The origins of Santa Claus, the personification of the Christmas season, are shrouded in mystery. We will cover three unorthodox alternative theories, firstly, that Santa was based on Siberian shamanism and hallucinogenic magic mushrooms, secondly, that he was derived from fairy folklore, specifically a Scandinavian elf called the Nisse, and lastly, that he is either the pagan god, Odin, or Saturn, also representing the astrological planetary body and its interaction with the sun during the winter solstice. Which, if any, of these is true, or is Santa some combination of all the above?
We also consider some spiritual beliefs regarding chimneys as a liminal space and axis mundi of the home, as well as ecstatic trance states which trigger interactions with archetypal supernatural entities and soul journeys.
00:00 - Intro
2:12 - Santa Mushroom Shaman Theory
12:30 - Pagan Folklore
16:01 - Fairy/ Elf Connections
19:02 - Saturn
21:02 - Conclusion
22:15 - Outro
#mythology #