[Beowulf9]

Numerous classical authors report that natural phenomena played an essential part in one of their most sacred religious rituals: the oracle at Delphi. According to the geographer Strabo (c. 64 B.C.–25 A.D.), for example, “the seat of the oracle is a cavern hollowed down in the depths … from which arises pneuma [breath, vapor, gas] that inspires a divine state of possession” (Geography 9.3.5). Over the past five years, a team of researchers—a geologist, an archaeologist, a chemist and a toxicologist—has put that claim to the test, making it much more likely that we will actually understand what happened at Delphi. When ancient Greeks and Romans had to make decisions, they consulted the gods—by drawing lots, casting dice, interpreting dreams and analyzing such signs as sneezes, thunderbolts and flying birds. But for matters of the utmost importance, they sought to hear the words of the gods in the mouths of oracles.

[thesligoduffyflynns]

...at this point in time anything is possible

[mountainlion]

Ddidn’t this go on for 400 years?

[DannyTN]

Maybe instead of stoned, she was gifted, or maybe even possessed.

[beethovenfan]

Did they find a bong?

[Albion Wilde]

Very interesting, thorough and believable article, especially when they compared the likely chemical composition of the gases to those inhaled by modern druggies who huff or inhale similar chemicals, and noted the similarity of their trance-like reactions.

I’ve never been to Delphi, but I have visited the cave of the Oracle of Cumae in Southern Italy, which was settled by Greeks and mentioned in the postscript to this article. Unforgettable experience.

[Albion Wilde]

Ping!

[Trumpet 1]

Eucalyptus leaves smoldering. Inhaled by the priestess. Then she has a vision. She relates the vision to the important person.

[Spacetrucker]

Mushrooms, FRiend ... mushrooms.

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Ergot mold on bread used in the Delphic mysteries and fumes together probably induced hallucinations in the slave girl priestess (the oracle) in the tripod seat over the opening in the worlds navel.

Picture of Temple at Dephi Greece. I think it was located this side of the bush in the center in this picture.

Amphitheater at Delphi

Stadium at Delphi

Pythia (/ˈpɪθiə/; Ancient Greek: Πυθία [pyːˈtʰíaː]) was the name of the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. She specifically served as its oracle and was known as the Oracle of Delphi. Her title was also historically glossed in English as the Pythoness. (From wikipedia)

[SunkenCiv]

The rest of the keyword, sorted:

• The Oracle of Delphi -- Was She Really Stoned? [06/03/2020]
• Archaeologists find oldest Greek relic in Slovak area [06/05/2018]
• 'Eternal flames' of ancient times could spark interest of modern geologists [05/18/2015]
• Ancient oracles offered guidance and allayed fears [ Oracle of Delphi ] [08/07/2011]
• Secret of Delphi Found in Ancient Text [07/25/2010]
• The Return of the Bicameral Mind [03/11/2010]
• Questioning the Delphic Oracle [12/30/2007]
• Greek sculpture 'from throne of Midas' [2002] [04/24/2007]
• Questioning the Delphic Oracle [07/15/2003]

[Kartographer]

Behold the New Oracle of Delphi!

[NWFree]

She was tripping

[TBP]

Like wow, maaaan!

[discostu]

Not only were the Oracles of Delphi kept drugged, they were also molested. Really the whole oracle business (at Delphi and other places) is pretty screwed up. Dirty old conmen using young girls to scam money from politicians, which of course the politicians get from the people. And in between visits from politicians using the young girls in other ways.