Conclusions: Comparisons of Contemporary Entheogenic Healing

Traditional and modern entheogenic practices share substantial commonalities with an evolved psychology of ritual healing, which includes collective night-time group reunification, preparation through sexual abstinence and diet, performances of singing and drumming, visions from spiritual sources, self-diagnosis by clients from visions, dreams as diagnostic tools, addressing a wide range of life problems, and post-session restrictions. However, re-invented post-modern entheogenic traditions depart substantially from this model, retaining few of these features. Success requires integrating information from visions and dreams into changes in how one lives, feels, and relates to the world, involving psychotherapeutic activities and post-session restrictions on sex, food, social contact, and mind-altering substances.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This chapter provides a summary analysis of the diverse entheogenic traditions examined here, considering the model of the evolved psychology of ritual healing presented in Chapter 22. Key elements of this framework involve: Collective ritual involving a night-time group reunification Preparation through sexual abstinence and diet Performances of singing, drumming, and music Visions from spiritual sources Self-diagnosis by client from visions Dreams as diagnostic Addressing a wide range of life problems Post-session restrictions These comparative assessments show that traditional and modern entheogenic practices have substantial commonalities with the evolved psychology of ritual healing. However, the re-invented post-modern entheogenic traditions have substantial departures from this model, retaining few features of traditional entheogenic practices of ritual healing involving a social group engaged in a night-time reunification with performances of singing, drumming, dancing, and music. Pre-ritual preparation required sexual abstinence and dietary restrictions, often fasting. The entheogen consumed by clients and healers produced visionary experiences from spiritual sources providing information relevant to the diagnoses, even self-diagnosis by client. Information from visions and subsequent dreams reveal the path of healing and addressing life problems. Success requires that the information received is integrated into changes in how one lives, feels, and relates to the world. Achieving this post-session integration involves psychotherapeutic activities, as well as following post-session restrictions on sex, food, social contact, and mind-altering substances.