Snu Voogelbreinder
Garden of Eden

October 29 2024

I’ve wanted to introduce you to this ethnopharmacological encyclopedia for some time now. Because it’s one of those books that I would love to own if the internet were to go down. The physical edition from 2009 is out of print but for 12 AU$ you can get the PDF directly from the author.

Write to snu.v.goe@gmail.com

Garden of Eden, by Snu Voogelbreinder explores the vast world of psychoactive plants, animals and other organisms, and their uses in shamanism, spiritual exploration and healing. Encompassing scientific research, personal experience, ancient knowledge and esoteric philosophies, a multidisciplinary approach is taken, giving a wide view of the effects of natural substances on the mind, with an emphasis towards beneficial outcomes. Preliminary information is given regarding neurochemistry, drug-free consciousness alteration, and methods of use, from cultivation or wild-sourcing through to harvesting, processing, consumption and navigation of the effects. Thousands of species from over 1700 genera are discussed, with over 440 genera covered in greater detail, including botanical and zoological descriptions. Also included are a detailed index of natural chemicals of particular interest, and a huge bibliography containing thousands of reference entries.


Garden of Eden:
The Shamanic Use of Psychoactive Flora and Fauna, and the Study of Consciousness
510 pages, partly illustrated in black & white

 


Since the book only features few illustrations, I want to adorn this post with a few illustrations by the Australian artist Paul Jones (1921-1997):
Flora Magnifica & Flora Superba.

The header illustration is by Anderson Debernardi.