Part 1: Chapter 8 Summary and Analysis

Castaneda's final encounter with Mescalito comes in a four-day mitote (peyote ceremony) for peyoteros and apprentices in Chihuahua September of 1964. The first night, Castaneda consumes eight buttons with slight effect. He finds it best to keep his eyes shut but does not sleep; and during the "extraordinary" singing at the ceremony, feels uplifted and wants to weep. The second night, Castaneda again consumes eight buttons. He alone lacks a song and feels embarrassed. He sees Mescalito in the distance; but he vanishes when Castaneda tries to ask what he is doing wrong. An earth tremor strikes and Castaneda hides, knowing Mescalito is there - but he is not. On the third night, Castaneda chews only one button and ignores the songs. Mescalito teaches him a Spanish song, which he memorizes and sings to the group, feeling "renewed, fortified."

The...