Peyote, el cactus divino

Among the experts on the subject, it is often said that this is the best book on peyote.... In any case, we could say that it is the most completestudy on this magical cactus . While there are other books dedicated specifically to the cultivation of this cactus, to its traditional use, to the rituals associated with a particular culture, or essays on the history of theNative American Church (N.A.C., which uses peyote as a sacrament), this treatise covers such a compendium of aspects of this plant that we could almost say it leaves nothing unaddressed . And, moreover, it addresses each topic in a solvent manner.

The history, ethnobotany, the Huicholes, the Coras and the Tarahumaras, the psychoactive effects of the plant, its relevance in shamanic rituals, the associated mythologies, cultivation, its role in the formation of the N.A.C. (initially Native American Peyote Church), its legal status or the current situation - in which it is in danger of extinction? From beginning to end, everything related to peyote can be found in this treatise. In any case, and as is normal, depending on the interests of each one, the aspects will be dealt with in more or less depth. For example, the history of the use of peyote among the Native American churches is more developed than its use among the Mexican Indians; or the chapter on the pharmacology of peyote is more extensive than the advice on its cultivation; on the other hand, the treatment of the 'effects' of peyote seen from a scientific angle -with a description of the symptomatology and experiences-, will be compensated by the section in which the author describes his participation in a peyote ritual among the Indians of the N.A.C. -despite being himself from Mexico-, and will be compensated by the section in which the author describes his participation in a peyote ritual among the N.A.C. Indians. -despite being himself of 'white race'. And so we could go on disserting on each one of the topics until the end of the book, in which an account is made of the legal 'vicissitudes' that peyote has had in the U.S.A., a section that is very interesting even though it does not deal in detail with the legal situation in other countries.

All in all, we can consider this a complete book, of high quality and elaborated with all the passion of the author.