I recently had a thought-provoking conversation about psychedelics and Biblical Narratives. A friend proposed that the tale of Moses encountering the burning bush could potentially have been induced by psychedelics. Intrigued, I embarked on a journey to delve into what substances he might have used. According to tradition, Moses was situated on Mount Horeb in the Sinai Peninsula, in Egypt, where the Acacia tree and Syrian rue are found. Where this story is often described as a supernatural event or apparition, it’s fascinating to consider the possibility of psychedelic involvement. DMT, often referred to as the ‘spirit Molecule’ is known for inducing mystical experiences, including encounters with otherworldly entities and alternate dimensions.
So, I couldn’t help but wonder: Did Moses embark on a DMT trip or perhaps an Analogue Ayahuasca adventure?
Transitioning from ancient narratives to contemporary insights, Benny Shanon, an Israeli professor of cognitive philosophy, offers a thought-provoking perspective on the events at Mount Sinai. He writes in the British Journal Time and Mind.
As far as Moses on Mount Sinai is concerned, it was either a supernatural cosmic event, which I don’t believe, or a legend, which I don’t believe either, or finally, and this is very probable, an event that joined Moses and the people of Israel under the effects of narcotics.
Shanon, a professor at Hebrew University said
Two naturally existing plants in the Sinai Peninsula have the same psychoactive components as ones found in the Amazon jungle and are well-known for their mind-altering capabilities. The drugs are usually combined in a drink called ayahuasca.
It’s not difficult to imagine that the people back then knew every plant that grew in their region: what was safe to eat, what had healing properties and what was harmful.
Hypothetically, It is possible that Moses ventured into the wilderness to ask God for help. Taking the seeds of the Syrian rue to the Acacia tree, knowing what plants opened a window to the unseen and where to find them.
It is only in modern times that these plants have been criminalised, but it is apparent that psychedelics were used all over the world to reach out to ‘The Gods’. It makes me wonder if all the “apparitions.” in religious texts were psychedelic experiences. Would they even have bothered to mention the taking of plant medicines if it was such a normal part of life?
Nowadays it’s not unusual for trippers to connect with gods, angels, and devils, Yet now we see it as a personal experience, and if you were to tell others they would think, ‘Well you were just tripping’. It would not be taken as the Gospel.
Let’s explore the fascinating combination of the Acacia tree and Syrian Rue. When these two plants are brought together, remarkable things happen.
Many varieties of Acacia trees grow in the Middle East, and it is impossible to know which Moses may have taken. Some have much higher levels of DMT than others. From my research, Acacia confusa and Acacia obtusifolia are the trees most often used to make Analogue Ayuhuasca, as both have relatively high DMT content and are widely available for legal purchase.
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