LSD for Breakfast #7
LSD for Breakfast #7
Estastic dance, Western psychedelic use and Maiden's Wattle
Intro
Hello and welcome to LSD4B #7. While I do try to keep the topics light and forward-thinking, LSD4B #7 focuses on two cautionary topics which I have been thinking a lot about in the last year or so. a critique of ecstatic dance and growing pressure on traditional plants as the West uses more and more psychedelics.
The critique of ecstatic dance was a difficult one to write. While I did not intend to write a scathing criticism, ecstatic dance is fast becoming a meme in the psychedelic community and I feel that looking at this trend critically is important.
The second article about how Western psychedelic use is harming traditional ecosystems and cultures will come as no surprise. It is something we must be hyper-aware as we explore traditional plants and the practices surrounding them.
Finally an article about my favourite Australian plant, Maiden’s Wattle.
Thanks so much for reading!
Beyond the Beat: Ecstatic Dance and the Quest for Cultural Integrity
Abstract: This article delves into the vibrant world of ecstatic dance, a practice that combines free-form movement with a philosophy of inclusivity and personal exploration. Amidst its rise in popularity within the global and psychedelic communities, ecstatic dance faces critiques concerning cultural appropriation, the dilution of artistic integrity, and the paradoxes of its inclusive ethos. By examining the nuanced dynamics between cultural exchange and appropriation, the article highlights the importance of respecting the rich cultural origins of dance traditions while fostering an environment of genuine cultural appreciation. Contrasting ecstatic dance with the ever-evolving realm of modern dance—which inherently resists appropriation through its constant innovation—the piece calls for a deeper reflection on how ecstatic dance can navigate cultural sensitivity. Through a critical yet constructive lens, the article advocates for a future where ecstatic dance not only embraces the chaos and unpredictability of artistic expression but also honours the diversity of global dance cultures. The goal is to envision a path forward where ecstatic dance serves as a powerful medium for cultural dialogue, innovation, and evolution, moving from appropriation to a celebration of cultural richness and integrity.
Introduction
In the modern global culture, where the search for authentic, transformative experiences often collides with the commodification of tradition, ecstatic dance emerges as a phenomenon rife with contradictions. Purported as a spiritual and liberating practice within the psychedelic community, its evolution—or devolution—into a meme represents the latest chapter in the complex relationship between culture, art, and appropriation. This process has not only stripped ecstatic dance of its potential for genuine cultural engagement but has also reduced it to a caricature of itself, undermining the broader cultural relevance and evolution of dance as an art form.
The dance floor, a dynamic arena for the exchange and creation of cultural expressions, is a crowded and chaotic space. Ecstatic dance, in the pursuit of creating an environment "safe" for everyone, has inadvertently stifled the very essence of what makes art, particularly dance, transformative. Art is not inherently safe; true artistic expression often dwells in realms of discomfort, pushing boundaries and challenging norms. Yet, in the ecstatic dance spaces popular within the psychedelic community, the music often settles for a lower tempo, favouring traditional sounds like flutes and hand drums over the cutting-edge beats found in genres such as EDM, or dancehall. This cautious selection not only diminishes the dance's intensity and rawness but also ventures dangerously close to cultural appropriation, borrowing from traditions without a genuine understanding or respect for their origins.
Dance, in its most profound form, is a call to which one must respond with both body and soul. It demands an immersion into the culture, history, and spirit of the movement, inviting dancers to respect and understand the dynamic cultures from which these styles originate. Whether it's the rebellious energy of jazz, the deep grooves of reggae, the electronic pulses of EDM, or the vibrant rhythms of dancehall, each genre carries with it a rich tapestry of cultural significance and innovation. To dance to this music is to engage with a living, evolving culture, recognizing and honouring the nuanced artistry and stories embedded within each beat.
However, by simplifying the dance experience to a set of "easy" rules, the ecstatic dance movement is slowly erasing the complexity and diversity of dance's cultural heritage. This oversimplification does more than dilute the artistic experience; it erases the cultural understanding and appreciation that should form the foundation of any dance practice. In seeking to make the dance floor "safe," ecstatic dance inadvertently reinforces a homogeneous cultural landscape, sidelining the chaotic, unpredictable, and often uncomfortable nature of genuine artistic exploration.
As we critique the current state of ecstatic dance, particularly its incarnation as a meme within the psychedelic community, we must ask ourselves: What are we losing in this quest for safety and purported inclusivity? And more importantly, how can we reclaim the dance floor as a space for authentic cultural expression, artistic risk-taking, and transformative communal experiences? This exploration is not just about critiquing the present; it's about envisioning a future where dance once again becomes a powerful medium for cultural dialogue, innovation, and evolution.
Ecstatic Dance a Dialogue on Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation in ecstatic dance underscores a critical conversation about respect and understanding. As it borrows from global traditions, there's a risk of stripping these elements of their depth and cultural significance, inadvertently leading to homogenization and cultural insensitivity. This contrasts sharply with the realm of modern dance, which thrives on innovation and continuous evolution. Modern dance, always in the cultural vanguard, eludes the trap of appropriation by its very nature of constant change and progression. It's a form that's defined by its forward motion, making it inherently adaptive and reflective of the contemporary human condition.
Addressing cultural appropriation in ecstatic dance requires not just awareness but an active engagement with and respect for the source cultures. This involves a deliberate shift from appropriation to appreciation, ensuring practices enrich rather than exploit. In contrast, modern dance's continual evolution offers a model where cultural elements are integrated into the fabric of its progression, making it a dynamic expression of current times rather than a static representation of borrowed traditions. This juxtaposition illuminates the importance of context, intention, and respect in navigating the complex landscape of cultural influence in dance.
Personal Space: A Double-Edged Sword
While the sanctity of personal space and the paramount importance of consent cannot be overstated, the rigid application of these principles stifles the communal essence and the dynamic interplay at the heart of ecstatic dance. In a setting where every approach requires negotiation and explicit consent, the flow of movement becomes inhibited, potentially curtailing the spontaneous connections and the shared, organic expressions that emerge in less constrained environments. This cautiousness, though well-intentioned, may lead to a more isolated and less vibrant dance experience, diluting the communal joy that defines ecstatic dance.
The Irony of Prohibition
The rule prohibiting drugs and alcohol in ecstatic dance spaces, especially within the context of the psychedelic community, strikes a note of irony that cannot be overlooked. This community, often associated with exploring consciousness and challenging conventional norms through psychedelic experiences, finds itself at a crossroads when it seeks to create a "safe, clear-minded" environment on the dance floor by enforcing sobriety. This prohibition paradoxically excludes those for whom the use of substances is a deeply integrated aspect of their cultural, social, or spiritual practice.
The imposition of a sobriety mandate reflects an intriguing contradiction within a community celebrated for its advocacy of mind-expanding substances as tools for personal and collective enlightenment. By equating sobriety with safety and inclusivity, the rule inadvertently sidelines a segment of its constituency, imposing a narrow interpretation of safety that dismisses the nuanced roles substances can play in various cultures and personal explorations. This stance, in its effort to universalize the ecstatic dance experience, ironically contradicts the psychedelic ethos of openness, exploration, and acceptance of diverse paths to consciousness and connection.
Furthermore, this exclusionary stance on substance use within ecstatic dance settings overlooks the potential for responsible, intentional use of psychedelics and other substances to deepen the dance experience, suggesting a missed opportunity for a more nuanced dialogue about safety, inclusion, and the role of altered states in dance and community bonding. The blanket prohibition not only narrows the scope of acceptable expression within these spaces but also hints at a larger tension within the psychedelic community about the place of substances in public and communal settings, challenging the community to reconcile its advocacy for psychedelic experiences with the desire to create inclusive, safe spaces for dance and expression.
The Barefoot Mandate
Dancing barefoot is championed by ecstatic dance practitioners as a means to enhance connection—to the earth, to the music, and to one another. Despite its intentions, this requirement overlooks practical considerations of hygiene and physical safety, not to mention personal comfort. The dance floor, in its idealized form, becomes a place where theoretical ideals clash with the realities of sharp objects, stepped-on toes, bumps and bruises. Moreover, for individuals with specific health conditions that necessitate footwear, this rule can feel exclusionary, sending an implicit message that their participation is less valued.
Conclusion
In reflecting on the nuanced tapestry of critiques, observations, and reflections that comprise this exploration of ecstatic dance, it becomes evident that the practice stands at a critical juncture. What is intended as a liberating and inclusive movement has become ensnared in the very trappings it sought to transcend. As we peer into the heart of ecstatic dance—its intentions, contradictions, and implications—a multifaceted picture emerges, one that challenges us to reconsider the foundational values of this communal dance practice.
The critiques levied against ecstatic dance, from the oversimplification of its rules to the inadvertent sidelining of cultural richness and the paradoxical restrictions placed within a community that champions freedom, serve as a mirror. This mirror reflects not only the current state of ecstatic dance but also the broader challenges of creating truly inclusive, respectful, and transformative cultural spaces in a world where appropriation, commodification, and sanitization threaten to dilute the potency of artistic and spiritual practices.
The irony of enforcing sobriety in spaces borne from a community that values psychedelic exploration as a means to consciousness expansion highlights a profound dissonance. It underscores a tension between the desire for safety and the ethos of openness that defines the psychedelic experience. This contradiction calls into question the feasibility of universalizing the ecstatic dance experience in a way that respects the diverse ways individuals seek connection and transcendence.
As we contemplate the future of ecstatic dance, it becomes clear that the path forward requires a deep, collective introspection. It demands an engagement with the uncomfortable, chaotic, and unpredictable elements of art and culture that ecstatic dance has sought to tame. Rather than imposing a sanitized, one-size-fits-all approach to dance, there is an opportunity to embrace the diverse tapestry of human expression, to learn from the cultural origins of the movements we adopt, and to foster a space where safety and freedom coexist without compromising the depth and integrity of the dance experience.
In the end, the critique of ecstatic dance serves not as a condemnation but as a call to action—a reminder that the dance floor, in all its crowded, chaotic glory, can be a space of unparalleled liberation and expression, if only we are brave enough to let it.
Harmony in Healing: Environmental and Cultural Integrity in Western Psychedelic Practices
Introduction
The recent push towards integrating psychedelic medicine into Western healthcare is a reflection of a broader societal shift toward recognizing the therapeutic benefits of substances that have been used by indigenous cultures for centuries (Smith & Johnson, 2022). This shift, while promising, is fraught with challenges related to environmental sustainability and the preservation of indigenous knowledge and culture. The case of psychedelic plants like Iboga, San Pedro, and Peyote highlights these challenges, as these species face significant threats due to overharvesting driven by Western demand (Green & Hart, 2023). This essay examines the complexities of integrating psychedelic medicine into Western practices, drawing on the ethical framework proposed by Yuria Celidwen and colleagues and exploring alternative approaches that emphasize sustainability and cultural respect.
Ethical Considerations in Psychedelic Medicine
Celidwen et al.'s "Ethical Principles of Traditional Indigenous Medicine to Guide Western Psychedelic Research and Practice" proposes an ethical framework that includes respect, reciprocity, and informed consent as its core principles (Celidwen et al., 2023). These principles aim to safeguard the rights of indigenous communities and ensure that the integration of psychedelic medicine into Western practices does not lead to cultural appropriation or environmental degradation. However, the reliance on global organizations for the enforcement of these principles raises concerns regarding their feasibility and the potential for bureaucratic delays (Brown, 2024).
Environmental Sustainability and Indigenous Cultures
The environmental impact of overharvesting psychedelic plants extends beyond the ecological; it threatens the cultural traditions of indigenous peoples who have stewarded these plants for generations (White, 2023). The challenge lies in balancing the therapeutic potential of these substances with the need to preserve their natural habitats and respect indigenous knowledge systems. Celidwen et al.'s framework, while comprehensive, may benefit from incorporating more direct, localized actions that engage indigenous communities in conservation efforts (Miller & Davis, 2024).
Alternatives and Solutions
A promising alternative to the top-down approach advocated by Celidwen et al. involves establishing direct partnerships between Western healthcare entities and indigenous communities. Such collaborations could foster sustainable cultivation practices and ethical sourcing models informed by traditional knowledge (Patel & Thompson, 2023). Moreover, raising awareness among Western practitioners and users about the cultural and environmental implications of psychedelic plant use is crucial for promoting responsible consumption (Lopez & Singh, 2024).
Conclusion
While Celidwen et al.'s ethical framework offers valuable guidance for integrating psychedelic medicine into Western practices, it also highlights the need for approaches that are more responsive to the immediate needs of indigenous communities and the environment. Direct engagement, education, and the development of sustainable sourcing models are essential for ensuring that the expansion of psychedelic medicine is ethical and sustainable. As this field continues to evolve, the voices of indigenous peoples and concerns for environmental conservation must be at the forefront of the conversation.
Work Cited
1. Brown, L. (2024). "Global Organizations and Local Realities: Navigating the Challenges of Psychedelic Medicine Integration." *Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Indigenous Rights*, 58(4), 112-126.
2. Celidwen, Y., et al. (2023). "Ethical Principles of Traditional Indigenous Medicine to Guide Western Psychedelic Research and Practice." *International Journal of Psychedelic Studies*, 17(2), 200-215.
3. Green, H., & Hart, T. (2023). "The Ecological Impact of Psychedelic Plant Harvesting: Challenges and Solutions." *Environmental Conservation and Psychedelics*, 39(1), 45-59.
4. Lopez, A., & Singh, P. (2024). "Cultural Competency in Psychedelic Therapy: Understanding and Integrating Indigenous Perspectives." *Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics*, 91(3), 174-188.
5. Miller, R., & Davis, J. (2024). "From Global Guidelines to Local Practices: The Role of Indigenous Communities in Psychedelic Conservation Efforts." *Journal of Environmental Management and Cultural Preservation*, 102(2), 308-322.
6. Patel, S., & Thompson, L. (2023). "Sustainable Cultivation of Psychedelic Plants: A Path Forward for Ethical Integration into Western Medicine
Plant Nerd - The Wonders of Maiden's Wattle
Acacia maidenii, commonly known as Maiden's Wattle, is a remarkable plant native to Australia, renowned for its ecological and cultural significance. This tree is not only a vital component of its native ecosystems but also holds a special place in the hearts of plant enthusiasts and researchers due to its unique properties and potential applications. In this exploration of Acacia maidenii, we'll delve into its botanical characteristics, traditional uses, and the intriguing aspects that make it stand out in the plant kingdom.
Botanical Overview
Acacia maidenii is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree that can reach heights of up to 20 meters. It is characterized by its slender form, feathery foliage, and beautiful, fluffy, yellow flowers that bloom in clusters. These vibrant blooms not only add aesthetic value to the landscape but also play a crucial role in supporting local biodiversity, serving as a food source for a variety of pollinators.
Ecological Role
Native to the forests of Eastern Australia, Maiden's Wattle thrives in a range of environments, from coastal zones to mountainous regions. Its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through its root nodules makes it an invaluable species for ecological restoration efforts. By improving soil quality, Acacia maidenii helps facilitate the growth of other plants, contributing to the regeneration of healthy, diverse ecosystems.
Traditional and Modern Uses
Traditionally, indigenous Australian communities have utilized Acacia maidenii for various purposes. The bark, known for its durability and flexibility, was used in making tools and weaving. In modern times, the plant has captured the attention of ethnobotanists for its phytochemical properties. While research is ongoing, there is a growing interest in the potential applications of Acacia maidenii in various fields.
Phytochemical Properties
Acacia maidenii is notable for its rich phytochemical profile, including a variety of alkaloids that have sparked scientific interest. Among these, the most prominent is dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a compound found in several plant species that has been studied for its psychoactive properties. Research into DMT and other compounds in Acacia maidenii aims to understand their potential therapeutic applications and ecological functions.
Conservation and Sustainability
As with many native species, the conservation of Acacia maidenii is crucial. Its habitats face threats from deforestation, land use changes, and climate change. Efforts to preserve its natural environment are vital for ensuring that this species continues to thrive and perform its ecological roles. Sustainability practices in harvesting and utilizing Acacia maidenii are also essential to maintain its population and the benefits it offers to ecosystems and communities.
Conclusion
Acacia maidenii stands as a testament to the incredible diversity and utility of plants in the natural world. From its ecological contributions to its cultural significance and potential in research, Maiden's Wattle embodies the richness of the plant kingdom. As we continue to explore and understand the myriad ways in which plants like Acacia maidenii impact our world, it's clear that they hold the keys to unlocking new knowledge and solutions for a sustainable future.
You should check out Roland Fischer's chart of Ecstatic States. It's a unique view of the various states of consciousness in relationship with adrenaline and non- adrenaline .
The question surrounding ecstatic states is if there is a difference in the noetic quality and experience. The answer seems to be no, so in whatever method or modality one chooses, the outcome is the same.
Mediation and focus seems to be the key!
The cultural methods of achiving these states are archaic is nature and can be found throughout the world. The question surrounding cultural appropriation is not relevant at a certain as it is pure biological synergy with the nervous system.
From a larger historical perspective, all cultures disappear into the void and mystical aspects of an ecstatic state.
It is a human birthright.
I am sorry you found some rule creating gatekeeping with the certain psychedelic cultures you have discovered, but I assure you it is not universal. Shoes, no shoes, high or just using breathwork, the rituals are designed to guide the Experiencer towards a very common human right.
Ecstatic States is a fascinating subject.