“It goes without saying that to outsiders—even enthusiasts of entheogenic plants—Santo Daime rituals can seem bizarre—cultish, even. Mindful of that, Daimistas, as a foundational rule, have long refrained from proselytizing. Newcomers who want to attend a ceremony are typically screened carefully to assess their state of mind and motivations. Many people who participate in Daime rituals for the first time never come back. Others warm up to its teachings and stoic traditions slowly. Then there are the instant converts, people like Alex Polari.”