Cannabis In Fantasy: The Role Of Weed In Magical & Spiritual Realms

Cannabis and fantasy just go together.

The same is true for cannabis and spirituality.

You might be surprised at its prominence in religious tradition.

I was certainly surprised when researching this article.

But I was less surprised at its prominence in the world of fantasy.

It is not usually mentioned by name, but it is clear what the authors are talking about.

Keep reading to learn just how big an influence marijuana has had on ancient religions, as well as on fictional fantasy worlds, including a number of what we would consider children’s stories.

 

Cannabis In Mythology And Folklore

Cannabis has been intertwined with human culture, mythology, religion, mysticism, and spirituality for thousands of years.

From ancient Chinese medicine to Hindu rituals, and from Egyptian tombs to Norse mythology, cannabis has played a significant role in ancient legends and myths.

The plant has been revered for its medicinal, spiritual, and protective properties. It has great significance across different cultures and has been mentioned in ancient spiritual texts as well.

 

Egyptian

In Egypt, cannabis is believed to have been used since at least 1500 BCE. Pollen from cannabis plants has been found in the tombs of Pharaoh Ramses II and other mummies. This suggests its importance in ancient Egyptian mummification rituals.

Egyptians, along with Assyrians and Hebrews, burned cannabis as incense during religious ceremonies. They believed it had spiritual and medicinal properties and also helped in the afterlife.

In hieroglyphics discovered in tombs, the Egyptian goddess Seshat is portrayed with a cannabis leaf positioned above her head. The depiction shows the stem of the seven-leafed cannabis plant connecting to the deity’s head.

Many believe this represents the connection between cannabis use and the expansion of consciousness. It suggests a link between the cannabis leaf and the pineal gland, or third eye, which is associated with elevated consciousness, mystical intuition, inner vision, and enlightenment.

 

Norse

In Norse mythology, the love goddess Freya is associated with cannabis. The Norse used hemp for various purposes and rituals. They revered it for its magical properties and used it to enhance their shamanic rituals and pagan ceremonies.

 

Celtic

The Celtic culture also mentions the use of cannabis by shamans and pagans. The Celts believed cannabis had the power to enhance their rituals and even used it in orgies. Cannabis was also considered to have mystical properties that could aid in spiritual and ceremonial practices.

 

Chinese

Cannabis has been in use since around 2800 BC and most likely, it was first used in Asia. The first known reference to cannabis comes from ancient China.

Emperor Shen Nung, who is considered the father of Chinese medicine, mentioned cannabis in his pharmacopeia. He valued it for its medicinal properties. This depicts cannabis significant importance in Chinese culture and traditional Chinese medicine.

 

Hindu

Cannabis holds a sacred place in Hinduism, and it has even been mentioned in the Atharva-Veda as a beneficial herb.

In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is closely associated with cannabis. He is believed to smoke ganja and consume bhang, a less potent version of cannabis that can be drunk or smoked.

Hindus believe that consuming bhang as per religious rituals can purify sins, connect one with Shiva, and prevent future suffering in hell. Cannabis is also believed to offer medicinal benefits and is used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Today, Indians still drink bhang during religious and cultural rituals and festivals like Holi to please Lord Shiva and elevate their consciousness.

 

Mayans And Incas

Many cannabis enthusiasts wonder, ‘Did the Mayans use cannabis?’ The Mayans, a Mesoamerican civilization, are known for their expertise in agriculture, astronomy, and architecture.

They may have employed cannabis for medicinal and ritualistic purposes, although no documents have been found to that effect. It is believed that they also used cannabis as medicine to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and treat gastrointestinal problems.

Similarly, the Incas, indigenous South Americans who existed around 1532, may have used cannabis for rituals, ceremonies, and as medicine to treat wounds and reduce pain. These ancient people may have used weed in the form of tea, paste, or poultices, although the exact use is not documented.

 

Cannabis In Fantasy Literature

You can indirectly find many references to cannabis in fantasy literature. For example, in The Lord of the Rings, Gandalf frequently smokes pipe weed, a clear nod to cannabis.

Even classic fairy tales like Jack and the Beanstalk mention magic beans that grow into a large bush, which, when Jack climbs, gets “high up in the clouds”.

This could be a hidden reference to the psychedelic effects of weed. Other fairy tales and classical fantasies from the past few centuries are also filled with mysterious brews and potions, which could be some form of weed-like drugs.

The fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin describes an evil little man who makes the queen weave hemp straw into golden hashish.

Similarly, stories such as Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Snow White, Goldilocks, and Rapunzel also contain multiple references to cannabis use.

In Alice in Wonderland, the character called the “Hookah Smoking Caterpillar” may be smoking weed. Alice may have dreamt of her adventure after she consumed a cake with some drugs in it.

Most of these magical herbs and potions induce euphoria or give the characters some special abilities to enable them to go on quests, which is exactly what weed does.

 

Which God Is Associated With Cannabis?

The Indian god Shiva is associated with cannabis and is often called the Lord of Bhang. Hindu devotees offer bhang to lord Shiva since bhang is Shiva’s favorite preparation made from cannabis.

Doing so is believed to please the lord, who is known to also have quite a temper. By pleasing him, devotees believe they can prevent natural disasters and acquire wealth, health, and prosperity.

During Hindu festivals like Maha Shivaratri, devotees pour bhang over lord Shiva’s ‘lingam’ or idol (or into the sacred fire). They also consume bhang themselves to elevate their consciousness and meditate or dance all night to seek lord Shiva’s blessings.

 

Who Is The Goddess Of Cannabis?

The goddess of cannabis is a Taoist deity named Magu. Some believe she is exclusive to China but, in reality, she is worshipped across various Asian countries. For example, she is known as Mago in Korea, Mako in Japan, and Mac Đồng in Vietnam.

Folklore describes Mago as a beautiful woman living in the mountains. She lives for thousands of years without aging and is capable of curing every disease. In Korean folklore, Magu is believed to use hemp or cannabis and is often depicted as teaching people how to weave with hemp fibers.

Mago worshippers consider hemp a sacred plant essential for medicinal purposes as well as for food, clothing, and various rituals.

Mago is also worshipped in Shinto shrines and Japanese temples. This shows Magu – the cannabis deity’s – widespread cultural significance and her enduring presence in East Asian spiritual traditions.

 

Cannabis In Fantasy: Final Thoughts

Cannabis has woven itself into the fabric of human culture, mythology, and spirituality, leaving a significant mark on various ancient civilizations and their legends.

From the sacred rituals of ancient Egypt to the shamanistic practices of the Celts, and from the medicinal uses in Chinese traditions to the divine associations in Hinduism, cannabis has been revered for its multifaceted properties.

Its influence extends even into the realms of fantasy literature, where it often appears as a symbol of mysticism and transformation.

The plant’s enduring presence in folklore and mythology underscores its importance across different cultures and eras. Whether viewed as a sacred herb, a medicinal remedy, or a mystical enhancer, cannabis has played a pivotal role in shaping human consciousness and cultural practices.

As we continue to explore its historical and cultural significance, we gain a deeper understanding of how this ancient plant has influenced and inspired human imagination and spirituality throughout the ages.