The Consumption of Psychoactive Plants in Ancient Global and Anatolian Cultures During Religious Rituals: The Roots of the Eruption of Mythological Figures and Common Symbols in Religions and Myths
NeuroQuantology May 31, 2014 H. Umit Sayin 19 citations
Throughout history, many cultures have used psychoactive plants—such as those containing psilocybin, mescaline, DMT, and THC—in religious rituals for purposes including spiritual healing, contacting spirits, and reaching enlightenment. These practices occurred across shamanic, pagan, African, Native American, Aztec, Greek, Hindu, and other traditions. The authors hypothesize that the hallucinations and images experienced during these plant-induced altered states significantly influenced the creation of mythological and religious figures—such as angels, demons, gods, and mythical creatures—in many religions. They argue that this impact has been underestimated by historians and anthropologists due to anti-drug biases in Western societies.