THE RESTORATION AND THE SACRED MUSHROOM: DID JOSEPH SMITH USE PSYCHEDELICS TO FACILITATE HIS VISIONARY EXPERIENCES? Gnosticism and shamanism practice techniques of “knowing”, entering spiritual dimensions and experiencing the ineffable, both heavenly and hellish. Derivative forms of these ancient traditions were practiced in upstate New York during Joseph Smith’s formative years. Interestingly, shamans and Gnostics used certain psychotropic plants and fungi during rituals and ceremonies to facilitate trance states. Used in this setting, psychoactive substances are often called “entheogen,” meaning to manifest “God within.” I will review the use of entheogens in shamanic and Gnostic traditions and the evidence that puts Joseph Smith in proximity to their use. It will also show how the use of entheogens can reproduce many of the paranormal and mythmaking abilities Joseph manifested.

ROBERT BECKSTEAD