Magic mushrooms, also referred to as “psychedelics,” are sacred medicine and were traditionally used in various spiritual rituals. These psychedelics contain psychotropic compounds which enhance visions and mind-blowing experiences. Using these magic mushrooms would also induce one’s extrasensory senses.
The popularity of magic mushrooms has increased through the years. It is now considered as one of the safest and best psychedelics of the current times. Records show that the Western world never ceased in using these compounds since its introduction around the 1950’s.
More scientific researches prove that consuming these dried shrooms and other forms of magic mushrooms offer benefits in improving the user’s spiritual and meaningful experiences and in healing psychosomatic disorders. However, before dealing with these psychotropic mushrooms, you have to know the different kinds of magic mushrooms.
Mushrooms with psychoactive components are generally referred to as magic mushrooms. However, many users associate the term with a specific genre, the psilocybin mushrooms. Magic mushrooms also include Claviceps Purpurea and Amanita Muscaria which do not belong to the Psilocybe family.
The right knowledge of magic mushrooms will save you from choosing those that are packed with poison. Make sure to learn more about these three types of magic mushrooms:
1. Psilocybin Mushrooms
These magic mushrooms are really popular, and people all over the world are using them because of the different intensity and flavorful experience that they can provide. Psilocybin mushrooms are included in the Psilocybe genus of the Strophariaceae family.
Psilocybin mushrooms have more than 180 species and the most popular of which is the Psilocybe Cubensis or Golden Teacher. This type of magic mushrooms is a potent spiritual teacher. The Psilocybe Semilanceata Mushrooms are also included in this genus. Psilocybe Bohemica, Psilocybe Azurencens, and Psilocybe Cyanescens are some of the less popular kinds of Psilocybin mushrooms.
There are biochemical substances in every psilocybin mushrooms and the most active players are psilocybin and psilocin. These compounds are responsible for the mind-altering and psychedelic experiences that ensue after each use. The psilocybin mushroom varies in terms of the degree of potency and psychedelic experiences that are provided.
A lot of magic mushroom users choose psilocybe azurencens because it contains the highest amount of psilocybin and psilocin. Another potent mushroom is the psilocybe baeocystis. In Europe, the most popular magic mushroom is the psilocybe semilanceata because it grows in the area, mostly in the forest.
2. Amanita Muscaria or Fly Amanita
Another popular magic mushroom is the Amanita Muscaria, Fly Amanita or Fly Agaric. These mushrooms that belong to the Amanita genus are known for their red cap with white dots. They’re abundant in autumn and you can easily spot them in the forests.
The Siberian shamans were the ones who frequently used the Amanita Muscaria. These compounds were also popular in Asia and Northern Europe. Records show that urine from people who ingest the Fly Amanita is even more potent compared to the urine of those who ingest the mushrooms themselves.
Such potency can be explained by the fact that the human liver recognizes the compounds in the mushrooms as toxic. The liver would then rush to eliminate the compound using the kidneys. Amanita Muscaria contains the compounds muscimol and botanic acid.
3. Ergot or Claviceps Purpurea
The claviceps purpurea is a special kind of mushroom that actually grows on rye. It’s akin to a parasite that feeds off and grows on rye, infesting on the grain itself. The biochemical compound ergotamine is the main psychedelic component of this type of magic mushroom. Ergotamine is also known as the modern LSD’s predecessor.
Ergot belongs to the genus Claviceps of the Hypocreaceae family. Long ago, this compound was considered poison, but the ancient Greeks and Romans found them useful as sacred entheogens. Poisoning due to Ergot was referred to as St. Anthony’s Fire.
The poison would lead to hallucination, gangrene resulting to loss of limb and death. There was a time when outbreak ensued due to Ergot. It eventually plagued Europe but was soon linked to witchcraft and the dreaded inquisition.
Ergot was also associated with the Eleunisian mystery that represented a closely guarded ancient secret. Sacred ceremonies were held where people consumed this kind of mushroom so as to achieve a high level of spiritual experience. Even the famous Plato consumed this psychedelic compound so enhance his thinking ability.
Cultivating Magic Mushrooms
If you decide to grow your own magic mushroom in a natural or a sterile environment, it is important to exercise caution. Take note that mushrooms come in different species and some are not even psychoactive. Other mushrooms might be considered edible but there are those that contain deadly poison.
Exercise due diligence and consume these psychoactive compounds in a nurturing, safe and sacred environment. Remember that you’re not playing with toys here. Magic mushrooms are powerful and sacred medicine. If you treat them the right way, you will certainly enjoy the best experience.
