Sarah Brown
In the Bible, manna is described as a divine food that God provided to the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. Some people have interpreted this food as being psychedelic mushrooms. This theory is based on various pieces of evidence, including the description of manna in Exodus, the rapid appearance of mushrooms, and the tradition of visionary mysticism in the Bible. However, there is also counter-evidence, such as the absence of explicit references to psychedelics in the Bible, and the impracticality of consuming only mushrooms for 40 years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Description in the Bible | Manna is described as "a fine, flake-like thing" like the frost on the ground. It is described in the Book of Numbers as arriving with the dew during the night. Exodus adds that it had to be collected before it was melted by the heat of the Sun, and that it was like a coriander seed in size, but white in colour. |
| Description in the Quran | Manna is narrated as "small droplets like dew that settle on trees and have a sweet taste." Others describe it as a type of sap or tree resin with a sweet flavour, sometimes sweet with a hint of sourness. |
| Theories | Manna has been theorized to be a type of natural honey, an energizing syrup derived from specific plants, a type of mushroom, or a form of lichen. |
| Evidence for Mushrooms | Mushrooms are known to emerge suddenly overnight following periods of rain. Manna is described as appearing overnight and is prone to rapid infestation with worms, similar to mushrooms. |
| Evidence against Mushrooms | No mushroom matches the description of manna found in Exodus. Additionally, the Israelites consumed manna daily for 40 years, which would be an extremely long time to be under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms. |
| Other Theories | Some have suggested that manna may have been ergot, the fungus from which LSD is derived, or that the visionary states in the Bible were produced by DMT from the acacia tree. |
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What You'll Learn
Manna's description in the Bible
Manna is described in the Bible as a "fine, flake-like thing", similar to coriander seeds in size but white in colour, and tasting like wafers made with honey. It is also described as tasting like bread and oil. The Book of Exodus describes manna as having to be collected before it melted in the heat of the sun. The Israelites ground it into flour, which they then baked into cakes.
The Bible also describes manna as a miraculous substance that God provided for the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the desert after fleeing Egypt. It is referred to as the "bread of heaven", "corn of heaven", "angel's food", and "spiritual meat". Manna is said to symbolise God's provision and care.
The word "manna" is believed to mean "what is it?" in Hebrew. It is also described as a "bread-like substance that fell from heaven".
There are differing interpretations of the exact nature of manna. Some researchers believe it to be a form of lichen, while others suggest it may be the secretions of the Tamarisk manna scale, a scale insect that feeds on tamarisk trees. Manna has also been interpreted as a type of natural honey, or an energising syrup derived from specific plants in the wilderness.
Some scholars, such as Dan Merkur, have proposed the theory that manna was a psychedelic substance. Merkur points to veiled references in the Bible, such as the Israelites seeing the 'Glory of God' after consuming manna, and similar references in mystical traditions from the New Testament to the Holy Grail.
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Manna's appearance in the Quran
Manna, or halva, is described in the Quran as a substance sent down from the sky by God to the Israelites, led by Moses, during their journey through the desert. The Quran states that God sent Manna to the Israelites when their provisions ran out, alongside quails and clouds to provide shade. Manna is described as a sweet, healing substance, whiter than milk and sweeter than honey, that fell upon the ground like snow.
The word "manna" appears three times in the Quran, at 2:57, 7:160, and 20:80. In Sahih Muslim, it is narrated that Muhammad said:
> Truffles are part of the 'manna' which God sent to the people of Israel through Moses, and its juice is a medicine for the eye.
The Quran's description of Manna is similar to that in the Bible and Torah, where it is described in the Book of Exodus as a "flake-like thing" like frost, and in the Book of Numbers as having the appearance of bdellium. The Bible and Torah also describe the Israelites collecting Manna and baking it into cakes.
There are several theories about the origin of Manna, with some scholars suggesting that it refers to the honeydew produced by the tamarisk manna scale, an insect that feeds on tree branches. This substance is sweet and aromatic, similar to the description of Manna, although it may not have provided sufficient nutrition for the Israelites. Another theory suggests that Manna refers to an algae species that grows quickly in the Sinai desert when there is enough dew.
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The Israelites' visions
The consumption of Manna is described in the Bible and the Quran as a miraculous edible substance that God bestowed upon the Israelites while they were wandering in the desert for 40 years after their Exodus from Egypt. The word "manna" in Hebrew means "what is it?". Manna is described as a "fine, flake-like thing" like frost on the ground, and as having the size and colour of a coriander seed.
According to religious historian Dan Merkur, there is compelling evidence that the consumption of Manna by the Israelites was their initiation into a psychedelic experience. In his book, *The Mystery of Manna: The Psychedelic Sacrament of the Bible*, Merkur identifies veiled references in the Bible that suggest a secret tradition of psychedelic use. For example, when Moses fed manna to the Israelites, he told them that after eating the miraculous bread, they would see the glory of God. Indeed, the Israelites did see "the glory of Yahveh [that] appeared in a cloud".
However, some sources suggest that the evidence presented by Merkur is only strongly suggestive and that a more rigorous interpretation of his sources is required to understand his arguments. Furthermore, there is no explicit relationship between eating Manna and the visions that follow.
In addition to Merkur's work, there is near-universal scholarly recognition that later scriptural journeys of ecstatic ascent to heaven are in the ancient shamanistic tradition, and that psychoactives are the shaman's method of visiting the other world. Mushrooms, in particular, are a more obvious contender for Manna as they appear overnight and are prone to rapid infestation with worms.
Classical rabbinical literature also holds that Manna was a supernatural substance that produced no waste, resulting in no defecation among the Israelites until several decades later when Manna ceased to fall. Modern medical science, however, suggests that the lack of defecation over such a long period would cause severe bowel problems.
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The origin of religious ideas
In his book, "The Mystery of Manna: The Psychedelic Sacrament of the Bible," Dan Merkur presents compelling evidence suggesting that manna, as described in the Bible, may have been a psychedelic substance. Merkur's interpretation of biblical passages, such as the Israelites' experience of seeing the "Glory of God" after consuming manna, supports the idea that it induced altered states of consciousness. This theory aligns with the ancient tradition of visionary mysticism, suggesting that psychedelics and religion have been intertwined throughout history.
The characteristics of manna described in Exodus, including its rapid appearance, susceptibility to worm infestation, and melting in the heat, bear resemblance to the properties of certain mushrooms. Additionally, the timing of its appearance and the experiences that follow suggest a connection to psychedelic journeys of ecstatic ascent, as described in Zoroastrian scripture and other mystical traditions. These veiled references hint at a secret tradition where psychedelics played a pivotal role in religious experiences.
However, it is important to acknowledge that the evidence presented by Merkur and other enthusiasts of the plant drug theory is largely suggestive rather than conclusive. Interpretations of ancient texts can be ambiguous, allowing for various theories to emerge. For example, John Marco Allegro, a leading scholar of ancient languages, proposed that Christianity was a mushroom cult, with Jesus symbolizing a mushroom sacrament. While Allegro's claims have been scrutinized and deemed far-fetched, they highlight the interpretative nature of biblical analysis.
In conclusion, the exploration of the biblical manna and its potential link to psychedelic mushrooms contributes to the broader discussion of the origin of religious ideas. While there is suggestive evidence and intriguing theories, the definitive connection between manna and psychedelics remains a matter of ongoing investigation and interpretation. The interplay between psychedelics and religion is a complex and fascinating aspect that continues to spark curiosity and debate.
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Manna's modern interpretation
In modern times, Manna has been interpreted in a variety of ways, with some arguing for its psychedelic nature and others refuting it.
The Case for Psychedelic Manna
Some modern interpretations of Manna lean towards the belief that it was a psychedelic substance, specifically mushrooms. This theory has been explored by religious historian Dan Merkur in his book, "The Mystery of Manna: The Psychedelic Sacrament of the Bible". Merkur presents compelling evidence that the early Jews and Christians used psychedelics in their religious rites. He identifies veiled references in the Bible that suggest a connection between Manna and journeys of ecstatic ascent, found in various mystical traditions.
Support for this theory can be found in the Zoroastrian scripture "Arda Wiraz Namag", where a similar journey is undertaken with the aid of narcotics. Additionally, the characteristics described in Exodus, such as the rapid infestation with worms, align with the properties of certain mushrooms. The timing of King Belshazzar's divine vision in Daniel after drinking from vessels stolen from the temple also aligns with the effects of mushroom tea.
The Case Against Psychedelic Manna
However, there are also counterarguments to the idea that Manna was a psychedelic substance. One key objection is based on the duration of its consumption. In the Bible, the Israelites are said to have consumed Manna daily for 40 years, which would be inconsistent with the effects of psychedelic mushrooms due to the buildup of tolerance over time. Additionally, no known mushroom perfectly matches the description of Manna found in Exodus.
Other Interpretations
While the mushroom theory has gained traction, there are other interpretations of Manna worth considering. Some have suggested that Manna may have been ergot, a fungus from which LSD is derived, or that the visionary states described in the Bible could have been induced by DMT, derived from the acacia tree, which was significant to the ancient Israelites.
The true nature of Manna remains a subject of debate, with passionate arguments being made for various theories. While the psychedelic interpretation has gained attention, it is important to acknowledge the ambiguity of ancient texts, which allows for multiple interpretations. Further evidence and scholarly investigation are needed to conclusively determine the true identity of Manna.
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Frequently asked questions
Manna is described in the Bible as a miraculous bread that the Israelites consumed while wandering in the desert.
In the Bible, after consuming Manna, the Israelites saw the glory of God. Religious historian Dan Merkur interprets this as evidence of a psychedelic experience. In addition, Manna is described as a "small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground", which some interpret as being consistent with the appearance of mushrooms.
Some argue that the Israelites consuming Manna daily for 40 years would have built up a tolerance to psychedelic substances, which does not appear to have been the case. In addition, no known mushroom matches the description of Manna found in Exodus.
Some have suggested that the smoke from the burning bush contained DMT, that Moses drank a middle-eastern version of ayahuasca, that cannabis was the original incense, and that Jesus' original sacrament was wine spiked with LSD-like chemicals.
