Psychology Chapter on Altered States of Consciousness

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Questions and Answers

Which brain structure is known as the 'seat of consciousness'?

Cerebellum

Pineal gland

Temporal lobes

Reticular Formation (correct)

What is the brainwave state associated with REM dreaming?

Theta (correct)

Beta

Delta

Alpha

Which of the following best describes the term 'hypnagogic'?

State between sleep and wakefulness (correct)

A deep sleep state

A drug-induced psychedelic state

A state of lucid dreaming

Who renamed mesmerism to hypnoticism?

Jean-Martin Charcot Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the pineal gland?

Releasing melatonin Signup and view all the answers

Which type of altered state of consciousness is induced by drugs?

Hallucinogenic states Signup and view all the answers

What does the God Helmet stimulate to evoke altered states of consciousness?

Temporal lobes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following plants is used in preparing Ayahuasca?

Two specific plants used by shamans Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is associated with visions linked to St. Anthony’s fire?

Ergot Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of syncretism in religion?

Combining elements from two previous religions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices is NOT commonly associated with Spiritualism?

Animal sacrifices Signup and view all the answers

What is the emic theory of spirit possession?

Involves actual spirit beings Signup and view all the answers

Who are the spiritual practitioners in Vodun?

Hougans and mambos Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mediator in the practice of Candomble?

Ogoun Signup and view all the answers

What is a hallmark of the dissociation theory of possession?

Complete loss of memory Signup and view all the answers

What might a possessed person report during a possession experience?

No memory of the event Signup and view all the answers

What type of ritual primarily involves changes in social status?

Life cycle rituals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'liminality' in the context of rituals?

A state of social in-betweenness Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of funerary rituals?

They serve the deceased and the community left behind Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of body ritual?

Fertility rites Signup and view all the answers

Which event marks the longest day of the year?

Summer solstice Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature do the Mayan calendars have in common?

Both align every 52 years Signup and view all the answers

What does the omphalos represent in Greek belief?

The axis/center point of the world Signup and view all the answers

Which pilgrimage site is known for being the location of St. James' bones?

Santiago de Compostela Signup and view all the answers

What role do the Imams or Ayatollahs play in Shi’ite leadership?

They are descendants of Ali. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary belief of Extropians regarding technology?

It helps to reverse entropy. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the Church of Scientology's approach to spiritual progress?

It utilizes an e-meter for monitoring. Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept of the Omega point as suggested by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin?

The development of a global mind through technology. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect do Sufis reject in their mystical tradition?

Fundamentalism. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following beliefs is associated with Christian nationalism?

The U.S. was founded as a Christian nation. Signup and view all the answers

What belief is central to the Raelian movement?

Human cloning is the path to immortality. Signup and view all the answers

What was Joachim of Fiore's prediction regarding the ages of the church and the holy spirit?

The Age of the holy spirit is unnecessary and will replace the church. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Glastonbury according to the beliefs mentioned?

It is considered the site of the Holy Grail. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Manitou' refer to in the context of totemism?

A personal totem or guardian spirit. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the concept of taboo?

It is defined as a forbidden thing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Taoism?

Harmony with nature and 'not doing' Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is not one of the five pillars of Islam?

Hajj: Pilgrimage to Jerusalem Signup and view all the answers

What dietary restriction is highlighted in Hinduism as it relates to caste?

Hindus cannot eat beef because it is considered sacred. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Carnival as mentioned?

To mark the last day to eat meat before Lent. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes a secular state?

Religion and state are separate Signup and view all the answers

What does the free exercise clause protect?

Individuals' rights to practice any religion Signup and view all the answers

The concept of divine kingship involves control by which of the following?

Religious officials managing a divine king. Signup and view all the answers

The decalogue is most commonly associated with which of the following?

The Ten Commandments in the Torah. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of Buddhism?

Entering nirvana to end the cycle of reincarnation Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of being a Dalit in Hindu society?

They faced restrictions and prohibitions from interacting with others. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Sacred Heart movement aiming to achieve?

A Catholic monarchy or theocracy ruled by the pope Signup and view all the answers

The I-ching is associated with which practice?

Chinese oracle used for divination Signup and view all the answers

What does fundamentalism assert about religious writings?

They are the infallible word of God Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Altered States of Consciousness

Brainwave states:
- Beta: Waking, consciousness
- Alpha: Daydreaming, light trance
- Theta: REM dreaming, deep trance
- Delta: Deep sleep, unconscious
- REMINDER: BAT-D!
Types of altered states of consciousness (ASC):
- Hypnagogic: State between sleep and wake
- Hallucinogenic: Psychedelic states induced by drugs
- REMINDER: Hallucinate
- Spirit possession: Feelings of disassociation
- Hypnotic trance: Hypnosis/trance/mesmerism
- REM dreaming: Lucid dreaming can occur
Brain structures:
- Left hemisphere: Logical, analytic; linear thinking; sequential time experience
  - Controls the RIGHT side of the body
- Right hemisphere: Intuitive, emotional; holistic thinking; spatial time experience
  - Controls the LEFT side of the body; Is connected to ASC!

Enthogens

Entheogen: Plants used for religious purposes; believed to contain divine energy.
- Ayahuasca: Used by Amazonian shamans in Santo Daime
- Peyote: Cactus containing mescaline; used by native American churches
- Ergot: Brain fungus; used in rituals
- Fly agaric: Mushroom; used by shamans
- Cannabis: Hemp/hashish; used by medieval groups and Rastafarians

Syncretism

Syncretism: Religious hybrid combining earlier religions (often indigenous and colonizing).
Syncretic religions greatly influenced by Western European spiritualism.
Spiritualism: Began with the Fox sisters' table-rappings
- Believe in a progressive afterlife and contact with spirits via mediums
- Believe in reincarnation

Spirit Possession

Widespread practices: Ouija boards, automatic writing, table séances
Theories of possession:
- Emic theory: Involves actual spirit beings
- Theatric theory: Possession as a performance art
- Dissociation theory: Temporary ego displacement (somewhat like multiple-personality disorder)
Other information:
- Rhythmic drumming/singing induces trance
- Possessed people have memory loss and changes in physical appearance
- Non-Haitian people report possession.
Afro-Christian religions:
- Vodun:
  - Origins: French slaves in Haiti
  - Practitioners: Hougans and mambos
  - Shrines: The peristyle
  - Meditative: Lwa, Legba
  - Controversy: Are zombies real?
  - Santeria
    - Origins: Cuban slaves
    - Practitioners: Santeros
    - Shrines: Altars in homes or botanicas
    - Mediators: Orisha, Chango, Yemaya
    - Controversy: Animal sacrifices
  - Candomble:
    - Origins: Brazilian slaves
    - Practitioners: Umbandistas
    - Shrines: Altars in homes
    - Mediators: Ogoun, Oloddua
    - Controversy: “Surgeon of the Rusty Knife" (possessed by German WW2 doctor)

Revitalization Movements

Revitalization Movement: Deliberate, organized effort for a more satisfying culture, often in response to colonization.
- Usually occurs in cultures experiencing colonial pressures and drives individuals to expel influences and preserve culture.
Revitalization Movements Characteristics:
- Nativist/nationalist
- Messianic
- Prophetic
- Syncretistic
- Millenarian/apocalyptic
- Reactionary/traditionalist
- Anti-colonial
- Non-progressive; focused on the past
Ghost Dance:
- Founder: Jack Wilson (Paiute)
- Practice: 19th-century Plain Indians
- Rituals: Circle dances, chanting; ghost shirts to protect from white men's bullets
- Beliefs: Reviving buffalo herds and ancestors
Cargo Cults:
- Founded: Pacific Melanesian Island cultures (after WWII)
- Rituals: Used statues/soldiers/planes to magically compel return of cargo
- Beliefs: Attacked colonial powers for holding back cargo
Serpent Handlers:
- Practitioners: Holiness-Pentecostal (Charismatic) churches in the Bible Belt
- Rituals: Handle poisonous snakes, drink strychnine
- Beliefs: Faith = salvation
Zapatista Revolt: Uprising in Chiapas, Mexico, in 1994.
- Some interpretations indicate elements of a secular Mayan revitalization movement
Christianity:
- Zealots of Masada: Confrontation, guerrilla warfare
- Essenes: Withdrawal from corruption, rebuilding

Shamanism

Shaman: Master of spirits (from Tungus)
- Roles: Diviner, healer, judge, prophet, medium
Eliade: Master of ecstatic techniques; began 100,000 years ago

Witchcraft

Evil eye: Gaze causing misfortune, curses, or hexes.
Mobility hypothesis: Societies become more patriarchal and patrilineal when they settle, often leading to accusations of witchcraft.
Malleus Maleficarum: Book responsible for the deaths of millions of women.

Wicca

Founder/origins: Gerald Gardner (England 1940s)
Beliefs: Ecology, feminism, god/goddess duo
Practices: Coven/grove membership/solo practice

Religion and the State

Theocracy: Religion = law
Divine kingship: Religious official controls “divine” king
Dual state: Religion and state are separate but equal.
Secular state: Religion and state are separate.
Atheist state: Religion is forbidden.
Fundamentalism: Religious writings are legit
Modernism: Scriptures should not be taken literally.
Scopes Monkey Trial (related to evolution and religion): Teacher accused for teaching Darwinian evolution.

Eastern Religions

Hinduism: Karma, Dharma, Reincarnation
Buddhism: Ending the cycle of reincarnation, entering Nirvana.
Taoism: Harmony with nature, “not doing”
Confucianism: Social harmony, filial piety
Zen: Branch of Buddhism, focused on learning through paradox
Shinto: Indigenous Japanese religion.
Theosophical Society: Attempt to merge eastern and western philosophies
I Ching: Chinese oracle for divination

Islam

Five pillars of Islam
- Shahada: Declaration of faith in Allah
- Salah: Prayer 5x a day, facing Mecca
- Sawm: Fasting in Ramadan
- Zakat: Giving to the needy
- Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca
Sunni vs. Shia: Religious dispute over leadership succession.
Wahhabism: Official religion of Saudi Arabia, Sunni fundamentalist.
Seven prophets (Jesus, Muhammad).
People of the book: Jews and Christians. (according to Islam)
Sufis: Mystical branch
- NOTE: Sufis reject fundamentalism.

Techgnosis

Techgnosis: Seeking knowledge through technology.
Extropians: Believe in a force opposite to entropy called extropy and driven by technology.
Transhumanist: Technology is believed to take humans to a status beyond human by merging.
Raelians: UFO-based religion, claim contact with aliens; believe in human cloning.
Church of Scientology: Monitors spiritual progress through an e-meter.

Miscellaneous

Christian Nationalism: A belief that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation.
Manifest Destiny: The belief that the U.S. has a divinely appointed destiny.
Singularity (Ray Kurzweil): The idea that AI will cause human societal change.
Dalai Lama: Leader of Tibetan Buddhists.
Clash of Civilizations (Samuel Huntington): Discussion of conflicts between Islam and the West. REMINDER: Islam vs. U.S.
Liminality (Van Gennep): The state of transition amidst social changes; rituals.
Solstices and Equinoxes: Important events that mark the four seasons.
Mayan/calendar: Several calendars, with the cyclical aspects
Pilgrimage: Journeys to sacred spots
- Santiago de Compostela: Northwestern Spain; pilgrims wear scallop shells
- Al Aqsa: Northern Israel; holiest site for Islam.
- Glastonbury: Southwestern England; legends and history
Totem and taboo: Societal beliefs (including prohibitions and restrictions) associated with clans, ancestors, and groups.
- Totem: Clan symbol; believed to be a legendary/ancestral figure, to whom respect is due
- Taboo: Forbidden thing; (Prohibitions on actions, prohibitions on association.)
- Totemism: Belief in kinship with an animal or object.
- Hinduism: Castes and Restrictions.
- Decalogue/Noahide laws: Commandments for humankind.

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Test your knowledge on altered states of consciousness, including brain structures, drug-induced states, and spiritual practices. This quiz covers topics ranging from the science of dreaming to cultural beliefs in religion. Challenge yourself with questions on theories and practices associated with spirituality and consciousness.