Soma — The Sacred Plant
Soma is one of the most enigmatic elements of Vedic religion. An entire Mandala of the Rigveda (Book 9) is devoted to the Soma plant and its preparation. Soma juice was pressed, filtered, and mixed with milk to create the sacred drink offered at yagnas. Scholars debate what the plant actually was — candidates include Ephedra, Amanita mushroom, and wild rue. In Vedic mythology, Soma is also the Moon god (Chandra), keeper of amrita (the nectar of immortality). The Soma ritual represented the highest technology of Vedic mysticism — the deliberate alteration of consciousness to perceive the divine.
Consider: what in your life genuinely expands your awareness — brings clarity, connection, or glimpses of something larger? That is what the Vedic rishis were seeking in Soma.
Full moon nights — Soma's domain.