Shamanism

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What is shamanism?

Many of the products on our website have been used for hundreds if not thousands of years, though in a very different context. Most of the herbs, mushrooms and cacti that are nowadays used in a recreational context, were ingested during rituals for healing and religious purposes. On every continent human tribes had a tradition centered around the 'medicine man', someone who knew how to prepare and mix plants for the purpose of "contacting the gods" or "entering the world of spirits". The various methods and belief systems are often referred to as shamanism, with the spiritual guide of the tribe (either a man or a woman) described as the shaman.

Historian Mircea Eliade said: "A first definition of this complex phenomenon, and perhaps the least hazardous, will be: shamanism = technique of ecstasy."

Ayahuasca

In the current day, many shamanic cultures have been eradicated by the Inquisition, by missionaries and the forces of capitalism. But some tribes, especially in the Amazon basin, are still practicing their ancient rituals. The most common plant mixture they use is ayahuasca, a combination of leaves and bark that contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and natural mono-amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOi). Shamans that employ the use of ayahuasca are also referred to as ayahuasceros or curanderos (healers).

Neo-shamanism

Nowadays shamanic rituals are reproduced outside the Amazon, for example in Europe. Some individuals have created new ceremonies, combining ancient methods with modern psychological theory or the use of mind-altering technologies. The people who are involved in such pursuits are sometimes referred to as neo- or techno-shamans.

Religious practices and the law

There are also some movements who have combined ancient methods from the Amazon with Catholic myths, hymns and icons, and in some cases African magic. Because these movements can be considered religions in the traditional sense (since the worship of Jesus and Maria feature prominently in the rituals), have a large congregation and have been in existence for at least hundred years, in many countries these rites are tolerated by the authorities. The main ayahuasca-related religions are Santo Daime, the União do Vegetal (UDV) and the Barquinha.

For more information on the shamanic and religious use of ayahuasca, go to: http://ayahuasca-info.com/

The sacred use of the Peyote cactus by members the Native American Church is also protected by law, namely the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978.

In India most sadhus (holy men, especially those devoted to the ascetic god Shiva) regularly smoke cannabis using a chillum, and some ingest plant mixtures containing the deliriant Datura. Although sometimes sadhus are arrested when they're publicly 'dealing' in cannabis preparations (during festivals for example), their private, religious use is generally tolerated by the authorities.

It should be noted that although some groups are allowed to use certain plants in their sacred rituals, individuals not affiliated with those groups can run into serious legal trouble if they import or serve those same substances. Just because you call yourself a shaman or healer, or have certain religious beliefs, doesn't mean you won't get arrested. To the law you'll be a criminal and will receive an appropriate punishment. Of course, the laws must be changed, but until they are, be careful!

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