Let's take that OP back for a check:
It's an open question how we all might see it and everyone's perspective is invited to share. There's nothing confusing or silly IMHO.

Seriously Jees, you're just getting off on philosophical masturbation!

Really, the op is asking what would it take to be a DM SHAMAN? Well obviously it's a trick question. Of course it would Take DM. But why not correct him right from the start and tell him that DM is considered in Traditional Curanderismo as a helper, rather than the main healing plant?

To ignore that opportunity and continue to trudge through and continue with a basic misunderstanding surely says somethings not right?

Yes, we can stubbornly try to make a DM Shaman work, if we then use other plants that may make it useable, such as Caapi, but why don't we just fix this silly misunderstanding right from word go? It isn't 5meoDM, which IS suitable to use ALONE, for healing shock therapy, and DM has stood the test of time when used carefully in Aya brews, for good reasons..

Whilst it's good to discuss these topics, previous Nexus discussions have consistently played down the DM ALONE idea, and stuck to Changa or moreso Ayahuasca, for healing.

We seem to be going backwards in this thread.

I'm not aware of many cases that DM has had a negative outcome when used alone in a respectful manner and don't see why it isn't equally suitable to lone exploration as 5 meo..

I don't think the reason DMT shamanism shouldn't be persued is just because there are tried and tested medicines already in existance.. Personally I think it should not be pursued because of the potential for the "shaman" to distract the voyager from their journey.. I feel like we are all crossing our wires on the DMT shamanism topic in this thread.. it seems like we agree at least that a shaman figure guiding people through DMT breakthrough's is a risky and pointless endeavor..

Thanks ND, I understood your CA arguments in the first place.

Where did I ever say that this use of 2C-B was cultural appropriation?? I was attempting to keep my post straightforward and perhaps you misconstrued my choice of words as somehow implying that I believed the Sangoma's choice of 2C-B for their Work was in some way a case of cultural appropriation, which clearly it is not. (I suspect my cognitive mapping of the word "counterpoint" relates to musical contrast more so than yours does.)

I appreciated this use as a case where modern technology was being used within an oppressed culture to fulfil a purpose that was in danger of being lost due to the scarcity and difficult availability of their dream plants within the townships. Moreover, the article suggested that many of the traditional practitioners felt that 2C-B had additional the additional benefit of being less toxic than the plants which it replaces. This I found to be an uplifting contrast to the cultural appropriation which you so ably critique.

My thinking was then extended to consider how they might be liberated from the consequent necessity of purchasing a (now banned) chemically synthesised compound for their Work - the autonomous, sustainable approach would surely be growing one's own mescaline-producing cacti. Perhaps this is already happening. I most assuredly hope so.


As far as the original question goes, shaman or not, it may be of use to have someone who understands intent and space holding - helping manage 'set' as well as 'setting' - to assist the hypernaut before and after the launch, and to leave well alone during the flight itself. But then again, if someone can't sort that out for themselves, should they even be smoking DMT?

Pick up the beer cans, do the washing up, sweep the floor, make the bed, put the washing on, feed the children, hang the washing out, take the children to the park, come back, put more washing on, take in the dry washing, iron it (yeah, right!) and put it away, feed the kids again, bathe them, put them to bed, then (if there's still time) smoke the DMT...? YEAH, RIGHT! Phone up your shaman/paye/whatever and say s/he can stay in and smoke the DMT hirself. Then go to bed. Repeat, with variation.

As far as the original question goes, shaman or not, it may be of use to have someone who understands intent and space holding - helping manage 'set' as well as 'setting' - to assist the hypernaut before and after the launch, and to leave well alone during the flight itself. But then again, if someone can't sort that out for themselves.......