Puff, Puff, Pray: Spirituality and Cannabis

The pairing of weed and spirituality is as old as civilization itself. Weed has been used by pagan and shamanic cultures all across the globe, to help individuals reflect deeply upon philosophical or religious subjects to help achieve a form of enlightenment and to help unravel unexplored wisdom that goes beyond the realm of the human mind and consciousness.

Although cannabis is becoming more 'in focus' nowadays, the history of weed and spirituality goes back to our ancient history. It has been used for different forms of spiritual awareness since perhaps as far back as 2000 BCE.

All over the world, from India to the Caribbean, this plant has helped people get more tuned in to their higher selves, whether they are searching for their purpose, some angelic guidance or they're trying to connect on a more personal level to their deity of choice.

One of the earliest examples of weed and spirituality dates all the way back to the 4th century BC in Taoism. Taoism is the ancient philosophical Chinese belief that every thing in this universe is balanced, often symbolized by the yin and the yang (dark and light, evil and good). Early Taoist text mentions the use of this sacred herb in ritual to help eliminate selfish desire to reach a level of naturalness (balance). Weed was also used to help Taoist priests through divination. Taoist priests used cannabis to communicate with both good and bad spirits.

In Hinduism. cannabis is considered to be one of their five sacred plants. It is believed to hold a guardian angel in its leaves. Shiva (one of Hinduism's deities) was said to have created cannabis from his own body to cleanse and purify the essence of life or the nickname anganja ("body born"). It is believed that 'ganja' emerged from that word.

Cannabis holds a place in Buddhisim as well. Guatama Buddha, who created Buddhism was said to only live off of one hemp seed a day on his particular path to enlightenment. The Buddha is portrayed to be holding cannabis leaves and when one consumes the plant it's believed to aid in heightened awareness during prayer along side with meditation.

The concept of cannabis and prayer has existed all over the world and all throughout history, guiding many people through their spiritual journeys. It has been a big part of spirituality in the U.S as well. The benefits and wonders of this sacred plant are boundless.

If you're looking for your own form of spiritual insight or you're just looking to release your tensions of the week, let Athena's Gifts help you tune in to your higher self. We have high quality flowers, tasty THC infused treats and drinks as well as vape carts. Just give our menu a peek to see how you can donate and get gifted. We are located in DC so if you're residing in the District check us out!