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The Immortality Key: The Secret History of the Religion with No Name Hardcover – September 29, 2020

4.7 out of 5 stars 3,229 ratings

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THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

As seen on The Joe Rogan Experience!


A groundbreaking dive into the role psychedelics have played in the origins of Western civilization, and a real-life quest for the Holy Grail.

The most influential religious historian of the 20th century, Huston Smith, once referred to it as the "best-kept secret" in history. Did the Ancient Greeks use drugs to find God? And did the earliest Christians inherit the same, secret tradition? A profound knowledge of visionary plants, herbs and fungi passed from one generation to the next, ever since the Stone Age?

There is zero archaeological evidence for the original Eucharist – the sacred wine said to guarantee life after death for those who drink the blood of Jesus. The Holy Grail and its miraculous contents have never been found. In the absence of any hard data, whatever happened at the Last Supper remains an article of faith for today’s 2.5 billion Christians. In an unprecedented search for real answers,
The Immortality Key examines the archaic roots of the ritual that is performed every Sunday for nearly one third of the planet. Religion and science converge to paint a radical picture of Christianity’s founding event. And after centuries of debate, to solve history’s greatest puzzle once and for all.

Before the birth of Jesus, the Ancient Greeks found salvation in their own sacraments. Sacred beverages were routinely consumed as part of the so-called Ancient Mysteries – elaborate rites that led initiates to the brink of death. The best and brightest from Athens and Rome flocked to the spiritual capital of Eleusis, where a holy beer unleashed heavenly visions for two thousand years. Others drank the holy wine of Dionysus to become one with the god. In the 1970s, renegade scholars claimed this beer and wine – the original sacraments of Western civilization – were spiked with mind-altering drugs. In recent years, vindication for the disgraced theory has been quietly mounting in the laboratory. The constantly advancing fields of archaeobotany and archaeochemistry have hinted at the enduring use of hallucinogenic drinks in antiquity. And with a single dose of psilocybin, the psychopharmacologists at Johns Hopkins and NYU are now turning self-proclaimed atheists into instant believers. But the smoking gun remains elusive.

If these sacraments survived for thousands of years in our remote prehistory, from the Stone Age to the Ancient Greeks, did they also survive into the age of Jesus? Was the Eucharist of the earliest Christians, in fact, a psychedelic Eucharist?

With an unquenchable thirst for evidence, Muraresku takes the reader on his twelve-year global hunt for proof. He tours the ruins of Greece with its government archaeologists. He gains access to the hidden collections of the Louvre Museum to show the continuity from pagan to Christian wine. He unravels the Ancient Greek of the New Testament with a Catholic priest. He spelunks into the catacombs under the streets of Rome to decipher the lost symbols of Christianity’s oldest monuments. He breaches the secret archives of the Vatican to unearth manuscripts never before translated into English. And with leads from the archaeological chemists at the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he unveils the first scientific data for the ritual use of psychedelic drugs in classical antiquity.

The Immortality Key reconstructs the suppressed history of women consecrating a forbidden, drugged Eucharist that was later banned by the Church Fathers. Women who were then targeted as witches during the Inquisition, when Europe’s sacred pharmacology largely disappeared. Have the scientists of today resurrected this lost technology? Is Christianity capable of returning to its roots?

Featuring a Foreword by Graham Hancock, the
New York Times bestselling author of America Before: The Key to Earth's Lost Civilization.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Absolutely one of the most fascinating podcasts I've ever done ... f*cking sensational." ―Joe Rogan, host of The Joe Rogan Experience

"As excitingly plotted as Dan Brown. Extraordinarily readable. Of substantive intellectual interest. Quite the trip. Almost impossible to put down." ―Jordan B. Peterson

"The book―which is like nothing I had read before, it puts other ‘popular scholarship’ to shame―is part popularized classical scholarship and part Da Vinci Code-influenced investigative journalism." ―Candida Moss,
The Daily Beast

"A mindblower." ―Mark Manson, #1
New York Times bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

“Like
The Da Vinci Code. Tremendous. Stunning.” ―Michael Smerconish, CNN

"Amazing. Truly fascinating. Indiana Jones meets the history of psychedelic experience within religion. I want to see a reality docuseries based on this." ―John Fugelsang, host of
Tell Me Everything

“Completely captivated. Mesmerizing evidence.” ―Elise Loehnen,
goop

"Exceptional investigative work." ―Derek Beres for
Big Think

"
The Immortality Key is an astonishing and remarkable book that explores the mysterious links between psychedelic drugs, human consciousness, and the origins of Christianity. It presents truly ground-breaking research on many levels, tracing the use of psychedelic drugs from Ancient Greece through Rome and into the early days of Christianity, where they played a role―possibly a crucial one―in the new religion of Jesus Christ. This is a fascinating book, which I highly recommend." ―Douglas Preston, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lost City of the Monkey God

"An outstanding inquiry into the power of the Mysteries in the ancient world. A sweeping, persuasive argument from a true Renaissance intellect. The writing is most vivid." ―Gregory Nagy, Francis Jones Professor of Classical Greek Literature, Harvard University

"A fascinating analysis of the mystical roots of ancient religion, and a rediscovery of a forgotten ritual for the modern world." ―Deepak Chopra

"In Brian Muraresku, the psychedelic theory of religion has its newest and most accomplished scholar-historian (who also happens to be very funny). This is no crackpot idea. This is genuine scholarship at its deepest, most comparative, and most conceptually radical. The breadth of the investigation is simply astonishing: the Eleusinian Mysteries; the cosmic love of God; Göbekli Tepe and Indo-European studies; Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, and Catalan; flying witches and the long religious war on women; the Vatican Secret Archives; democracy, ethics, and the unity of humankind; hard archaeochemical and DNA evidence; the first (Dionysian) miracle of Christ in the Gospel of John; the political radicalism of the Eucharist; LSD-laced graveyard beer and psychedelic wine. Buckle up tight, Toto. You were never in Kansas. It’s Oz everywhere and always." ―Jeffrey J. Kripal, Associate Dean of Faculty and Graduate Studies, Rice University, author of
Esalen: The Religion of No Religion

"Muraresku has successfully unwrapped one of history's greatest riddles with a measured, skeptical eye. His ability to sift through the evidence with an open mind and discriminating wit keeps the pages turning." ―Leslie Kean, author of
UFOs: Generals, Pilots and Government Officials Go on the Record and Surviving Death: A Journalist Investigates Evidence For An Afterlife

"Brian Muraresku's
The Immortality Key connects the lost, psychedelic sacrament of ancient Greek religion to early Christianity -- exposing the true origins of Western Civilization. Muraresku brings to light a secret with the capacity to revolutionize our understanding of the past and chart a bold, new course for the future." ―Graham Hancock, New York Times Bestselling Author of America Before

"In
The Immortality Key, Muraresku reconstructs the forgotten history of psychedelics in the development of Western civilization. His analysis of the roots of Christianity will shake the foundation of organized religion and point the way to a revolution in consciousness." ―Andrew Weil, M.D.

"An impeccably researched journey to the crossroads of history. The questions are provocative, the disclosures earth-shaking. By deciphering the relationship between Jesus and Dionysos, Brian Muraresku has achieved nothing less than a radical re-envisioning of the Christian story." ―Mark Arey, Former Director of the Office of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

"A timely message, given the re-emergence of psychedelic research for end-of-life distress. A tour de force on the perennial quest to unlock the mystery of death. A spiritual adventure page-turner that’s not easy to put down. And a mystery tour well worth taking." ―Anthony P. Bossis Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine

"With his new book,
The Immortality Key, Brian Muraresku offers an invigorating look at the birth of religion as the ancient secret of dying before dying, providing us with a rejuvenating blast of what my friend Huston Smith described as authentic enthusiasmos, an ecstatic experience of the god within." ―Phil Cousineau, author of Once and Future Myths, and coauthor with Huston Smith of And Live Rejoicing: Chapters from a Charmed Life

"A manifesto, briskly paced and engaging from page one, on the very real possibility of a psychedelic eucharist. I strongly recommend this intriguing, provocative, and thoughtful book." ―Julie Holland, MD, author of
Good Chemistry: The Science of Connection From Soul to Psychedelics

"In his Introduction alone, Muraresku captures the excitement of what psychedelics can offer our species in this time of crisis. What an exhilarating adventure into the heart of the Ancient Mysteries, and the psychedelic key to Eleusis. Somewhere over the rainbow, my dear friend Albert Hofmann is smiling. The secret is out!" ―Amanda Feilding, Founder and Director of the Beckley Foundation

"Like a modern-day Galileo, combining meticulous scholarly analysis with highly rarefied fieldwork, Muraresku is willing to bravely challenge sacred cow orthodoxies, unafraid of where the facts and evidence lead him. He has the standing and erudition to do so. Deftly weaving in humor and contemporary policy, Muraresku’s book is of utmost urgency in the search for what it means to be alive and inevitably die. This page-turner presents the hard archeological evidence substantiating the LSD-like chemical presence in the Eleusinian and Dionysian Mysteries, which carried on for thousands of years, reappearing in democratized form as the Eucharist in the mystery cult of early Christianity before its suppression under the Roman Empire. Here revealed are the true origins of the dominant religion of Western civilization, and the lengths to which its early progenitors went to preserve female spiritual leadership, and the psychedelic sacrament that was their lodestar." ―Sunil Kumar Aggarwal, MD, PhD, Co-Founder and Co-Director, AIMS Institute; Affiliate Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine and Geography, University of Washington

"Psychedelic Eucharist anyone? This amazing researcher Brian Muraresku has uncovered what has been called the biggest secret in history. Really enjoying reading
The Immortality Key, it places the psychedelic truth in more irrefutable historic context." ―Alex Grey, CoSM

"An old-fashioned detective story, like
The Da Vinci Code. Except it doesn't suck. And it's about psychedelics." ―Sean Illing, Vox

"Structured as a travel diary, in the style of a real-life Da Vinci Code,
The Immortality Key tells the story of a dozen-year quest for Christianity's psychedelic roots. A thorough work, performed assiduously." ―Ido Hartogsohn, Haaretz

“likely to become a classic study… THE IMMORTALITY KEY lands another powerful blow against the logic and rationale of the drug war and offers a cogent argument in favor of the responsible use of entheogens…it’s a ripping read, one that roughly hews to the form of a mystery – or maybe a Dan Brown conspiracy thriller. That’s an awful lot for an author to accomplish in a first book, but Muraresku has done it all deftly, and given the movement for cognitive and religious freedom some great material to work with.” ―Clifton Ross, Quillette

About the Author

BRIAN C. MURARESKU graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Brown University with a degree in Latin, Greek and Sanskrit. As an alumnus of Georgetown Law and a member of the New York Bar, he has been practicing law internationally for fifteen years. He lives outside Washington D.C. with his wife and two daughters. In 2016, Muraresku became the founding executive director of Doctors for Cannabis Regulation. Their work has been featured on CNN and ESPN, as well as The Washington Post and San Francisco Chronicle. In arbitration with the NFL in 2018, Muraresku represented the first professional athlete in the United States to seek a therapeutic use exemption for cannabis. The Immortality Key is his debut book.

GRAHAM HANCOCK is the author of major international non-fiction bestsellers including
The Sign and the Seal and Fingerprints of the Gods. His books have sold more than seven million copies worldwide and have been translated into thirty languages. His public lectures, radio and TV appearances, including the TV series Quest For The Lost Civilization and Flooded Kingdoms of the Ice Age, as well as his strong presence on the internet, have put his ideas before audiences of tens of millions. He resides in the UK.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Press; Later prt. edition (September 29, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 480 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250207142
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250207142
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.64 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.55 x 1.45 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 3,229 ratings

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4.7 out of 5 stars
3,229 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book fascinating and beautifully researched, with one review highlighting its detailed exploration of psychedelics in ancient civilizations. Moreover, the writing style is easy to read, and customers appreciate the compelling storytelling and subtle humor throughout. However, the book receives criticism for its anti-Church bias.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

82 customers mention "Readability"76 positive6 negative

Customers find the book incredibly interesting and brilliant, describing it as a fascinating investigation.

"...Cathars, Muraresku touches on so much, and helps form a credible picture of the Christian Mysteries, before they became a Byzantine bureaucracy...." Read more

"...it gave me an intuitive understanding of the new testament – a new understanding, a welcome reconciliation, a coming home. Enjoy this book, folks...." Read more

"Great Book...." Read more

"...A real life, evidence-based, detective story, exposing the suppressed roots of Western religion and spirituality, from pre-history to the present..." Read more

76 customers mention "Research quality"76 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's research quality, describing it as beautifully researched and an important landmark in its field, with one customer highlighting its insights into the history of psychedelics and religion.

"...This book not only illuminates the world of classical antiquity in exquisite detail, it excites the imagination...." Read more

"...The book is incredibly well researched. The author does his homework in the US and then takes off for Europe to investigate some more...." Read more

"...This isn’t just a book—it’s a bold, well-researched revelation that challenges long-standing narratives about religion, spirituality, and the true..." Read more

"...The author is well equipped for his investigation: scholarship student, Catholic, classics scholar at an Ivy, corporate lawyer..." Read more

45 customers mention "Writing style"41 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it engaging and easy to read, with one customer noting it reads like a documentary.

"...book not only illuminates the world of classical antiquity in exquisite detail, it excites the imagination...." Read more

"...This isn’t just a book—it’s a bold, well-researched revelation that challenges long-standing narratives about religion, spirituality, and the true..." Read more

"...fascinating journey through classical religious history which requires careful reading...." Read more

"...three walls of what was a large dining room is a beautifully preserved brilliantly colored fresco depicting an initiation rite into the cult of..." Read more

17 customers mention "Psychedelic content"14 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's exploration of psychedelics fascinating, with one customer noting how it scientifically links these substances to ancient civilizations, and another highlighting their role in spiritual practice.

"...my understanding of early Christianity, the role of sacred plants in spiritual practice, and the suppression of mystical traditions...." Read more

"...The author touches upon many curious aspects: seeming Neanderthal hallucinogenic ingestion; beer as the motivation for the agricultural revolution;..." Read more

"...medicinal benefits of psilocybin, the author began a deep dive into the history of psychedelics, going all the way back to the stone age, stopping..." Read more

"This is a truly fascinating book that melds history, religious studies, linguistics, pharmacology, chemistry, biology, and a hefty dose of travelogue..." Read more

17 customers mention "Storytelling"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storytelling in the book, finding the stories fascinating, with one customer noting how it takes readers on a historical journey.

"...His thesis is not presented in dry academic prose but unfolds as a compelling narrative, a lively quest to unearth buried mysteries that shine a..." Read more

"...His meticulous research paired with his compelling storytelling makes this an absolute standout in the world of non-fiction...." Read more

"...Continuing on, much of the subsequent material was interesting, fun, and engaging. Good food for thought...." Read more

"...The stories are fascinating though, especially the discussion of the Inquisition and the church's role in trying to wipe out drugs by burning..." Read more

13 customers mention "Entertainment value"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining, with one customer noting it's highly motivating and another mentioning it's exciting to learn an alternate viewpoint.

"...the world of classical antiquity in exquisite detail, it excites the imagination...." Read more

"...And he’s curious and incredibly entertaining in person (at least in the podcast) and in the book...." Read more

"...Muraresku's writing is brilliant—clear, passionate, and engaging from start to finish...." Read more

"...Continuing on, much of the subsequent material was interesting, fun, and engaging. Good food for thought...." Read more

4 customers mention "Humor"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's subtle humor.

"...The author is entertaining and clearly a very funny dude who brings his intelligence and curiosity to topics that are at the heart of life’s..." Read more

"...Well researched and his sense of humor keeps it fresh. This nonfiction mystery is a page turner that provides fascinating history...." Read more

"...I like his writing style: personable with subtle flecks of humor and light sarcasm. I highly recommend it for open-minded history buffs." Read more

"...time, energy and resources into solving these riddles and presenting them with humor, grace and skill. Kudos!" Read more

7 customers mention "Bias"2 positive5 negative

Customers criticize the book's anti-Church bias, which is openly flaunted throughout the text, with one customer noting how it devolves into a Catholicism and Christianity bash.

"...But he’s certain that the Church is evil. All it can give people is "cardboard wafers" (his exact words) and "out of the box wine"...." Read more

"...of psychedelics and their re-introduction, this part of the book seemed unbalanced and skewed...." Read more

"...—it’s a bold, well-researched revelation that challenges long-standing narratives about religion, spirituality, and the true roots of Western..." Read more

"...early Christianity - but the book is so ridiculously and unreflectively anti-Christian, it's hard to take seriously...." Read more

Dude!  This book is awesome.
5 out of 5 stars
Dude! This book is awesome.
This is a truly fascinating book that melds history, religious studies, linguistics, pharmacology, chemistry, biology, and a hefty dose of travelogue. What at first seems like a book about the history of psychedelics in the age of Jesus Christ, turns out to be much more that. The author is entertaining and clearly a very funny dude who brings his intelligence and curiosity to topics that are at the heart of life’s biggest questions. This may seem cliche, but one can travel through this treatise with a belief that you are reading a book that would be written by a character in a Dan Brown book, hoping he never meets the character in the hair shirt. The author truly knows his stuff, when to draw on experts in the fields critical to this journey, and how to spin it all together in an entertaining yarn, although you get to enjoy the whole spool. His ability to synthesize classics, linguistics, religion, chemistry, biology, and archeology is stunning. A wonderful book, not for the faint of heart, but if you’re willing to open your mind to new concepts this is the book for you.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2020
    The pagan continuity hypothesis makes so much sense. Brian Muraresku is quite the intrepid scholar. His thesis is not presented in dry academic prose but unfolds as a compelling narrative, a lively quest to unearth buried mysteries that shine a new light on history. This book not only illuminates the world of classical antiquity in exquisite detail, it excites the imagination. I love his determination to redeem Carl Ruck, the classicist who joined Gordon Wasson and Albert Hoffman to write “The Road to Eleusis”. Seems Ruck thereby torpedoed his promising academic career but did not let that deter him in the pursuit of truth. Muraresku’s vindication of Ruck is a touching story. This book is a true eye-opener. The Dionysian parallels with the Gospel of John alone hit like lightning. The author still subscribes to the notion of a historical Jesus, which I do not (see Richard Carrier). He is and always has been a visionary figure, in my view, for reasons too numerous to catalogue here. But be that as it may, Muraresku not only argues persuasively for the commingling of the Dionysian rites and the Christian Eucharist in the context of the first centuries of the Common Era but takes us with him as he travels Europe to recondite archives to prove his case. That a sacramental libation would draw adherents more enthusiastically than mere stories and arid doctrines is just human nature. The role of women, versed in herbal lore, as spirit guides in these Dionysian/Proto-Christian rites, their threat to the “bishop factory” of Rome. Castigated as witches, tormented, murdered, as with the Cathars, Muraresku touches on so much, and helps form a credible picture of the Christian Mysteries, before they became a Byzantine bureaucracy. I highly recommend this book. Truth be told, I’m only 2/3rds through it as I write this but that’s how excited I am. I’m eager to continue the journey.
    28 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2020
    I am now watching the author (and Graham Hancock!!) talk to Joe Rogan and I think that anyone thinking about reading this book should spend some time with the JRE podcast. Regarding the book, I read it in one (long) sitting. This book merges themes that I have been chasing after for years. Ancient Greek mythology (and Christianity) and psychedelics – how can it get any better? The book is incredibly well researched. The author does his homework in the US and then takes off for Europe to investigate some more. He is not shy about chasing scholars and scientists and probing the living hell out of them. Finally someone that’s willing to hold their feet to the fire! So, Muraresku is this unique product of post-Gen X America. He majored in Sanskrit – and Greek! He worked for a New York law firm (I guess someone had to pay the student loans). And he’s curious and incredibly entertaining in person (at least in the podcast) and in the book. As you read, you can actually find yourself rooting for him as he unspools the thread of the mystical use of psychedelics as the basis for the whole of Western civilization – and he nails it! I’ve read (and imagine that anyone thinking about reading this book has read as well) a significant amount of the current literature on psychedelics and this is by far the more entertaining one I’ve laid hands on. Muraresku heads to Greece, Spain, France, Germany and Italy with a fascinating romp through Rome. The most fun is had when he makes it to the Vatican and rummages around in archives where he focuses with laser type precision on closely kept secrets. Unlike the author (who sounds a little straight edgy to me) I’ve consumed psylocibin – several times. And it gave me an intuitive understanding of the new testament – a new understanding, a welcome reconciliation, a coming home. Enjoy this book, folks. I know I did.
    256 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2025
    The Immortality Key by Brian C. Muraresku is one of the most important and eye-opening books I have ever read. This isn’t just a book—it’s a bold, well-researched revelation that challenges long-standing narratives about religion, spirituality, and the true roots of Western civilization. It beautifully weaves together history, archaeology, science, and myth in a way that is both academically rigorous and deeply soul-stirring.

    Muraresku's writing is brilliant—clear, passionate, and engaging from start to finish. He manages to take complex and controversial topics and make them not only digestible, but thrilling. I found myself hanging onto every word, stunned by the implications of what he presents. His meticulous research paired with his compelling storytelling makes this an absolute standout in the world of non-fiction.

    Reading this book changed my life. It completely reframed my understanding of early Christianity, the role of sacred plants in spiritual practice, and the suppression of mystical traditions. It gave language to questions I didn’t even know I was asking and connected dots I didn’t realize were scattered across time.

    If you’re a truth-seeker, someone who values spiritual integrity, or simply curious about what’s been hidden beneath the surface of mainstream religious history—this book is essential. It’s the kind of work that stays with you, expands your worldview, and sparks a fire within you to keep digging for the truth.

    An absolute masterpiece. I will be recommending this to everyone.
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2025
    Great Book. Would have given 5 stars but unfortunately the binding fell apart and a whole chapter fell out (entire chapter 8, after the first photo section, weak point do to stiff photo pages). I had to glue it back together to finish reading this page turner.

    Bad Manufacturing gluing method + 400 pages = gonna fall apart

    Get the hardcover copy. Need an arching spine for opening a book this large for comfortable reading.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Ares
    5.0 out of 5 stars The begging sets the pace and journey of this book
    Reviewed in Japan on October 20, 2020
    Book arrived yesterday. Thought I would read a page or two and take it slow as something to read before going to bed.
    Read the forward and first 7 pages and I was hooked. Only wished i didn’t have anything to do the next day, so I can read this uninterrupted.
  • AD
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend.
    Reviewed in India on March 6, 2021
    Came across Brian Muraresku's interview on the JRE podcast last year and was deeply intrigued by his excellent presentation on the show. This book is captivatingly written and very well-researched. Highly recommend to those interested in the history of western civilization and psychedelics. Very interesting Greco-Indian connections as well.
  • Dasa Alexyova
    5.0 out of 5 stars EVERY WOMAN SHOULD READ !!!
    Reviewed in Singapore on October 9, 2023
    Brian is a man and a lawyer and a scientist..so not any hippie like I am :)...I love all things spiritual and esoteric and I love learning about priestesses and goddesses and all rituals and ceremonies they used to do and this is such a gift in this area. To finally understand what happened and how it happened and how we lost all that power we used to have as women and as witches..it's just so liberating and I am very grateful that it's being proven in this way but years of dedicated research. Thank you Sir. My gratitude beyond stars for this gift of a book !!!!
  • andrew
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reading, tremendous research and masterful storytelling
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 6, 2020
    This book is a much needed refresh into the psychedelic elements that originated religion and humanity's approach to the Mystery throughout history, as well as a renewal of the important reminder of women's paramount role in the initiation exercises that gave us the direct experience of God for thousands of years.
    Also, it links it up with current research into scientific research into psychedelic mushrooms and current testimonies regarding such experiences, breaking, yet again, the paradigm that "drugs are evil" (which it also addresses with serious research on the historic war on drugs).
    I thoroughly recommend this book and thank the author for his decades long research and dedication.
  • Kevin Elliott
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good Research, needs follow up
    Reviewed in Germany on June 13, 2021
    The book sets out to show that the ancient concept of immortality is linked to psychedelic drug use. These were administered in religious rituals, resulting in ecstatic revelatory experiences. An unexpected teist was the author linking pre Christian use and the initial Holy Eucharist of the Christian churches.

    There's good research over the European/Mediterranean area and an interesting insight into Vatican records.

    Stylistically the book falls between pure research and selling of ideas. Where facts are found, they're well documented and explained, but the downside is that much of the author's theories are repeated and nauseam. And there's an air of flippancy that belies what appears to be serious research. There appears to be a strong link between pre-Christian and Christian ceremonies and beliefs, which are heavily expounded. There also appears to be a case made for exclusion of women from roles in the early church, but little evidence is presented as to why. Selected examination of inquisition records is used to justify the author's reasoning, but for me it needs a lot more research.
    Sadly a lot of what is said is based on supposition and extrapolation, which detracts.
    That said, it's readable and brings to light good evidence for the use of psychedelics in older religious ceremonies. Certainly worth reading objectively as it collated and affirms much which was downplayed in the past.