The origins of psilocybin date back thousands of years and are deeply rooted in indigenous cultures' use of psilocybin-containing mushrooms for spiritual, religious, and medicinal purposes.

Psilocybin is found in over 180 species of mushrooms, primarily within the genera Psilocybe, Panaeolus, Copelandia, and Gymnopilus. These mushrooms grow in various regions worldwide, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Archaeological evidence suggests that humans have used psilocybin mushrooms for thousands of years. Rock art in the Sahara desert, dating back 7,000 to 9,000 years, depicts mushrooms in shamanic rituals, indicating their long-standing use in spiritual practices.

Psilocybin mushrooms were reintroduced to the Western world in the mid-20th century. In 1957, R. Gordon Wasson, a banker and amateur mycologist, published an article in Life magazine about his experiences with psilocybin mushrooms in Mexico with a local curandera, Maria Sabina, bringing them to public attention. This sparked a wave of interest in psychedelics and led to further scientific research.

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, commonly referred to as "magic mushrooms." Chemically, it is classified as a tryptamine alkaloid. When ingested, the body converts psilocybin into psilocin, the active form that affects the brain. Psilocin primarily interacts with serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor, leading to altered perception, mood, and thought processes.

Mushrooms are not a magical cure-all, a quick fix, or a means to escape reality or avoid taking responsibility for your life. Psilocybin reveals thoughts, emotions, and traumas that your body and mind, consciously or unconsciously, may have ignored, suppressed, avoided, or numbed. Some core unpleasant emotions- shame, guilt, grief, rage, frustration- may surface during your psychedelic experiences. The benefits of psilocybin come when you practice sitting with painful emotions buried in your heart.

Psilocybin can induce profound changes in consciousness, including visual and auditory hallucinations, altered sense of time and space, and deep emotional and psychological experiences.

Recent research has shown that psilocybin may have significant therapeutic benefits for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Studies have highlighted its potential to facilitate deep emotional healing and psychological insights.

Many users report experiencing mystical or spiritual phenomena during psilocybin journeys, such as a sense of unity with the universe, encounters with a higher power, and profound personal revelations.

Psilocybin is considered to have a low potential for addiction and is generally regarded as safe when used in controlled settings. However, it can cause temporary side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and paranoia, especially if taken in an inappropriate setting or without proper guidance

A common question that many ask is, "Should I macrodose or microdose?"

Macrodosing and microdosing are not mutually exclusive, and neither is inherently better. You will want to choose the one that best fits your intentions, life situation, and personal goals. You can always experiment with different doses.

Microdose and macrodose are popular concepts, which act as signposts to help you get state. In reality, a wide gradient of possible experiences exists between a microdose and a macrodose.

It takes time and effort to prepare your mindset and environment for a macrodose properly. When you go on a big journey over the course of four to six hours, you might relive and process suppressed emotions you've been holding onto for years. On the other hand, microdosing is ideal if you want to start slowly and gently.

Microdosing involves taking sub-perceptual doses of psilocybin, typically about 1/10th to 1/20th of a typical recreational dose, on a regular schedule.

Many individuals report a general uplift in mood, reduced symptoms of depression, and lower levels of anxiety. Microdosing can help stabilize emotions and reduce mood swings. Users often experience better attention, clarity of thought, and an enhanced ability to concentrate on tasks. Microdosing may boost creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. Many people find themselves more productive and efficient at work. Microdosing can help reduce stress levels and improve coping with challenging situations.

Some users report increased physical energy and stamina. Improved sleep quality and regulation have been noted.

There are different approaches to creating a microdosing schedule. If you are just beginning some structure and planning may be helpful.

Keep in mind every body is different and in general micro doses can range from 10mg-200mg.

Dr. James Fadiman recommends a one-day-on, two-days-off schedule.

Paul Stamets recommends a four-days-on, three-days-off schedule. Previously he recommended a five-days-on, two-days-off schedule.

Some journeyers take a microdose every other day or on the same three days each week.

As with any substance, the body can build tolerance to psilocybin, causing diminishing returns. The off days allow this tolerance to dissipate.

Some veteran psilocybin users recommend taking one to two weeks off from microdosing every two to three months to avoid building a long-term tolerance to the medicine.

Macrodosing involves taking a larger, typically hallucinogenic dose of psilocybin, which leads to significant alterations in perception and consciousness.

Macrodosing can facilitate the processing and release of deep-seated traumas and emotional blockages. Users often gain significant insights into their behaviors, thought patterns, and life circumstances.

Many people experience profound spiritual or mystical states, including a sense of unity with the universe and encounters with transcendent entities. These experiences can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Macrodosing has shown promise in treating various mental health conditions such as major depression, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. Some studies suggest that macrodosing can help break the cycle of addiction to substances like alcohol and tobacco.

Significant doses can lead to long-term improvements in behavior and lifestyle, such as increased openness, improved relationships, and greater appreciation for life. Users often report a lasting increase in mindfulness and presence.

Having someone trustworthy with you before, during, and after a journey will provide comfort and safety. Together, you can express and process complicated thoughts and emotions. Journeying with someone you trust may make it easier to let go of control and submit fully to the mushroom experience. Knowing you can rely on someone to respond can diminish anxieties you may otherwise experience.

Their main priority is to remain non-judgemental and present and to ensure your psychological and physical safety. A guide may feel like a parent, grandparent, sibling, or teacher. They are in service to you and your experience. They will follow your lead rather than try to pull you along in any direction.

An effective guide will help you feel more confident and self-sufficient. They will listen and point you back to yourself. You may realize that they are there to embody a reflection of your true self. You have everything within you to wake up, realize the truth, and make meaningful changes.

In my opinion, preparation and Integration sessions are just as important as medicine.

Preparation Sessions are available to help you build trust, which can lead to more effective ceremonies. Working with a shadow worker or reiki master to integrate after a psilocybin experience can offer unique and complementary benefits that address both the psychological and energetic dimensions of healing and personal growth.

Integration after taking psilocybin refers to incorporating the insights, emotions, and experiences gained during a psilocybin journey into one's daily life. This process is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the experience and ensuring lasting positive changes. Psilocybin integration can significantly enhance the process by providing deep emotional healing, energy balancing, and a holistic approach to personal growth. Shadowwork and reiki practices complement each other well. They can help you integrate the profound insights and experiences from your psilocybin journey into your everyday life, leading to lasting positive changes and overall well-being.

Eating Raw or Dried Mushrooms Consuming mushrooms fresh from the harvest. This method retains the natural state of the mushrooms but can be challenging due to their taste and texture. Drying mushrooms helps preserve them and makes them easier to dose accurately. They can be eaten directly, though they can be quite chewy and have an earthy flavor. Benefits: Simple and requires no preparation. Easy to dose, especially with dried mushrooms. Considerations: Taste can be unpleasant for some people. May cause stomach discomfort or nausea in some individuals.

Psilocybin Tea Mushrooms are steeped in hot water to make a tea. This can be combined with other herbs or flavors (like ginger, lemon, or honey) to improve taste. Benefits: Easier on the stomach, reducing nausea. Faster onset of effects compared to eating raw or dried mushrooms. Can be flavored to mask the taste of mushrooms. Considerations: Heat can degrade psilocybin if the water is too hot.

Capsules Dried mushrooms are ground into a fine powder and encapsulated in gel caps. Benefits: Tasteless and easy to consume. Precise dosing. Convenient for microdosing.

Edibles Incorporating mushroom powder into food items like chocolates, gummies, or baked goods. Benefits: Masks the taste of mushrooms. Can be a more enjoyable way to consume. Allows for creative dosing and presentation.

Moonbeam Wisdom Bars are my personal favorite. This is medicine which I bless with intention and infuse with Reiki on the New and Full Moons. The bars are made of dark chocolate and are topped with cacao nibs.

Tinctures and Extracts Psilocybin is extracted using alcohol or other solvents, resulting in a concentrated liquid form. Benefits: Precise dosing. Can be mixed with beverages for easier consumption. Longer shelf life.

Psilocybin Mushroom Smoothies or Juices Preparation: Blending mushrooms with fruits and other ingredients to create a smoothie or juice. Benefits: Masks the taste of mushrooms. Easy to consume and digest. Can be combined with other nutritious ingredients.

Lemon Tek Preparation: Mushrooms are ground into a powder and soaked in lemon or lime juice for 15-20 minutes before consumption. Benefits: Converts psilocybin to psilocin more rapidly, leading to a faster and potentially stronger onset of effects. May reduce nausea.