A recent article in Psychedelic Medicine critically examines one of the most popular and controversial theories in psychedelic culture—the belief that ancient Greek mystery rites at Eleusis were centered around psychedelic drug use. This idea, popularized by works like The Road to Eleusis (1978) and The Immortality Key (2020), suggests that Western spirituality has hidden roots in entheogenic practices—spiritual traditions involving psychoactive substances.
Authors Dr. Sharday Mosurinjohn and Dr. Richard Ascough, religious studies scholars from Queen’s University, refer to this theory as the “psychedelic mysteries hypothesis.” While not dismissing the spiritual or therapeutic potential of psychedelics, they argue that linking modern psychedelic therapy to speculative claims about Eleusis is historically weak and potentially misleading.
According to Dr. Mosurinjohn, the idea that Eleusis involved psychedelic use is often treated as historical fact in modern psychedelic discussions, even though the evidence is circumstantial at best. She warns that this narrative, used to boost modern legal and religious legitimacy for psychedelics, could undermine the credibility of the entire movement.
Instead of clinging to a romanticized version of ancient Greek rituals, the authors urge the psychedelic community to engage more responsibly with historical and living spiritual traditions. They emphasize that many indigenous and esoteric traditions have long-standing, authentic relationships with psychedelic substances. Ignoring these in favor of a questionable Western origin story sidelines valuable contemporary wisdom.
The article concludes with a call for more thoughtful scholarship and a broader view of spiritual transformation—one that honors both drug-based and non-drug practices. It suggests that the true value of psychedelics lies not in proving ancient use, but in exploring how they can contribute meaningfully and ethically to modern healing and spiritual growth.
