If you have 2 hours, Enjoy this video: 24 huge questions about psychedelics with Dr. Matthew Johnson
Background on the use of psychedelic mushrooms
Understanding the medicine Magic mushrooms are any species of fungus that contain the naturally occurring psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin, and are also commonly known as psychedelic mushrooms, psilocybin mushrooms, or shrooms. Magic mushrooms have a long history of traditional use as a powerful entheogen.
In the Aztec language Nahuatl, the name for psilocybin mushrooms is Teonanácatl, meaning “flesh of the gods.” A mushroom trip can last several hours, and can induce a profound sense of connection to nature, plant spirits, and the illusory self. This guide contains all the basic information you’ll need to get started on your healing journey with magic mushrooms. What are Magic Mushrooms? There are around 200 species of psilocybin mushrooms growing in the wild, all containing the major psychoactive substances psilocybin and psilocin, alongside other psychoactive compounds including baeocystin and norbaeocystin. Almost every continent in the world (except Antarctica) has at least one species of magic mushrooms growing on it.
They have been around for thousands, if not millions of years, and are fairly easy to grow or to find in the wild. Psilocybin mushroom identification requires some knowledge, as species vary in their appearance. However, almost all species grow well in damp, forested areas near bodies of water. Some even grow best in cow dung, and can be found in pretty much any field where grazing animals are present.
Magic Mushrooms in Shamanic Culture
It’s not certain when magic mushrooms were first consumed by humans, but cave paintings in northern Australia suggest that magic mushrooms were a part of indigenous Australian cultures, around 10,000 BCE. Similar depictions of psychedelic mushrooms have been found in other ancient human civilizations, albeit at later times, including Mesoamerican and South American cultures. Psychedelic mushrooms clearly had an influence on the development of the cultures that used them. There is considerable evidence that these fungi were used in religious ceremonies dating back to 1500 BCE in pre-Mayan cultures. They were consumed for their healing properties, and for the visionary states they could induce.
The use of psychedelic mushrooms is depicted in many forms of Mesoamerican art and sculpture. Indigenous groups in Mexico still use psychedelic mushrooms as an integral part of their culture. Magic mushroom use is practiced by the Nahuatls, Matlazincs, Totonacs, Mazatecs, Mixes, Zapotecs, and Chatins groups, and the ceremonies typically combine Catholic with native elements.
Who is NOT a good candidate for psychedelics?
It’s important to acknowledge that the use of psychedelic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin-containing mushrooms, can potentially interact with various medications. While scientific research on these interactions is ongoing, it’s crucial to be informed about potential risks and consult a healthcare professional before embarking on any psychedelic journey, especially if you’re taking medications.
Certain classes of medications, including but not limited to:
Serotonergic Medications: Drugs that affect serotonin levels in the brain, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may interact with psilocybin, potentially leading to a range of effects, including serotonin syndrome.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): These medications, often used to treat depression, can have serious interactions with psilocybin, potentially causing dangerous increases in blood pressure and other adverse effects.
Anti-Anxiety and Sedative Medications: Psychedelic experiences can amplify the effects of sedatives and anti-anxiety medications, leading to heightened sedation and drowsiness.
Antipsychotic Medications: Antipsychotics can affect the intensity and nature of psychedelic experiences, potentially diminishing the desired effects of psilocybin.
Other Medications: It’s advised to consult a healthcare provider regarding any prescription or over-the-counter medications, as potential interactions may arise.
Given the complexities of these interactions, it’s strongly recommended that individuals seeking to explore psychedelic mushrooms for therapeutic or recreational purposes inform their healthcare provider about their intentions and medical history. This will help mitigate potential risks and ensure that informed decisions can be made regarding the safe use of psychedelic substances in conjunction with existing medications.
Please remember that this information is intended for general guidance and awareness purposes. Consultation with a healthcare professional is crucial for personalized advice and guidance on potential interactions based on individual medical history and medication regimen.
What to Expect From a Magic Mushroom Trip
The effects of a magic mushroom trip will depend on several factors, including the species of mushrooms you are ingesting, the way you are ingesting it, your surroundings and mindset, and your sensitivity to entheogenic substances. Typically, a mushroom trip will begin around 30 minutes to an hour after ingesting the mushrooms, and can last around three to six hours.
The trip may involve:
- Changes in vision: such as an increase in the intensity of colors, the morphing and motion of stationary objects, or the appearance of detailed geometry.
- Changes in your thoughts: such as intense emotions, alterations in the perception of time, and encounters with spiritual beings.
- Changes in your body: such as a glowing, spreading warmth, nausea, or tingling.
- An experience can bring some people in contact with spiritual power or force. Many state that they meet God/Creator/All, angels, light beings and even demons. Some meet biblical figures, animals or people in their past and present. This can be life changing in their views of the other side, death and life as a whole. These are VERY intense experiences and can change the perspective of the person permanently. People who are lucky enough to have these experiences may witness the interconnectedness of everything, and discover revelations about themselves or the world around them.
- Having discernment in your experience on what is real and not is very important. Make sure to speak to someone to make sense of the experience that can help you uncover meanings and themes.
The intensity of the experience may depend on the dosage of psilocybin that you ingest. Fresh and dried mushrooms will contain significantly different quantities of psilocybin, and different species can vary dramatically in the amount of psilocybin within them. Even the caps and stalks of individual mushrooms can have different contents of psilocybin.
As a rough guide, a low dose of the popular Psilocybe cubensis would be around 1-2.5 grams of dried mushroom; a moderate dose between 2-3.5 grams; and a high dose above 5 grams.
Amplifying the Healing Potential of Magic Mushrooms
The powerful shroom experience can be used for healing, personal transformation, or spiritual exploration. But the quality of the experience will depend on setting up the right environment and mindset. Preparing your mind and surroundings for the trip will make a positive experience more likely. It’s impossible to be too prepared for a shroom trip, and it may just make the difference between a life-affirming and a terrifying experience.
Follow these basic guidelines to make the most of your experience:
- Set a clear intention. This can help you immeasurably in the chaos and uncertainty of a mushroom trip. What are you looking to achieve from this experience, and why are you doing it?
- Prepare a comfortable and safe environment. Be somewhere familiar, with access to amenities and comfortable clothing. Prepare fresh fruit and healthy foods for when you get hungry. Prepare the environment to be quiet, undisturbed, and tranquil.
- Have a sober sitter with you. Preferably someone with experience with psychedelics. Their role will be to keep you safe, and reassure you if you require any guidance during the experience.
- Dose mindfully. Follow our dosing guidelines above. Know what you’re taking, and start with a low dose if it’s your first time.
- Expect the unexpected. Although your intention will help you have a focus, the psychedelic experience is notoriously unpredictable, and you may very well find yourself losing control of the trip’s direction. If that happens, be prepared to let go and remember that you are safe and comfortable.
And as always, seek inside and look for the truth if this is what you should be embarking on for your mental health journey. While these can be illuminating a fun experiences, they can turn around and be very difficult, sometimes leaving someone with horrific feelings of self doubt, emotional blocks and spiritual questions.
Integration
The single most important factor in a psychedelic journey is the work afterwards. Your brain has been through intense rewiring and to keep those new connections, there is some work involved. While some are immediately left feeling “healed” this is NOT the norm. The medicine continues to work in the body for days after the initial “come down” after the hallucinations stop. We tell our community that it is important that they speak to someone immediately after to share their experience. Then the next day or two to be in a place of great rest and reflection. This is a NON Negotiable and is for the safety of yourself.
Final Thoughts and Disclaimer:
For those like me that are of the Christian faith, many would believe these mystical constructs are dangerous, keeping them separate from God. This is absolutely not true, however many have changed their perspectives in their role with their religion and more one with their purposes surrounding their relationships beyond. This types of lies that have been told for decades could keep someone from truly breaking through of chains and getting to the point of healing. I want to provide a different perspective.
I’m happy to walk you through the set and setting to prepare yourself for something that can truly be mind-bending. Its important that safe and sound techniques are used and that you have the support system in place to continue in your healing journey. I’ll always tell you that your true healing isn’t with one experience or one substance. It is about the intention of your journey, your walk with our CREATOR and the work you put in.
