Mednarodni dan žensk: Kako psihedeliki pomagajo ženskam ponovno pridobiti zdravilne prakse

However, the advent of modern medicine pushed much of this knowledge underground, leading to the neglect and defamation of these traditional practices. However, as the renaissance of psychedelic medicine unfolds, we are witnessing a resurgence of not only plant-based healing but also the rediscovery of the once-respected female healers.

International Women’s Day: Celebrating Achievements and Equality On March 8th

International Women’s Day commemorates the movement for women’s rights and celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Its history dates back to 1911 when the first IWD was observed in several countries. The day serves as a reminder to work towards true equality, where all individuals, regardless of gender, are appreciated and respected for their unique contributions.

Psychedelics and the Reclamation of Ancient Healing

Today, the growing spotlight on psychedelic healing has paved the way for a re-evaluation of modern medicine. As the usage of psychedelics, such as magic mushrooms, gains momentum in Western culture, we are not only reconnecting with past healing traditions but also drawing from the wisdom of Indigenous cultures.

The resurgence of psychedelic therapies offers a circular and profound therapeutic process that addresses the root causes of issues, both physical and spiritual. It empowers patients, giving them an active role in their healing journey and restoring a sense of agency.

Psychedelic Healing and Women’s Legacy

Psychoactive plants have long been used for healing, spiritual connection, therapy, and medicine in various cultures. For instance, the Aztecs incorporated sacred psychedelic mushrooms in their religious rites and rituals, while Indigenous Mexican communities utilized these mushrooms for their healing properties, often seeking the guidance of curanderas and curanderos, or witch women and witch doctors.

Similarly, in Asia, female shamans were entrusted with administering plant medicines. Within China, the Wu were female healers adept at performing healing, divination, dream interpretation, and even exorcism. In Indonesia, the majority of shamans were women known as dukun, belian, or wadian, who practiced healing, herbalism, and magic.

Interestingly, Western cultures historically referred to women healers as ‘witches’. However, it is essential to recognize that there are many commonalities and overlaps between ‘witchcraft’ and shamanism, especially concerning their knowledge of plant-based medicine.

Ženske in psihedelično zdravljenje

Seveda je celotna zgodovina žensk in naravnih psihedeličnih procesov zdravljenja zapletena, obsežna in delno skrita. Vendar pa bomo na tem mestu podali lil' pregled njene zapuščine. 

Psihoaktivne rastline se že od nekdaj uporabljajo kot orodje za zdravljenje, duhovno povezavo, terapijo in medicino. Azteki so svete psihedelične gobe uporabljali v svojih verskih obredih in ritualih, domorodni Mehičani pa so iste gobe uporabljali za zdravljenje ljudi. Te gobe so običajno uporabljali curanderas in . curanderos. To pomeni. čarovnice in . čarovniki. 

V Aziji so ženske šamanke dajale rastlinska zdravila. Na Kitajskem so bile Wu - ženske zdravilke, ki so zdravile, vedeževale, razlagale sanje in celo izvajale eksorcizem. V Indoneziji je bila večina šamanov ženskega spola in so jih imenovali dukun, belian ali wadian. Ukvarjale so se z zdravljenjem, zeliščarstvom in magijo. 

Čarovnice in šamani: Šamani in šamani: bolj povezani, kot si mislite

Zahodne kulture so ženske zdravilke v preteklosti označevale za "čarovnice". Seveda je med "čarovništvom" in šamanizmom veliko stičišč in podobnosti, ko gre za zdravilstvo in znanje o rastlinah. V zgodnji moderni evropski kulturi so ženske, ki so imele enako posebno znanje o uporabi rastlin in zelišč ter so znale pripravljati pripravke in zdravila, imenovali čarovnice. 

Za razliko od šamanov pa ni jasnih dokazov, da so "čarovnice" povzročale spremenjena stanja zavesti, kot so to počeli šamani. Verjetno so bili vsi zapisi o tem izgubljeni ali potlačeni. Kljub temu obstaja veliko ugibanj in teorij o tem, ali so čarovnice uživale ali dajale psihoaktivne snovi ali ne. 

Znano je, da rastline, ki so jih uporabljale čarovnice v evropskem srednjem veku, vplivajo tako na spoznanja kot na fiziologijo bolnika. "Mazilo za čarovnice" ali "čarovniško mazilo" sta bila izraza, ki sta opisovala vrsto različnih ljudskih zdravil na rastlinski osnovi. Nekatera od teh mazil naj bi imela psihoaktivne učinke in so se uporabljala za zdravljenje. 

Rastline in zelišča, ki so jih te ženske uporabljale v svojih mazilih in zdravilih, so bile pogosto iz družine Solanaceae. Med njimi so bile belladonna, henbane in . trnjevo jabolko. Te rastline vsebujejo alkaloide atropin, skopolamin in hiosciamin, ki imajo lahko psihoaktivne učinke. Učinki naj bi povzročili živahne sanje in vizije. 

Women’s Empowerment in Psychedelic Healing

In recent years, there has been a notable rise in the active participation of women in the field of psychedelic healing. As healers, therapists, and practitioners, women are reclaiming their ancient roles as caretakers and healers. They are at the forefront of advocating for holistic and nature-based approaches to healing.

These modern Medicine Women are building communities and organizations that prioritize women’s roles and contributions to psychedelic healing. Their collective wisdom, shared experiences, and unique perspectives add depth and inclusivity to the psychedelic renaissance.

A Journey Towards a Caring Future

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the women who are shaping the future of psychedelic healing. Together, we envision a future where medicine embraces diversity and equality, where each individual’s worth is recognized and appreciated, and where all people—regardless of gender—can thrive harmoniously.

Srečen mednarodni dan žensk!