Peyote as Earth Medicine: Examining How Symbolic Meanings Shape Experiences With Psychedelics

Summary

People who use peyote in religious ceremonies define it as an 'earth medicine' that aids physical, spiritual, and psychological healing and must be respected. This narrative shapes how and when they use peyote—with intention and not recreationally—distances it from other drugs seen as harmful, and directs their physiological experiences. The symbolic meaning associated with the drug justifies its use and encourages continued use, suggesting that understanding drug use requires examining how discourse about specific drugs is incorporated into personal narratives.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Narrative criminology prioritizes personal narratives for explaining past behaviours and shaping future decisions. Using this perspective, we rely on data from a photo-ethnography with people who use peyote in religious ceremonies to understand how their discourses about peyote shape their experiences with it. We find that participants define peyote as an ‘earth medicine’ that helps with healing (physical, spiritual and psychological) and thus should be respected. This narrative dictates how and when they use it (e.g. with intention and not recreationally), distances from other drugs (which are regarded as harmful) and directs their physiological experiences. Findings suggest that the symbolic meaning associated with specific drugs justifies using it and directs and encourages continued use. Thus, understanding drug use requires examining how discourse about specific drugs are incorporated into personal narratives.