Part 1: Chapter 7 Summary and Analysis

In December of 1963, having learned the procedure for collecting and preparing smoke mixture and performed it under supervision a year earlier, Castaneda learns to combine the ingredients. He has been getting familiar with Matus' pipe at every meeting. As they collect ingredients for a third year, Matus begins talking about smoke as an ally. Smoke is not "moody or petty," so the order of collection is unimportant; but the mixture must be "accurate and exact." The mixture previously collected and entrusted to Castaneda is his and must be used as soon as possible, because each mixture should be used within a year. Matus rarely needs to smoke any more. Since smoke is an ally, he can call anytime and anyplace. Still, he makes a new mixture every year.

On Dec. 26, Castaneda has his first experience with the smoke, after...