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Citation: S/HE: An International Journal of Goddess Studies, V2 N2 (2023)
Flesh of the Goddess: A Compassionate and Critical Examination of Western Consumptive Practices
from Ice Cream to Ayahuasca
Alison Newvine
Abstract This article explores the interlocking systems of capitalism, colonialism and patriarchy as they express through our relationships with the substances we consume for food, recreation and healing. Our consumer practices and beliefs about foods, recreational beverages and psycho-active plants and mushrooms are examined under a feminist, anti-colonialist lens. I utilize source material and my own subjective experience to elucidate the interrelatedness of systems of oppression and their impact on our personal beliefs and choices. The underlying needs and longings that drive our consumptive practices are also considered. Indigenous spiritual beliefs and Sacred Female spirituality are contrasted with systems of oppression and leveraged to inspire hope and a sense of individual and collective agency in the face of widespread ecological crisis and exploitation. The kindred principles and values associated with Indigenous spirituality and with Goddess worship are applied to questions of sustainability and consumer practices relating both to food systems and to psychedelic plants and mushrooms. Through this analysis, we find these values guiding us toward a more reverent, just and sustainable relationship with all of the plant, animal and human communities of the Earth.
Keywords Interconnection, Capitalism, Consumerism, Colonialism, Ecological Crisis, Food Industry, Sustainability, Alcohol, Harm-Reduction, Indigenous Communities, Psychedelics, Plant Medicine, Goddess, Right Relationship
Disclaimer This essay discusses the use of both legal and illegal psychoactive plants and fungi. Research and personal experiences are shared in the spirit of intellectual inquiry and should not be interpreted as…
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