Shamanism: Setting the Stage Summary and Analysis

"Food of the Gods: The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge" is a book examining human history and its relationship to psychoactive plants and substances. The author provides evidence and arguments for hallucinogenic plants playing a role in human evolution, particularly that of growing self-reflection. The book also demonstrates the recent relationships between humans and drugs and argues for a return to specific legalized and accepted drug use.

In "Shaminism: Setting the Stage," McKenna discusses shamanism, an ancient practice based on natural magic using healing, divination, and theatrical performance. Shamanism developed ten to fifty thousand years ago.

Although shamanism exists in different cultures, the general theme is such that the shaman undergoes a transformation into a superhuman condition through death and resurrection. Following the transformation, a shaman is able to travel to the spirit...