Exploring the Psychedelic Roots of Christmas Traditions

In a thought-provoking article from December 1979, High Times delved into the intriguing connections between Santa Claus and the psychedelic mushroom Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric. This exploration suggests that the origins of the Santa Claus myth could be linked to shamanic practices in Lapland, where these mushrooms were consumed. The theory posits that Santa's image and the Christmas traditions may have deeper, mystical roots involving these psychoactive fungi

The Real Meaning of Christmas is often touted during the holiday season, reminding people of its significance beyond materialism and festivities. Traditionally, Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, a central figure in Christianity, marking the divine becoming human. However, the article challenges the notion that Christmas should be solely solemn, suggesting that the revelry and pagan elements associated with the holiday might also reflect its profound meaning

The article further explores the theory that psychoactive plants, like the fly agaric, played a crucial role in the evolution of human consciousness. It highlights the work of R. Gordon Wasson and Andrija Puharich, who argued that these mushrooms were integral to ancient religious practices. Wasson's research into the Mexican psilocybe-mushroom culture and his book 'Soma: Divine Mushroom of Immortality' bolstered the idea that such plants were seen as divine and transformative

John M. Allegro's controversial work, 'The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross,' is discussed in the article as a pivotal contribution to the theory that early Christianity was influenced by a mushroom cult. Allegro proposed that the Gospels were cryptic texts preserving the secrets of a mushroom-based fertility cult. This perspective suggests that the traditional narrative of Jesus Christ might conceal a more esoteric truth involving psychoactive substances

While these theories might seem far-fetched, they offer a fascinating lens through which to view the Christmas story. The article encourages readers to consider the possibility that the origins of Christmas and its associated figures, like Santa Claus, have more complex and psychedelic beginnings. It invites a reconsideration of the holiday's history, blending scientific inquiry with mythological exploration, and leaves readers pondering the true essence of Christmas