Cannabis Magick - Session 3: History & Rituals, Past & Future
A series of four once-a-month hybrid live/zoom presentations
That’s right, our favorite plant has a history of ritual and meditative use at least as old as the medicinal and recreational applications. Come join a smokin’ discussion of the place that cannabis held in almost every major world spiritual tradition… and how it can still serve those purposes today. From the plant’s origin high on the Tibetan plateau, we can trace the co-evolution of ganja with humans from paleolithic times through the foundations of religion and culture. Wherever cannabis was found, spiritual traditions formed around the plant, some of them surviving into modern times as well-known, major religions. Was the Catholic Church a weed cult? Why did Shiva, Lord of Yoga, give the plant to humankind? What did the Scythians exclaim during their cannabis-fueled funeral rites? All this and more!
Albert Hoffmann, Richard Schultes, and other enthnobotanists have speculated that cannabis was influential in the origin of almost every known religion. The rituals that developed around the plant became sacred activities that are still practiced today, with and without the herb. How did this come to be? What gives this plant its affinity with ritual and magick? What rituals do modern cannabis enthusiasts continue to practice and what new rituals may evolve from our practices? Rastas call ganja “the healing of the nations;” is there any basis to this idea? How does cannabis use change the individual and does the same apply to larger groups of people and even nations? Is it already too late, or can spread of legal cannabis offer some hope in hard times?
I. January 21st: “Recreational” and medical uses of cannabis
II. January 28th: Science & Meditation -Phil will reveal some lesser-known concepts about the human endocannabinoid system and the neuroscience involved.
III. February 4th: History & Rituals, Past & Future - Our favorite plant has a history of ritual and meditative use at least as old as the medicinal and recreational applications.
IV. February 11th: Grow Big or Grow Home - Join us for an elevated discussion of several forms of meditation and how they may benefit from cannabis enhancement.
About Facilitators:
Philip H. Farber is the author of High Magick: A Guide to Cannabis in Ritual and Mysticism; FutureRitual: Magick for the 21st Century; Brain Magick: Exercises in Meta-Magick and Invocation; and other titles. He is a Licensed Trainer of NLP, a Hypnotist Instructor, and maintains a private practice in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Farber has provided us with a well researched, intelligent and playful grimoire for initiates of the Herb Dangerous, aka cannabis. From NLP savvy mindhacks to group ceremonial practice, High Magick details the history, pharmacology and mythology of cannabis and brings it all to life with practical esoteric techniques. Highly recommended indeed! - Julian Vayne, author of Getting Higher: The Manual of Psychedelic Ceremony.
Stefanie Frank is a dynamic and multifaceted individual known for her diverse contributions to the field of healing arts and community building. She is the founder and director of ESKFF Nest, a healing arts refuge and retreat center located in the serene surroundings of Woodstock, NY. As a visionary retreat leader, Stefanie is committed to creating transformative experiences that cater to the spiritual and holistic well-being of individuals.
Stefanie's unique approach to healing arts integrates various modalities, including music, sound healing, flute, dance, and breathwork. She is deeply passionate about designing and guiding nature-based, spiritually diverse transformational experiences, ceremonies, and rituals that facilitate profound personal growth and healing.
Stefanie holds influential positions on multiple boards of directors, including the Church of Sacred Mirrors (COSM). Her participation in these boards reflects her dedication to fostering community, spiritual exploration, and artistic expression.
Strongly recommended to take entire series
$150 for all, or $45 for individual
Zoom link will be provided upon registration