This thesis is an attempt to display how the emergence of entheogenic substances in the Western paradigm has given rise to a global trance culture rooted in the practices of traditional shamanism. This is evaluated through the illustration of key points beginning with the early scientific explorations of entheogens and ending with what is known as the Goa trance ritual. Through participant observation in the trance ritual with and without the use of entheogenic substances, I propose that the trance-dance is an entirely new and unique redefinition of an ancient tribal ritual that holds great value for the future of anthropological and sociological studies on the nature of shamanism and entheogens.