The Oracle of Delphi

[Rimbaud]

I've just read "The Oracle" by William Broad. This book describes how geologists and archaeologists discovered fault lines under the Oracle of Delphi which allowed ethylene fumes to intoxicate the priestess so she could commune with Apollo.

The Oracle of Delphi is the most significant source of prophecy in Western civilization so this research is very relevant.

The last chapter of the book addressed scientific reductionism and took a respectful view of psychic abilities to argue that these discoveries do not demystify the Oracle of Delphi, "As if drugs alone could explain a sisterhood of mystics that over the course of twelve centuries helped shape and sustain one of the world's great civilizations."

Unfortunately, the scientists and author were not familiar with entheogens so their research on psychoactive substances and paranormal abilities was sketchy. Only one sentence made any connection, "It was drug mysticism - something shamans and religious figures had enjoyed for ages - but in a powerful new form."

The author frequently used curious language to describe the oracle's visions but did not cite any sources; "...aloof euphoria...disembodied euphoria...otherworldly visions...merging with all time and space...her repute for navigating all time and space..". This suggests to me that the oracle achieved a godlike, cosmic perspective or did shamanic journeying.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/08/0814_delphioracle.html

[Humming]

Very interesting.

Yet another of countless instances of people utilizing psychoactive substances for religious/spiritual purposes.

[Agent Smith]

yes that's right it was DRUGS.

DRUGS were the main lesson that people can take away from the Delphi Oracle.

DRUGS, oop, i mean, er 'etheogens' not DRUGS

DRUGS DRUGS DRUGS...

be like Divine Apollo and take DRUGS.

[Rimbaud]

I've started reading Indiana Jones And The Peril At Delphi because it is amusing to read a work of fiction after reading the nonfiction account. This novel was written in 1991 before the ethylene fumes theory was publicized so the author suggests, "Most likely they were a mixture of burning incense and bay leaves. Pythia inhaled the mixture and chewed narcotic laurel leaves to enter a trance state." Laurel leaves are not narcotic, by the way.

Some other books on the Oracle of Delphi that I've read are Classical Athens And The Delphic Oracle: Divination and Democracy by Hugh Bowden and Have You Been To Delphi? Tales Of The Ancient Oracle For Modern Minds by Roger Lipsey which covers all the historical prophecies that we know about.