Psychedelic Use in Various Cultures

Psychedelic substances have been used for millennia by various cultures around the world as a means of connecting with the divine, communing with nature, and exploring the deeper realms of consciousness. These substances, often referred to as "entheogens" (meaning "generating the divine within"), have played a central role in religious, spiritual, and healing practices. Below, we'll explore some of the most well-known cultures that have used psychedelics to commune with Oneness.

1. Mesoamerican Cultures

• Mazatec People of Mexico: The Mazatec people of Oaxaca, Mexico, are perhaps the most famous for their use of psilocybin mushrooms, known locally as "teonanácatl," or "flesh of the gods." These mushrooms have been used in spiritual and healing ceremonies for centuries. The Mazatec shamans, or curanderos, use psilocybin mushrooms to commune with the divine, receive guidance from spirits, and heal physical and spiritual ailments. The ceremonies often involve chanting, prayer, and a deep focus on the interconnectedness of all life, allowing participants to experience a profound sense of Oneness with the universe.

• Aztecs: The Aztecs also used a variety of psychedelics, including psilocybin mushrooms, peyote, and morning glory seeds, to communicate with their gods. These substances were integral to religious ceremonies and were believed to grant visions, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of the cosmos. The Aztec priests used these entheogens to enter altered states of consciousness, where they could receive divine messages and guidance for their people.

2. Amazonian Tribes

• Ayahuasca in the Amazon Basin: Ayahuasca is a powerful psychedelic brew made from the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and the leaves of the Psychotria viridis plant. It has been used for thousands of years by indigenous tribes in the Amazon Basin, including the Shipibo-Conibo, Asháninka, and Santo Daime peoples. Ayahuasca ceremonies are led by shamans, who guide participants through intense and often challenging experiences that are believed to connect them with the spiritual world. The brew induces profound visions, emotional healing, and a deep sense of unity with nature and the cosmos, often described as a reunion with Oneness. Participants frequently report feeling a strong connection to the Earth, other beings, and the universe itself, understanding that all life is interconnected.

• Jivaro Tribes: The Jivaro people, including the Shuar and Achuar tribes, use a hallucinogenic drink called Natema (similar to Ayahuasca) in their shamanic practices. The purpose of the rituals is to enter the spiritual world, communicate with ancestors, and gain insights that are crucial for the well-being of the tribe. These ceremonies often emphasize the unity of the individual with the spiritual forces that govern the natural world.

3. Native American Cultures

• Peyote in the Native American Church: Peyote is a small, spineless cactus containing mescaline, a powerful psychedelic compound. The Huichol, Tarahumara, and Cora peoples of Mexico have used peyote in their spiritual practices for thousands of years. In the United States, peyote is central to the ceremonies of the Native American Church, a religious movement that blends traditional Native American beliefs with elements of Christianity. Peyote ceremonies are often conducted in a sacred tipi, where participants consume the cactus in a ritualistic manner. The experience is deeply spiritual, fostering a connection with the Great Spirit (a term used to describe the divine or Oneness) and providing visions and insights that are considered vital for spiritual growth and healing.

• Vision Quests: Many Native American tribes, such as the Lakota and the Navajo, incorporate psychedelic plants into vision quests, a rite of passage where individuals seek spiritual guidance and personal transformation. The use of peyote or other entheogens during these quests helps the seeker to enter an altered state of consciousness, where they can receive messages from the spiritual realm and understand their place within the web of life.

4. Siberian Shamanism

• Amanita Muscaria in Siberia: The Amanita muscaria mushroom, recognizable by its bright red cap with white spots, has been used by indigenous Siberian shamans, particularly among the Koryak and Evenki peoples, for thousands of years. These mushrooms are consumed in rituals designed to induce trance states, enabling the shaman to communicate with the spirit world, heal the sick, and guide the souls of the dead. The experience often involves a sense of journeying through different realms, encountering spirit beings, and returning with knowledge and healing power. The use of Amanita muscaria is deeply rooted in the belief that all life is connected through a spiritual web, and the shaman's role is to maintain balance and harmony within this web.

5. African Cultures

• Iboga in Bwiti Religion: Iboga is a powerful psychedelic plant used by the Bwiti religion in Gabon, Africa. The Bwiti people use iboga in initiation rituals, healing ceremonies, and spiritual exploration. The root bark of the iboga plant is consumed in large quantities, leading to an intense, prolonged experience that can last for days. During this time, participants often experience visions and deep introspection, reconnecting with ancestors, understanding past lives, and gaining insight into their purpose in life. The iboga experience is seen as a way to commune with Oneness, understanding the interconnection between the self, the ancestors, and the divine.

6. Modern Western Contexts

• Psychedelic Revival in the West: In recent decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelics within the Western world, particularly in spiritual, therapeutic, and research contexts. The 1960s counterculture movement embraced psychedelics as a means of expanding consciousness and connecting with a greater sense of unity and Oneness. Today, there is a growing body of research supporting the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in treating mental health conditions, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. This research also highlights the role of psychedelics in facilitating mystical experiences that lead to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all life, a concept central to the idea of Oneness.

Common Threads in Psychedelic Use Across Cultures

Across these diverse cultures, several common themes emerge in the use of psychedelics:

• Communion with the Divine: Psychedelics are often seen as a bridge to the divine or spiritual realm, allowing individuals to directly experience Oneness and the interconnectedness of all life.

• Healing and Transformation: These substances are used for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, helping individuals to overcome personal challenges, reconnect with their true selves, and transform their lives.

• Guidance and Wisdom: In many cultures, psychedelics are used to receive guidance from the spiritual realm, whether through visions, messages from ancestors, or direct communion with divine entities.

• Ritual and Tradition: The use of psychedelics is deeply embedded in ritual and tradition, ensuring that these powerful substances are used with respect, intention, and in a controlled setting.

Conclusion

The use of psychedelics to commune with Oneness is a practice that transcends cultural boundaries, reflecting a universal human desire to connect with the divine and understand the deeper mysteries of existence. From the jungles of the Amazon to the deserts of Mexico, these sacred substances have played a vital role in the spiritual lives of countless cultures, offering a direct, experiential understanding of the unity that underlies all life. As the Oneness Movement (OM) advocates for the responsible use of psychedelic mushrooms, it draws upon this rich history, recognizing these substances as powerful tools for spiritual growth, healing, and the pursuit of universal truth.