Tarot
I don't have a recorded passage on Terence McKenna's specific thoughts or discussions about the Tarot. If you have other topics or need information on different aspects of his work, feel free to ask!
hermes
Terence McKenna discussed Hermes and the Hermetic tradition in several contexts. Hermes Trismegistus, often referred to as "thrice blessed," is a central figure in Hermeticism, symbolizing wisdom and the messenger of gods. The Hermetic texts typically feature intellectual dialogues that build to ecstatic revelations, followed by hymns praising Hermes Trismegistus 13.
In Hermetic philosophy, humanity is seen as the "brother of god," suggesting an empowering view where humans are co-partners in the project of being. This contrasts with other religious views that emphasize human sinfulness, as Hermetica presents a more inclusive and elevating perspective on human potential and spiritual accomplishment 59.
Hermes is also associated with the god of scribes in the Egyptian pantheon, symbolizing the transmission of knowledge and wisdom 13. This tradition holds that God, or the divine, stepped off the stage of creation, leaving humanity as co-creators or co-partners in shaping the world 5.
Vedas
Terence McKenna discussed the Vedas in the context of psychedelic substances and ancient spiritual practices. The Vedas are ancient Indian scriptures that contain references to a mysterious and powerful substance called Soma, which is often interpreted as a psychoactive plant or substance. McKenna explored the idea that the visionary ecstasy described in the Vedas could not have been caused by Amanita muscaria, a mushroom some researchers like Wasson suggested as Soma, but rather by a more potent psychedelic like psilocybin, which he believed was the true "Divine Herb" referenced in these texts 1235.
He noted that the Vedic tradition included complex rituals involving Soma, which was symbolically connected to cattle and pastoralism. The identity of Soma remains unknown, but McKenna argued that its association with hallucinogenic substances suggested a deep connection to spiritual and mystical experiences 135. Additionally, he touched on the linguistic aspect of the Vedic tradition, where Sanskrit is considered a primal revealed language with special qualities, somewhat analogous to mystical traditions in other cultures 48.
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