The Depths of Ecstasy
Douglas Thomas
Routledge eBooks August 11, 2023 DOI: 10.4324/9781003223597-9 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key points | Argues that BDSM and kink practices can induce ecstatic, dream-like states that parallel ancient shamanic and Dionysian rituals, and that these experiences, understood archetypally as experiences of soul, can free the psyche from ego consciousness and contribute to psychological growth and individuation. |
Abstract
BDSM and kink practitioners sometimes describe scenes that induce altered dream-like states with blurred boundaries and vivid transcendent imagery. Firsthand accounts illustrate the intensity and transformational character of such experiences, which can be characterized as ecstatic. The activities of alternative sexualities are a modern iteration of humanity’s archetypal fascination with extreme ordeals that induce ecstasy. The practices of ancient shamanism and the Greek cult of Dionysus are two well-documented examples that support an archetypal approach to understanding ecstasy as an experience of soul. The points of convergence between these ancient practices and their modern counterpart contribute to a deeper understanding of ecstasy’s role in psychological growth and transformation. By liberating the psyche from the confines of ego consciousness, ecstasy can contribute to the individuation process.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Differences Between the Mechanism of Action of MDMA, MBDB, and the Classic Hallucinogens. Identification of a New Therapeutic Class: Entactogens | 1986 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Background and Chemistry of MDMA | 1986 | Historical analysis | |
| The origin of MDMA (ecstasy) revisited: the true story reconstructed from the original documents* Original documents in Merck's historical archive in Darmstadt, Germany, years 1900–1960 | 2006 | Historical analysis | |
| Distinct neural mechanisms for the prosocial and rewarding properties of MDMA | 2019 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| How could MDMA (ecstasy) help anxiety disorders? A neurobiological rationale | 2009 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |