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The most popular, and at the same time most stigmatized, use of psychedelics in Western culture has been associated with the search for direct religious experience, enhanced creativity, personal development, and "mind expansion." The use of psychedelic drugs was a major element of the 1960s counterculture, where it became associated with various social movements and a general atmosphere of rebellion and strife between generations. | The most popular, and at the same time most stigmatized, use of psychedelics in Western culture has been associated with the search for direct religious experience, enhanced creativity, personal development, and "mind expansion." The use of psychedelic drugs was a major element of the 1960s counterculture, where it became associated with various social movements and a general atmosphere of rebellion and strife between generations. | ||
===Therapeutic uses=== | ===Therapeutic uses=== | ||
Starting in the mid-20th century, psychedelic drugs have been the object of extensive attention in the Western world. They have been and are being explored as potential therapeutic agents in treating depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, alcoholism, and opioid addiction. | Starting in the mid-20th century, psychedelic drugs have been the object of extensive attention in the Western world. They have been and are being explored as potential therapeutic agents in treating depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, alcoholism, and opioid addiction. | ||
== | ==Entheogens== | ||
Entheogens are psychoactive substances, including psychedelic drugs (such as magic mushrooms and magic plants), used in sacred contexts in religion for inducing spiritual development throughout history. | Entheogens are psychoactive substances, including psychedelic drugs (such as magic mushrooms and magic plants), used in sacred contexts in religion for inducing spiritual development throughout history. | ||
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Most of the well-known modern examples of entheogens, such as Ayahuasca, [[peyote]], [[psilocybin]] mushrooms, and morning glories are from the native cultures of the Americas. | Most of the well-known modern examples of entheogens, such as Ayahuasca, [[peyote]], [[psilocybin]] mushrooms, and morning glories are from the native cultures of the Americas. | ||
==Religious use of drugs== | |||
Many religions have expressed positions on what is acceptable to consume as a means of intoxication for spiritual, pleasure, or medicinal purposes. The most common drugs in the historical religions are cannabis and alcohol. | |||
===Ancient Greece=== | |||
Ancient Greek mystery religions probably employed entheogens, such as the ergot-spiked Kykeon central to the Eleusinian Mysteries, which contained [[LSD]]-like compounds to induce a trance or dream state. The prophecies of the Delphic [[Oracle]] were uttered by Priestesses under the influence of ethylene gas exuded from the ground. | |||
===Abrahamic religions=== | |||
Judaism maintains that people do not own their bodies – they belong to [[Yahweh|God]]. However, use of alcohol in moderation is an accepted part of [[Judaism]] because the [[Bible]] states that "wine gladdens man's heart" (Psalms 104:15). The use of nicotine is well known in Hasidic communities. Stories are told about miracles and spiritual journeys performed by mystic healer Baal Shem Tov with the help of his smoking pipe | |||
In the [[Christianity|Christian]] Eucharist, wine represents (or actually is) the blood of Christ. Many Protestant congregations substitute wine with non-alcoholic grape juice. Many Christian denominations disapprove of the use of any drug irrespective of its legality. | |||
In [[Islam]], alcohol is considered ''haram'' (unlawful) for Muslims to consume. The Muslim-majority nations of Turkey and Egypt were instrumental in banning opium, cocaine, and cannabis when the League of Nations passed the 1934 Dangerous Drugs Act. In spite of these restrictions on substance use, the recreational use of cannabis still occurs widely throughout many Muslim nations. | |||
Followers of the [[Baháʼí Faith]] are forbidden to drink alcohol or to take drugs, unless prescribed by doctors. Accordingly, the sale and trafficking of such substances is also forbidden. Smoking is discouraged but not prohibited. | |||
===African diaspora religions=== | |||
Many [[African diaspora religion]]s such as the [[Santa Muerte]] movement, the Cult of [[María Lionza]] in Venezuela, various forms of [[Voodoo]], and Santo Daime in Brazil utilize alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in their rituals. These drugs help believers enter a trance state to commune with various deities. | |||
Many Rastafari believe cannabis, which they call "ganja," "the herb," or "Kaya," is a sacred gift of Jah. It may be used for spiritual purposes to commune with [[Yahweh|God]], but should not be used profanely. The use of other drugs, however, including alcohol, is frowned upon. | |||
===Thelema=== | |||
British [[occultist]] [[Aleister Crowley]] was an early proponent of the spiritual benefits of drug use. He utilized numerous drugs, including cocaine and heroin, as part of his system of ritual magic which became known as [[Thelema]]. | |||
His first novel, written in 1922, titled ''The Diary of a Drug Fiend'' is widely thought to be based upon Crowley's own drug experiences, despite being written as a fiction. Crowley made a study of drugs and their effects upon the body and mind, experimenting widely on himself. Many of his conclusions are present within this novel. | |||
Crowley's house on the island of Sicily, the [[Abbey of Thelema]], was a haven for unrestrained drug use. One visitor remarked that Crowley's five-year-old son was addicted to cocaine. | |||
==Religious deities associated with drugs== | |||
* [[Hecate]] | |||
* Dionysus - Greek god of wine | |||
[[Category:Methods of Divination]] | [[Category:Methods of Divination]] | ||
[[Category:Entheogens]] | [[Category:Entheogens]] | ||