420 the Magical Number

Liber 420: Cannabis, Magickal Herbs and the Occult by Chris Bennett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Liber 420

Ah the magic of THC and it’s effect on the body, mind and soul. Throughout the ages ethneogen or psychedelic herbs have been used in a variety of spiritual and magical streams in ways we are unfamiliar with. Chris Bennet does more than an awesome job of explaining the role of cannabis in the evolution of the human spirit. But this book delivers so much more. It gives you a very thorough history of magic.

Starting with the Scythian’s use of cannabis opium and ephedra in their elixir called Soma. They also used to burn cannabis seeds in their rites for the dead . The spiritual use of cannabis spread to Iran and India. In India the mixture was called Haoma. It was sacred to Shiva and Kali. In Iran the early Zoroastrianists would melt hashish into the wine and drink it. This produced visions of holiness. The usage of cannabis would proceed to used by the sufis and from the Sufis it spread to the Assassins of Alamut.

The crusades brought on an era of cultural exchane between Europe and the Middle East. One of the things that was brought back was the use of marijuana.the Templars learned a lot from the assassins, almost their entire spirituality may have been taught to the Templars via the assassins.

Cannabis usage was used by the ancient Israelites during the temple times and even during the early era of Christianity. It was an ingredient in their incences and may have been used in the annointing oil. There is evidence that it may have been used in healing potions.

From the Middle East the use would spread to Europe where in it was used by witches , alchemists and mystics.
The book is long and packed with information. If you want to learn more read the book. This tome is a classic and no review could give it proper justice.

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