Millennials in the search for spiritual ecstasy

Abstract

Although young countercultural travellers and spiritual seekers have visited Latin American indigenous communities for the purposes of drug-induced consciousness expansion and shamanic-assisted spiritual healing since the 1960s, the Millennial generation is playing a pivotal role in the global revitalization of indigenous spiritual practices by producing and spreading information through digital media about the therapeutic potential of psychedelic plant medicines. Consequently, the popularity of shamanistic health services among spiritual Millennial travellers is rising, and psychedelic-plant ceremonies in indigenous communities are becoming valuable commodities in the global marketplace of spiritual experiences. As an example, this chapter examines the motivations of Millennial travellers to visit the indigenous Mexican town of Huautla de Jimenez (HDJ) to participate in a shamanic mushroom ritual. Initially, the descriptive framework displays the correlation between Millennial travel trends, New Age spirituality, indigenous shamanism, and psilocybin mushroom rituals. Secondly, an overview of the Mazatec mushroom ceremonies and the evolution of shamanic tourism in HDJ is drafted. Finally, the findings reveal diverse personal motivations of Millennial travellers to participate in a mushroom ritual; nonetheless, common themes were identified, such as the search for knowledge, the healing of mental, emotional and spiritual imbalances, the satisfaction of curiosity, and the desire for self-improvement and inner wellness. The chapter aims to encourage academic discussion on the touristic appropriation of indigenous spiritual practices and the lack of inclusion of indigenous communities in the process of scientific validation of psychedelic plant medicines. The final reflection urges further research on the potential of shamanic tourism to enhance spiritual well-being in light of globally experienced challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.