Healing, knowledge and transcendental experiences of unity : Motivations and experiences of shamanism and entheogens in the Andes.

Abstract: This study examines motivations and experiences of shamanism and entheogens in the Andesfrom the perspective of the participants of entheogenic ceremonies. The results suggest thatemotional healing, pursuit of knowledge, need for connection and transcendence are prevalentmotivators of the participants. Further the results indicate that emotional healing is achievedthrough acquiring knowledge about the self and significant others, and the need for connection ismet through transcendental experiences of unity. Moreover, accounts of “deprogramming”properties of the entheogens is perceived to aid in the process of self-realization which in turncould result in fundamental life changes if the new knowledge obtained is applied.