The core experience was preceded by a series of preliminary rites, each of them involving a different cognitive and/or physiological mechanism. In the subterranean chamber the inquirer experienced alteration of consciousness, induced by sensory deprivation, and comprising vortex and out-of-body experiences, as well as hallucinations and the sensation of unmediated communication with supernatural beings. The main rite was a descent into the artificial subterranean cave of Trophonius, who was believed to appear to the suppliants in person. The paper explores changes in the suppliant’s body and mind, experienced during his stay in Trophonius’ sanctuary. more We are fortunate to have detailed descriptions of both the ritual and the suppliant’s experience at the sanctuary of Trophonius in Lebadeia, that provide an opportunity for a case study juxtaposing ancient evidence with the results of modern research in cognitive science. We are fortunate to have detailed descriptions of both the ritual and the suppliant’s experience. This novel approach enables an examination of religious phenomena not only from the outside, but also from the inside: it penetrates the consciousness of people who were engaged in the vision quest, and demonstrates that the darkness of the caves provided conditions vital for their activities. Yulia Ustinova juxtaposes ancient testimonies with the results of modern neuropsychological research. These states were often attained by inspired mediums, `impresarios of the gods' - prophets, poets, and sages - who descended into caves or underground chambers. They believed that to share in the immortals' knowledge, one had to liberate the soul from the burden of the mortal body by attaining an altered state of consciousness, that is, by merging with a superhuman being or through possession by a deity. The Greeks perceived mental experiences of exceptional intensity as resulting from divine intervention. more Caves and the Ancient Greek Mind analyses techniques of searching for ultimate wisdom in ancient Greece. In ancient Greece, these mental states were treated with cautious respect, and in contrast to the majority of complex societies, ancient and modern, were never suppressed or pushed to the cultural and social periphery.Ĭaves and the Ancient Greek Mind analyses techniques of searching for ultimate wisdom in ancient. These experiences, which could be voluntary or involuntary, intense or mild, were interpreted as an invasive divine power within one’s mind, or illumination granted by a superhuman being. Divine mania comprises a fascinating array of diverse experiences: numerous initiates underwent some kind of alteration of consciousness during mystery rites sacred officials and inquirers attained revelations in major oracular centres possession states were actively sought finally, some thinkers, such as Pythagoras and Socrates, probably practiced manipulation of consciousness. Certain forms of alteration of consciousness, considered to be inspired by supernatural forces, were actively sought in ancient Greece. more - ‘Our greatest blessings come to us by way of mania, provided it is given us by divine gift,’ – says Socrates in Plato’s Phaedrus. ‘Our greatest blessings come to us by way of mania, provided it is given us by divine gift,’ –.
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