Psychedelics? Is the term appropriate?

When discussing substances that alter a spiritual perception and consciousness, it is essential to distinguish between the terms used to describe them, especially in the context of Native traditions. One of the most relevant terms is Sacred Medicine or Spiritual Medicine. Although the terminology may vary from one indigenous community to another due to linguistic differences, all agree that these substances work with what gives us life: the spirit. This approach is based on the belief that a divine being resides in the sacred medicine, and each medicine is deeply rooted in an ecosystem, language, tradition, lifestyle, customs, and practices. These values, such as love for nature and understanding of natural cycles, are intrinsically connected to the practice of these medicines.

"This terms of Sacred Medicines or Spiritual Medicines is the most appropiate way to call them."

The term sacred refers to something pristine, pure, that transcends the physical plane. For example, in Mexico, the use of mushrooms has been a widespread practice for thousands of years among different indigenous groups. For the cultures of central Mexico, such as the great Tenochtitlán and its empire, these mushrooms were known as Teonanácatl, which means "flesh of the god" due to their sacred power. In the Mazatec culture, from which María Sabina originated, these mushrooms are called “ndi Sitjo” or "little mushroom", which, in its profound meaning, represents the body, blood, and saliva of God, and is used to communicate with the divine.

Another relevant term is Entheogen. This term is closer to the essence and purpose of the medicines, although it is still somewhat disconnected from the nature, customs, and practices of the guardian peoples, who base their divine connection on nature. The term also introduces a religious concept, as it derives from two Greek words: éntheos (ἔνθεος), meaning "full of god, inspired, possessed," and genésthai (γενέσθαι), meaning "to come into being." Thus, an entheogen is a substance that inspires or provokes a spiritual or religious experience.

Finally, the term Psychedelic comes from the English psychedelia, a neologism formed from the Greek words ψυχή (psyche), meaning "soul," and δηλόω (deloo), meaning "to manifest." This term, coined by British psychologist Humphry Osmond, translates as "soul-manifesting." In Western culture, this term attempts to frame these substances in an analytical and mental context. Although it makes sense to some extent, the term psychedelic focuses primarily on the immediate effect of the substance on the body and mind, and perhaps also on emotions, but it is detached from the spiritual essence to which sacred plants belong, concentrating only on the active substance that produces the effect.

Although other terms exist, these are the most commonly used in the various fields related to Sacred Medicines.

Reference  Wikipedia for the words entheogen and psychedelic.

"Experience the StarQuest rituals".

StarQuest, "Living wisdom"