A taxonomy of ayahuasca hallucinations

A wonderful list categorising hallucinations experienced by the Cashinahua people of Peru after drinking the hallucinogenic brew ayahuasca.

1. Brightly colored, large snakes

2. Jaguars and ocelots

3. Spirits, both of ayahuasca and others

4. Large trees, often falling trees

5. Lakes, frequently filled with anacondas and alligators

6. Cashinahua villages and those of other Indians

7. Traders and their goods

8. Gardens

It reported by the anthropologist Ken Kensinger in a chapter in the book Hallucinogens and Shamanism.

It reminded me of writer Jorge Luis Borges’ whimsical classification system for animals.