Please note: Richters Herbs does not endorse abuse of psychoactive plants. The information provided in the Q&A area is for research and information purposes only. It is not meant to be used without qualified medical supervision. Herbs have powerful effects on the body and can cause serious harm or even death if used incorrectly. You should consult your health care provider before using herbs on yourself or on anyone else. MORNING GLORY SEED by Richard Alan Miller, c2004 [from Miller, R.A.: THE MAGICAL AND RITUAL USE OF HERBS, Inner Traditions, New York, c1983. 144p. German edition by Sphinx Pub., Switz. Spanish edition by Lasser Press, Mexico c1995] Morning glory, the sacrament used for death and rebirth; increases the ability to reprogram attitudes, behavior patterns, and goals. Morning Glory (Ipomoea violacea) is in the Bindweed family, and grows profusely at various elevations throughout North America and Mexico. Other varieties can be found in Central and tropical South America, to include the West Indies. It is a large vine that often is found clinging to small trees and fences. The leaves are heart-shaped and membranous, from 1.5 to 4 inches long by 1 to 3 inches wide. The flowers are white and funnel shaped, in dense clusters. The fruit is a one seeded capsule, oval in shape, about ½-inch long. 'Heavenly Blue' variety HISTORY The seeds were used by Aztec priests along with ashes of poisonous insects, tobacco, and live insects for a body rub before sacrifices to make the victim fearless. In these ceremonies, a willing victim was thought to be more vulnerable than an unwilling one. The sacrament was used to create a more receptive atmosphere. The seed was called tliltlilzen, the Nahuatl word for black, the suffix indicating that it was sacred. Fernandez wrote on the morning glory seeds in 1573, and a Spanish record of 1629 reports that the seed in an infusion "deprives a man of his senses and is very powerful." Those who used it were said to have "communicated with the devil, believed in the owl and sucked blood."

'Flying Saucer' variety Today, the Mazatecs grind the seed in a metate, wrap the meal in a linen bag, and soak I tin cold water. The decoction is fairly potent and provides a curandera (healer) with information about the illness possessing the patient. It is also used to locate lost objects. CHEMISTRY Active ingredients are d-lysergic and d-isolysergic acid amides, lysergol, chanoclavine, elymoclavine, and ergonovine. D-Lysergic acid amide is the principle alkaloid. It is present in the seed in the form of a salt and is therefore soluble in water. It is not soluble in ether or alcohol, unless it is first hydrolyzed with a 10% ammonium hydroxide solution. The alkaloid is also present in the leaves and stems, but in lesser concentrations than in the seeds. The affects of these alkaloid in combination is similar to LSD and other hallucinogens, except it is about ten times weaker. PRIMARY EFFECTS LSD-like experience lasting from six to twelve hours. There may be slight nausea, similar to that from peyote, which fasting and taking two or three airsickness pills can easily eliminate. Dramamine is recommended. 'Pearly Gates' variety PREPARATION The most successful technique - taking into consideration the chemistry involved - is this: Fast for eighteen hours before ingestion

When ready for the ritual, grind seed in a pepper grinder. They must be powdered or they will pass through the body with little effect.

The powder should be placed in a small saucer of water and soaked for one hour. Use ½-ounce per person with a weight of 150 pounds.

While you are waiting for the seeds to soak, take two to three Dramamine (airsickness pills). A Librium or skullcap tea should also be taken at this time to eliminate anxiety.

Put the water and the powdered seeds into a milkshake and drink. The first effects will be noticed within fifteen to forty-five minutes.

When you are beginning to "come down," a Librium or skullcap tea should again be taken to facilitate a smooth entry. RITUAL USE A person who takes a major mind alterant is actually performing an act of magic. The first and most important question that should be asked is, "Why am I performing this act?" In other words, "What is the goal?" Classical Hinduism suggests four possibilities: Increased personal power, intellectual understanding, improving of life situation, or insight into "Self."

Duty, to help others, providing care or rehabilitation. Healing.

Fun, sensuous enjoyment, and pure experience.

Transcendence, liberation from the three basic illusions: space, time, and ego. Attainment of mystical union. Once a goal has been selected and defined, the next most important question should then be asked: "What is your method of reprogramming?" I recommend reading The Psychedelic Experience by Timothy Leary. This manual guides one thr4ough the intermediate stages between death and rebirth. It systematically lists the levels of consciousness met after normal consciousness leaves the place or routine reality. It attempts to forewarn and prepare the voyager for the range of visions to be encounters. Leary's manual is based on the Bardo Thodol. The Bardo Thodol, which first appeared in English as the Tibetan Book of the Dead in 1927, is used in Tibet as a breviary to be read or recited on the experience he or she is about to undergo. It is a road map top the cycles of events after death that lead to either liberation or reincarnation. In highly symbolic language, the spirit is told what to expect in each of the three stages between death and rebirth. The first state describes psychic happenings at the moment of death; the second stage describes the dream state that follows and the "karmic" illusions that occur; and the third stage describes the beginning of prenatal feelings, or the return of the ego. Leary's The Psychedelic Experience is the perfect book written for this form of magic. He has modularized each point correctly, including the ability to literally create rebirth! With this manual, one can actually reprogram attitudes, behavior patterns, and goals in life. Everyone should experience a controlled programmed LSD trip once. It is a form of initiation. NOTE OF CAUTION Persons with any serious history of hepatitis or other liver disorders should not take lysergic acid amides. Also, ergonovine has uterus-stimulating properties. It is given almost routinely to women at the end of the second state of labor to cause uterine contraction and reduce bleeding. This is why a warning is contained in the literature about the use of hallucinogens during pregnancy; it could cause an abortion. GROWING TIPS For earliest bloom, start seeds in a sunny window 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outdoors. May be direct-seeded outdoors. Planting depth 1/2 to 1 inch. Plant spacing 6 to 10 inches. Days to germination 8-10. Soak seeds overnight in warm water before planting, whether indoors or out. Transplant carefully. Thrives in poor, dry soil. OTHER LSD-LIKE COMPOUNDS Bufotenin - An indoleamine from a plant, Piptadenia peregrina, and a South American toad. Action similar to that of LSD. Caapi (wild rue) - From Banisteriopsis caapi, a South American jungle vine, contains harmine. Cohoba (Niopo, parica) - From Acacia niopo, a Central American mimosa; contains bufotenin and other substances. Harmine (basisterine; yageine; telepathine) - From Peganum harmala and other plants. Called a psychic sedative. Potent MAO inhibitor. Hawaiian wood rose seed - large and small - From Merremia tuberosa and M. nervosa. I believe morning glory to be a superior species. M. nervosa has a natural coating on the see that is related to strychnine and must be sanded off. It does not burn off or dissolve in Coca-Cola. Also, the black-brown bark of both kinds of seed much be removed. The primary alkaloids are identical to those found in morning glory seeds. For the same results, eat 15 seeds per bodyweight of 150 pounds. Iboga - From Tabermanthe iboga, and African plant containing Ibogaine and ibogamine. Said to relieve fatigue. Methyltrytamine (indole amphetamine) - produces rise in serotonin in brain, as does LSD. Myristicin - From nutmeg, produces bizarre CNS symptoms. N, N-dimethyltryptamine - powerful hallucinogen, five times as active as mescaline, effects appear in three to five minutes and disappear in one hour. Stronger MAO inhibitor. Ololiuqui (Rivea corymbosa) - a variation of Morning Glory, from Mexico. Psylocybin - Similar affects, but more of a body high. Yage' - Another name for Banisteriopsis caapi. Also known as ayahuasca or caapi. FOR MORE INFORMATION For general information on additional books, manuscripts, lecture tours, and related materials and events by Richard Alan Miller, please write to OAK PUBLISHING, INC.

1212 SW 5th Street

Grants Pass, OR 97526-2939

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Internet Addresses DrRam@MAGICK.net

http://www.nwbotanicals.org

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also see the Q/A section of http://www.richters.com In addition, you can visit Richard Alan Miller's home page for a listing of his writings, also containing links to related subjects, and direction in the keywords Metaphysics, Occult, Magick, Parapsychology, Alternative Agriculture, Herb and Spice Farming, Foraging and Wildcrafting, and related Cottage Industries. Richard Alan Miller is available for lectures and as an Outside Consultant. No part of this material, including but not limited to, manuscripts, books, library data, and/or layout of electronic media, icons, et al, may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of Richard Alan Miller, the Publisher and Author.