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Historical Use of Magic Mushrooms

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A Look Back at the History of Psilocybin Mushrooms

The historical origins of Psilocybin Mushrooms can be traced back to 9000 BC. These unique mushrooms, boasting over 200 species, contain psilocybin, a substance known to cause hallucinogenic effects. These effects may range from altered perception and visual or auditory hallucinations to profound spiritual experiences. These mushrooms have served as essential elements in spiritual rituals and practices across diverse cultures and tribes for millennia. A substantial number of these historical uses originate from North and South America.

Psilocybin Mushrooms in The Times of Yore

Over time, countless cultures have utilized natural psychedelics. Evidence from the Sahara Desert suggests that humans were consuming Psilocybe Cubensis as early as 7000 years ago. Archaeological findings reveal the depiction of this mind-altering substance in ancient art across various regions. For instance, the indigenous tribes of North Africa in the Sahara portrayed its use in their paintings from around 9000 BC. Similarly, the renowned Selva Pascuala mural rock painting in Spain, approximately 6000 years old, indicates the use of Psilocybe Hispanica in religious ceremonies. The influence of these substances on our cultural evolution, religion, art, societal norms, and everyday life continues to become more apparent. Undoubtedly, this substance has made a significant impact on our culture and society.

A Historical Overview of Magic Psilocybin Mushrooms Usage

Historically,magic Psilocybin Mushrooms have been consumed for a prolonged period. The psychoactive substance we recognize today has been utilized in various ways across centuries. It’s a natural bounty that has been widely embraced. It’s the perfect time for Fungalfriend Canada to delve into the historical progression that has led Psilocybin Mushrooms to its current prominence.

Major Points of Interest

  1. Dried Psilocybin Mushrooms have long been used in traditional rituals and spiritual healing. Today, they serve as a remedy for mental health disorders.
  2. Psilocybin Mushrooms gained popularity during the hippie movement and played a significant role in the psychedelic revolution, leading to its recreational use.
  3. Key figures such as Wasson, Sabina, and McKenna brought psilocybin to the forefront of the modern world.
Canadian Psilocybin Mushrooms

© Jonathan Solter

Endorsing the Stoned Ape Theory

The Stoned Ape Hypothesis was first proposed by Terence McKenna, suggesting that psilocybin might have been instrumental in the cognitive development of humans. Despite facing some criticism, the intriguing nature of this theory remains undeniable.

Ancient Societies and Sacred Rituals

Historically, societies have used symbols, art, and statues to represent cubes, indicating the ceremonial use of Psilocybin Mushrooms. Both the Mayans and Aztecs utilized it as a means to communicate with supernatural beings, including gods. In the culturally rich Aztec society, it was referred to as “teonanácatl“, which means “flesh of the gods”. The concept of a psychedelic experience was alien to them, which led them to perceive it as a divine entity. Moving north to Siberia, shamans employed hallucinogenic Psilocybin Mushrooms for spiritual healing and customary practices, despite its toxic nature. They specifically used the hallucinogenic substance (Psilocybin Mushrooms) known as “Amanita Muscaria”. This usage dates back nearly ten thousand years. African tribal ceremonies, particularly those of the Congo and Zimbabwean tribes, utilized cubes to communicate with ancestors, induce visions, and promote spiritual healing. These ancient societies provide context for the contemporary usage of psilocybin. The reverence for this substance in these cultures stemmed from its divine associations and its ability to provoke mystical experiences.

Psilocybin Mushrooms in Myth and Folklore

Numerous accounts, including those of Gordon Wasson, have emphasized the connection between Psilocybin Mushrooms and the mystical world, highlighting its role in folklore and mythology as a medium for divine communication and enlightenment. In ancient India, the Soma—a ceremonial drink mentioned in the Vedas—was reputed to induce altered states of consciousness. Scholars like Wasson speculate that it could have been brewed from psychoactive plants, particularly the fly agaric. Some even suggest that this ancient beverage may have contained a mix of various plants. Regardless of its origins, the history of psychedelics suggests that Soma facilitated the emergence of sacred symbols during rituals, symbolizing a gateway to higher wisdom or spiritual enlightenment.

The Modern Era

Tracing the

Origins

Old texts from the period before Columbus discovered America show that both the Mayans and Aztecs utilized psilocybin Psilocybin Mushrooms. The Spanish officials during the 15th and 16th centuries deemed its usage as uncultured and subsequently prohibited it. However, despite the ban, shamans secretly carried on the consumption of magic Psilocybin Mushrooms, thereby maintaining their cultural customs for over 400 years.

Re-emergence in the Western World

The 1950s saw a revival of these materials in the Western world, thanks to the pioneering work of individuals such as R. Gordon Wasson, Roger Heim, and Albert Hofmann. During a voyage to Mexico, they managed to isolate the two psychedelic components (psilocybin and psilocin) present in the Psilocybin Mushrooms obtained from the Mazatec tribe. Wasson later spread the word about his journeys, usages, and observations regarding magic Psilocybin Mushrooms through Life magazine. His articles and personal experiences led to the recognition of the substance as a potent hallucinogen. By the arrival of the 1960s, the substance had become an emblem of the Hippie culture, perceived as a portal to spiritual experiences. However, its usage also sparked substantial debate and initiated a revolution in the recreational use of hallucinogenic substances.

Subsequent Progress: Worldwide Prohibition

In 1971, psilocybin was classified as a Schedule 1 illegal drug by the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, along with Lysergic Acid Diethylamide and N, N-Dimethyltryptamine. They were all considered to have no medicinal value and a high risk of misuse at that time. This resulted in a broad criminalization in Western nations, including Canada and the U.S., greatly limiting the spiritual and therapeutic uses of the substance.

The Current Resurgence of Psilocybin

Lately, there has been a softening of the strict rules governing the use of psilocybin, starting with its decriminalization. This shift is in line with the UN’s provision for treaty member countries to regulate the substance as they see fit. At the same time, an increasing amount of research and clinical trials on psychedelics and consciousness strongly supports the potential medical uses of psilocybin. A 2021 study on the therapeutic use of psychedelics suggests that the 1970 prohibition greatly hindered further research. Nevertheless, an initial study in 2004 revived interest in psilocybin, suggesting potential uses in neuropsychiatry, especially for treating mental health issues such as:

  • Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Drug Abuse (Aiding in Addiction Recovery)
  • Excessive Use of Alcohol and Drugs)

Media and Art’s Influence

The topic of psychedelic cubes is now widely discussed and represented in various forms, fuelled by the community’s renewed curiosity about these substances. This interest is reflected in diverse forms of media, art, and literature. Movies like “Fantastic Fungi” by Director Louie Schwartzberg, along with documentaries that explore the therapeutic benefits of these substances, have enhanced public understanding of their psychological and physical effects. Moreover, the author Michael Pollan, in his book “How to Change Your Mind,” delves into the use of psychedelics for mental health and spiritual growth, thus igniting renewed interest in their societal and healing roles.

Prominent Historical Advocates of Fungi

  1. María Sabina: María Sabina, a Mazatec shaman and poet from Mexico, played a vital role in introducing psychedelic cubes to the Western world, by allowing Wasson to observe her Psilocybin Mushrooms rituals.
  2. Gordon Wasson: Wasson, a writer, brought worldwide attention to psychedelic cubes. His extensive accounts of his experiences with Sabina contributed to a broader understanding of their traditional use.
  3. Terence McKenna: A major proponent of psychedelics, McKenna emphasized their cultural and philosophical significance. His speeches, writings, and research popularized the “Stoned Ape” theory, proposing it as a cognitive enhancing tool that shaped society.

Historical Timeline – A Concise Overview

with TRD.

increasing. It has been granted a Special Access Program by Health Canada for its use.
Prehistoric Stone art found in the Sahara, Africa, suggests prehistoric use.
Ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations incorporated teonanácatl into their religious and spiritual rituals.
16th Century Its use was discouraged due to its association with Indigenous beliefs.
18th Century In 1799, the “intoxicating” effects of the cubes were first recorded when four children accidentally consumed Psilocybe Semilanceata, highlighting the potential risks of its use.
20th Century Wasson and Sabina introduced the substance to the Western world, sparking a psychedelic revolution among the hippie culture. The UN authorized the possession and consumption of the substance.
21st Century Clinical trials are now underway to validate its potential medical benefits.

The Emergence of the Psychedelic Era and Beyond Salvation | Purchase Psilocybin Mushrooms Online at Fungalfriend Canada

The regular utilization of cubes by Fungalfriend Canada, supported by robust scientific research, will persistently expand until achieving worldwide acknowledgment. The online Psilocybin Mushrooms store of Fungalfriend Canada is prepared to assist this transformation. Our extensive assortment of products attracts customers, inspiring them to embark on the enigmatic and therapeutic journey of psilocybin. Secure your preferred items from Zoomies today.

Commonly Asked Questions

No, Amanita Muscaria does not contain the active components present in Psilocybe Cubensis. Instead, the psychoactive substances in fly agaric are muscimol and ibotenic acid. A prevalent theory about Soma’s origin suggests it as a concoction of different psychoactive plants. Likewise, ayahuasca is a mind-altering drink. However, the sole connection between the two is the view of soma as an analogue of ayahuasca. It was examined for potential Psilocybin Mushrooms poisoning after being classified as a toxic Psilocybin Mushrooms. Today, we recognize it as the Psilocybe Mexicana.