Substances
Entheogen
Also known as: entheogenic
A substance used to occasion spiritual or mystical experiences, from Greek "generating the divine within."
The term was coined in 1979 as an alternative to "hallucinogen" or "psychedelic," emphasizing sacramental and ceremonial context rather than recreational use. It is most commonly applied to plant-based substances with long histories of ritual use, such as ayahuasca, peyote, and psilocybin mushrooms. The distinction matters because it foregrounds intention and cultural container over pharmacology.