Flesh of the Gods: The Ritual Use of Hallucinogens

by Peter T. Furst

For centuries, hallucinogens have been of great significance in the ideology and religious practices of primitive societies. In fact, the use of psychotropic plants to achieve states of religious ecstasy goes back almost to the beginning of human culture. Furthermore, the content of the psychedelic experience in the West today has been found to be similar to that of the religious pilgrimages of Oriental and aboriginal New World groups. But one fundamental difference overshadows all In the traditional cultures described in this collection of ten essays, the hallucinogenic "trip" is a means to an end--a quest for confirmation of traditional values, for unity with the tribal ancestors. In contemporary Western society, by contrast, it tends to be an end in itself and a rejection of the society's values--perhaps, it has been suggested, because Western drug-users tend to be a-cultural. Clearly, we have much to learn from an objective study of societies with long histories of sanctioned, and controlled, drug use to achieve recognized cultural objectives.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction, History, Religion, Spirituality, Drugs

304 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Bethnoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uniquely interesting investigation into the way various hallucinogens have been used by native people as part of their spiritual and ritual life. Some of the essays are more illuminating than others, but the chapters concerning different plants utilized, the symbolic art and the strong feelings different cultures have towards fungi particularly interested me. The positive, almost excited tone of the introduction about the potential of hallucinogens is quite refreshing compared to most discussion of drugs written in this century.