Triggering of altered states of consciousness as group event: a new case from Yucatán.

According to prevailing theory, crisis cults, with all members of a group entering an altered state of consciousness (ASC) simultaneously, will arise only as a result of significant social unrest. An observation from Yucatán lends support to a contrary view. In this brief cult, 20 men, women, and children did not eat, drink, or sleep, speaking and singing in glossolalia instead. The episode was terminated with outside help from men who had experienced a similar outbreak 3 years before. Apparently there exists an ASC readiness in any given population which can be triggered by minimal stimulation, unrelated to deprivation, acculturation, or other social stress.