Alberto Groisman - Ayahuasca Religions, Mediumship & Religious Agency: Health & Social Relations

The intersection of ayahuasca-based religious practice and mediumship is highlighted as a complex, multifaceted phenomenon. These religious frameworks are defined by their integration of ritual practices with broader social dynamics, including the role of mediumship as a mechanism for addressing individual and communal health. The participant-centered approach adopted in these settings emphasizes the active role of community members in navigating existence and health challenges. Ritual experiences within these religions are contrasted with purely medicalized perspectives, as they incorporate elements like humor, recreation, and social relations to foster cohesive religious communities. The influence of espiritism and theosophy on the cosmological foundations of these groups is considered significant, particularly in how they provide frameworks for interpreting existence and the afterlife.