Description

For nearly two thousand years, secret initiatory rites were held at Elefsis, outside Athens. The Mysteries of Elefsina, or the Eleusinian Mysteries, are frequently hyped as a defining example of ancient psychedelic initiatory ritual. Yet, more is known about what took place inside the Telesterion, the sacred initiation hall, than is often acknowledged. Many ancient writers were themselves initiated, leaving behind explicit accounts of what was seen and experienced. The very word Elefsis derives from the Greek for 'arrival,' and this was the place where the gods came to Earth and showed humanity how to live. Scholars including Albert Hofmann, R. Gordon Wasson and Brian Muraresku have proposed that kykeon, a psychedelic ergot-based potion, was an essential part of the mystery rites. With similar compounds to LSD, kykeon could have been one of earliest ways humans begun experiencing a form of death before dying. In this upcoming online event, author and dream guide Sarah Janes will take you on a journey to the Telesterion. She will share her extensive knowledge about the rites of Elefisus, including the history, the evidence and the enduring questions. She will also facilitate a 30-minute guided hypnagogic meditation to take you so you can partake in the rites yourself through the imaginal realm. A recording of the event and separate audio recording of the meditation will be sent to all ticket holders, as well as your very own recipe for making the kykeon.