Mystical and Ego-Dissolution Experiences in Ayahuasca and Jurema Holistic Rituals: An Exploratory Study

Mystical and ego-dissolution experiences can be elicited by entheogens such as ayahuasca and jurema, both containing dimethyltryptamine (DMT) but differing in rituals, symbolism, and origins. In a natural-environment study with 26 participants, ayahuasca sessions produced significantly higher scores for temporal quality, ineffability, and religious quality on the Hood Mysticism Scale compared to jurema sessions, while other facets of ego-dissolution showed no significant differences. Ego-dissolution was positively correlated with temporal and unifying qualities in ayahuasca sessions, and with religious, unifying, and inner subjectivity qualities in jurema sessions. Ethnographic observations and interviews indicate that setting plays a key role in these differences and the meaning of the experience.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Mystical and even ego-dissolution experiences can be elicited from entheogens, like sacred potions of ayahuasca and jurema. Although composed of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and having met at a historical moment, ayahuasca and jurema have different rituals, symbolic references, and origins. This article aims to describe ayahuasca and jurema rituals, in psychometric measures of mysticism and ego-dissolution experience and set/settings. Observational data were collected through the Hood Mysticism Scale and Ego Dissolution Inventory in a sample of 26 participants, and semi-structured interviews (n = 7), in a natural environment. Results showed that in the ayahuasca session, means for temporal quality, ineffability, and religious quality were significantly higher than in the jurema session, but no significant differences were found in the other facets of the ego-dissolution. In the ayahuasca session, EDI was positively significantly correlated with temporal and unifying quality, whereas in the jurema session, EDI was positively significantly correlated with religious, unifying, and inner subjectivity qualities. Ethnographic observations and interviews reveal that the setting plays a key role in those differences and the meaning of the experience. More studies are needed to improve our understanding of how the set/setting interacts in mystical experiences.