In 2020 archeologists examining a 2,800 year old temple site in Arad, Jerusalem, revealed that cannabis resins had been burnt on an altar in a small enclosed chamber. Another find of cannabis used for medical purposes both topically and burnt were recovered at a 4th century CE site in Bet Shemesh Israel, testifying to the use of cannabis in the region over a 1,200 year period.

In the 1900s the Russian archeologist Victor Sarianidi uncovered 3 large 4,000 year old temple sites in the Bactria Margiana Archeological Complex, and claimed evidence of cannabis, ephedra and poppy in the preparation of the sacred drinks of the Avesta and Vedas, haoma and soma.

Sacred Zoroastrian texts refer specifically to the use of cannabis infused wines for revelation. Multiple Indo-European sites ranging from Europe to Central China, have revealed that cannabis was burnt and consumed in beverages in funerary rituals dating as far back as 5,500 years ago and continuing for thousands of years.

In India cannabis is still taken in devotion to the oldest continually worshipped god in the world, Shiva. What was cannabis' role with our distant ancestors, is cannabis the Lost Sacrament of the Ancient World?

About the Author
CA

Reviews
Liber 420: "Bennett has done it again. Going right to the primary sources, he has produced an extraordinary volume outlining the history and occult secrets of cannabis. Should you be interested in knowing how and why cannabis found employment in the occult arts throughout history, take heart in knowing that you hold in your hands the definitive work written by a brilliant historian." Tom Hatsis, author of The Witches' Ointment: The Secret History of Psychedelic Magic (2015)
"In his latest effort, Bennet has uncovered and amassed an overwhelming amount of evidence in support of his claim that cannabis played a central role in many of the Western esoteric traditions, including Alchemy, ceremonial magickand yes, even factions of Freemasonry! Liber 420 is sure to cause a stir within the Masonic community!" P.D. Newman, 32 Degrees Scottish Rites Freemason and author of Alchemically Stoned: The Psychedelic Secret of Freemasonry (2017)
"The Holy Grail of historical cannabis books. A tremendous scholarly work, ridiculously well-researched and referenced, that entertains and delights, replete with amazing artwork and fresh ideas about the church versus 'the devil's weed,' cannabis as a religious sacrament, the hashishin, witches, baptism by fire, and my favoritethe elixir of immortality." Julie Holland, MD, Editor The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis; Ecstasy : The Complete Guide : A Comprehensive Look at the Risks and Benefits of MDMA
"Bennett explores some interesting themes in his latest book regarding the use of liquid concoctions in certain lost Masonic rites and occult orders." Dr. David Harrison, author of The Genesis of Freemasonry (2009) and The Lost Rites and Rituals of Freemasonry (2017)
"He has followed the white rabbit through the Picatrix and the Solomonic texts, to the Rosicrucians, to the Masons and the occult lodges of the 19th Century, through alchemy, witchcraft, and much more. Cannabis and other mind-altering substances have been an underground and occluded fact of the Western Mystery Tradition all along." Aaron Leitch, author of Secrets of the Magickal Grimoires: The Classical Texts of Magick Deciphered (2005)
" Liber 420: Cannabis, Magickal Herbs & the Occult ... is literally anything and everything you'd want to know about the occulted use of cannabis in religion, mystery traditions, magickal rituals, alchemy and much more" Occulture
"I highly recommend this grand treatise... Well researched, well written, well illustrated. Given the size of this book, the price is quite reasonable." David Allen Hulse, author of The Key of it All: The eastern mysteries and The Western Mysteries: An Encyclopedic Guide to the Sacred Languages & Magickal Systems of the World
"The latest book to arrive on my desk this morning is Liber 420 by Chris Bennett. It is an Excellent bookvery well researched. Even if you are not interested in cannabis, it is an excellent survey of the development of magic, alchemy, the Templars and Freemasonry from a fresh perspective. 777 pages of well written information with many B/W illustrations never seen before." Stephen Skinner, Author of Sacred Geometry: Deciphering the Code and Techniques of Solomonic Magic



Book Information
ISBN 9781634243971
Author Chris Bennett
Format Hardback
Page Count 480
Imprint Trine Day
Publisher Trine Day