SHAMANIC Mushrooms

SHAMANIC MUSHROOMS

The ancient origins of these shamanic mushrooms can be traced back to as early as 10,000 BCE from rock-etched murals of the psychedelic found in Northern Australia. A controversial Stoned Ape Theory developed by a famous ethnobotanist, Terence McKenna, claimed that “the shrooms may have expedited human evolution” by increasing the size of human brains, creating hyperconnectivity between the neuro network, which led to our primitive ancestors achieving heightened levels of consciousness. Recent researches have also shown that these mushrooms can allow a person to think and see things very differently than before, which is why it is very effective in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD and addiction.

The mushroom is more commonly taken in combination with Harmala or Syrian Rue, which contains monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOi), similar to those in Ayahuasca. It helps prevent several alkaloids, such as Dimethyltryptamine and the mushroom, from being broken down by enzymes in the stomach. As a result, more of the active compounds of the mushroom will be available for the body to absorb when it is ingested, which enhances its psychoactive effects. The combination of harmala and shamanic mushroom is sometimes called “Shroomahuasca” due to the blended effects of both the mushrooms and Ayahuasca.

The onset of the experience typically occurs within 15 minutes to 30 minutes after taking the mushroom (the harmala is taken 30-40 minutes before this) with peak effects usually occurring within the first few hours. Many people experience a release of residual energy in the person’s psyche during this period where colors become more vivid and solid objects appear to breathe. After that, the experience gradually becomes lighter and more open, allowing the person to receive more information and experience a wide range of emotions.

For centuries, these sacred mushrooms have also been associated with spiritual experiences and self-discovery.  It enabled one to attain a heightened state of spiritual awareness, a connection to the divine and the universe, a distorted sense of time, a sense of euphoria, increased sense of empathy. However, everyone’s experiences will greatly vary depending on the user’s intent, existing mental and emotional state.

One thing is for certain, there is a divine intelligence behind this ancient medicine. If it is the person’s intent to cleanse or transmute any unresolved issues to the surface, the mushroom will provide them an experience that can either be gentle or intense. No matter the intensity, it will never be at a level that the person cannot cope with. The end result usually provides a great sense of cathartic release.

The entire ceremony lasts approximately 6-8 hours. With higher doses, one might still feel its effects until the next day.  Hence, it recommended to take a day off after the Shamanic Mushroom Ceremony to integrate the experience.

Due to the increased effects of the combined medicine, it is extremely vital that one only takes it under the supervision of someone experienced in a safe environment.

A more practical way to take the harmala is in capsule form due to its unpleasant taste and texture. One large capsule can contain about 0.5 g of harmala and should be taken about 30-40 minutes before taking the mushrooms. From our experience, the dosage can be categorized as directed below.  Note that the dried mushrooms used is of the Golden Teacher strain. Other strains are to be adjusted according to their strength.

  • Low dose: 0.5 g (1 capsule) of harmala + 1 g of mushroom
  • Medium dose: 1 g (2 capsules) of harmala + 2 g of mushroom
  • Full dose: 1.5 g (3 capsules) of harmala + 3 g of mushroom
  • High dose: 2 g (4 capsules) of harmala + 4 g of mushroom

A person’s body weight must also be taken into account when considering the dosage required, i.e., a heavier person may need more medicine to achieve the same effects of a lighter person.

Generally, when the mushroom is consumed on its own, persons taking pharmaceutical antidepressants (e.g. SSRI class) would simply experience a lesser degree of psychoactive effects. But when combined with Harmala, the SSRI drugs must be stopped at least 3 days before taking the Harmala due to the conflicting effects of MAOi and SSRI. When individuals fail to adhere to this safety precaution can result in serious consequences.

Here is the recommended preparation for the Shamanic Mushroom Ceremony:

3 Days Before The Ceremony

  • No anti-depression drugs, pain-killers, alcoholic drinks
  • No spicy or strong-tasting food that can upset the stomach
  • Reduce red meat, fat, sugar
  • Light & simple vegetarian meals or just fruit for dinner

6 Hours Before The Ceremony

  • No food
  • Drink plenty of water

A vital aspect of any plant medicine ceremony is for the user to properly integrate the experience into their being so it can have a more long-lasting positive effect in their life.

Mushroom Men Painting 
Australia Cave 10,000 Year Old

Mushroom Cave Painting – Sapin 6,000 Year Old

In Ancient Greece, cults worshipping the goddess
Demeter held ritual ceremonies involving the
use of a psychoactive brew that possibly contained
Ergot fungus (what LSD is derived from), Shamanic mushrooms, and Amanita Muscaria mushrooms.
These ceremonies, colloquially known as
“The Eleusinian Mysteries,” were shrouded in secrecy.

Siberian Woman using Amanita Muscaria

OVERVIEW

DURATION

4 Hours to 10 hours

SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea is possible at the onset of the experience. Bad trips are a possibility depending on the user's pre-existing mental and physical condition.

ADDICTIVE

Not at all.

PSYCHEDELIC

Yes, depending on the person, mushroom quality and dosage

EFFECTS

Expanded Consciousness, Healing, Introspection

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