Gymnopilus Sp
There are more than 1 dozen species of "magic mushrooms" in Australia and New Zealand. Four of these species are dung (manure) inhabiting mushrooms. They include Psilocybe cubensis and/or Psilocybe subcubensis (known locally as "gold caps" and/or "gold tops"), Psilocybe subaeruginosa, and Copelandia cyanescens (the latter is known locally as "blue meanies"). These four species contain the mind altering alkaloids psilocybine and psilocine and are the most common hallucinogenic mushrooms in Australia. In New Zealand, the most commonly used species are Copelandia cyanescens and Psilocybe semilanceata, the latter species is recognized throughout the world as the "liberty cap"). This species only occurs in manured soil and does not grow directly from the dung of cattle, sheep or other four legged farm animals. Psilocybe cubensis the most popular of these species, is well known throughout much of the world; however, this species is not known to occur in New Zealand. Other species described in this guide are known to occur in manured soil, in pastures, meadows, grazing lands, some lawns and in the bark mulch and woodchips of deciduous woods. n the U.S.)
contribute to the therapeutic process; they may
even be the sole source for future progress.
Under these conditions, stereo music also
significantly deepened the intensity of the
experience. It appears that these kinds of specific
experiences may also account for the remarkable
success of treating terminal patients with LSD to
ease their fears in the face of death and to reduce
even the most severe forms of pain. In many such
cases, symptoms disappeared entirely, and relief
from pain and anxiety that continued even after the
drug's acute effects had worn off. A book by S.
Grof provides a compassionate analysis of such
successful treatments, which serves to underscore
the fact that systematic efforts to investigate these
particular therapeutic benefits have only just
begun. So far, LSD has been the most widely
studied substance in terms of easing the suffering
of terminally ill patients, as well as dipropyltryptamine
(DPT), a synthetic drug structurally
similar to psilocybin that is active only when
administered by injection.
Below, a young woman from Switzerland
gives a detailed account of her second mushroom
experience. Her first experiment, with Psilocybe
cubensis, had already introduced her to the realm
of mystical experiences. For her second journey,
she used 20 Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms as
part of a group ritual and achieved transcendence.
A remarkable feature of her
account is that the presence of an experienced
guide was needed to realize the full potential of
this visionary quest.
"1 sat down next to another participant,
seeking to connect with others in preparation for
my journey. We proceeded to eat the fresh
mushrooms. The room grew quiet and lovely
music began to play. The mushrooms's effects
came on much faster than they did during my first
experiment. Twice I tried to establish closer
contact with my fellow participant, but he was
very nervous, and no source of reassurance for
me. I was seeking my spiritual companion, but did
not find that person among the present group. I
became a figure in a long, white robe, wandering
aimlessly among the columns (Greece?), still
searching.
My gaze lingered briefly on the wall next
to the door and I saw faces and figures appear
and vanish, but they did not hold my interest. It
was hopeless. I continued my aimless roaming,
and I was on the material plane, which I wanted
to leave - had to leave. Suddenly, I found myself
with one of the guides, who wanted to help me. I
stared off into the distance, longing to be free of
the material plane, but unable to do so. For a long
time, I failed to connect with the guide; our two
worlds were just too different. Suddenly I sensed
that he wasn't able to look at me directly. The path
by which to reach me runs through my eyes,
because only they are truly alive. I asked
him to help me on my way and invited him to look
into my eyes. I felt as if all life energy was
draining from my bo
More than half of Australia's beef cattle can be found in the coastal areas of Queensland and New South Wales; and the 20 to 30 inch (500-750mm) rainfall belt of Queensland, New South Wales and Northern Victoria, generally provide adequate climatic environments for the growth of psilocybian mushrooms, especially after heavy rains. It has been suggested that "Psilocybe cubensis was introduced into Australia accidentally by early settlers along with
Locatiiamanitamuscariaromania their livestock." This same spore dispersal mechanism also probably applies to Copelandia cyanescens, Panaeolus subbalteatus and several additional species known to occur in or around the dung of other ruminants. This includes Psilocybe semilanceata and
Psilocybin the non-hallucinogenic "haymaker's" mushroom Panaeolina foenisecii. While cattle are raised in all Australian states, as well as in the central lowlands, recreational users have been known to export these psychoptic species to various areas in Australia from areas where they were collected. In the case of New Zealand, hereafter referred to as NZ, cattle are the primary source for Copelandia cyanescens, but the "liberty cap" mushroom Psilocybe semilanceata only grows in the manured soil of four-legged ruminants and not directly from manure (Jansen, Pers. Comm., 1988). The identification section of this guide documents reported locations for more than 1 dozen species of psilocybian mushrooms in Australia and NZ which most likely have been used at one time or another for recreational purposes.
Macroscopically, it is extremely difficult to
distinguish from Psilocybe semilanceata. Unlike
the latter species, however, Psilocybe pelliculosa
will grow in forests on wood chips and sawdust.
Beug and Bigwood were able to furnish
analytical proof in support of the claim that
Psilocybe pelliculosa is weaker in its psychotropic
effects than comparable species. Psilocybe
pelliculosa contains about 30-50% of the amount
of psilocybin found in Psilocybe cyanescens (slang
names: Blue wavy, Cyan, Grandote), a species
common across the Pacific Northwest.
It fruits
primarily in parks, forming partial fairy rings. This
species did not become popular
among users until the mid-1970s.
species still fruits most abundantly in the fall.
A New Psychoactive Mushroom Mushroom Trips as a Popular Sport
Several additional Psilocybe species
Semilanceata Semilanceata
Psilocybe
have
been found in the Pacific Northwest, even though
the taxonomic classification of most of these
species remains inadequate, despite the fact that
monographs such as those by P. Stamets offer quite
detailed
Buyshrooms descriptions of the psychotropic
mycoflora. In the mid-1970s, Guzman and Ott
reported a rather spectacular event concerning the
spread of a "new" mushroom species. During the
fall of 1972, large numbers of a strongly bluing
gilled mushroom with a distinct ring pattern were
found at the University of Washington in Seattle.
The fruiting bodies were found growing on bark
mulch, which came from a central distribution
point and which had been spread widely across the
campus by gardeners. Due to the bluing reaction,
students at the university assumed that the
mushroom contained psilocybin, a belief that was
confirmed later on. The sudden appearance of
massive numbers of fruiting bodies quickly
inspired students at the university to use the
mushrooms as a hallucinogen.
In my opinion, it is still uncertain if the
mushroom really appeared spontaneously, or
whether it fruited on bark debris simply because the
substance had previously been mixed with spawn
derived from fruiting bodies that originated
elsewhere.
In any case, in 1976, the mushrooms were
named Psilocybe stuntzii Guzman & Ott (slang
name: "blue veil" or "stuntzees", (see Figures 54
and 71). Today, the species can be found growing
on bark and on lawns in parks, on golf courses,
football fields and gardens in numbers so large that
it is considered the second most important species
in terms of usage, after Psilocybe semilanceata. In
addition, Panaeolus subbalteatus is another
regionally important mushroom species (slang
name: "red cap"), even though its users believe it to
be slightly more poisonous than the Psilocybe
species. Still, the mushroom is used quite
frequently, because it begins to fruit during the
spring. The Psilocybe species, on the other hand, do
not appear until fall and continue to grow into early
winter, when temperatures consistently drop below
freezing, which inhibits further fruiting of the
spe
Gymnopilus sp
as well. Below are
some excerpts from his research protocols:
J.H. (a 24-year-old male) ingested four
cooked mushrooms at night, after a meal (!), and
then ate another three fresh mushrooms 30 minutes
later. This was followed by regurgitation, and 45
minutes later, he started to sweat profusely all over
his head and body. His pulse rate and breathing
were accelerated, but slowed down later on. He
laid down and experienced visual
hallucinations, which caused him to panic and to
run a distance of about 1,200 ft. to consult the
nearest doctor. The physician noted widely dilated
pupils, and proceeded to have the patient's
stomach pumped and then prescribed laxatives.
Three hours later, the abnormal state had largely
subsided; by the next morning, there was no
evidence of any other side effects.
M.K. (a 22-year-old male) ate just one
fresh mushroom, which had no effects at all.
K .Y. (a 31-year-old male) ate five
mushrooms. Regurgitation occurred 30 minutes
after ingestion, followed by sweating around the
head and body; his extremities appeared to be
slightly paralyzed. This paralysis persisted for
another three hours. During this time, the subject
had great difficulties handling a pen for writing,
his mood was depressed and he experienced
hallucinations, such as colorful lights flooding
down from the sky. By the following morning, all
of these effects had dissipated. The fresh fruiting
bodies were bitter, a taste that disappeared after
the mushrooms had been cooked in water.
The above experiments are rather
amateurish, and the descriptions of results are
heavily influenced by a simplistic perspective
which assumes that the mushrooms's
pharmacological effects proceed along a single,
narrow track. Still, these accounts demonstrate
that comparable dosages of Japanese mushroom
species have psychotropic effects similar to those
caused by Psilocybe species found on other
continents.
Much work still remains to be done in the
areas of phytochemistry and taxonomy before the
body of knowledge about psychotropic mushroom
species in Japan can grow to become adequate.
The geographic distribution and ingredients of the
Japanese Panaeolus species must also be studied
further. For instance, Panaeolus subbalteatus is
one of the species that are growing on several
Japanese islands today.
CHAPTER 7.6
INTOXICATIONS AND THE OLDEST KNOWN
MUSHROOM CULT IN AFRICA
So far, the mycoflora of the African
continent has been studied only peripherally and
remains largely unknown. During the late 1980s,
Italian mycologist G. Samorini and Terence
McKenna, working independently, found evidence
for the oldest known mushroom cult in Africa.
Their discoveries were not just sensational, but
most surprising as well. On the other hand, it
really shouldn't come as a surprise that the oldest
traces of human contact with mushrooms were
found on the very continent known as the cradle of
humanity.
10,000 Years Old
From 9,000 to
went in waves. Increasingly, all colors in her
immediate surroundings coalesced into shades of
green. The hallucinations were fearsome; the heads
of monsters became visible and a wall opened up
into an abyss. There was a succession of human
figure with animal heads. The next day, everything
was back to normal.
The oldest child (age 14) also
saw her parents' hair color turn green, had dilated
pupils and watched geometric shapes appear on the
wall. The youngest child
(age 11) experienced cramps and lost
consciousness.
In 1960, Singer and Guzman suggested
that Panaeolus cyanescens might contain
psilocybin, because of the intense blue staining
they had observed. It wasn't until after the
intoxications in Menton had been publicized, that
a research team working with A. Hofmann
detected 0.2% of psilocybin in the mushrooms.
Considering the powerful effects,
psychedelic shrooms found in west Texas however, this
concentration appears to be too low to cause such
impressive reactions. Later on, Sandoz
Laboratories reported the level of psilocybin in
dried samples as 0.8%, along with 1.2% psilocin.
The level of psilocin, however, may have been
falsely elevated by the presence of serotonin and
its derivates in the mushroom sample that was
being tested.
According to Stijve, a mushroom sample
collected by J.W. Allen in Thailand contained
0.
4% - 1.05% of psilocin, with only trace
amounts of psilocybin; serotonin was present in
large amounts, comparable to concentrations
found in all Panaeolus species.
Apparently, Panaeolus cyanescens
produces more psilocin than psilocybin. Still, I
was able to detect 0.4% of psilocybin in mycelia
cultivated on malt agar, with no other indole
compounds present.
Discussion of the Panaeolus species
would remain incomplete without pointing out
that those subjectively terrifying psychoses
reported in 1965 cannot be attributed to a specific
mushroom ingredient, but were likely
precipitated by the circumstances (set and setting)
surrounding the incident. The effects described by J.
Allen in Hawaii after eating 20 specimens paint a
different picture altogether:
With radio music playing softly in the
dark, euphoria began to come on in waves.
After
20 minutes, visions became so intense that I tried
to close my eyes. Whenever 1 did close my eyes,
my eyelids felt as if they were being sprayed from
the outside. Colors were sharp and clear, but
I always quickly opened my eyes again. Colors
were dancing like laser beams to the rhythm of
the music.
The stars in the sky assembled in
clusters that reached all the Pancyanidentification way into my soul. I
was a little scared at the idea that the ocean
water might rush up all the way into our hut.
Other than that, feelings of euphoria were
overwhelming.
psychedelic shrooms found in west Texas At times, I was overcome by fits of
laughter.
That night, I slept like "a prince ". The
following morning I gathered up my belongings
and had to walk back across the pasture where I
had collected the mushrooms the day before. I
noticed a lot o The first livestock to arrive in Australia were brought from the Cape of Good Hope in and
familiarity with psychotropic mushrooms in
Europe Tonsure Psychedelic that is most likely derived from usage of
Psilocybes and related species, rather than
experience with Amanita muscaria. However, it is
extremely difficult to reject or confirm this
hypothesis, due to the lack of conclusive data
available for analysis today.
Bwyd Ellylon: A Feast of Fairies in
Celebration of the Spirit World
Tales of ritualistic mushroom usage have
found their way into the realm of myths and
legends. For instance, one legend describes a
peculiar poisonous mushroom in Wales (British
Isles) with the strange name of Bwyd Ellylon,
which was considered a delicacy by fairies feasting
in celebration of the spirit world. Psilocybe
semilanceata is the most important psilocybincontaining
mushroom in Europe and it thrives in
parts of Great Britain, where the mushroom grows
abundantly all across the Welsh countryside during
fall season.
I would like to thank G. Samorini for
pointing out that the Inquisition was unusually
cruel and vicious in the Alpine valleys of
Valcamonica, Valtrompia and Valtellina (located
in the provinces of Brescia and Sandrio in
Northern Italy). Many books chronicle countless
witch burnings in that region, with particular
emphasis on the witches' meetings at the "Monte
del Tonale", located at an altitude of 2000 m (ca.
6,000 ft). Field research has shown that plants of
the nightshade family ("witching herbs") do not
grow at this altitude; even the fly agaric mushroom
is rarely found there. By contrast, pastures in the
area abound with Psilocybe semilanceata during
the fall. Given this historical context, it would
seem likely that Psilocybe
semilanceata played an important role as a
psychotropic agent in the region (see Figure 58,
Chapter 7.4).
In light of medieval accounts describing
the practice of witchcraft, it is interesting to note
that a subjective sensation of flying or levitation is
among the commonly reported effects of
psilocybin intoxication.
Berserk Rage of Nordic Warriors
In the course of the ideological power
struggle between Christianity and the remnants of
pagan religions that worshipped Nature, many
sources of knowledge were lost. The aggressive
repression and eradication of pre-Christian
customs all but destroyed the continuity of
Europe's original cultural heritage, along with
much historic evidence documenting early cultural
practices, including the usage of plants and
mushrooms for the purpose of temporary
alterations of consciousness.
Some authors went so far as to blame the
fly agaric mushroom for proverbial fits of "berserk
rage" attributed to Nordic warriors. Many accounts
detailing this phenomenon allude to a "deception
of the eyes" (i.e. visual hallucinations).
After the
Nordic legal system banished the practice of
"going berserk", it disappeared quite suddenly
during the 12th century. At about the same time,
Saxo Grammaticus speculated that the Berserkers
may have used mag n the U.S.)
contribute to the therapeutic process; they may
even be the sole source for future progress.
Under these conditions, stereo music also
significantly deepened the intensity of the
experience. It appears that these kinds of specific
experiences may also account for the remarkable
success of treating terminal patients with LSD to
ease their fears in the face of death and to reduce
even the most severe forms of pain. In many such
cases, symptoms disappeared entirely, and relief
from pain and anxiety that continued even after the
drug's acute effects had worn off. A book by S.
Grof provides a compassionate analysis of such
successful treatments, which serves to underscore
the fact that systematic efforts to investigate these
particular therapeutic benefits have only just
begun. So far, LSD has been the most widely
studied substance in terms of easing the suffering
of terminally ill patients, as well as dipropyltryptamine
(DPT), a synthetic drug structurally
similar to psilocybin that is active only when
administered by injection.
Below, a young woman from Switzerland
gives a detailed account of her second mushroom
experience. Her first experiment, with Psilocybe
cubensis, had already introduced her to the realm
of mystical experiences. For her second journey,
she used 20 Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms as
part of a group ritual and achieved transcendence.
A remarkable feature of her
account is that the presence of an experienced
guide was needed to realize the full potential of
this visionary quest.
"1 sat down next to another participant,
seeking to connect with others in preparation for
my journey. We proceeded to eat the fresh
mushrooms. The room grew quiet and lovely
music began to play. The mushrooms's effects
came on much faster than they did during my first
experiment. Twice I tried to establish closer
contact with my fellow participant, but he was
very nervous, and no source of reassurance for
me. I was seeking my spiritual companion, but did
not find that person among the present group. I
became a figure in a long, white robe, wandering
aimlessly among the columns (Greece?), still
searching.
My gaze lingered briefly on the wall next
to the door and I saw faces and figures appear
and vanish, but they did not hold my interest. It
was hopeless. I continued my aimless roaming,
and I was on the material plane, which I wanted
to leave - had to leave. Suddenly, I found myself
with one of the guides, who wanted to help me. I
stared off into the distance, longing to be free of
the material plane, but unable to do so. For a long
time, I failed to connect with the guide; our two
worlds were just too different. Suddenly I sensed
that he wasn't able to look at me directly. The path
by which to reach me runs through my eyes,
because only they are truly alive. I asked
him to help me on my way and invited him to look
into my eyes. I felt as if all life energy was
draining from my bo
n the U.S.)
contribute to the therapeutic process; they may
even be the sole source for future progress.
Under Shroomsinthecaribbean these conditions, stereo music also
significantly deepened the intensity of the
experience. It appears that these kinds of specific
experiences may also account for the remarkable
success of treating terminal patients with LSD to
ease their fears in the face of death and to reduce
even the most severe forms of pain. In many such
cases, symptoms disappeared entirely, and relief
from pain and anxiety that continued even after the
drug's acute effects had worn off. A book by S.
Grof provides a compassionate analysis of such
successful treatments, which serves to underscore
the fact that systematic efforts to investigate these
particular therapeutic benefits have only just
begun. So far, LSD has been the most widely
studied substance in terms of easing the suffering
of terminally ill patients, as well as dipropyltryptamine
(DPT), a synthetic drug structurally
similar to psilocybin that is active only when
administered by injection.
Below, a young woman from Switzerland
gives a detailed account of her second mushroom
experience. Her first experiment, with Psilocybe
cubensis, had already introduced her to the realm
of mystical experiences. For her second journey,
she used 20 Psilocybe semilanceata mushrooms as
part of a group ritual and achieved transcendence.
A remarkable feature of her
account is that the presence of an experienced
guide was needed to realize the full potential of
this visionary quest.
"1 sat down next to another participant,
seeking to connect with others in preparation for
my journey. We proceeded to eat the fresh
mushrooms. The room grew quiet and lovely
music began to play. The mushrooms's effects
came on much faster than they did during my first
experiment. Twice I tried to establish closer
contact with my fellow participant, but he was
very nervous, and no source of reassurance for
me. I was seeking my spiritual companion, but did
not find that person among the present group. I
became a figure in a long, white robe, wandering
aimlessly among the columns (Greece?), still
searching.
My gaze lingered briefly on the wall next
to the door and I saw faces and figures
psilocybe
psilocybe
psilocybe subaeruginosa appear
and vanish, but they did not hold my interest. It
was hopeless. I continued my aimless roaming,
and I was on the material plane, which I wanted
to leave - had mexicana
psilocybe mexicana to leave.
Suddenly, I found myself
with one of the guides, who wanted to help me. I
stared off into the distance, longing to be free of
the material plane, but unable to do so. For a long
time, I failed to connect with the guide; our two
worlds were just too different. Suddenly I sensed
that he wasn't able to look at me directly. The path
by which to reach me runs through my eyes,
because only they are truly alive. I asked
him to help me on my way and invited him to look
into my eyes. I felt as if all life energy was
draining from my bo
Gymnopilus sp
JOCHEN GARTZ
MAGIC MUSHROOMS
Around the World
A Scientific Journey Across Cultures and
Time
The Case for Challenging Research
and Value Systems
* LIS PUBLICATIONS * LOS ANGELES, CA*
Figure 1 - Water Color Painting of Psilocybe semilanceata
(Germany, 1927)
TABLE OF CONTENT (With Active Links' Just Click On A Subject To Go To The Page)
"Who Was the First Magician?" - Foreword by Christian Ratsch 7
1. Introduction 9
2. Reflections on the History and Scientific Study of Magic Mushrooms 10
3. The Current State of Knowledge About European Species 14
3.1 Psilocybe semilanceata: The Classic Species Among European Psychotropic Mushrooms 16
3.2 Psilocybe cyanescens: Potent Mushrooms Growing on Wood Debris 29
3.3 Panaeolus subbalteatus: Mycology and Myths about the Panaeolus Species 37
3.4 Inocybe aeruginascens: Fast-Spreading New Arrivals 44
3.5 Gymnopilus purpuratus: Magnificent Mushrooms from South America 51
3.6 Conocybe cyanopus: Tiny Mushrooms of Remarkable Potency 55
3.7 Pluteus salicinus: A Little-known Wood-Inhabiting Species 58
4. Mushroom Identification: Taxonomic Confusion and the Potential for Deadly Mistakes 61
5. The Bluing Phenomenon and Metol Testing: Reality vs. Wishful Thinking 63
6. Mushroom Cultivation: Classic Findings and New Techniques 66
7. Psychotropic Mushroom Species Around the World 77
7.1 Spotlight on North America and Hawaii 79
7.2 Mycophilia in Central and South America 82
7.3 Australia's Mycoflora Attracts Attention 84
7.4 European Customs and Conventions 87
7.5 Japanese Experimentation 93
7.6 Intoxications and the Oldest Known Mushroom Cult in Africa 95
7.7 Usage in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific Islands 98
8. Some Comments on Effects of Mushrooms from the Category Phantastika 102
9. Psychotherapy 108
10. Outlook 114
11. Bibliography 120
Index 129
Figure 2 - Psilocybe cubensis from Australia
Figure 3 - Water color painting of Panaeolus subbalteatus (Germany, 1927).
Figure 4 - Fresh Panaeolus subbalteatus mushrooms.
FOREWORD
Nobody knows precisely when the first magic
mushroom emerged from the shadows of
prehistory to enter the light of consciousness.
Nobody knows when the first magic mushroom
was eaten by a human being. Nobody knows
just who the first magic mushroom eater was. In
seeking answers to these questions, we can only
speculate. Mycophobes, however, are quick to
voice their conviction that only a fool would be
reckless enough to want to attain a higher state
of consciousness beyond the boundaries of
everyday reality. And only a fool would attempt
to do this by ingesting those odd little things that
mysteriously thrive on decaying, humid soil,
rotten wood and malodorous mounds of cow
manure.
Historically, magic, mushrooms have
been feared and hated` since antiquity: magic
mushrooms were thought to be made from
poisons that had dripped from serpents' fangs;
they were considered to be unclean emissions of
evil spirits; moreover, mushrooms were a kn
ed
and large numbers of studies were conducted,
primarily with LSD. These investigators sought to
discover the receptor binding sites for
hallucinogenic compounds in the brain and to
understand the mechanisms underlying the
genesis of psychedelic visions. Today, we still
lack a sound theoretical framework able to
explain the relationship between chemical
compounds and the manifestation of their
psychoactivity. Even though basic research is
certainly important, its methods, unfortunately, are
often a function of a rather one-sided
pharmacological approach to investigating the
effects of psilocybin, LSD and mescaline - an
approach that is, in fact, too narrow to address the
remarkably unusual nature of these substances and
their effects.
Misunderstandings between pharmacologists
and toxicologists on the one hand and
psychiatrists and psychologists on the other can
often be traced all the way back to the 1950's,
creating
psilocybe subaeruginosa light requirements
a legacy of disputes and arguments that
have yet to be resolved. S. Grof undertook the
tedious task of analyzing 5,000 experimental LSD
protocols in an effort to
Psychedelicmushroomsofthecaribbean isolate "absolute"
symptoms that are reported or occur all of the
time. His results were negative. According to Grof,
hallucinogenic substances are non-specific triggers
causing a sequence of altered states of
consciousness, which do not fit the syndrome
labeled "toxic psychosis".
Rather, it is the
individual's personality, along with the
experimental setting
Sp Sp that significantly shape the
nature of the psychedelic experience. This view is
shared by a majority of experts with considerable
experience in conducting psychedelics-assisted
psychotherapy. Even "real" somatic symptoms,
such as nausea or vomiting, can often be controlled
through psychological intervention techniques
administered by trained professionals.
A Plethora of Names
The broad range of possible experiences
inspired the use of labels other
psilocybe subaeruginosa light requirements
than
"hallucinogens", with widely differing semantic
connotations: entheogens, psychedelics,
illusionogens, psycholytics, psychomimetics,
psychodysleptica, psychoemetics and others.
"Phantastica" (Lewin) is the oldest label
ever used to describe this class of substances.
This
term successfully evokes dream-like, fanciful
aspects of the experience, as well as the potential
for euphoric and dysphoric emotional overtones.
More recent terminology often says more about
semantic biases of those who use the labels than
about any factual, objective characteristics of the
alkaloids they refer to. Accordingly, official antidrug
propaganda since
the 1960's has disparaged "psychedelics" as
excessively glamorous and too positive a label, as
the term was popular among Timothy Leary's fans
and supporters.
When used in low doses or for the first
time, these substances are most likely to bring
about a kind of magical transformation of
surroundings, with a heightened ability to perceive
subtle differences along the color spectru
INTRODUCTION
Mind-altering (psilocybine containing) mushrooms have been traditionally used in religious healing and curing ceremonies by native peoples in Mesoamerica for more than 3,000 years. Today, the recreational use of hallucinogenic fungi by Westerners is widespread, especially in various regions of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, Great Britain, Europe (especially in the Netherlands), Scandinavia, South America, Southeast Asia, India, Bali, Samoa; Australia and New Zealand.
The modern, non-traditional use of
hallucinogenic mushrooms has been stimulated, by media reports in newspapers, magazines, word-of-mouth communication, the
World Wide Web and Internet, and also by the scholarly and popular journal publications of the renown ethnomycologist R. Gordon
Wasson, (Harvard psychologist Timothy Leary, traveler Jeremy Sanford, health guru Andrew Weil, and others (see Allen , Merlin &Jansen, 1991).This field guide reviews the history of both the accidental and purposeful use of psychoactive mushrooms in Australia and New
Zealand. Information in this guide has been gathered from personal experiences in Australia by the author and from Bohemica Spores reports in the scientific literature, news items appearing in the popular press, and personal communications with Australian and New Zealand (NZ)
professionals (Unsigned 1970; O'Neill, 1986).
, and who gorge
themselves on our tax dollars.
I met Jochen Gartz shortly after the fall of
the Berlin Wall at the third symposium of the
European College for the Study of Consciousness
(ECSC) in Freiburg, Germany. Our encounter was
my first contact with a researcher from the former
East Germany. Jochen Gartz's enthusiastic lecture
was a truly consciousnessexpanding event, his
words breaking down traditional borders and
crossing over into new territory. The magic
mushrooms spoke through him - with no trace of
dogma or ideology - in
the tradition of true anarchy that is the hallmark of
mushroom magic. What I heard was unbelievable.
Jochen spoke of a "new" psychedelic mushroom
and its migration. The mycelia had spread in
concentric circles outward from Leipzig, jumping
all political borders. Finally, when the mycelia
reached West German soil, the hated Berlin Wall
crumbled. Could there possibly be a connection
between the evolution of the magic mushroom and
the evolution of our consciousness? Could a
mushroom have contributed to the resolution of
our political conflicts?
In the past, politicians, even popes, had
their own jesters and magicians, who functioned as
pressure release valves in the machinations of
political power struggles. It is obvious that a
country whose chancellor is being pelted with
eggs, urgently needs a new breed of magician who
are able to readjust reality. But today, no aspiring
magician should go about this task without this
book as a guide for the wondrous journey into the
realm of magic mushrooms.
Christian Rdtsch
Figure 5 - "Anthropomorphic Beings Engaged in Mushroom Dance"
10,000-year-old rock drawing in Tassili, Sahara (Algeria)
CHAPTER 1
I BELIEVE THE TIME HAS COME FOR A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF NEW
FINDINGS FROM THE FIELDS OF MYCOLOGY, TAXONOMY AND NATURAL
PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY
When R.G. Wasson, R. Heim and A.
Hofmann began their interdisciplinary research
program to study the Mexican species of
mushrooms and their usage in Mexican
mushroom cults, their efforts culminated in a
1958 landmark report that described the isolation,
molecular structure and synthesis of the
mushrooms' active ingredients: psilocybin and
psilocin. Several years later, these substances
were also identified in a species of mushroom in
Europe, Psilocybe semilanceata, which became the
first in a series of newly discovered species. Since
then, psychoactive mushrooms from other genera
have been reported with increasing frequency.
As part of my analytical work dedicated
to the identification of naturally occurring
chemicals, I had the good fortune to be part of a
research team that studied alkaloids found in a
variety of mushroom species. Now I believe the
time has come for a comprehensive review of
new findings from the fields of mycology,
taxonomy and natural products chemistry.
Wasson and his successors have already provided
detailed accounts pertaining to the history and
study of the Me This document provides complete directions for cultivating psilocybin
Psychedelic Shrooms Found In West Texas It has been suggested by an Australian physician that the general public in Australia, as well as members of its drug using
Giantcolorpapermushroomssculptors subculture, first became aware of the visionary properties of these psychoactive mushrooms by a visiting surfer(s), who came from either New Zealand or the United States (Hawaii) and most likely provided ethnomycological information to local surfers (McCarthy, 1971). This physician reported that the use of psychoactive mushrooms, as well as 21 other drugs "was well demonstrated during a survey on drug abuse that was conducted in Southern Queensland during l969.
" This survey relied on interviews of 51 people belonging to "the `surfer' subculture local beach resorts". In this report, the doctor believed that "although the survey involved surfers and their female friends, there is no suggestion that the use of these drugs is confined to this group, which constitutes but a proportion of our (Australian) young drug taking community.
" It is thus likely that word-of-mouth communication made a significant contribution to the increasing use of "magic mushrooms" in Australia and NZ.
Gymnopilus sp. identification @ 8/1/2010 1:57:19 AM