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The term, “Entheogen,”
was coined by of a group comprised of Carl A. P. Ruck, Jeremy Bigwood, Danny Staples, Jonathan Ott,
and R. Gordon Wasson as published in The Road to Eleusis. The term can be described as meaning a
substance that enables “becoming the
divine or god within.”
“Entheogen”
was developed as an alternative to “hallucinogen” and “psychedelic.” The use of the
term “hallucinogen” for such substances was inappropriate because it
misrepresented the experience: hallucinations being rare and not descriptive of
a spiritual or religious experience. The
use of the term “psychedelic” for
such substances was considered inappropriate because it had an incorrect verbal
formulation and had become problematic because of its expanded misuse in
popular culture.
The term “Psychedelic”
was originally developed by Humphrey Osmond in response to a proposal from
Aldous Huxley. The original proposed
term can be described as meaning “soul or
mind manifesting.”
The League understands the preference for the term “Entheogen,” but accepts “Psychedelic” as a close synonym
considering the original intended definition.
The League advocates for religious freedom; NOT for
use of illegal substances. Users of
entheogens should be aware of laws pertaining to their jurisdiction and
circumstance. For those using
entheogens, set (proper state of mind/body) and setting (proper environment)
are critical safety factors.
Set
An entheogen user should have reached the age of
majority, mentally capable of making an informed decision.
The use of an entheogen must be voluntary.
The person should want or desire to have a spiritual
or religious experience.
The person should be healthy in body and mind, unless
the entheogen is being specifically used as a therapeutic (in such a case the therapeutic
entheogen should be administered by a therapist intimately familiar with its
effects).
The person should assure that the entheogen is not
contra-indicated due to other medicines/drugs the person may be taking or other
health condition.
Setting
The environment must be safe, secure, and comfortable;
preferably a church or home.
Another person (e.g., guide, designated drug free
person, etc.) should be present at all times and it is considered mandatory for
first time users.
The dosage amounts should be carefully monitored and
obtained from a reliable source (this is one of the greater dangers/risks of
governments making entheogens illegal).
Nature is a beautiful and awe inspiring setting, but
may be problematic due to legal restrictions.
Some have argued that LSD is not
a plant-based, natural medicine.
However, as a processed derivative of Ergot and Morning Glory seeds,
it should be considered on par with mushrooms, peyote, and DMT.
Ergot is a fungus that grows on grains: rye, barley,
and wheat in particular. Consumed
without being processed, it is poisonous, causing ergotism. When processed properly, it is the source of
LSD. The ground breaking book, The Road to Eleusis, explains how ergot
was used in the Sacramental drink, Kykeon, for the Eleusinian Mysteries.
Morning Glory seeds were used by the Aztec Priests
in religious ceremonies. Hence the variety names of Pearly Gates and Heavenly
Blue.
Entheogens
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