seeing this psychedelic almost as the doorway to the afterlife. The Egyptians used the blue lotus in rituals, religious ceremonies, as well as for relaxation. Feeling a oneness with the universe whilst under the influence, some archeologists suggest the Egyptian use of this psychedelic is what spurred such celestial wonderment and awareness. The blue lotus is depicted on many pillars and nearly every throne, stone alter, ceremonial head-dresses of Pharaohs, as well as having a very prominent place on Papyrus scrolls. King Tut's tomb was also found covered in the blue lotus.
6. Psychedelics in Mesoamerica
The Aztec and Maya cultures were brutal and war-driven societies where massacres and warfare among tribe was a common happening. With violence as integrated into a way of life and thinking as it was with the Mesoamericans, sacrificial acts became an important aspect of everyday life. Although many people of this time and area were taking part in sacrificial acts, none were ever as prominent as they were in the Aztec and Maya cultures. The sacrificial acts were seen as being a way to contact the Gods, to repay them for their sacrifice to keep the universe in motion. Graham Hancock is under the impression that the priests/spiritual leaders of the time; the ones carrying out the sacrifice, as well as even the crowd gathered to watch were under the influence of psychedelics. Because violence was such an important part of these cultures it is possible that during these religious ceremonies, attendees were under the influence in order to feel a deeper connection with their deity. David Corrasco; in his academic journal 'City of Sacrifice' published in 1999, says "Aztec texts refer to human sacrifice as 'Neteotoquiliztli', the desire to be regarded as a God" (http://skyline.ucdenver.edu/record=b1822175~S0). Another helping example to support the claim that sacrifices joined with psychedelics; Graham Hancock believes, was the infamous day of mass sacrifice where 25,000+ human sacrifices were performed. A day the temple would have streams of blood likely seems like a day where psychedelics brought the Aztecs to the extreme in their desire for worship.
7. Why Historians and Archeologists Need to try Psychedelics
The ability to imagine what it was like in the shoes of our ancestors is the prowess of historians and archeologists. Piecing together puzzles and filling in the gaps of the unknown. This is why it is so necessary for persons in these fields to actively try psychedelics themselves. With an entire reality shift whilst under the influence, how would someone from another era ever begin to imagine thought processes and experiences of civilizations past that had psychedelics powerfully intertwined into their society, whether it be in religious/ceremonial settings or simply as a recreational experience. The influence psychedelics have on a single persons being, let alone an entire civilization, must be taken seriously and experimented with. It is an experience behind a closed door that those who have never tries psychedelics won'y even understand that the door exists. It is a perception for understand thought processes of entire civilizations; specifically Egypt, and unraveling missing pieces significant to religious practices and fundamental belief systems.
8. Becoming a Shaman
To become a shaman, one must undergo extensive meditation and self-discovery. Mastering their bodies and the flexibility and openness available, shamans begin to loosely mingle with nature. A shaman is the idea of taking the spirit and body to be disconnected yet still joined with the material world, to have a deeper understand of not only their body but their soul. A shaman should be a Sheppard of peace and understanding, even empathy for those in contact. In order to begin the process of becoming a shaman, one must find a teacher. From there, by traveling to indigenous regions where it is lowly populated and surrounded in nature, a journey of spiritual enlightenment begins to unfold, generally lasted many many years before considered a master of ones mind and body. The most important aspects of becoming a shaman include respect of the Earth, ceremony, Shamanic journeys (more or less lucid dreaming), relationship with spirit allies, as well as a commitment to ones self.
9. Moses and Psychedelics
Coming to fruition is the claim that Moses was under the influence of psychedelics while recieving the Ten Commandments from God. To back up this theory, the bible frequently mentions the acacia tree, known to be one of the most psychedelic substances on Earth. Hebrew University of Jerusalem Professor Benny Shannon; having a first hand experience with Ayahuasca, believes the story of Moses as well as the burning bush carry trademarks of a psychedelic experience. The professor claims that nearly all psychedelic experiences induce, "a loss of sense of time, seeing bright lights or fire, the blurring of the senses and profound religious and spiritual feelings". Focusing on the burning bush, Shannon claims that the reason the bush is perceived as unchanging; un-burnt, is because the fraction of a moment that in reality has passed, feels like an eternity for the user of the acacia tree. The bush did not seem harmed or changed because enough time had not passed for Moses to recognize the burning.
10. Opium
Believed to be one of the oldest form of drugs introduced into human culture, opium has seems rises and declines in its use up until morphine was concocted in the early 19th century. Opium has been traced back in Asia to 5,000 years ago when poppy seed became to come to fruition as well as the extraction of opium. Opium has also been found to have been used in Pharaonic Egypt as an aid for crying children as well as an aid for intestinal pain. From there opium was found in Greek, Roman, and Islamic cultures. Opium is believed to have been used as analgesic in treatment of pain, up until morphine was introduced as a replacement.
Psychedelics are a mystery of the natural world, with signs of usage throughout history within numerous different human civilizations. Psychedelics have been evidenced and hypothesized as being the 'gateway' to not only a higher/deeper understanding and questioning, but also as the 'dream state' between our world and a spiritual setting. A connection with something greater than humans without these inhibitors could ever achieve. Believed to be as intertwined into ceremonies as the 'body and blood' of Christ are in Christianity today, participants believed they were truly in the presence of a God, prophet, or seer whilst under the influence of these psychedelics. Taking the ancient Greek culture as an example; citizens, especially military generals and men of power, would travel to the oracles of Delphi, seeking guidance and answers. There the visitors would have a epiphany, a revelation on what path to take in their upcoming lives. An awakening of a deeper understanding, very common with the use of psychedelics. Today it is hypothesized and believed that the oracles of Delphi and those who would come to visit were in the constant presence of 'Ethylene Gas' a hallucinogenic. Because of the constant exposure to the gas, the oracles of Delphi never lasted long and were commonly replaced. It is interesting to look and see how pivotal a hallucinogenic was in the spiritual guide and decision making process that the Greeks would fully abide by and trust. The power this has over those who are unaware of its presence is made much more extreme as well. The Greeks truly believed the oracles held a power and were able to communicate with the Gods, with nothing more than a little natural gas.
2. Psychedelics Lead to Brain Development?
This post may be the most far-fetched I end up writing when hypothesizing on the overall influence of psychedelics. Researcher and historian Graham Hancock discusses the affect early natural psychedelics may have had on our ancestors increase in brain functionality, leading to creativity, intuition, and the ability to ask and consider deeply existential questions, such as where did we come from and why are we here. The altercations in brain activity and interacting chemistry due to the use of early psychedelics on our ancestors developing minds may have had lasing evolutionary effects, leading to a species with the gnawing desire to questions its origin and creator. A reason I do not entirely believe in this theory is because of the amount of evidence of many animals seeking out and ingesting natural psychedelics and hallucinogens. The most common of this being dolphin squeezing puffer fish, deer eating psychedelic mushrooms, wallabies and opium, and the list continues. It is still interesting to consider the reaction psychedelics may have had on our ancestors brain chemistry leading to the split from our common ancestors with chimps, as human beings began to develop their conscience. Chris Letheby; in his academic journal 'Naturalizing Psychedelic Spirituality' published in 2017, says "Key facts concerning psychedelics are partially explained in terms of increased entropy of the brain's functional connectivity" (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.aurarialibrary.idm.oclc.org/doi/10.1111/zygo.12353/abstract). Were theses changes more permanent than we think?
3. The History of Ayahuasca
Ayahuasca with an amazonian indigenous origin has been dated back as far as 5,000 years ago, with a brew that has stayed constant in ingredients through the test of time. It is believed to have been discovered by trial and error of shamans and spiritual leaders of the time. These persons would mix and brew carious plants and herbs, testing the effects of their concoctions until perfected. Ayahuasca is just that, the 'perfect' version of extracting DMT; (Di-Menthyl Tryptamine) a very potent and active psychedelics and hallucinogen, found in many native plants. The uniqueness of ayahuasca is how the DMT is ingested into the users system. More commonly smoked with short lasting effects, the ingested version of ayahuasca creates for a much longer and possibly even more thorough of an experience. Being legal today in many South American countries, ayahuasca is generally consumed in 1-2 week long ceremonies led by shamans and spiritual guides. This is a spiritual and existential experience of the body and mind, something that should be anticipated and prepared for in order to make this experience as life-changing or eye-opening as possible. The 1-2 week long ceremonies have been a tradition passed on for thousands of years. Ayahuasca is not something taken lightly in these cultures, as shamans dedicate their lives to understanding the power of this psychedelic and helping guide others' experience of it. Reading first-person experiences of ayahuasca, the brew fully removes one ego, entirely allowing for true objective thought and leading to enlightened conclusions. Shamans and spiritual guides are always present during these ceremonies in order to ensure a powerful and meaningful experience.
4. Psychedelic Importance Today
Psychedelics are important to be experienced today because of the altering of perception, thinking, and an understanding of the material world as experienced daily by the natural human brain.This change in perception not only encourages thoughtful questions but also invites new angles of approaching personal life scenarios as well as more deeply pondering subjective and objective questions. The change in the ability to think on a problem allows for a much more immersive understanding and thought process on the subject at hand, opening new doors and leading to more answers. One of the most influential abilities of psychedelics is how it truly alters ones reality to a point where if you hadn't experienced it first-hand, you would not believe that such a perception change is possible. An experience like this makes one begin to wonder what else the human perception of reality is missing/unable to interpret. If naturally occurring; most commonly simple vegetation, substances found on Earth have the ability to influence our reception of the world, it raises the mystery of what else lies in the universe with psycho-activating/altering affects and what the possibilities of those are. With rising studies on the effects of psychedelics, scientists have also been known to micro-dose the man-made psychedelic LSD. This is due to the increase in brain functionality when focusing on a specific task as well as the rise in creativity for how to go about over-coming said task.
5. Psychedelic use in Ancient Egypt
When studying Egyptian archeology and ruins, there are many depictions to be found of the infamous Blue Lotus, the psychedelic of the area and time, shown being consumed and praised within carvings. The Egyptians believed in an eternal afterlife, the soul being separate from the body; the body simply a vessel for what lies within. Within the Egyptian Book of the Dead, there is a scripture that depicts the death of a pharaoh, only for his soul to be seen walk away from his body, described as shining as bright as the sun. The reason this is important is because the Egyptians called the blue lotus the 'third eye', believing it was a way to reach out to their God, Ra. The third eye was the extension of the soul reaching and looking out upon the world and making connection with the spirit world. The blue lotus played a large part in the Egyptians understanding/belief system of the after-life, seeing this psychedelic almost as the doorway to the afterlife. The Egyptians used the blue lotus in rituals, religious ceremonies, as well as for relaxation. Feeling a oneness with the universe whilst under the influence, some archeologists suggest the Egyptian use of this psychedelic is what spurred such celestial wonderment and awareness. The blue lotus is depicted on many pillars and nearly every throne, stone alter, ceremonial head-dresses of Pharaohs, as well as having a very prominent place on Papyrus scrolls. King Tut's tomb was also found covered in the blue lotus.
6. Psychedelics in Mesoamerica
The Aztec and Maya cultures were brutal and war-driven societies where massacres and warfare among tribe was a common happening. With violence as integrated into a way of life and thinking as it was with the Mesoamericans, sacrificial acts became an important aspect of everyday life. Although many people of this time and area were taking part in sacrificial acts, none were ever as prominent as they were in the Aztec and Maya cultures. The sacrificial acts were seen as being a way to contact the Gods, to repay them for their sacrifice to keep the universe in motion. Graham Hancock is under the impression that the priests/spiritual leaders of the time; the ones carrying out the sacrifice, as well as even the crowd gathered to watch were under the influence of psychedelics. Because violence was such an important part of these cultures it is possible that during these religious ceremonies, attendees were under the influence in order to feel a deeper connection with their deity. David Corrasco; in his academic journal 'City of Sacrifice' published in 1999, says "Aztec texts refer to human sacrifice as 'Neteotoquiliztli', the desire to be regarded as a God" (http://skyline.ucdenver.edu/record=b1822175~S0). Another helping example to support the claim that sacrifices joined with psychedelics; Graham Hancock believes, was the infamous day of mass sacrifice where 25,000+ human sacrifices were performed. A day the temple would have streams of blood likely seems like a day where psychedelics brought the Aztecs to the extreme in their desire for worship.
7. Why Historians and Archeologists Need to try Psychedelics
The ability to imagine what it was like in the shoes of our ancestors is the prowess of historians and archeologists. Piecing together puzzles and filling in the gaps of the unknown. This is why it is so necessary for persons in these fields to actively try psychedelics themselves. With an entire reality shift whilst under the influence, how would someone from another era ever begin to imagine thought processes and experiences of civilizations past that had psychedelics powerfully intertwined into their society, whether it be in religious/ceremonial settings or simply as a recreational experience. The influence psychedelics have on a single persons being, let alone an entire civilization, must be taken seriously and experimented with. It is an experience behind a closed door that those who have never tries psychedelics won'y even understand that the door exists. It is a perception for understand thought processes of entire civilizations; specifically Egypt, and unraveling missing pieces significant to religious practices and fundamental belief systems.
8. Becoming a Shaman
To become a shaman, one must undergo extensive meditation and self-discovery. Mastering their bodies and the flexibility and openness available, shamans begin to loosely mingle with nature. A shaman is the idea of taking the spirit and body to be disconnected yet still joined with the material world, to have a deeper understand of not only their body but their soul. A shaman should be a Sheppard of peace and understanding, even empathy for those in contact. In order to begin the process of becoming a shaman, one must find a teacher. From there, by traveling to indigenous regions where it is lowly populated and surrounded in nature, a journey of spiritual enlightenment begins to unfold, generally lasted many many years before considered a master of ones mind and body. The most important aspects of becoming a shaman include respect of the Earth, ceremony, Shamanic journeys (more or less lucid dreaming), relationship with spirit allies, as well as a commitment to ones self.
9. Moses and Psychedelics
Coming to fruition is the claim that Moses was under the influence of psychedelics while recieving the Ten Commandments from God. To back up this theory, the bible frequently mentions the acacia tree, known to be one of the most psychedelic substances on Earth. Hebrew University of Jerusalem Professor Benny Shannon; having a first hand experience with Ayahuasca, believes the story of Moses as well as the burning bush carry trademarks of a psychedelic experience. The professor claims that nearly all psychedelic experiences induce, "a loss of sense of time, seeing bright lights or fire, the blurring of the senses and profound religious and spiritual feelings". Focusing on the burning bush, Shannon claims that the reason the bush is perceived as unchanging; un-burnt, is because the fraction of a moment that in reality has passed, feels like an eternity for the user of the acacia tree. The bush did not seem harmed or changed because enough time had not passed for Moses to recognize the burning.
10. Opium
Believed to be one of the oldest form of drugs introduced into human culture, opium has seems rises and declines in its use up until morphine was concocted in the early 19th century. Opium has been traced back in Asia to 5,000 years ago when poppy seed became to come to fruition as well as the extraction of opium. Opium has also been found to have been used in Pharaonic Egypt as an aid for crying children as well as an aid for intestinal pain. From there opium was found in Greek, Roman, and Islamic cultures. Opium is believed to have been used as analgesic in treatment of pain, up until morphine was introduced as a replacement.
Comments
Post a Comment