How the Names Are Changed on the Peyote Journey by Ramón Medina Silva

Peyote is a small cactus that contains psychoactive alkaloids, mescaline in particular, which induces similar hallucinogenic effects as psilocybin and LSD. It is native, and considered sacred, in Mexico and southwestern Texas. The Spanish word's roots can be traced to “Nahuatl peyōtl, meaning 'caterpillar cocoon', from a root peyōni, 'to glisten'.” It is known for its mind-altering capabilities and has a long history (5,500 years) of psychedelic and medicinal uses by indigenous people in North America.

. A Tribute to Ramón Medina Silva with images of his yarn art.

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The language changes are neither random nor individual. The mara'akáme (shaman) tells the rest of the group what to call things. This leader not only establishes the vocabulary changes, but teaches and reinforces them.

There is a juxtaposition between the time spent in the peyote experience (outside of normal time, fresh, unique, short lasting) and the repeated reminders by the author that this process comes down from the beginning.

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