In this blog post, we are going to look at Shamanism and how it is linked to Magic Mushrooms, and even how you can add a bit of Shamanic spirit to your trip. 

We´re lucky to live in an age of modern medicine. When we get ill, we put our trust in doctors, psychologists, and pharmaceuticals, to sort us out. But our ancestors’ way of treating illness, was a totally different story.

They would’ve checked in with the local shaman to help cure their ills. 

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What is Shamanism?

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Our way of treating illness works on a very physical level. We tend to treat symptoms rather than causes, with a pill for every ill.

A Shamanistic view of healing is very different. They believe that all illnesses manifest on a spiritual level, like karmic wounds.

A Shaman is an initiated person, male or female, who has a unique ability to visit the spiritual realms. There they will communicate with plant and animal spirits as well as ancient ancestors, to find out the cause of your dis-ease and how to cure it, of course, they would have also used shamanism and magic mushrooms. 

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How Does it Relate to Magic Mushrooms?

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To reach these spiritual planes, the Shaman needs to enter a state of trance. They do this by chanting, listening to repetitive rhythms, dancing, breathing techniques, and by ingesting hallucinogenic plants. If you combine all these things together then it makes for a very intense, and insightful psychedelic ceremony.

The Mayans and The Aztecs of Central America worshipped magic mushrooms and would regularly use them in healing ceremonies.

They called magic mushrooms the flesh of the gods and made sculptures and art in their honor. They weren´t the only ones. Apparently, the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and even the Druids were using mushrooms in healing rituals.

Wherever magic mushrooms grow around the world, people have used them as plant medicine and for creative inspiration.

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Modern-day Shamanism

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The mushroom worshiping cultures from Mexico and their sacred rituals were thought to be lost to history. Then in 1955, a world-changing meeting took place between Robert Wesson, an American author, and Maria Sabina, a traditional Mazatec Shaman.

Her family had preserved these ancient rituals and healing practices, and she invited Wesson to experience them. This is the moment when Shamanism and psilocybin were reintroduced into our western culture.

It seems we have a thirst for psychedelic experiences but we’re seriously lacking in shamans to guide us. What we do have though is the collective knowledge, the internet, and the freedom to choose which traditions and rituals we want to practice. This is why Neoshamanism is on the rise.

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How to Bring a Bit of Shamanism to Your Trip

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It's impossible to recreate the environment traditional cultures use for mushroom ceremonies. So, we’re going to give you a few simple tips on how to make your trip a little bit more traditional using shamanism and magic mushrooms.

First of all, a trip sitter can act as a good substitute Shaman. They don’t have to enter the spirit realms, but they can support everyone, and keep the music and incense going.

Before you start, set a shared intention together as a group. This gives you a common focus. To really raise the spiritual vibrations, try chanting together.

Sound and smell are important. Simple and repetitive percussion music is the best choice. If your trip sitter doesn't fancy banging a drum for six hours, make sure you have a playlist set up. You´ll find plenty of shamanic music online.

And for the most authentic ceremonial smells, burn sage, frankincense or Palo Santo.

When you’re all back on earth, talk to each other about your journey. Were there any symbols or messages that stood out? You can google their meaning and significance.

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Conclusion

If you haven't visited spiritual realms and spoken to plant spirits when you´re tripping, have you really tripped at all? It's very easy to see where shamans get their ideas from.

Why not be your own Shaman, creating personal rituals, and unique ceremonies to enjoy with your friends.

We're infants when it comes to using mushrooms ceremoniously, but it looks like we´ve had our fun and now we´re ready to start taking them more seriously.

If you're interested in learning more about the history of psychedelics and Shamanism, then get yourself a copy of Supernatural by Graham Hancock. It’s a really insightful read about our ancestors and their love affair with psychoactive plants.

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Extra Information: 

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1. Shamanism and Psychedelics, the Science Behind it

2. Experiential Mushroom Shamanism & Mediumship