Ayahuasca rituaalne kasutamine Eestis
Ritual Use of Ayahuasca in Estonia

Summary/Abstract: Ayahuasca is a psychoactive plant brew used for healing and divination in Amazonia, and as a sacrament in syncretic Brazilian religions. Ritual use of ayahuasca is spreading internationally and it also occurs in Estonia. The article describes use of ayahuasca in Estonia and evaluates mental health and quality of life of the ayahuasca users. For this study, 30 ayahuasca users and 30 matched non-users completed questionnaires, psychometric tests and neuropsychiatric interviews. In Estonia ayahuasca use occurs mainly in guided (neo)shamanic group ceremonies. The main motives for ayahuasca use are spirituaal development, self-knowledge, spiritual experiences and psychological healing. Most users perceive their use of ayahuasca as a spiritual practice with mostly favourable outcomes for their health and life, but also some difficult experiences were reported. No abuse, addiction or deterioration of mental health of users was observed. Ayahuasca ceremonies have become a part of the diverse set of new spirituality practices in Estonia.

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