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Learn about the magic.

Mushrooms have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. They have been used by various cultures for culinary and medicinal purposes, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Chinese recognizing their value. In the Middle Ages, mushrooms were often associated with magic and folklore, while today, they are celebrated for their diverse flavors and health benefits. With the rise of mycology as a science, mushrooms continue to capture our interest, revealing new species and potential uses each year.

Mushrooms
Mushrooms

Humans have used active compounds found in mushrooms for thousands of years, primarily for spiritual, religious, and healing purposes. Here's a quick overview of their history:

Ancient Use:
  • Prehistoric Period: Evidence suggests that mushrooms containing active compounds were used by ancient cultures, although the exact origins remain unclear. Some cave art, such as in the Sahara region, dating back around 9,000 years, may depict mushroom-like images, suggesting early use.

  • Mesoamerican Civilizations: Indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica, such as the Aztecs, Mixtecs, and Zapotecs, have a long history of using mushrooms with active compounds. The Aztecs referred to them as teonanácatl ("God's flesh") and incorporated them into religious rituals to connect with the divine. These mushrooms were believed to facilitate communication with gods and spirits.

European Discovery:
  • 16th Century: Spanish explorers documented the use of mushrooms by indigenous peoples in Central and South America. However, it wasn't until much later that mushrooms containing active compounds gained wider attention in Europe.

Modern Rediscovery:
  • 1950s–1960s: In 1955, mycologist R. Gordon Wasson, curious about traditional practices, traveled to Mexico and participated in a curandera (shamanic) mushroom ceremony. His experience was published in Life magazine in 1957, bringing mushrooms with active compounds into the public spotlight.

  • The Counterculture Movement: The 1960s and early 1970s saw mushrooms containing active compounds, along with other active substances , gain popularity in Western counterculture. This era was marked by a fascination with expanding consciousness, and the use of these substances was often associated with artistic, spiritual, and anti-establishment movements.

Post-1970s:
  • Legal Ban and Research Pause: Following the cultural backlash and the War on Drugs, mushrooms containing active compounds were criminalized in many countries during the 1970s. Research into their therapeutic potential largely stopped. However, underground use continued, especially in spiritual and therapeutic circles.

  • 1990s–2000s: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, renewed interest in the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of mushrooms with active compounds led to a resurgence of research. Studies began exploring their potential to treat mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety.

Contemporary Period:
  • 21st Century: Today, there’s growing interest in the scientific study of mushrooms with active compounds and their potential medical benefits. Clinical trials have demonstrated their ability to treat various mental health conditions, leading to a shift in how these substances are viewed by the public and medical community.

In summary, the use of mushrooms containing active compounds has a long and complex history, spanning ancient spiritual practices, countercultural movements, and modern scientific research. Their role in culture, religion, and mental health continues to evolve today.

A brief
history.

Safety, Set and setting.

Safety and Setting:
  • Environment: It's crucial to be in a safe, comfortable setting with trusted people if you're new to the experience. The "set" (your mindset) and "setting" (the physical environment) significantly affect the experience.

  • Dosing: The intensity of the experience varies depending on the dose. A low dose might cause subtle changes in perception, while a high dose can lead to a deeply transformative experience, or even overwhelming sensations. Start with a lower dose if you're unsure.

Possible Negative Effects:
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Some people feel mild nausea or even throw up, though this often subsides as the trip progresses.

  • Confusion and Anxiety: In high doses or unfamiliar settings, you might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or confused. This is why it's important to be mentally prepared and to have a "trip sitter" (someone sober to guide you if needed).

  • Bad Trip: Occasionally, some users may experience what’s known as a "bad trip," characterized by feelings of fear, paranoia, or dread. This can often be alleviated by reassurance and changing the environment or focus.

Image by Florian van Duyn
Image by Lloyd Newman

Consuming mushrooms with active compounds can lead to a range of effects, both physical and psychological. Here's a brief description of what you might expect:

Onset (20–60 minutes):
  • Initial Sensations: After ingesting the mushrooms, you might begin to feel the effects within 20 to 60 minutes. You may start to notice a mild sense of altered perception, with slight changes in colors, sounds, and sensations.

  • Physical Effects: These might include a feeling of lightness or heaviness, mild nausea (which usually subsides), or a slight tingling sensation in the body.

Peak (2–4 hours):
  • Visual and Sensory Alterations: This is when the effects are most intense. Colors may appear brighter, patterns may shift or breathe, and objects might seem to move or warp. Some people experience "trails" behind moving objects, enhanced visual distortions, or geometric patterns when they close their eyes.

  • Mental and Emotional Shifts: Thoughts may become more fluid and less structured. You might experience profound insights, deep introspection, or a sense of interconnectedness with the world around you. Alternatively, some may feel a sense of disorientation or confusion, especially if they’re unprepared for the intensity of the experience.

  • Euphoria and/or Anxiety: Many people report feelings of euphoria, wonder, and connectedness, while others may feel anxiety or fear. The emotional tone can shift, so being in a comfortable and safe environment is key to minimizing negative experiences.

Come-Down (4–6 hours):
  • Gradual Return to Normalcy: After the peak, the effects slowly begin to wear off. You might feel tired or mentally drained, but many people report a sense of clarity or new perspective after the experience.

  • Lingering Effects: Some residual effects like mild visual distortions, altered thinking, or feelings of peacefulness might persist for a few more hours.

General Effects to Expect:
  • Altered Perception of Time: Time may feel distorted, with minutes stretching into what seems like hours, or vice versa.

  • Heightened Senses: Colors may seem more vivid, sounds may be more resonant, and your sense of touch or taste may be amplified.

  • Ego Dissolution: Many users report a sensation of "ego death," where the boundaries between themselves and the world around them blur. This can lead to profound feelings of unity or oneness with the universe, but it can also be disorienting for some.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out via our contact page.

What to expect.

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