This excerpt from Kurt's opus A Ball of Twine elucidates the mystical path, a path which intrigued and absorbed him. Exploring Soma (Amanita muscaria), Kurt then follows the mystical path of initiation through rituals and practices spread throughout the world. He concludes with a discussion of Benedictine, and Duchamp's references to it. He quotes and cites sources extensively, demonstrating his well-established habits of academic discipline.
Amanita Muscaria: The magic mushroom of the ancients
Kurt was so entranced with the Amanita muscaria mushroom that he named one of his daughters Amanita. This short essay was tucked away in a folder labeled "Soma." According to Kurt, "Amanita muscaria is the current taxonomic name for the magic mushroom of antiquity. The identity of this extraordinary plant is one of the most venerable mysteries in the history of civilization. It is among the earliest psychotropic substances ingested by man, and as such occupies a central and seminal place in the formation and archaic evolution of human culture."
Jose Que and the KRYPTO-HUICHOL FOOD MANDALA
Kurt's alter-ego Jose Que has the munchies. A fact-filled and meandering discussion about American food, Peyote (the sacred food of the Huichol people) and Teachings of Dog Juan follows. He sets off on a systematic analysis with "Category One" but never gets to "Category Two:" It all ends with the invocation of a good Molé.
