#646: Brian C. Muraresku with Dr. Mark Plotkin — The Eleusinian Mysteries, Discovering the Divine, The Immortality Key, The Pagan Continuity Hypothesis, Lessons from Scholar Karen Armstrong, and Much More

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Dec 28, 2022

Guest

Mark Plotkin

Guest

Brian C. Muraresku

Brian C. Muraresku, author of 'The Immortality Key,' and Dr. Mark Plotkin, ethnobotanist and president of the Amazon Conservation Team, dive deep into ancient spiritual practices. They explore the profound Eleusinian mysteries, offering insights into rituals that promise immortality. The discussion shifts to the role of psychedelics in spirituality, examining how ancient traditions intertwine with modern interpretations. Their conversation reveals how cultural practices influence contemporary spiritual exploration and the importance of collaborating with indigenous communities.

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ANECDOTE

The Unlikely Protagonist

Brian C. Muraresku, author of "The Immortality Key," is a Greek-American lawyer fluent in ancient Greek, Latin, and Sanskrit.
His book explores the Eleusinian Mysteries and the origins of Christianity, blending detective work with a personal odyssey.

INSIGHT

Eleusinian Mysteries and Immortality

The Eleusinian Mysteries, held in ancient Greece for 2,000 years, promised immortality through a secret potion and visionary experiences.
Participants sought encounters with goddesses like Demeter and Persephone, hoping to achieve life after death.

ANECDOTE

Ancient Muppets?

Classical scholars struggled to understand the Eleusinian Mysteries, with some suggesting giant puppets as an explanation.
Meanwhile, those familiar with psychedelics easily recognized the descriptions as indicative of altered states.

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The Immortality Key

The Secret History of the Religion with No Name

Brian C. Muraresku

In 'The Immortality Key', Brian Muraresku reconstructs the suppressed history of psychedelics in ancient Greek and early Christian rituals. Through a 12-year investigation, Muraresku connects the lost psychedelic sacrament of Greek religion to early Christianity, exposing the true origins of Western Civilization. He accesses hidden archives of the Louvre and the Vatican, and collaborates with archaeochemists to unveil the first scientific evidence of psychedelic drug use in classical antiquity. The book challenges traditional views of Christianity and Western history, suggesting that psychedelics were integral to the development of these cultures[1][2][4].

Tales of a Shaman's Apprentice

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Mark Plotkin

The Immortality Key

The Secret History of the Religion with No Name

Brian C. Muraresku

Food of the Gods

The Search for the Original Tree of Knowledge

Terence Mckenna

In 'Food of the Gods,' Terence McKenna delves into the ancient relationship between humans and psychoactive substances. The book explores how these substances have influenced human history, from prehistoric partnership societies to modern dominator cultures. McKenna discusses the roles of various substances such as spices, spirits, tobacco, tea, coffee, opium, and alcohol, and proposes a 'stoned ape' theory suggesting that psychedelics played a crucial role in human cognitive development. He argues for an 'archaic revival,' advocating for a return to a more shamanic understanding, community, reverence for nature, and increased self-awareness to address the problems of modern society.

The Amazon, What Everyone Needs to Know

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Mark Plotkin

This Is Your Mind on Plants

Michael Pollan

In this book, Michael Pollan delves into the world of three plant-based drugs: opium, caffeine, and mescaline. Through a blend of history, science, memoir, and participatory journalism, Pollan examines the cultural, historical, and personal contexts of these substances. He explores why humans are drawn to these plants and how they have been perceived and regulated differently over time. The book challenges the conventional narratives around these drugs, presenting them in a more nuanced and neutral light, and highlights their profound impact on human consciousness and our relationship with nature[1][3][4].

The Road to Eleusis

Albert Hofman

R. Gordon Wasson

Carl Ruck

How to Change Your Mind

What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

Michael Pollan

In this book, Michael Pollan delves into the history of psychedelic drugs, from their rise in the 1960s to their current resurgence in medical research. He combines historical and scientific analysis with personal narratives of his own experiences with psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin. The book explores how these substances are being used to treat conditions like depression, addiction, and anxiety, and discusses their potential to revolutionize our understanding of the human mind and consciousness. Pollan's work is a blend of science, memoir, and travel writing, offering a nuanced and engaging look at the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of psychedelics[1][2][4].

Varieties of Religious Experience

William James

This book is a collection of lectures delivered by William James at the University of Edinburgh between 1901 and 1902. It focuses on the personal and subjective aspects of religious experiences, rather than on theology or organized religion. James examines various types of religious experiences, including healthy-mindedness, the sick soul, conversion, mysticism, and saintliness. He emphasizes the importance of feeling and personal experience in religion, arguing that these experiences are the primary source of religious beliefs and practices. The book also discusses the psychological and philosophical implications of these experiences, highlighting their complexity and life-altering nature[2][3][4].

Sacred Mushroom and the Cross

Judith Brown

Jan Irvin

John Allegro

Carl Ruck

This book, written by John M. Allegro, argues that Christianity originated from an Essene clandestine cult centered around the use of psychedelic mushrooms. Allegro suggests that the stories of early Christianity and the New Testament are coded records of this shamanistic cult, and that the authors of the Christian gospels misunderstood the Essene thought. The book explores the role of ancient fertility cults, cultic rites and symbols, and the sacred mushroom as an emblem of divinity. The 40th anniversary edition includes a 30-page addendum by Carl Ruck.

De Materia Medica

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Dioscorides

Dioscorides's "De Materia Medica" is a comprehensive treatise on medicinal plants and substances. It describes a vast number of plants, minerals, and animal products, detailing their properties, uses, and methods of preparation. The book's detailed descriptions and illustrations made it a standard reference work for physicians and pharmacists for centuries. Its influence extended across various cultures and languages, shaping medical practices in both the East and West. The book's enduring legacy reflects its importance in the history of botany and medicine.