Part 1: Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

Two years after accepting an apprentice, Matus prepares to initiate him to ally powers. On Aug. 23, 1961, he introduces his benefactor's ally, devil's weed (Jimson weed). Matus dislikes how it "distorts men" by "giving them a taste of power too soon without fortifying their hearts," makes them "domineering and unpredictable" and "weak in the middle of their great power." It has four "heads": 1) the roots, through which power is conquered; 2) the stem and flowers, which cure maladies; 3) the flowers, which make people crazy or obedient - or kill; and 4) the mighty seeds, which "fortify the heart." Devil's weed often kills off its proteges before they can unravel a "sober head." Matus' benefactor never achieves this.

Matus and Castaneda spend the afternoon of Sep. 3, 1961, collecting Datura plants in the canyons. Matus shows how to reveal the large, tuberous root and determine...