entheogens
en·the·o·gen
An entheogen is a class of psychoactive substances that induce any type of spiritual experience aimed at development or sacred use. The term entheogen is often chosen to contrast recreational use of the same substances and as such was coined as a replacement for the terms hallucinogen and psychedelic. Entheogens are used in various ways, including as part of established religious traditions, secularly for personal spiritual development, as tools to augment the mind, and for medical and therapeutic use. Naturally occurring entheogens such as psilocybin, peyote, huachuma, DMT and ayahuasca were discovered by, and are used with reverence in indigenous cultures as part of their spiritual or medicine practice. By contrast, modern synthetic entheogens, such as MDMA, LSD and ketamine, do not have a tradition of religious use. Personally, I believe that ritualizing the therapeutic use of these modern entheogenic medicines through a ceremonial process enhances the healing benefits.
Although most of these substances are still considered illicit in Canada, their healing potential is becoming increasingly recognized by modern Euro-Western culture and legalization for therapeutic use is near. In some countries entheogenic plant medicines are used legally in a ceremonial context, with many spiritual centres offering retreats for participants to experience traditional healing. Like with any medicine or practitioner, educated choices must be made by the participant in every aspect.
contraindications
Proper screening of a participant’s mental health history is imperative for working with any entheogenic substance. Some of the most important conditions that must be looked for are: a history of psychosis, manic episodes, schizophrenia, or family history of severe mental illness. These pre-existing conditions have been shown to possibly predispose psychedelics for triggering a psychotic episode or long-term depersonalization syndrome. Health history screening is also important in order to know if participants are taking medications known to be contraindicative to the b-carboline alkaloids present in the brew of Ayahuasca because the MAO-A inhibition results in increased levels of serotonin in the brain. In addition to screening of mental health and medications, the condition of the participant’s physical body is also important. It is shown that cardiovascular or endocrine problems, abnormal lipid metabolism, glaucoma, fever, and pregnancy are also potential contraindications.
However, the majority of the encountered problems originate from the unpreparedness of the participants in the setting, the circumstances or the lack of socio-cultural-cosmological embeddedness of the experiences or the lack of their integration afterward. It is imperative to know if the facilitator one chooses for any entheogenic experience is reputable and has their own clear intentions to assist in the healing of others. When there are psychedelic substances involved, personal defences drop, which nullifies one’s capacity to give consent, therefore explicit boundaries and agreements should be defined beforehand and upheld by the facilitators.
I strongly believe that when seeking the healing potential of any entheogen one must use diligence and discretion to see if the medicine is truly is right for them and take the necessary precautions to ensure safety.
*DISCLAIMER: Ayena does not provide psychoactive or illicit substances and does not conduct or promote psychedelic therapy outside of approved clinical trials. Additionally, we do not provide referrals to underground illegal psychedelic services. Referrals to reputable spiritual centre’s in places where a substance is legal, such as Peru, can be offered.
