Erowid References Database
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Hirst M.
“Root, Dream and Myth: The Use of the Oneirogenic Plant Silene capensis Among the Xhosa of South Africa”.
Eleusis. 2000;New Series(4).
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Abstract
Silene capensis Otth. (Caryophyllaceae) plays an important role in the initiation of Xhosa diviners(amagqirha)which is enshrined in myth. The root, which is called Undlela Ziimhlophe in Xhosa and means literally white ways or paths,>> is categorised as one of the emetics called ubulawu,which produce a frothy white foam when mixed with water and have a ritual provenience in traditional religion. Xhosa novice diviners ingest the root to induce dreams which, having personal and prophetic significance for the dreamer, are closely linked to the liminal colour white, the ancestral spirits and the practice of divination. This article describes the use of Silene capensisas an oneirogenic plant among the Xhosa of South Africa from firsthand experience.
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