Chapter 1: The Roots of Psychoactivity in Ancient Israel

Throughout history, psychoactive substances have played a significant role in shaping civilizations, from the Biblical term "keneh bosem" to the contemporary understanding of cannabis and henbane.

This excerpt is drawn from Sky Gods and the Recipe for Immortality: The Secret Influence of Psychoactivity over Science, Society, and the Supernatural. Archaeologists from Tel Aviv University have uncovered evidence of Cannabis residue (THC and CBD) on ancient altars in Judea, while the Torah mentions "keneh bosem," a fragrant plant.

According to the Book of Exodus, this cannabis was combined with psychoactive myrrh, known for its ability to activate the brain's opioid receptors, to create a sacred anointing oil:

"And you shall take spices of the finest quality: pure myrrh… keneh bosem… and you shall prepare it as a holy anointing oil."

During the Renaissance, Carl Linnaeus, regarded as the father of modern biology, first introduced the term Cannabis sativa. Later in the 1960s, Hebrew University scientist Raphael Mechoulam identified THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. He noted:

"In ancient Egypt, it was utilized both as incense and medicine… The Jewish scholar and physician Maimonides, who lived in Cairo during the 12th century, recorded that cannabis was among the most commonly used drugs."

The popularity of cannabis has endured from ancient times to the present. A 2021 article in Nature highlighted its medicinal potential:

Cannabis sativa is extensively used for therapeutic purposes and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.

Additionally, a study from Harvard Medical School indicated the anti-anxiety benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), another crucial cannabis compound:

Findings provide initial evidence that a full-spectrum, high-CBD product effectively reduces anxiety with minimal side effects.

Nevertheless, cannabis should be used thoughtfully and in moderation, similar to any psychoactive substance. Research published by the National Library of Medicine outlined its complicated and potentially adverse effects:

While marijuana has medicinal advantages, prolonged use has been linked to disorders like psychosis and cannabis use disorder, and acute consumption can lead to symptoms such as psychosis and anxiety.

In 2023, however, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University challenged the association between cannabis and psychosis, stating:

In this cohort study of claims data involving over 63 million beneficiaries from 2003 to 2017, there was no statistically significant difference in psychosis-related diagnoses or prescriptions for antipsychotics in states with medical or recreational cannabis laws compared to those without.

Young individuals, particularly those with a family history of mental health issues, should exercise caution with high-THC cannabis. Anecdotal evidence suggests that strains with balanced THC-CBD ratios may alleviate negative effects like paranoia.

The use of cannabis or any psychoactive substance by children and adolescents should be strictly avoided. Childhood itself can be a confusing and inherently psychoactive period. The Guardian reported:

In a UK study, nearly two-thirds of children indicated they had experienced at least one psychotic-like episode during their lives… Research shows that 17% of children aged 9-12 experience hallucinations, a figure that decreases in teenagers and further declines in adults.

Whether influenced by external substances or not, humans can encounter a wide range of psychoactive experiences—both beneficial and harmful. Various cultures have harnessed numerous plants, fungi, and even animals (such as toads) as catalysts for mystical experiences, both negative and positive. Henbane, another psychoactive plant with modern medicinal uses yet dangerous side effects, also played a crucial role in monotheism's foundation.

The U.S. Forest Service notes that the visionary and toxic nightshade plant grows near the Western Wall, a significant pilgrimage site for millions of Jews today. Furthermore, henbane wine was probably used by high priests in the ancient Temple.

Aristotle's Zoology—Emanuela Bianchi, New York University explores the historical context of psychoactive substances in ancient rituals.

Chapter 2: The Cultural Significance of Henbane

The Roman historian Josephus mentioned that the crown of the ancient Israelite high priest was inspired by the henbane flower:

“… a polished golden crown of three rows, one above another; from which arose a cup of gold resembling the herb we call Saccharus; but the Greeks skilled in botany refer to it as Hyoscyamus [or henbane].”

With carefully crafted ritual settings and psychoactive agents, the ancient Hebrews significantly influenced history and humanity's collective consciousness. A notable example is an interaction between Alexander the Great and a Jewish high priest, as detailed by Josephus:

The high priest and the Jews welcomed Alexander outside the city after he was encouraged by a dream. The world conqueror bowed before Jaddus, declaring that he had seen him in a dream three years earlier, which prompted his expedition against Persia. Amidst shared joy, Alexander entered the temple, made sacrifices to the God of Israel, and gifted the Jews.

Psychoactive mysticism left a lasting impact across the ancient world. A French doctor published in the National Library of Medicine remarked on humanity's intricate relationship with mind-altering substances:

Unusual substance use patterns have been recorded since antiquity, dating back to the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, attributed to years of heavy drinking. Aristotle documented the effects of alcohol withdrawal and cautioned about its dangers during pregnancy… Some drugs have been used medicinally throughout human history. For example, opium is referenced in Homer's *Odyssey from the 9th century BC, where the beautiful Helen of Troy received it from an Egyptian queen to aid Greek warriors.*

Research from Oxford University Press indicates that henbane was utilized by the renowned Oracle at Delphi, a pivotal spiritual figure in ancient Greece. Henbane, a potent and potentially deadly trance-inducing plant, was associated with Apollo, and at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, a priestess inhaled henbane vapors to predict the future.

The Book of Enoch Explained delves into the historical and cultural significance of psychoactive substances and their influence on spirituality.

Henbane's history traces back to ancient Egypt, utilized for over 9,000 years. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, prescribed it for fevers, while Dioscorides, the pioneer of pharmacology, noted its efficacy for treating insomnia and pain relief.

Moreover, henbane was discovered in a Viking woman's ritual burial site, as reported by the Danish Journal of Archaeology. Central to Viking beliefs was Valhalla, the immortal realm where valiant warriors aspired to ascend after death.

Henbane also played a role in divination practices of the ancient Druidic culture from the British Isles. The U.S. Department of Agriculture further elaborates on henbane's rich history and modern scientific applications:

Henbane was a crucial ritual plant for both Druids and Vikings. Viking graves have uncovered hundreds of seeds… Hyoscyamine is still utilized in contemporary medicine as an antispasmodic for gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, cramps, and Parkinson's disease.

Believing in the supernatural, the Druids constructed the ancient Stonehenge site using 25-ton megaliths that have baffled scholars for ages.

In his accounts of the enigmatic Northern tribe, Julius Caesar wrote:

Their fundamental belief is that souls do not perish but transition from one to another; this conviction, as the fear of death is thereby alleviated, is considered a major motivator for courage. They engage in discussions about celestial bodies, the universe's size, natural order, the powers of the immortal gods, and pass down this knowledge to the younger generations.

In modern contexts, events like the Burning Man festival, where over 70,000 individuals gather annually in the Nevada desert, evoke parallels to ancient Druidic rituals.