Exhibition

Magical, Mystical and Medicinal

Psychoactive plants and fungi

Humans have experimented with psychoactive plants since ancient times. Early societies discovered that some plant species had ‘magical properties’ which were capable of altering consciousness. Shamans, magicians, witches and healers often served as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds, either ingesting the psychoactive plants themselves or providing them to others.

Chapters

Introduction Deadly Nightshade – Hallucinations, Lightness and the Sensation of Flying Black Henbane – the Witches’ Favourite Mandrake – The Scream of Death Hemp – Smoke with a Bhang Opium Poppy – Off with Their Heads! Thorn Apple – Hallucinations, Seizures, Coma and Death Tobacco – Shamans and Smokers Coca – Freud’s Favourite Ergot – Albert in the Sky with Diamonds Credits