
© Uni Kaya
A Historical Journey of Shrooms
The roots of Shrooms can be traced back to 9000 BC, as per historical records. Notably, these unique mushrooms, of which there are over 200 species, contain psilocybin – a substance known to produce hallucinogenic effects, including altered perception, visual and auditory hallucinations, and deep spiritual experiences. For thousands of years, these mushrooms have served as a spiritual tool in ceremonies, rituals, and practices across diverse cultures and tribes. A considerable amount of these historical cases originated from North and South America.
Shrooms : A Glimpse into Ancient Times
Over the centuries, many cultures have made use of natural psychedelics. Evidence found in the Sahara Desert suggests that humans were consuming Psilocybe Cubensis over 7000 years ago. Archaeological findings reveal depictions of this psychoactive substance in prehistoric art across various regions. For instance, the indigenous tribes of North Africa in the Sahara have portrayed its use in their paintings dating back to around 9000 BC. Also, the renowned Selva Pascuala mural rock painting in Spain, estimated to be around 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 is becoming increasingly apparent. There’s no doubt that this substance has left a deep impact on our culture and society.
A Historical Overview of Magic Shrooms Use
Historically,magic Shrooms have been utilized for a long time. The psychedelic substance that we recognize today has crossed many centuries, with various practices relating to its use. Who wouldn’t appreciate nature’s gifts? It’s the perfect time for Magic Mushies Canada to delve into the historical path that led Shrooms to its current prominence.
Main Highlights
- Dried Shrooms have been a staple in traditional rituals and spiritual healing for countless years. Today, they are used as a treatment for mental health issues.
- Shrooms became a hallmark of the hippie culture and played a significant role in the psychedelic revolution, encouraging its recreational use.
- Key figures like Wasson, Sabina, and McKenna brought psilocybin into the modern world’s spotlight.

© Jonathan Solter
Backing the Stoned Ape Theory
The Stoned Ape Hypothesis was proposed by Terence McKenna, who postulated that psilocybin might have contributed to the development of human cognition. Despite facing some objections, the intriguing nature of the theory is undeniable.
Ancient Civilizations and Sacred Ceremonies
Ancient societies depicted cubes in symbols, artwork, and statues, indicating the ritualistic use of Shrooms. The Mayans and Aztecs utilized it to converse with supernatural beings, including deities. In the culturally diverse Aztec society, it was referred to as “teonanácatl“, meaning “flesh of the gods”. The concept of a psychedelic experience was unfamiliar, leading them to regard it as a divine creature. Moving north to Siberia, hallucinogenic Shrooms were employed by Siberian shamans. They specifically used the hallucinogenic substance (Shrooms), known as “Amanita Muscaria”, for spiritual healing and traditional practices, despite its toxic effects. This usage can be traced back nearly ten thousand years. In African tribal rituals, especially among the Congo and Zimbabwean tribes, cubes were used to communicate with ancestors, generate visions, and promote spiritual healing. These historical societies form part of the context for contemporary psilocybin use. The reverence for this substance in these cultures sprouted from its divine connection and its ability to provoke mystical experiences.
Shrooms in Legends and Folktales
Numerous stories, including those from Gordon Wasson, have highlighted the association between Shrooms and the mystical world, underlining its role in folklore and mythology as a medium for divine communication and enlightenment. In ancient India, the Soma – a ceremonial beverage mentioned in the Vedas – was believed to trigger altered states of consciousness. Scholars like Wasson suggest that it might have been made from psychoactive plants, in particular, fly agaric. Some even speculate that this ancient drink might have contained a mixture of different plants. Regardless of its origin, psychedelic history suggests that Soma facilitated the appearance of sacred symbols during ceremonies, representing a portal to advanced wisdom or spiritual enlightenment.
The Contemporary Period
A Brief Look at the
Beginnings
Historic documents from the era before Columbus’ arrival indicate that cultures such as the Mayans and Aztecs utilized psilocybin Shrooms. However, in the 15th and 16th centuries, Spanish rulers deemed its usage as barbaric and consequently outlawed it. Regardless, in a secret act of defiance against this ban, shamans continued to consume this magic Shrooms, thereby sustaining their cultural practices for over 400 years.
Rediscovery by the Western World
The revival of these substances in the Western world began in the 1950s, largely due to the groundbreaking work of people such as R. Gordon Wasson, Roger Heim, and Albert Hofmann. While traveling in Mexico, they managed to isolate the two psychedelic components (psilocybin and psilocin) present in the Shrooms they obtained from the Mazatec tribe. Wasson subsequently shared his discoveries, applications, and understandings of magic Shrooms in Life magazine. His articles and first-hand experiences brought recognition to the substance as a potent hallucinogen. By the arrival of the 1960s, the substance had become emblematic of the Hippie movement and was seen as a conduit to spiritual enlightenment. However, its use also ignited a significant debate and spurred a revolution in the recreational consumption of hallucinogenic substances.
Progression towards Global Prohibition
In 1971, the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances classified psilocybin as a Schedule 1 illegal drug, alongside Lysergic Acid Diethylamide and N, N-Dimethyltryptamine. At that juncture, they were collectively regarded as having no medicinal value and a high risk of misuse. This led to broad-scale criminalization in Western nations, including Canada and the U.S., severely curtailing the spiritual and therapeutic uses of the substance.
The Modern Resurgence of Psilocybin
In recent years, there has been a softening of the strict laws regulating the use of psilocybin, beginning with its decriminalization. This shift is in line with the UN’s provision allowing treaty member nations to control the substance as per their own discretion. Simultaneously, a rising body of research and clinical trials related to psychedelics and consciousness robustly endorses potential medicinal uses of psilocybin. A 2021 study investigating the therapeutic application of psychedelics suggests that the 1970 ban severely hindered further research. However, a preliminary study in 2004 sparked renewed interest in psilocybin, suggesting possible uses in neuropsychiatry, especially for treating mental health conditions such as:
- Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Substance Abuse (Aiding in Addiction Recovery)
- Alcohol Overuse and Drugs)
The Influence of Media and Art
Conversations surrounding psychedelic cubes are now commonplace, appearing in diverse mediums. Renewed interest in these substances is being sparked by various forms of media, art, and literature. Films such as “Fantastic Fungi” by Director Louie Schwartzberg, as well as documentaries delving into their healing properties, have enhanced public understanding of their psychological and physical effects. Michael Pollan, the author of “How to Change Your Mind,” has explored the use of psychedelics for mental health and spiritual development, thereby revitalizing interest in their societal and therapeutic value.
Prominent Historical Advocates of Fungi
- María Sabina: A Mazatec shaman and poet from Mexico, Sabina played a role in bringing cubes to the attention of the Western world. She allowed Wasson to observe her Shrooms rituals.
- Gordon Wasson: Known for bringing worldwide attention to the substance, writer Wasson’s detailed account of his experiences with Sabina led to a broader understanding of its indigenous use.
- Terence McKenna: A leading advocate for psychedelics, McKenna was instrumental in emphasizing their cultural and philosophical significance. Through his speeches, writings, and studies, McKenna popularized the “Stoned Ape” theory, suggesting it as a tool for cognitive advancement that impacted society.
The Timeline – A Concise Overview
with TRD.
Prehistoric | Stone art found in the Sahara, Africa, illustrates prehistoric usage | |
Ancient | Maya and Aztec civilizations incorporated teonanácatl into their religious and spiritual rituals. | |
16th Century | Usage declined due to its association with Indigenous beliefs | |
18th Century | In 1799, the “intoxicating” effects of the substance became apparent when four children accidentally ingested Psilocybe Semilanceata, highlighting the potential negative effects of its usage. | |
20th Century | Wasson and Sabina introduced the substance to the Western world, giving rise to the psychedelic revolution among the hippies. The UN legalized the possession and consumption of the substance. | |
21st Century | Clinical trials to verify its medicinal potential are | The recognition of psilocybin’s therapeutic potential is accelerating, with Health Canada authorizing a Special Access Program for its application. |
The Dawn of the Psychedelic Era and Beyond Salvation | Purchase Shrooms Online at Magic Mushies Canada
Magic Mushies Canada’s consistent utilization of cubes, supported by rigorous scientific research, is poised to expand until it achieves worldwide acknowledgment. Magic Mushies Canada’s online Shrooms store is primed to aid this shift. Our expansive product range entices customers, inspiring them to embark on the enigmatic and therapeutic journey of psilocybin. Secure your preferred items from Zoomies now.
Commonly Asked Questions
No, Amanita Muscaria does not contain the active components present in Psilocybe Cubensis. Rather, the psychoactive compounds in fly agaric are muscimol and ibotenic acid. One widely accepted theory about Soma’s origin proposes it to be a mixture of various psychoactive plants. Similarly, ayahuasca is a mind-altering drink. However, the only similarity between the two is soma being considered an analogue of ayahuasca. It was examined for possible Shrooms poisoning after being classified as a toxic Shrooms. Today, we recognize it as Psilocybe Mexicana.