Roots of Psychedelic Therapy: Shamanism, Ritual and Traditional Uses of Sacred Plants 2025
Learn about the rich histories and cultures of psychedelic plant medicines and create bridges between the worlds of ceremonies and psychedelic therapies
Acknowledge the foundation of the use of sacred plants through historical, cultural, indigenous, ‘traditional’ and contemporary lenses
Discuss and analyze critical social issues such as globalization, tourism, cultural appropriation, commodification, patents, reciprocity, conservation, legality, ethics and sexual abuse
Explore topics such as shamanism in Amazonia, peyote use among the Wixárika, psilocybin use among the Mazatec, iboga in Africa, and many other cultural practices amongst other groups
Deepen your understanding of the expanding future of psychedelic plant medicines in ways that are equitable, safe, and just
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“Thank you so much for the opportunity and for the sacred knowledge and wisdom and teaching and most importantly for all the great work that you all do, it is critical. I am incredibly grateful for the priceless wisdom and insight gained during my previous experiences with Chacruna, which have profoundly influenced my journey with sacred earth medicines, and my own medicine practice as a Pharmacist”
Students will be provided with the recorded professor lectures a week in advance of the discussion class which they will watch on their own time. The 1.5hr Zoom meetings included in the schedule in the syllabus will consist of q+a/discussion with the students and professor. Coming into the discussion classes, students are expected to have watched the recordings and read the readings which are listed in the syllabus.
We ask that each student present at least 80% of participation throughout the course, whether it be by having your camera on for the whole class, actively listening, taking notes, providing questions/comments, etc. We also ask that each student read the readings for each class before they take place.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions to each professor in each of the discussion classes. The live 1.5 hour Q&A discussion part of the classes are an essential focus of the courses, with a very intimate and safe-space environment to explore any questions that might arise.
A vibrant community of psychedelic scholars committed to advancing inclusion, equity, and reciprocity in the field. Welcome all Chacruna's students! s2
Psychedelic-assisted therapy clinical trials have shown promise for treating a variety of behavioral health indications, and the topics covered in this course will describe some of the potential mechanisms of action for these psychedelic benefits.
The goal of the course is to address the current challenges and new perspectives on the use of ayahuasca in a global context, not only from an academic standpoint but also drawing from Indigenous voices and their experience with ayahuasca.
This Certificate is an unparalleled educational program for ceremonial leaders and psychedelic facilitators seeking to deepen their knowledge and foster ethical, justice-informed practices.
This course, led by experts, examines the cultural, social, and economic contexts of the "psychedelic renaissance." It addresses justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI), exploring topics like anti-racism, privilege, and cultural humility.