The Road to Eleusis

Unveiling the Secret of the Mysteries

By: R. Gordon Wasson, Albert Hofmann

Narrated by: David Bendena

The secretive Mysteries conducted at Eleusis in Greece for nearly two millennia have long puzzled scholars with strange accounts of initiates experiencing otherworldly journeys. In this groundbreaking work, three experts - a mycologist, a chemist, and a historian - argue persuasively that the sacred potion given to participants in the course of the ritual contained a psychoactive entheogen. The authors then expand the discussion to show that natural psychedelic agents have been used in spiritual rituals across history and cultures.

Although controversial when first published in 1978, the book’s hypothesis has become more widely accepted in recent years, as knowledge of ethnobotany has deepened. The authors have played critical roles in the modern rediscovery of entheogens, and The Road to Eleusis presents an authoritative exposition of their views. The book’s themes of the universality of experiential religion, the suppression of that knowledge by exploitative forces, and the use of psychedelics to reconcile the human and natural worlds make it a fascinating and timely listen. This 30th anniversary edition includes an appreciative preface by religious scholar Huston Smith and an updated exploration of the chemical evidence by Peter Webster.

©2008 The R. Gordon Wasson Estate (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

eye opening

super interesting and eye opening. I read this after the sacred mushroom and the cross. loved both

Finally some science

A cogent and updated report of an issue with increasing relevance in our time and politics.

REALITY SHIFTING LITERATURE!!!!

This book is a monumental missing piece of our human heritage. The words begin to dissolve the ground under your feet, as if every foundation of our reality is an illusion. If you’re on a journey to find true consciousness, this book will help you get started. Must read

Fascinating

Describes the Elusinian Mysteries and their possible relationship to various intoxicants, objects, rituals, words, and locations. It is more detailed and informative than I expected.

Amazing

Explains so much about how the mysteries progressed through the centuries and we need to get back to that

Snakes

Life’s long journey deserves a book like this to remember our sacrament was the purpose of it all. So thankful to be able to listen to this when ever I need.

A great book

A very enjoyable and informative book to read as we are in a new Entheogenic revolution 🍄

Great book.

I enjoyed learning about our lost and misunderstood history. What we think we knew is changing.

Great Thesis!

Very interesting and well argued thesis. Great interdisciplinary research from absolutely brilliant minds, particularly in the classical tradition. The narrator, who was great, is not suited for academic or scientific research, but would be great fir crime, adventure or horror. This book is a seminal classic in the field. Don’t miss it.

informative

Excellent on many fronts from ancient history to interesting theory on ritual and methods