Altered states of consciousness Chapter 5

introduction Altered states of consciousness are mental states that are different from normal states Frequently used in religious rituals The definition of this is subjective and varies by culture

characteristics Altered states of thinking: changes in concentration, attention, or memory Disturbed time: acceleration or slowing of time Loss of control: feeling helpless, give control up to spirits Change of emotions: sudden changes of emotional extremes

characteristics Change in body image: blurring of body and mind; parts of the body swell or shrink; out of body experience Perceptual distortions: hallucinations, heightened senses Change in meaning: increased significance in experiences Sense of ineffable: cannot communicate to someone not in the same state Rejuvenation: sense of hope, rebirth; confidence in religious specialists

Factors that cause asc Reduction of stimulation or repetitive stimulation: Solitary confinement, sleep Sensory overload or strenuous activity: Spirit possession, trances

Increased and sustained mental alertness: Prolonged concentration on a specific task Decreased alertness or passive mind: Meditation, daydreaming, relaxation Alterations in body chemistry: Fasting, dehydration, sleep deprivation, drugs Sweat lodge

fasting Involves abstaining from food and/or drink or other activities (sex) Alters body chemistry Usually only for short period of time or parts of each day Can be seen as a: Form of discipline Form of training Cleansing ritual

fasting Old and New Testaments: Moses and Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights Jewish practice of Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement, fast from sunset to sunset next day Catholic and Orthodox Churches: Fasting from certain foods Islamic practice of Ramadan: Abstain from food, drink, sex, smoking from sunup to sundown for one month

Sacred pain Pain can also lead to ASC Pain may be Punishment (Eve, Hindu bad karma) Purifying (Monks who whip themselves) A weapon (Christ’s pain on cross) Source of supernatural power (exorcism)

Sacred pain Pain can happen during a trance or without an altered state

Sacred pain People often share religious pain, but it can be individualistic Example is stigmata, or marks on the body that correspond to Jesus’ wounds

Sacred pain

Sacred pain Other examples of inflicting religious pain: Piercing tongue, face, genitals Pulling string with thorns through these wounds Can also be associated with rites of passage Remember the ant initiation? Tattooing, scarification, piercing, circumcision all show that the person can withstand intense pain Intense prolonged pain can lead to euphoria or as healing

Sacred pain Video Log: Sacred Pain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu6Nnh-FYAs

Biological Basis What is occurring in the brain during ASC? Some scientists believe that religious visions are really hallucinations from migraines Nun Hildegard in the 1100s Studies have shown that fast rhythmic behavior affects the sympathetic system and may shut the brain down One specific part, orientation association structure, blurs the boundaries of the body and other objects, leading to a unitary state

Biological Basis

Are these visions biological or spiritual. Can they be both Are these visions biological or spiritual? Can they be both? How do you tell them apart?

Drug-induced Altered States Many cultures use drugs to achieve ASC An example is the use of peyote in the Native American Church These drugs help the people contact supernatural powers

Drug-induced Altered States Category Examples Effects Euphoria Morphine, Heroin Reduces brain activity and leads to euphoric feeling Phantastica Marijuana, Peyote Causes hallucinations, delirium, visions Inebriantia Alcohol Intoxicates, brings about cerebral excitation followed by depression Hypnotica Xanax Sedates, kills pain Excitania Coffee, Tobacco, Cocaine Stimulates Tranquilizer Valium Reduces anxiety and produces mental calm

Drug-induced altered states The ritual setting is important There is a difference between recreational and ritual drug use Ritual drug use is done at certain times and with certain rules; addiction usually does not follow

Remember the article on Native American Healing; it also discusses ASC

Ethnographic examples 1. Holiness Churches Independent churches in Appalachia (West Virginia) Use concentrated, intense prayer and music to enter into ASC (no drugs) Speak in tongues, enter trances Interpret this as being filled with Holy Spirit Handle snakes and drink poison https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwBVcsWYJd8

Ethnographic examples 2. San Healing Rituals !Kung (Kalahari Desert, South Africa) Believe that an energy (n/um), given to them by the gods, lives in their spine As they experience !kia the energy moves up the spine to the brain Bring this state about by dancing to singers When they are in this state they can heal others (pull sickness out of person) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyLF3y1YJKA

Ethnographic examples Rastafarians Afro-Caribbean religions that sees former emperor of Ethiopia as messiah Connect with Israelites in the Old Testament Want to repatriate black people to Africa Reject Western consumerism and want healthy lifestyle No chemicals, don’t cut hair (dreadlocks), herbal remedies Smoke ganga, or marijuana, as “holy herb” Cite references from Bible

assignment Read article “Trance and Possession” Answer the questions in groups Due at end of class