Psychedelic Traditions In The Cradle Of Civilization: Anthropology, Myth, And Indigenous Practices

This online synchronous course will aim to provide a broad overview of the way in which psychedelics and altered states of consciousness practices have intertwined with human societies since before the so-called birth of “civilization”. We’ll explore the stories and myths of some of the cultures which have best kept the memory of their entheogenic past, ranging from the Amazon basin to ancient Greece. From this cultural and sociological standpoint, we’ll then analyze the current psychedelic landscape and the challenges and problems of a clinical model which is extracting these healing practices and medicines from the cultural, communal and spiritual containers which stewarded them for thousands of years. With the help of indigenous elders and western researchers as guest lecturers, students will be encouraged to develop a historically-informed critical perspective of the current developments in the so-called “Psychedelic renaissance” and the ways in which each of them can develop a more nuanced, honorable and healthy relationship with these medicines and practices.

Intended audience are those in the Psychedelics Certificate as well as anyone wanting to understand the rich religious and spiritual history of sacred substances.

Relates to Thresholds: 2. Prophetic Witness and Work, 4. History of Dissenting Traditions and the Thea/ological Quest, 5. Spiritual Practice and Care of the Soul.

Faculty Consent Required. Registration is contingent upon faculty approval.
1. Students will self-enroll in the course to be placed on the waitlist. 2. Complete the required faculty consent questionnaire. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FC25-26. For questions regarding Faculty Consent, please contact kmoebius@sksm.edu.

Enrollment Max: 20. Auditors excluded.