from the Newsletter of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic
Studies
MAPS - Volume 5 Number 3 Winter 1994-95
2nd International Congress for the Study of
Modified States of Consciousness: Spain, October 1994
Dr. Stacy B. Schaefer
The Second International Congress for the Study of Modified States of
Consciousness was held in Lerida, Spain from October 3rd to the 7th, 1994.
The first Congress, organized by Dr. Manuel and Donna Torres from the
United States and Dr. Joaquin Munoz Mendoza and Nicola Kuehne from Mexico,
sponsored by INAH (Instituto Nacional de Antroplogia e Historia) was
celebrated in November of 1992 in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The conference
was the beginning of the creation of a network of international
investigators from the arts and sciences whose research is dedicated to
these areas of inquiry. It was a stimulating environment for personal
interchange across disciplines, borders, and continents.
The Second Congress, sponsored by the Instituto Prospectiva Antropologica
and the Institut d' Estudis Ilerdencs, proved to carry on the legacy,
bringing together botanists, psychiatrists, chemists, pharmacologists,
anthropologists, philosophers, lawyers, art historians and artists. As in
the first Congress, Spanish and English were the official languages of the
conference. The President of the Organization Committee from the hosting
country of Spain, Dr. Josep Ma Fericgla, anthropologist and director of
the Institut de Prospectiva Antropologica who has spent extensive time
among the Shuar of Ecuador, along with the help of Dr. Jace Callaway,
Chemist and Neuropharmacologist from the University of Kuopio in Finland,
involved in an ayahuasca study in Brazil, spent countless hours organizing
the Congress. Their efforts were key to the overriding success of the
conference, and were greatly appreciated by all the participants.
Keynote Address
The opening keynote lecture was presented by chemist and ethnobotanist Dr.
Jonathan Ott, who resides in Mexico and is a researcher for the company
Natural Products. Dr. Ott provided a diachronic view from prehistoric to
present times of entheogenic plants found and used by humans in the Old
World and the New World. Numerous papers were presented during the five
days of the conference. The interpretation of modified states of
consciousness was very broad. What follows is a summary of the majority of
papers which addressed modified states of consciousness facilitated by
entheogenic substances.
Dr. Alexander Shulgin, Chemist from the University of California,
Berkeley, provided a background of the molecular biochemistry of
entheogens, with special emphasis on beta-carbolines and
dimethyltryptamines. This set the stage for the following papers on the
ayahuasca research project in Brazil conducted by Dr. Jace Callaway, Dr.
Charles Grob M.D., from the Department of Psychiatry at Harbor-UCLA
Medical Center, and Dr. Dennis McKenna from Botanical Dimensions. An
overview of the project was presented in slide, video, and a talk by a
member of the Unio Do Vegetal (UDV) who helped facilitate the study. The
research project set out to scientifically study the long term and acute
effects of dedicated ayahuasca use among members of the UDV in Manaus,
Brazil.
Ayahuasca Project
Dr. Callaway discussed the main chemical components of the ayahuasca
"tea", harmala alkaloids from the vine Banisteriopsis caapi and
dimethyltryptamine (DMT) from the shrub Psychotria viridis. Of special
interest, as pointed out by Callaway, is that the compounds in ayahuasca
have an indole structure in common, which through several mechanisms
influence the actions of the central nervous system, and in fact are
chemically similar to the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT).
Dr. Charles Grob presented the findings of his ethnomedical research in
the project. Both experimental subjects and controls were administered a
psychiatric diagnostic interview, open-ended life story interviews,
neuropsychological testing, personality testing, and receptor binding
studies. The experimental subjects were administered a standardized dosage
of ayahuasca and were monitored closely over the following six hours for
acute medical parameters, neuroendocrine challenge test and
phenomenological assessment. The most interesting of the preliminary
results from the data, Dr. Grob explained, were statistically significant
differences between the experimental and control groups, where the
experimental group showed a higher rating of short term memory than the
control group. His preliminary interpretation of the data indicates that
long term ingestion of ayahuasca within a religious context does not cause
behavioral or neuropsychological deterioration.
Members from two different religious ayahuasca-using groups from Brazil,
the UDV and the Santo Daime, gave various presentations about the history
and philosophy of their prospective religions, as well as social,
political, and economic aspects of each constituent religious group.
Shuar Study
In addition, Dr. Josep Ma Fericgla presented the findings of a
psychological study he conducted among members of the indigenous Shuar
culture of Ecuadorian Amazon who had consumed ayahuasca. One test
instrument, the SRQ (Self Report Questionnaire), detected over half the
population suffered from probable cases of emotional distress, which
frequently manifested in psychosomatic symptoms of gastrointestinal
discomfort, nervousness, fatigue and migraines. The PERI test (Psychiatric
Epidemiologic Research Instrument) detected that nearly all of the people
interviewed probably suffered from psychotic disturbances. Clinical
psychiatric interviews with these individuals, however, did not
demonstrate symptoms that would suggest schizophrenia. Dr. Fericgla
concluded that the PERI is neither a valid nor appropriate instrument for
this population. Shuar who consume ayahuasca on a more frequent level are
men, and they consume ayahuasca in a strict ritual shamanic context which
provides meaning and purpose in their lives. In respect to the SRQ
results, those who suffer from emotional distress probably do so because
of the incredibly rapid changes affecting these people, the pressures from
outsiders and from within to acculturate and adapt the ways of the Western
world.
Reports on other substances
Another paper related to ayahuasca re-search was presented by Dr.
Francesco Festi, from the Museo Civico de Rovereto, Italy, who addressed
aspects and perspectives on the role of European Phalaris in the
reproduction of the "ayahuasca effect". His colleague, Dr.
Giorgio Samorini, from the Museo Civico de Rovereto, Italy, who
collaborated with him on the paper, presented an enthralling account of
his own Iboga initiation experience among the Buiti of Gabon in Africa.
This particular initiation rite (tove si) is one that is central to Buiti
who want to become priests. Preparation for this ritual requires days of
fasting, meditation with nature, and sexual abstinence, followed by the
rite itself. The participant is fed small doses of Iboga numerous times
for an 8-20 hour period, putting the participant into a near-death state.
The participant remains in this coma-like state for more than 60 hours and
is constantly monitored by a crew of native Iboga specialists. The
visionary experience ends with the novice gaining consciousness and a
series of complex rites to help the participant regain the normal
functions of his body and reintegrate into the everyday world. Dr.
Samorini explained that although the Buiti have adopted the ritual use of
Iboga in their religious practices, the entire religious complex is a more
recent syncretic religion which embraces Christianity. The traditional use
of Iboga originates with members of the pygmy culture, and he plans to
conduct research with them in the future.
Papers on other substances that induce modified states of consciousness
included discussions of: Kava and its use in Melanesia, by Dr. Kirk
Huffman from the Vanuatu Ethnological Museum in Melanesia; Cannabis: the
chemistry of its ecology and evolution, by David Pate from the
International Hemp Association in Amsterdam; Salvia Divinorum, discussed
by Dale Pendell of Kuksu Herbarium in the U.S.; and MDMA: an analysis of
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine from a psychopharmacologist's
perspective, by Geri Dharma Rose Defrese, M.S. from the College of
Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California. Ms. Defrese's
presentation discussed MDMA as a promising clinical tool for the
uncovering of repressed memories secondary to abuse, for the treatment of
amenable chemical dependency, and for the treatment of severe emotional
and physical pain that coincide with debilitating physical diseases such
as arthritis and cancer. She reviewed the chemical make up of MDMA and its
pharmacological effects, stating that Dr. David Nichols considers MDMA to
be in a class of drug which produces "a touch within
(entactogenic)" effects. She cautioned that MDA analogues of MDMA,
PCP (phencyclidine or "angel dust"), methamphetamine or mixtures
of these with MDMA, often ingested at "raves" can be harmful,
especially if the users do not realize the correct dosage of the drug or
the precise dose of the capsule or tablet. She concluded by stressing the
importance of the collaboration of scientists and physicians in creating
human studies for the introduction of MDMA into psychiatric use.
Shamanism Discussed
The theme of the keynote lecture by Dr. Jonathan Ott divided entheogenic
plants into Old and New World species. This lay the foundation for
speakers later on during the week to address the use of these plants in
conjunction with shamanism. Dr. Christian RŠtsch presented a paper and
slide presentation of the history of psychedelics and Old European
shamanism. New World use of entheogenic plants and shamanism was discussed
by Dr. Constantino Manuel Torres from Florida International University in
Miami, Dr. Bonnie Glass-Coffin from Utah State University, and Dr. Stacy
Schaefer at the University of Texas-Pan American. Dr. Torres presented a
paper on his most recent research in the archeological zone of San Pedro
de Atacama in northern Chile, which focused on the symbolism of cameloids,
particularly llamas, and their significance to snuff tablets in which they
are inconographically depicted. These snuff tablets, which have been found
with numerous San Pedro de Atacaman mummies dating to approximately 600 to
780 A.D., appear to have been associated with shamanism and shamanic
powers. A chemical analysis of the powdery remains on the tablets shows
the presence of dimethyltryptamine, 5- methoxydimethyltryptamine, and
5-hidroxy-dimethyltryptamine (bufotenine). The traces of bufotenine in the
samples suggest that they came from the plant species Anadenanthera.
Dr. Bonnie Glass-Coffin presented an ethnographic study of female shamans
in Peru who utilize the hallucinogenic San Pedro (Trichocereus pachanoi)
cactus. Much is known about male shamans in Peru who use San Pedro in
their curing ceremonies, but relatively little is known about the female
healers. Dr. Glass-Coffin, who has attended more than 80 healing
ceremonies where San Pedro is an essential ingredient to the ritual,
explained that women healers emphasized that San Pedro is essential for
their entry into and manipulation of modified states of consciousness and
this was a key component of their healing abilities. The female shamans
with whom she worked were described, followed by a discussion of the way
each woman constructed her mesa (altar) and officiated over healing
ceremonies.
One of the other few papers which discussed women's roles in shamanism and
the use of entheogenic plants was presented by Dr. Stacy Schaefer, who
works among the Huichol Indians of Mexico. The focus of her paper: Huichol
Women, Pregnancy and Peyote, examined the biochemical aspects of peyote
consumption during pregnancy, as well as the cultural beliefs and
traditions Huichols have regarding this activity. Very little research has
been conducted in this field of inquiry. The only scientific articles she
was able to locate were published in the 60's and early 70's, involving
laboratory tests where pregnant mice, hamsters, and monkeys were injected
with mild to extremely large doses of mescaline, which is also the active
hallucinogenic ingredient in peyote (Lophophora williamsii). Afterwards,
the animals were sacrificed and examined. Dr. Schaefer argued that this
kind of research was not representative of peyote consumption among
pregnant humans. She discussed the beliefs and personal experiences with
which Huichol women provided her. The women consume peyote at various
stages of their pregnancy, at anywhere from 3 months all the way to 9
months. Those women who are shamans or are training to be shamans must,
like their male counterparts, consume large quantities of peyote, even
when pregnant. Some women intentionally consume peyote to induce labor,
which, according to Schaefer's consultants, quickened the delivery and
made for relatively little pain or discomfort. In conclusion, she
emphasized the need for further research that addresses women, children
and the use of entheogenic plants.
Entheogens and the law
The final sessions of the Congress were devoted to entheogens and the law.
Jerry Patchen, a lawyer based in Houston who, along with his wife, Linda,
has been involved with the Native American Church for over 20 years,
represents members of the Church in the court of Law. Mr Patchen provided
a historical overview of the use and jurisprudence of peyote in North
America and how this has affected the Native American Church. In bringing
the audience up to date, he was extremely pleased to announce that a few
days earlier, President Clinton had signed into federal law H.R. 4230,
which amends the American Indian Religious Freedom Act to provide for the
traditional use of peyote by Indians for religious purposes and for other
purposes. This amendment is an important victory for Native American
Church members, because previous interpretation of the American Indian
Religious Freedom Act did not specifically address the ritual use of
peyote. The legal status of this was left up to the discretion of the
states, some of which were not sympathetic to Native American peyote
traditions. Now, the federal ruling regarding peyote supersedes any state
laws to the contrary. Other papers which addressed legal policies and
mind-altering substances were presented by: Dr. Miquel Prats from the
Institut de Criminologia in Spain on the evolution and penal regulation of
drug trafficking; J. Tarinas Fabregas from Spain on the prohibition of
entheogenic substances in history; and Dr. Prieto Rodriquez, affiliated
with the Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia in Spain, who spoke
on the evolution of the penal legislation of drugs and the unjustified
criminalization of cannabis.
Art exhibition rounds out week
To round out the humanistic side of the conference, the art exhibition
Alteridades, Alter-nations was open all week. Fourteen artists from 11
countries expressed through the visual arts the meaning and significance
of entheo-genic substances in their personal lives. The exhibition was
coordinated by Dr. Luis Eduardo Luna from the Swedish School of Economics
in Finland, who gave an introductory talk followed by an opening
reception. Four artists represented were Donna Torres, Mark Modic, Pablo
Amaringo, and Anita Hemmila. The large oil paintings of Donna Torres
combine elements of growth and vegetation, desert and wilderness,
technology, and domestic elements; depicting in utmost detail aspects of
her life working with her husband, Manuel Torres, in the Chilean desert
community of San Pedro de Atacama, and in Miami, Florida, where they
reside 9 months out of the year. Mark Modic from Slovenia, who has
published many books of his artwork, had one painting of a human figure
with an archery bow directed towards the sky, above which was the chosen
theme and logo for the official stationary and announcements about the
Congress. Pablo Amaringo, a shaman and director of the Usko-Ayar Amazonian
School of Painting established by Dr. Luna in Pucallpa, Peru, depicts his
ayahuasca visions in paintings. Anita Hemmila from Finland, uses yarn and
wire on canvas to express movement, dance and inspiration she has
personally experienced. In addition, Marc Franklin from the U.S. provided
a slide presentation of his photographic project: Living Psychedelic
Pioneers: A Study through Portraiture of Twentieth Century Consciousness.
The III International Congress for the Study of Modified States of
Consciousness will be held in San Francisco, California in the fall of
1996. Further notice of the conference will be announced once the
organizers, place, and dates are chosen.
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