From the Eleusinian Mysteries to Modern Mysticism: The Role of Religion in the Psychedelic Experience

Religious frameworks shape how psychedelic experiences are interpreted, integrated, and given meaning. The discussion connects the Eleusinian Mysteries with later strands of modern mysticism, focusing on how ritual context, symbolism, and communal belief systems guide what practitioners take away from altered states. The piece also highlights a key implication for today: psychedelic experiences are not only chemical or psychological events but are culturally and spiritually mediated, influencing expectations, narratives, and the pathways from the experience to lasting change.