“The purpose of these sacraments is to purify, and to open the road. When it opens,it’s as clear as the blue sky, and the stars at night are as bright as suns.”
—Aurelia Aurora Catarino (Mazatec shaman)
salvinorin A
The genus name Salvia is derived from the Latin salvare, meaning “to heal” or “to save”. The words salve, salvation and saviour also come from this root.
Salvia has not been found to be either physically
or psychologically addictive
Interestingly, the effects of Salvia divinorum are often mistakenly described as ‘LSD-like’ by people who have not tried it, most notably politicians and reporters. Actual userson the other hand more often describe its effects as unique (38.4%), and more like meditation, yoga or a trance (23.2%). This compares to only 17.7% of users who liken it to any of the other serotonergic psychoactives (mescaline, psilocybin, LSD, etc.)
Salvia can shift perception into altered states of consciousness and sensation. Such powerful experiences may be interpreted as enlightening, frightening, or just plain strange. Many take time to integrate and try to make sense of their experience in the hours, days or weeks following. Some find it useful to be alone for an hour or so to gather thoughts and absorb the experience. Others find it is useful to talk through, sharing the imagery and ideas with another person. For some the experience is so far removed from everyday reality they find it difficult to describe. Recall may be likened to that of an elusive dream, with memory quickly fading on wakening.
