The Complex of Peyotism in Native American Religion

In my study, I hope to educate the reader about the complex of peyotism in Native American religion so that he or she will have a better understanding of the complex as it exists in North America and especially the manner in which Native Americans use the hallucinogen. To do this I will look at peyotism in the context of shamanic vision experience, revitalization movements and pan-Indianism. I will conclude with a historical look at the Native American Church which is the pan-tribal, organized manifestation of peyotism, and the legal issues which pertain to its continued existence in North America. In my first chapter, I will discuss the complex of shamanism. I will give an overview of shamanic ecstasy and the shamanic vocation. I will then discuss Native American shamanism and the vision quest within Native American religion. In my second chapter, I will discuss the stages of religious revitalization movements and pan-Indianism and how the two complement each other. I will then analyze the Ghost Dance religion within the context of revitalization movements and pan-Indianism. In my third chapter, I will discuss the complex of peyotism in the United States, its origins, its ritual, and how Christianity influences it. I will conclude by discussing peyotism in the context of vision experience, revitalization movements and pan-Indianism, with a historical look at the Native American Church, which is the organization which has formed around the peyotism complex in the twentieth century