Altered States of Consciousness

            Altered states of consciousness can be obtained by several means, most commonly through the use of drugs and alcohol. Whenever a person becomes intoxicated in some way it is generally safe to say that their mental state is different from their normal one. There are a number of ways to enter an altered state of consciousness typical brought on by physiological, psychological, or pharmaceutical factors. As far as physiological factors are concerned, one might induce pain in order to alter the mental state as a form of religious practice. This occasionally happens with followers of the Christian faith who wish to feel the same pain as Christ. Psychological alterations could likely be the most disturbing out of all the changes. The most intense form that comes to mind is possession or believed possession. However, people can enter altered states of mind by meditating and entering into a trance.

            Concerning possession, there are many cultures all over the world that believe in spiritual possession of some kind. Most often the word possession is associated with the human embodiment of an evil spirit. Possession does not always deal with evil spirits and is often considered a cause for altered states of consciousness. In southern Africa, there are two tribes known as the Zulu and the Pondo. It is not uncommon for the women to “regularly succumb to possession afflictions caused by their own paternal ancestors” (Lewis 2003: 112). Both tribes follow their family lines patrilineally and this form of possession behaves the same way a curse from a witch or a sorcerer or a shaman. Possession can be considered both involuntary and voluntary. There are other reasons that are considered desirable to voluntarily open up one’s self to possession of spirits. Not all possessions are considered to be done by simple spirits either. Some seek to house the gods of the culture in question. “The desire to enjoy that consciousness of the divine presences offers a strong incentive to cultivate states of possession” (Lewis 2003: 34). Perhaps it has to do with being in communication with the spirit world: something beyond the scope of the living. Of course trances and possessions are not always attributed to spirits. One can be possessed by something as simple as an emotion that may be magnified due to pharmaceutical influence.

            There are religious connotations in which drug use is used in a ritual setting, but it is only for specific purposes and under certain contexts. These particular rituals are typically performed in response to a natural phenomenon such as the cycle of the moon or the changing of seasons. The drug used will change depending on the desired effect. Some seek drugs such as morphine to induce states of euphoria whereas others may be interested in visions and seek the assistance of hallucinogens such as marijuana or peyote. Others seek sedatives, aim for inebriation, or use plain mental stimulants such as tobacco or coffee. Drug use is not limited to a ritual setting. Inebriation and mental stimulants have become a regular part of many cultures. It is not uncommon to see drunkards and people smoking on the streets. Altered states of consciousness are often used in religious practices, but they also have a strong presence in the world outside of religious or ritualistic context.

References

Lewis, I. M.

 2003 Ecstatic Religion: A Study of Shamanism and Spirit Possession Third Edition. London:

    Routledge.