Ancient Civilizations were getting high with a variety of things
One thing we know for sure is that everyone wants to get high. Whether it is nicotine, sugar, weed, caffeine, or something a bit stronger; the overwhelming majority of people are getting high; and that’s totally ok with me.
But the type of high I am specifically referring to in this article is that of the smokeable type; namely cannabis.
Egypt:
Yes, there are said to be many references of Egyptians puffing Blue Lotus flowers among other things. This seems to be what is depicted in the freeze displayed on the ceiling at the Temple of Dendera. But there are many other instances frozen in time by ancient artists that somehow made it to this present moment. Thinking minds that see the value in getting high, or more scientifically put, they see the benefit in altering their perception of reality (with the assistance of edible substances) can appreciate the connection, and somehow possibly feel they are part of an ancient group who’ve been getting high since the beginning of getting high.
There are so many things from the ancient world about getting high that would surprise anyone. From the Mushroom Deities of Central America to the Hindu Lord of Bhang known as Shiva, presents an ancient reality of people not only just getting high, but worshipping the act.
Greece and Rome:
The Greco-Roman era in our history has many references to not only getting high, but worshipping the experience as well. Remember, Dionysus and Bacchus, both of who are Greek and Roman deities revel with intoxicating substances, enhancing the nature of life.
There is a fish called salema porgy (sarpa salpa) which is sometimes referred to as the Dream Fish. Ancient Romans in the Empire ingested this fish to experience hallucinations. The people who were ingesting this particular fish were indeed heavy hitters, because they could hallucinate for days. I think in modern slang it would be said that they were being “True to the Game.”
Altering our perception of reality with drugs is not something new, just because we live in a technologically modern society doesn’t mean there is no place for getting high or that it is a bad thing. Getting high seems to be more a part of humanity than the unnatural things modern society forces us to participate in through peer pressure.
Our ancient ancestors were finding ways to alter their perception of reality with plants, animals, and rituals that would make a modern stoner who openly parties seem like an introvert. Even in so called primitive tribes today the members are getting blasted with Ayahuasca, and thank goodness this ancient knowledge is still available. The shamans who have survived up until this modern day are keepers of an ancient knowledge that is priceless. It lets the modern person who gets high see they are not an outcast, degenerate, or criminal; they are someone who has the strength to continue a lineage of people who seek to expand their minds.
India:
A place that has a deity known as the Lord of Bhang says it all. Shiva is an ancient Hindu deity whose favorite food was cannabis. The amount of cannabis references found in Indian culture is amazing, exhilarating and a literal breath of fresh air. It once again confirms the ancient legacy of getting high and appreciating the experience.
Native America:
It was called the peace pipe for a reason. It’s hard to be dishonest after smoking cannabis, and it somehow can become a bonding ritual. Getting high together by smoking good bud is something that could truly heal people by allowing them to see things through a different state of mind. The herb can give someone a reality check, and let them know they are much more than who they think they are; life goes much deeper than anyone’s beliefs.
Native American philosophy from North, Central, and South America contains some of the most profound sayings I’ve ever heard.
China:
Hemp was considered sacred to many East Asian cultures. As far east as Japan, there was always a connection to cannabis and royalty. There are drawings from a few hundred years to thousands of years old available that show how far back goes the history of cannabis in China.
The fact of the matter is that cannabis has shown its value throughout ancient cultures from around the world. Drawings, carvings, and legends from every continent tell us that cannabis is a plant that benefits humanity in more ways than one.
Sid Prince
Photo and link credits: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:26906-_astrological_scene,_signs_of_the_zodiac.jpg https://hempeyewear.com/blogs/blog/the-history-of-hemp https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/dreamfish-from-another-world-eating-it-can-cause-strange-hallucinations/articleshow/115321082.cms#:~:text=
