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Historical Use of Magic Mushrooms

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A Historical Overview of Shrooms

The presence of Shrooms can be traced back to 9000 BC according to historical documents. These unique mushrooms, boasting over 200 species, contain psilocybin, a compound that triggers hallucinogenic effects. These effects can include altered awareness, visual and auditory hallucinations, and intense spiritual experiences. Historically, these mushrooms have been used in spiritual ceremonies, rituals, and practices by various cultures and tribes for thousands of years. A significant number of these historical uses originate from North and South America.

Shrooms in Ancient Times

Throughout history, many cultures have utilized natural psychedelics. Evidence from the Sahara Desert suggests that humans were consuming Psilocybe Cubensis over 7000 years ago. Archeological findings show that this psychoactive substance was depicted in prehistoric art in various regions. For instance, the indigenous tribes of North Africa in the Sahara illustrated its use in their paintings from around 9000 BC. Similarly, the renowned Selva Pascuala mural rock painting in Spain, which is 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 standards, and everyday life is increasingly apparent. This substance has indeed left a deep mark on our culture and society.

Historical Summary of Shrooms Consumption

Historically,magic Shrooms have been consumed for a prolonged period. The psychoactive substance we know today has spanned multiple centuries, with varied practices related to its use. Who can resist the gifts of nature? It’s an opportune moment for Get Magic Mushrooms Canada to delve into the historical path that has led Shrooms to its current state.

Main Highlights

  1. Dried Shrooms have been used in traditional rituals and spiritual healing for centuries. Today, it is used as a treatment for mental health disorders.
  2. Shrooms became a defining element of the hippie culture and played a significant role in the psychedelic revolution, advocating its recreational use.
  3. Key figures such as Wasson, Sabina, and McKenna brought psilocybin to the attention of the modern world.
Canadian Psilocybin Mushrooms

© Jonathan Solter

Endorsing the Stoned Ape Theory

The Stoned Ape Hypothesis, a theory initiated by Terence McKenna, proposes that psilocybin may have contributed to human evolution, particularly the development of cognition. Despite facing some criticisms, the intriguing nature of this theory remains undeniable.

Ancient Communities and Sacred Rituals

Historical civilizations depicted cubes in symbols, artwork, and statuary, indicating the ceremonial use of Shrooms. The Mayans and Aztecs used it to facilitate communication with supernatural beings, including gods. Among the culturally rich Aztec society, it was referred to as “teonanácatl“, meaning “flesh of the gods”. The concept of a psychedelic experience was alien to them, leading to their interpretation of it as a divine entity. Venturing north to Siberia, hallucinogenic Shrooms were employed by Siberian shamans. They particularly used the hallucinogen (Shrooms), known as “Amanita Muscaria” for spiritual healing and traditional rites, despite its poisonous nature. This usage dates back approximately ten thousand years. In African tribal rituals, particularly those of the Congo and Zimbabwean tribes, cubes were used to communicate with ancestors, induce visions, and promote spiritual healing. These historical societies contribute to the contemporary understanding of psilocybin use. The reverence for this substance in these cultures originated from its divine associations and its ability to incite mystical experiences.

Shrooms in Legends and Folklore

Several accounts, including those by Gordon Wasson, highlight the connection between Shrooms and the mystical world, underscoring its significance 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 believed to induce altered states of consciousness. Researchers like Wasson suggest that it might have been brewed from psychedelic plants, specifically fly agaric. Some even propose that this ancient elixir might have been a mixture of various plants. Regardless of its origins, the psychedelic history suggests that Soma facilitated the manifestation of sacred symbols during rituals, symbolizing a portal to greater wisdom or spiritual enlightenment.

The Contemporary Era

A Brief Review of the

Beginnings

Historical documents from the era before Columbus show that the Mayans and Aztecs utilized psilocybin Shrooms. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Spanish authorities deemed its use as uncivilized and subsequently outlawed it. Despite the ban, shamans secretly continued to consume magic Shrooms, thus upholding their cultural traditions for over 400 years.

Reintroduction to the Western World

The 1950s saw the revival of these substances in the Western world, due to the pioneering work of people like R. Gordon Wasson, Roger Heim, and Albert Hofmann. While visiting Mexico, they successfully isolated the two psychedelic components (psilocybin and psilocin) found in the Shrooms obtained from the Mazatec tribe. Wasson consequently shared his discoveries, uses, and insights about magic Shrooms in Life magazine. His articles and personal experiences contributed to the substance’s recognition as a potent hallucinogen. When the 1960s arrived, the substance had become emblematic of the Hippie culture, seen as a portal to spiritual experiences. However, its use also ignited substantial controversy and sparked a revolution in the recreational use of hallucinogenic substances.

Further Development: Global Prohibition

In 1971, the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances classified psilocybin as a Schedule 1 illegal drug, together with Lysergic Acid Diethylamide and N, N-Dimethyltryptamine. They were all considered to have no medical benefits and a high potential for misuse. This classification led to widespread criminalization in Western countries, including Canada and the U.S., greatly limiting the spiritual and therapeutic uses of the substance.

The Contemporary Revival of Psilocybin

Lately, regulation concerning the use of psilocybin has loosened, beginning with its decriminalization. This shift is consistent with the UN’s provision for treaty member nations to control the substance according to their own discretion. Simultaneously, a rising amount of research and clinical trials related to psychedelics and consciousness strongly endorse potential medicinal uses of psilocybin. A 2021 study examining the therapeutic application of psychedelics suggests that the 1970 ban greatly hampered further research. However, a preliminary 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 Alcohol Consumption and Drugs)

Media and Art: Catalysts for Interest

Discussion around the subject of psychedelic cubes is now commonplace, with representation across several mediums. The intrigue around these substances has been rekindled due to their depiction in different types of media, art, and literature. Movie productions such as “Fantastic Fungi” by Director Louie Schwartzberg, along with documentaries detailing their therapeutic attributes, have enhanced public understanding of their psychological and physiological effects. Michael Pollan, the author of “How to Change Your Mind,” has conducted research on the use of psychedelics for mental health and spiritual growth, consequently rejuvenating interest in their societal and therapeutic value.

Prominent Historical Advocates for Fungi

  1. María Sabina: María Sabina, a Mazatec shaman and poet from Mexico, played a pivotal role in introducing psychedelic cubes to the West. She allowed Wasson to participate in her Shrooms rituals.
  2. Gordon Wasson: Wasson, a writer, gained recognition for bringing worldwide attention to these substances. His comprehensive account of his experiences with Sabina contributed to a broader understanding of its local usage.
  3. Terence McKenna: A notable proponent for psychedelics, McKenna was instrumental in emphasizing their cultural and philosophical relevance. His speeches, publications, and studies popularized the “Stoned Ape” theory, presenting it as a cognitive enhancement tool that has shaped society.

A Brief Chronology of Events

with TRD.

Prehistoric Stone art discovered in the Sahara, Africa, depicts prehistoric usage of these substances.
Ancient The Maya and Aztec civilizations incorporated teonanácatl into their religious and spiritual rituals.
16th Century Usage was discouraged due to its association with Indigenous beliefs
18th Century The drug’s “intoxicating” effects came to light in 1799 when four children accidentally ingested Psilocybe Semilanceata, emphasizing the negative outcomes of its usage.
20th Century The drug was brought to the Western world by Wasson and Sabina, sparking a psychedelic revolution among the hippie movement. The UN legalized its possession and use.
21st Century Clinical studies are underway to validate its medical potential.

increasing. Moreover, the Special Access Program by Health Canada has authorized its use.

Emergence of the Psychedelic Era and Beyond: Purchase Shrooms Online at Get Magic Mushrooms Canada

The consistent use of cubes at Get Magic Mushrooms Canada, supported by robust scientific research, will persistently expand until achieving worldwide recognition. Get Magic Mushrooms Canada’s online Shrooms store is fully equipped to aid this evolution. Our extensive range of products attracts customers, encouraging them to embark on the enigmatic and therapeutic journey of psilocybin. Secure your preferred items from Zoomies today.

Commonly Asked Questions

No, Amanita Muscaria lacks the active components present in Psilocybe Cubensis. Rather, the psychoactive substances in fly agaric are muscimol and ibotenic acid. One prevalent theory concerning Soma’s origin suggests it’s a combination of various psychoactive plants. Similarly, ayahuasca is a mind-altering drink. However, the only similarity between the two is the perception of soma as an analog of ayahuasca. It was examined for possible Shrooms poisoning after being classified as a toxic Shrooms. Today, we recognize it as the Psilocybe Mexicana.