Technoshamanism

Technoshamanism is a term used to describe various methods of integrating modern technology into shamanic practice (see shamanism). Methods of doing this include such diverse disciplines as synthetic drug use, modern psychotherapy, and raving.

Technoshamans generally embrace the view that mystical experiences are at least partially biological in nature; as such, they find the use of biological and mechanical means to influence and even induce mystical states and experiences perfectly acceptable. Technoshamanism is strongly related to the modern primitive movement.

Examples of specific technologies used in technoshamanism include sensory deprivation chambers, transcranial magnetic stimulation devices, neurofeedback machines, music, and synthetic drugs, and may one day include cybernetic technology.[1] These devices may be used in isolation or in conjunction with each other, in order to facilitate breakthrough or transcendent experiences or allow shamanic journeying.

Binaural Beats can influence functions of the brain besides those related to hearing. This phenomenon is called frequency following response. The concept is that if one receives a stimulus with a frequency in the range of brain waves, the predominant brain wave frequency is said to be likely to move towards the frequency of the stimulus (a process called entrainment).

While it is possible to employ the brain wave-altering effects of binaural beats in technoshamanic practice, many people use binaural beats to meditate or simply relax.

MDMA, psilocybe mushrooms, LSD, and other psychoactive drugs can be employed to assist a practitioner in entering trance, achieving ego loss, or realizing another psychic/shamanic goal. Some users classify these drugs as mystical substances that produce meaningful experiences in themselves, while others maintain that psychoactive drugs are simply tools that allow mind-expansion, and that the altered states of consciousness that they produce may or may not be constructive, depending on how the user deals with and ultimately integrates them. A public proponent of the latter view is Timothy Leary.

Technoshamanists tend to embrace eccentric metaphors and imagery when describing the role of drugs in their practice. This is possibly an adaptation of traditional spiritual language to modern technological terms. For example, Steve Mizrach, in an article titled "Modern Primatives: The