The Methodology of the Sacred
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that ecstasy is not a loss of control but a form of knowledge, and that ritual, rhythm, movement, and myth operate as intentional pedagogies. Proposes that these embodied practices, drawn from Indigenous, Afro-Diasporic, and women-led communities, constitute a radical curriculum that awakens ecological consciousness and restores relational ways of being. |
Abstract
Arguing that altered states of consciousness are not spontaneous ruptures of grace but intentional, embodied methods, this book explores the question, ‘what if ecstasy is not a loss of control, but instead a form of knowledge?’ Moving between Eleusinian mystery rites, Afro-Brazilian possession ceremonies and Amazonian shamanism, to Mediterranean tarantism, Anastenaria firewalking and Santo Daime, the book reveals how ritual, rhythm, movement, and myth operate as sophisticated pedagogies — ancient technologies of transmission developed across cultures and centuries. Written from both observation and participation, and drawing on immersive research with Indigenous, Afro-Diasporic, and women-led communities, Marianna Kokkinaki repositions ecstasy as a radical curriculum — one that awakens ecological consciousness and restores relational ways of being at a moment of urgent global crisis.