Book excerpt: Delving deep into the world of psychoactive plants, including ayahuasca, Pharmako/Gnosis serves as a comprehensive and standalone guide. Celebrated by readers as a modern classic, this is a must-have for anyone interested in the science, history, and lore of psychoactive substances. In this third and final volume of the Pharmako trilogy, Dale Pendell embarks on a captivating journey through the botanical and cultural landscapes of a diverse array of mind-altering "teachers." From plant-based psychedelic substances to their synthetic derivatives, Pendell illuminates each with an erudition and playful wit uniquely his own. He delves into the worlds of traditional use and modern interpretations of substances such as: Amanita muscaria Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) Blowfish/Puffer Fish (Tetradontidae) Bufo alvarius Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga) Jurema (Mimosa hostilis) Ketamine Kratom (Mitragynia speciosa) Mescal Bean (Sophora secundiflora) Morning Glory (Ipomoea, Rivea spp.) Peyote Psilocybe (Teonanacatl) San Pedro Cactus Tropane alkaloids Peganum harmala Pharmako/Gnosis offers more than a mere historical or pharmacological background of these substances. Pendell delves into the nuances of each substance's effect on consciousness with a poetic finesse, bringing to life our profound and intricate relationship with these potent compounds. He approaches the topic with genuine curiosity, acknowledging the transformative power these substances wield over individuals, societies, and cultures. The narrative, enriched by a wealth of quotations from acclaimed writers, is as intoxicating as the substances it explores, brewing a unique literary concoction. Taking the reader beyond the confines of traditional scientific discourse, Pendell's distinctive narrative style weaves in personal experiences, anecdotal evidence, and a profound sense of the sacred, resulting in a reading experience that is as deeply engaging as it is informative.