-Our greatest blessings come to us by way of mania, provided it is given us by divine gift,- - says Socrates in Plato-s Phaedrus. Certain forms of alteration of consciousness, considered to be inspired by supernatural forces, were actively sought in ancient Greece. Divine mania comprises a fascinating array of diverse experiences: numerous initiates underwent some kind of alteration of consciousness during mystery rites; sacred officials and inquirers attained revelations in major oracular centres; possession states were actively sought; finally, some thinkers, such as Pythagoras and Socrates, probably practiced manipulation of consciousness. These experiences, which could be voluntary or involuntary, intense or mild, were interpreted as an invasive divine power within one-s mind, or illumination granted by a super-human being.
Greece was unique in its attitude to alteration of consciousness. From the perspective of individual and public freedom,
