entheogen
noun
en·the·o·gen
en-ˈthē-ə-jən
plural entheogens
: a psychoactive, hallucinogenic substance or preparation (such as psilocybin or ayahuasca) especially when derived from plants or fungi and used in religious, spiritual, or ritualistic contexts
Entheogen is a neologism to designate psychoactive substances employed in culturally sanctioned visionary experiences in ritual or religious contexts.—Carl A. P. Ruck
Scholars of religion often call them entheogens, from the term "god within."—Jeremiah Creedon
entheogenic
adjective
A recent resolution by Santa Cruz City Council has made the municipality the third in the U.S. to decriminalize psychedelic mushrooms. The unanimous ruling makes the personal possession and use of so-called entheogenic plants and fungi … a low priority for law enforcement.
—David E. Carpenter
an entheogenic plant/tea/substance
Cite this Entry
“Entheogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/entheogen. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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