Mushrooms

Psilocybin, a natural psychedelic compound, has a rich and ancient history. Psilocybin-containing mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms, have been used for ritual and spiritual purposes by various cultures throughout the centuries. Archaeological evidence suggests that pre-Columbian civilizations in Central America, such as the Aztecs and Mayans, consumed these mushrooms as part of religious ceremonies.

However, the introduction of psilocybin to the Western world took place in the 20th century. American mycologist and ethnomycologist R. Gordon Wasson played a key role in the discovery of the psychedelic properties of mushrooms in Mexico in the 1950s and his famous 8-page article in Life magazine which was read by half of American households (you can discover his whole story and the importance of his wife of Russian origin in the book "The Little Things"). This paved the way for extensive scientific research into psilocybin, including that conducted by Dr. Timothy Leary in the 1960s.

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Psilocybin can be found in mushrooms and truffles (or sclerotia):

·       Hallucinogenic mushrooms (magic mushrooms or psilo that we find everywhere in our fields...): These are the fruiting parts of the mushroom which grow above the ground. These mushrooms have a distinctive appearance with a cap and stem.

·       “Magic” truffles: Magic truffles, also called sclerotia, are underground structures produced by certain mushrooms. They are often nodule-shaped and buried in the ground.

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What are its effects ?

Psilocybin works primarily by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain, inducing alterations in perception, thoughts, and consciousness. Typical effects of psilocybin include visual hallucinations, changes in time perception, creative thoughts, and heightened emotions. Some users also report mystical or spiritual experiences, often described as "journeys."

The psychedelic effects of psilocybin can vary depending on the dose, environment, individual, and state of mind of the user. Recent clinical studies have highlighted its therapeutic potential in the treatment of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Psilocybin use has evolved over time, moving from traditional practices to contemporary modalities. Here are some of the current consumption patterns:

·       Direct Consumption: Some individuals simply prefer to eat the mushrooms as is. However, the often unpleasant taste of mushrooms may make this method unappealing to some.

·       Infusions and decoctions: Some users prepare infusions or decoctions by boiling the mushrooms in water, creating a drink that may be more pleasant to consume.

·       Microdosing: A recent trend is microdosing psilocybin, where small amounts are taken regularly with the goal of improving creativity, focus, and mental well-being without producing major psychedelic effects.

·       Psychedelic-assisted therapy: In a medical and therapeutic setting, psilocybin is administered under the supervision of mental health professionals, offering potential for treating a variety of mental disorders.

 

Due to its very powerful effects possible depending on the dosages and conditions of intake, it is very strongly recommended to carefully measure the possible impact on your psychological state. Some American psychotherapists have spoken of a “6-year psychoanalysis reduced to 2 days”. If a deep and very significant trauma is present in the user of the substance, the revelation or the experience of this trauma can lead to a situation of total distress with a question asked to the companion: what do I do with it ? that ? A very central question to which there is no ready-made answer... which can lead to an impression of a " bad trip" even though it is a hard but very rich phase on a psychotherapeutic path. “Useful bad trip” is the terminology used and explained on the “Ayahuasca” page.
Very few masters of ceremonies or facilitators are prepared for this, have experienced it or have been trained for this type of emergency. Again, as mentioned in other parts of the site, be careful. These substances under the appearance of very colorful and shimmering images are not "recreational". They are vehicles, tools, paths to knowledge and states that go far beyond what has been experienced during one's life...