The term was first introduced in the 1970s by scholars Carl Ruck, R. Gordon Wasson, and Jonathan Ott to describe substances that induce altered states of consciousness specifically for spiritual, shamanic, or religious purposes. Unlike the term "psychedelic," meaning "mind-manifesting," which emerged in the 1950s to describe substances like LSD and mescaline, "entheogen" emphasizes the sacred and reverent use of these substances rather than for purely psychological or recreational effects.

For thousands of years, cultures around the world have worked with entheogens in ceremonial and healing contexts. Indigenous traditions from the Amazon to North America, the Eleusinian Mysteries of Ancient Greece, and Vedic rituals in India all utilized sacred plant medicines to connect with the divine, heal the body and mind, and receive wisdom beyond the ordinary state of consciousness. These substances were not seen as mere tools for altered perception but as sacred allies—gifts from the earth to guide and teach.

Today, as modern science reaffirms what ancient traditions have long understood, there is a resurgence of interest in entheogens for healing, personal growth, and spiritual exploration. When approached with intention, preparation, and integration, they can facilitate deep transformation—helping us reconnect with ourselves, our communities, and the greater mystery of existence.

In honoring the wisdom of the past while integrating the insights of the present, we can cultivate a respectful, ethical, and sacred relationship with these medicines, ensuring they continue to serve as catalysts for healing and awakening.