Psychedelic Shamanism

The final chapter examines post-1960s developments in the study of shamanism, focusing on the ideas of Carlos Castaneda and Terence McKenna, both shaped by the psychedelic revolution. It discusses the growing tendency to frame contemporary indigenous and ancient shamanic cultures as psychedelic cultures. Since the late nineteenth century, interest in psychoactive plant use within indigenous religious contexts has increased, significantly stimulated by R. Gordon Wasson's theories.

Study at a glance

Abstract

The final chapter discusses a number of post-1960s developments, focusing particularly on the ideas of two influential thinkers who were shaped in different ways by the psychedelic revolution, Carlos Castaneda and Terence McKenna. Central to the thought of both of them was the significance of shamanism. The chapter also discusses the emergence of interest in constructing contemporary indigenous and ancient shamanic cultures as psychedelic cultures. Since the late nineteenth century, there has been a growing interest in the uses of psychoactive plants in indigenous religious contexts. This interest was particularly stimulated by the work of R. Gordon Wasson, whose theories are discussed.