Psychedelic mushrooms
Despite the lingering taboo surrounding drug use, researchers had little trouble finding religious volunteers to participate in their study.

Researchers at John Hopkins University and New York University have convinced a group of religious leaders to try "magic" mushrooms in the name of science. The researchers will give two dozen priests, rabbis and pastors controlled doses of psilocybin, the active ingredient found in psychedelic mushrooms.

Their theory is that taking hallucinogenic substances will spur deeply religious people to have extraordinary spiritual experiences somewhat akin to the "vision quests" undertaken in some Native American cultures.

Lead researcher William Richards explains that the hallucinogenic drug naturally evokes spiritual imagery, even with laypeople:

"People see incredible things with their eyes closed that are often very, very beautiful," including visions of Jesus. "That seems to happen whether people are of religious training or not. It doesn't seem to be something that's learned."

However, the hallucinogen has never been administered to people with formal religious training before. Perhaps the visions will be even more intense that's what researchers are hoping, anyway.

Should Priests Be Taking Drugs?

Many religions frown upon illicit drug use, even if it's "for science".

Certain religions like Islam and Mormonism ban all intoxicating substances outright. Although most Christians denominations take a softer line on the issue, you'd be hard-pressed to find a pastor or priest that would encourage experimentation with drugs.

Despite the lingering taboo, researchers had little trouble finding volunteers to participate in their study. On the contrary, members of the clergy were eager to partake in the hallucinogenic drug to help investigate his psychological hypothesis.

Some are commending these religious leaders for their brave foray into the unknown. But who knows, perhaps they're just bored.

A psychedelic Jesus experienceThe Mystical Mushroom

William Richards thinks that there is a very fundamental link between the effects of psychedelic mushrooms and the "mystical" experiences of religion.

He's convinced that, far from being a sinful activity, drug trips can actually be a force for good. Williams thinks it will motivate clergy to pursue meditation and be more in-touch with their compassionate spiritual sides. "They know there is a top up on the mountain, and now they're willing to hike up there," he explains.

If the claims prove to be true, there actually might be a connection between the mind-bending drugs and the way in which people experience religion.

Are Drug Trips a Type of Religious Experience?

It's certainly an interesting idea to consider. Should hallucinogenic drugs prove a reliable avenue to spiritual enlightenment, perhaps more people would consider experimenting with them.

But what would that mean for traditional houses of worship? If someone could get closer to God with a few mushrooms, why bother going to church in the first place? Sitting at home on the couch is certainly more comfortable than hard wooden pews.

How Will the Study Turn Out?

Although there is plenty of hype surrounding this study, the experiment has its share of critics. Some people are skeptical that feeding drugs to religious leaders will produce any interesting results, and could cause lasting mental effects. Others argue that that religion is a strong enough drug on its own what's the point in adding more drugs to the mix?

What do you think? Could "magic" mushrooms really enhance our understanding of religion, or is this just a phony excuse for priests to get high?

 

98 comments

  1. Pastor B Stevens's Avatar Pastor B Stevens

    Adam and Eve a created simplex start for the weak minds of past and still today for the ignorant . Eve did Not hand Adam a apple that was changed by King James the actual product was in fact a mushroom . Look back before the Christ story was created the mushroom was used often along with opium . In fact many books in the Judaea bible were written after smoking either opium or tripping on mushrooms . Today European and American christans hide this fact and created ignorant laws forbidding the use of either . Today's major Christian orgiznations forbid the use of the very natural drugs that we're the base of their game . I say game because it's pretty dam obvious christan churches today are all about power and most important income . Take away income completely the christan church would collapse .

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      Ancient engravings depict it as a pomegranate. No scripture ever said what the physical fruit was, but I don't think apples would grow at all in an area that warm.

      1. Clyde Hodge's Avatar Clyde Hodge

        crab-apple (Malus trilobata)

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          Also quite possible, Clyde.

      2. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

        THERES JOHNNY, BOOGER OWINS GOD FORGIVES YOU BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU KNOW NOT WHAT YOU DO,WRITE, POST, LIVE in the IDIOT VILLAGE

      3. CableFlame's Avatar CableFlame

        In ancient times, the word "apple" was not just the fruit we think of today but used as a generalized term for any fruit. So they put "apple" meaning "fruit" and we read "apple" thinking "apple". (Pomegranate makes way more sense.)

        1. Br. Karsten Johansson's Avatar Br. Karsten Johansson

          > a generalized term for any fruit

          It still is if you speak French. Look how many non-apple words have 'pomme' attached.

      4. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

        Dr. JERKLE or Mr. CLYDE, LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE ANOTHER PHD EXPERT on ALL MATTERS PERTAINING, BRO. to the VILLAGE of the IDIOTS, his ADDRESS is MALUS TRILOBATA 666, PLEASE U PROFITS of N A D A, TAKE a BRAKE any KIND of BREAK, LEG,ARM, NECK ??? DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A, HI,BOOGER OWINS, HONEY BUNNY

        1. McLellan's Avatar McLellan

          If you don't feel like actually contributing; why bother at all?

          1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

            ACTUALLY McLELLAN WHAT are U CONTRIBUTING FAKE tRUMP NEWS ??? GET REAL, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP and the VILLAGE IDIOTS that SUPPORT his HOLY IDEAS, GET REAL !!! MOVE to KENTUCKY the OTHER COUNTRY WHERE the REAL FAKE NEWS VILLAGE IDIOTS LIVE, if YOU get UNLUCKY YOU can WIND UP in KENTUCKY................

          2. Br. Karsten Johansson's Avatar Br. Karsten Johansson

            I think he's trying the magic mushroom route to God.

    2. Jeff Halas's Avatar Jeff Halas

      Dmt would be a better choice. Underneath the surface we are all connected. Using dmt will fully immerse he subject. Mushrooms don't exactly do this. They are more of a party drug unlike dmt which is totally unique for each user but one thing is always the same. Reality is much wider then anyone can imagine

    3. LeRyan Burrey's Avatar LeRyan Burrey

      I kind of did this retroactively. I went on their experience, had a Buddhist like enlightenment, then joined the University of life church as a minister. I did all this years after I had their experience. I feel that's why I've been spiritually in tune with the times since I had my "walk" through hell and heaven.

      What these experiences can do is crunch hell and heaven as an experience, before your eyes. You will see everything, but you won't understand everything, and you don't know when it will be time for you to take that walk in reality. So be careful. The last 14 years of my life are staring me right in the face, and it's only me and God in this home with my dogs. If I were to tell you my entire story, you will see the faith that Christ is requiring me to have.

  1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

    I think a bunch of Catholic priests and Greek Orthodox or Russian Orthodox will end up in daisy chains on the floor, reciting the litanies in their respective languages into one another's thighs.

    1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

      AS ALWAYS JOHN BOOGER OWINS YOUR PERVERTED MIND is an OPEN CESS POOL, DAISY CHAINS, BETTER get on the TWITTER to YOUR HONEY BUNNY tRUMP and INVITE HIM to YOUR FLAMINGO DAISY CHAIN PARTY, SO NAUGHTY YOU VILLAGE IDIOTS, DUMP the COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP GOD is GREAT so is the US of A,.......TAXES HONEY BUNNY it gets them ALL in the REAR,SUCK a TOURETTES BOOGER

      1. Clyde Hodge's Avatar Clyde Hodge

        Ah! And, you are one of the ones for whom we pray.

        1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

          HEY CLYDE, PRAY for YOURSELF and the WE U MENTIONED, WHEN tRUMP is DONE DUMPING YOU FLAMING DAISY CHAINERS in the SWAMP, CESSPOOL, SEWER of YOUR OWINS MAKING, ENJOY BUTTIE YOU VILLAGE IDIOTS BROUGHT ALL UPON THINESELVES, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A, TAXES, TAXES, TAXES, U KNOW WHAT I PAY, DO U ??? gets em all in the REAR END !!!

          1. McLellan's Avatar McLellan

            If you are Christian as you seem to be claiming to be. Could you please adhere to the statements of neighbourly conduct and love in the bible?

          2. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

            I make NO claims McLELLAN, UN like SCMUCKS like YOU I just say WHAT I FEEL NOT WHAT I HEAR or READ, its CALLED TRUTH !!! I do NOT REPEAT WHAT ANYONE SAID like the tRUMPIES, VILLAGE IDIOT PUPPETS ALL, WELCOME to THEIR CLUB, MEMBER.....................................

          3. Clyde Hodge's Avatar Clyde Hodge

            I realize this is probably like poking a wild bore (sic) with a stick, but Maher, ma boy, did you forget your lithium again? Last thing I saw so unfocused as you was when my wife dropped the camera off of the top of the school bleachers. Good luck with your Turrets.

  1. Barry's Avatar Barry

    Well,without drugs,we would not have a Bible as we know it. Also,mind alertering drugs could make For some interesting ceremonys !

    1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      ...funny sermons, too.

  1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

    BEST WAY to GET in TOUCH WITH JESUS, GO for it CLERGY !!!

  1. Bruce Fink's Avatar Bruce Fink

    Where do I sign up? No for real where do I sign up

    1. Terry's Avatar Terry

      agreed

    2. Leah's Avatar Leah

      I have used cannabis and mushrooms to enhance my meditations with wonderful results. I believe it's important to journal immediately afterwards to capture as much of the experience as possible. I've also found Terrance McKenna's concept of the sentience of the mushroom to be useful: I've achieved more practical results when I approach the experience with gratitude, thanking the plant for its benefits.

  1. Pastor Tony Minish ULC's Avatar Pastor Tony Minish ULC

    I believe many clergy get into ruts with prayer and meditation it's only natural. During these times they are not feeling a God connection. I myself fall into ruts that is why I change up my prayer life when I'm not feeling the connection. I do not believe altering our brains give us a clearer connection to God.

  1. Rev. Nagi Mato's Avatar Rev. Nagi Mato

    It worked in the 60's with Ram Dass and Tim Leary, so why would it not work now?

    1. haightashburyhipmuseumproposal's Avatar haightashburyhipmuseumproposal

      They should have someone read parts of the "Psychadelic Experience" to them by Leary, Alpert (Ram Dass) and Ralph Metzner...take tyhe journey to the clear light bardo and don't look back..haha

  1. Kathy's Avatar Kathy

    Is it altering the mind or bringing it back to what is originally within?

    1. Clyde Hodge's Avatar Clyde Hodge

      I believe the mind altering spiritual food enhances the existing sensory spectrum to a wider palette. So, in my experiences, it alters not the mind but the input to the mind by expanding the array of sensory knowledge. Essentially, your mind is opened wider than usual, thus taking in a whole lot more.

  1. Bobby Bel's Avatar Bobby Bel

    Christian Religion replaced Sacred Mushrooms and the Winter Solstice with Christmas and candy. My Temple, or church, is my Body Mind & Spirit. History reveals Truth. When we became ministers in 1967 with the ULC I did my dissertation on LSD. Welcome!! We have 50 years of Experience and You ALL know that we Create Natural DMT, a Psychedelic, in our Pineal Gland, at the center of our brain. When we go to sleep we can leave our body in our dreams. When we experience Psychedelics we are Awake for our dreams. Quite natural, but Psychedelics are not for everyone and should be experienced in Nature with a Experienced Guide or the Psychedelic Prayers By Tim Leary based on the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Thank you Peaceout https://www.brotherhoodofeternallove.org/

    1. holisticpoet's Avatar holisticpoet

      Processed foods and other toxins create a covering of the Pineal Gland with a crusty plaque making it so our normal intuition becomes obscured. The psilocybin in the mushrooms break apart this crust returning the Pineal Gland to a more natural state and enhances its activity. This is what the native practitioners of this art knew. The powers that be do not want anyone having the ability see the truth by using these methods (or any others for that matter) that will bring to light the true nature of reality. The truth shall set you free. So to keep one enslaved we have to keep them from knowing the truth. Did anyone ever think why this stuff is being made illegal, and who made it illegal? Not many, the majority of us have forgotten how to think for ourselves. Magic Mushrooms will help one do that!

      1. Chuck's Avatar Chuck

        Our Pineal Gland was tampered with by Satan to begin with. The powers that be in this world have added toxins in the food, fluoride in the water etc. to further calcify the gland and cut us off from our Creator. After that, they seek to use technology to turn us into a hive-mind so as to cut us off from one day all connecting naturally through consciousness. The internet is the step 1 of all this. They refer to it as the "singularity" where all our minds will one day be connected via technology.....and of course, controlled with the flip of a switch.

    2. joshua oliver sr's Avatar joshua oliver sr

      Great comment ,friend. Agreed 100% . i have experienced the realms of the sacred mushrooms and they have givin me a view of spirituality like nothing icould've ever dreampt of..peace and love

  1. William J. Lewis's Avatar William J. Lewis

    I am not sure that anything will leave mainline "clergy" anywhere closer to God. Looking at western society today the only mind altering drug that appears would work would be vast amounts of money. There are multiple ways to justify the love of money. "Oh we could help so many with more money".......... if everyone helped each other we'd have twice as many helpers as needed.

  1. David Tropea's Avatar David Tropea

    Has anyone did acid before? Do you know why this is a clinical study that is screened, supervised and monitored at each step (hopefully) Painting the experience as seeing brighter colors and insight into deeper understanding of oneself glorifies and justifies the use of all drugs. It is not the message any true religious leader would want. Reconciliation of self to your own power must be down with faith, peace and love.

    1. Jeff Halas's Avatar Jeff Halas

      Drug use is only modern day alchemy. The priests of old used to anoint themselves with kanbosm or what we call today cannabis

  1. Reverend Daniel's Avatar Reverend Daniel

    If by chance these "pilgrims" can get in touch with the Almighty then I suggest they go for it. I do suspect however that their inexperience in this realm will reduce many of them to tears and regret and they will never again play these mind games.

  1. dotwilson@comcast.net's Avatar dotwilson@comcast.net

    I think it's alright. If it helps in one's spiritual quest, and if side effects can be mitigated, then why not? I've heard good things about DMT too.

  1. Scotty's Avatar Scotty

    This is nothing new. Mushrooms might be a way to connect with the higher self. If so, there us a preparation, physically and mentally to rid oneself if toxins. Thus alleviates much if the potential discomfort of the process. The challenge to society could be dramatic if we learned to carry the vibration of mushroom trips with us on an "at will" basis. Hmmm... Self Mastery, what a concept.

    1. Scotty's Avatar Scotty

      Sorry for the spelling and mistyped words.,. Darn autocorrect.

    2. Deborah's Avatar Deborah

      I believe a rountable discussion over a little wine is okay. Like God said a little wine for the stomach sake, should be alright...anything else, I think...hmmm

  1. Craig Clement's Avatar Craig Clement

    Go for it,anything that might increase spiritual consciousness. It mus t be done under a clinical setting though.

  1. Bill Kinsland's Avatar Bill Kinsland

    From a scientific viewpoint, it will be very interesting to see the outcome of these experiments. However, I personally have never understood how drug-induced hallucinations could ever be mistaken for authentic spirituality.

  1. Lori Zettler's Avatar Lori Zettler

    What if they find the TRUTH while tripping and reveal it to the world? Can humans handle the MESSAGE they will deliver, aka, all religions are a product of the human mind. The purpose of all religions are to provide cohesiveness in society, to teach self control, and to provide an humans a path toward inner peace. The problem with this plan is that it fall short of the mark, as do all human institution. We are not created to be religious beings we are created to be spiritual beings there is a difference and I believe this is what these volunteers in this project will discover and ultimately be compelled to revealed to the world. Two questions, will the world be permitted to hear the truth by those in power, and if so will the people have ears to hear and eyes to see the TRUTH that has been right in front of us all along?

  1. Skeptical Greg's Avatar Skeptical Greg

    Interesting. It was LSD that opened my mind to the manipulations of mind control. Watchman Nee called it "Soul Power". It was the fact that being able to control peoples' minds so easily led me to the realization that there most likely is always someone who is much more talented in this area than I, that led me to giving my life to Christ. I no longer play with chemicals as did the Sorcerers of ancient times and leave peoples minds to their own demise.

  1. Craig's Avatar Craig

    It is really unfair when someone writes an article that carries so much of his own biases on a subject. First of all, psychotropic plants are not "drugs" as in the synthetically made potions given to us by mankind. When lumped together into this category, knowing how much our recent generations have been programmed to be aware of the "dangers" of their use is blatantly the writers own ideas on the use of plants as an evolutionary tool. Also, he talks about how easy it is to stay home on your couch instead of going to church for your religious experience shows his ignorance on the subject. Anyone who has ever taken mushrooms or ayahuasca knows that it is not a drug-induced joyride. Along with an opening into the mystical experience comes self-confrontation. Where one falls short in their lives and ability to love and be loved in order to receive the experience as one of joy and connection to something greater. There is a chapter in the Bhagavad Gita called "The Vision of the Cosmic Form." Arjuna, being taught by Krishna, who is represented as an Avatar, or God in human form, asks Krishna to show him his Cosmic Form, or in other words, the face of God. When Krishna unfolds this vision to Arjuna, he is able to see all, but also finds it terrifying, and after a bit asks Krishna to take it away. I think this is the best description of what it is like to experience the transition from normal waking consciousness to a cosmic opening.
    There is no question that these experiences are hard on the body, but if one is able to receive the experience, the benefits to their lives can be huge. The force of change of a journey of this nature is awe-some. I would not advise anyone to try a psychotropic plant without the guidance of someone with spiritual wisdom in that area, and I certainly would not advise someone to ingest them on a regular basis. We must always be conscious that the creation, and our part of it already contains the mystical experience, and the way to it involves work, dedication, and time to see it. To me, the goal is always to live with the experience of God within and without all the time, and without the influence of an induced state. But, understanding how our egos, our past experiences, traumas, and childhood programming create a view of the world that closes us off to the surrendered life of a mystic, these plant gifts can be a useful tool to break through our myopic fixed vision and show us the mystery of the Infinite.

  1. Prof. ML Watrous's Avatar Prof. ML Watrous

    Nah ... try fasting for variable amounts of time until you're too dizzy to walk. That will definitely produce some visions you didn't expect.

    Or ... have someone lock you in a padded room with absolutely no light source or any sound whatsoever. You will definitely find out who you are in just a few minutes.

  1. Terry's Avatar Terry

    This is a dangerous subject to discuss with the public, though. some of these psychedelics can be deadly, and if you start talking about getting closer to god through a drug, a lot of ignorant people could end up dead. for what that's worth.

    1. Skeptical Greg's Avatar Skeptical Greg

      Amen. Alchemy & Sorcery, what's this world coming to ...

      1. Clyde Hodge's Avatar Clyde Hodge

        All of those sheep you want to lead, right? They "can't handle the truth"?

    2. Craig's Avatar Craig

      I would like to see your statistics on people who have died when ingesting mushrooms. We could compare that to the amount of deaths caused by religious beliefs. I have participated in shamanic rituals with large groups of people in the amazon and never experienced anyone dying. I would suggest that these experiences would actually lessen the amount of killings and violence that is committed daily in the name of religion. We could make a better argument that religion leaves a lot of dead people in it's wake.

      1. Skeptical Greg's Avatar Skeptical Greg

        re-li-gion

        [ri-lij-uh n]

        noun

        1. a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

        2. a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.

        3. the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.

      2. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

        EVER HEAR of the INQUISITION or the CRUSADES, NEVER HEARD ANYONE DIED on LSD or WEED, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A

    3. thunder's Avatar thunder

      you'd have to eat 2 lbs of psilocybe azurescens, one of the strongest mushrooms in psilocybe genus, to reach the LD50 of 17 grams psilocybin which comprises up to 1.8% of the most potent samples by dry weight. unless you're in a grotesque eating contest, that's beyond the appetite of even the most ardent psychonaut. if treated with respect and in the right setting, it is an out of this world experience that has lots of good to offer. prohibition of these traditional medicines is the real source of violent ends.

      1. Clyde Hodge's Avatar Clyde Hodge

        BS: A half a dozen mushrooms, 1/4 oz., is enough. Quit making stuff up.

        1. thunder's Avatar thunder

          all the information I've presented is public knowledge and available to verify with a simple internet search. next time do some research before accusing people of being liars.

          1. Clyde Hodge's Avatar Clyde Hodge

            I'll take personal experience and observation over any arbitrary amount some clinician proposes as a "Dose"in a study. Public knowledge was that the world was flat in some cultures. LD50? Only a masochistic idiot would take that much. I didn't call anyone a liar, but the proposed amount is pure, inexperienced, bull shit.

  1. thunder's Avatar thunder

    the psyche will respond automatically with any lexicon of symbolism with which it has been primed, in accordance with intuitive and emotional associations of the moment. indigenous medicines like psilocybes allow the rich experiences of this inner dreamlike reality to vividly overlay the bodily senses. for those who seek to know their self, and are willing to meet their shadow with compassion and acceptance, it is a powerful tool providing extraordinary insights and potential for healing. for those susceptible to mistaking dream and metaphor for literal reality, it can be a recipe to compound delusion and madness. I hope these folks fall in the former and not the latter category. if so they may find themselves inclined with respect to recommend it to their congregations.

  1. Robert Johnson's Avatar Robert Johnson

    Since there is nothing new under the sun, try faith in it's place. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Sight is a function of the eyes but, Vision is a function of the heart.

  1. the Hearthwitch Karena's Avatar the Hearthwitch Karena

    It's a good point.

  1. Deidre's Avatar Deidre

    I knew a man who believed that the visions you get with drugs can be real, but it's cheating. The only lasting way to enlightenment is to pick a spiritual path and stick with it.

    1. Clyde Hodge's Avatar Clyde Hodge

      It's not cheating. It's walking through a door God made for you. You decide the portals of your choosing. It's not drugs, rather, it's mind-expanding food.

  1. Lauren O Thyme's Avatar Lauren O Thyme

    oh dear!

  1. David's Avatar David

    Just a little drop of yellow sunshine. Sign me up!

  1. Janice A Ellery's Avatar Janice A Ellery

    God calls people at his choosing, so any "visions" coming from this are just interesting hallucinations.

    1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

      WHERE in the WORLD is JOHN BOOGER OWINS, WE NEED an EXPERT POSTING on this SUBJECT

  1. Bill Fox's Avatar Bill Fox

    I've used LSD and psilocybin and I have never had a "religious" or "spiritual" experience that could not be explained as part of the effects of the drug.

    1. Clyde Hodge's Avatar Clyde Hodge

      Most folk find what they are looking for....

    2. joshua oliver sr's Avatar joshua oliver sr

      it took me a few times to reach that place of inner relaxation where u can let go and not worry about the physical environment u may b in

  1. Steve's Avatar Steve

    I've eaten a lot of Magic Mushrooms and LSD, never saw God or Jesus. I did see clothes crawl out of the dryer by themselves. It wasn't spiritual.

    1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

      U is what U is, A PRODUCT of UR ENVIRONMENT, GET a NEW CLUBHOUSE !!!

  1. writeous's Avatar writeous

    Sign me up please & thank you, most highest Divine Great Mother-Father God, with the most highest best intentions of ALL the blessed Divine Spiritual infinite/eternal best NOW! RIGHT m_ther-f_cking NOW!

  1. John Smithkey lll's Avatar John Smithkey lll

    After reading this article, I feel there is nothing new to be studied! Such studies were conducted in the 1960s using test subjects of various races, and other backgrounds. I am sorry to say that this may be either a case of "wishful thinking" or a researcher wishing for some fast grant money. In the end, I fear that in the end the results will prove nothing that we already didn't know.

  1. Jamie Boots's Avatar Jamie Boots

    i am a druid we have been using mushrooms, nightshade, mandrake and cannabis(among many others) for literally thousands of years... if done properly in the right mainframe by competent meditating spiritual people, its very valuable indeed for expanding ones consciousness and understanding the universe and its divine nature better.

  1. Timoty Easter's Avatar Timoty Easter

    Rock on , ,What ever gets you through the night. Get close to your Creater. Hetchey to aloe.

    1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

      YEAH ! WHITE RABBIT or BUGS BUNNY, WHATEVER ???

  1. Clyde Hodge's Avatar Clyde Hodge

    The psilocybin mushroom is tried and true. Indigenous Peoples of the North-West rainforest states have been utilizing it for at least twenty to forty thousand years. That's four times as long as Germans have been drinking beer and twice as long as Italians have been drinking wine. It expands the sense receptor palette into a much broader range: It literally expands the concrete experiences of the mind. Plants made by the Creator can not be bad or good, they can only be healthy or unhealthy at differing quantities. The insights and oneness with the Universal Creation far exceeds the only negative I ever found: Exhaused and cramped smile muscles. As far as I have traveled on psilocybin and Grandfather peyote, I have never considered my astral projection a hallucination. Other than that, no monsters or spirits who wish to do you harm, well unless you have really bad karma. A caveat, though in that any mind altering food can have a negative reaction considering the mental health of the individual. If you are already crazy, full-blown or latent, just stay on the meds the doc prescribed. Common sense: Don't kick a hornet's nest. The rest of you, get a designated "driver" and enjoy the rest of God's beautiful Creation.

  1. Lyn's Avatar Lyn

    It seems to me that connecting to our spiritual selves is a lone pursuit. One wishes to become enlightened. I see no reason why using 'shrooms should be any issue at all. It is unlikely that the unworthy will dream dreams of their own level. The chance that a more highly developed being would experience more advanced visions. Hopefully they would share their "trip."

    All in all, I see no reason not to try this method. What is the worst that could happen?

    Drugs are not the point. Methods of spiritual growth are.

    1. Lyn's Avatar Lyn

      The unworthy will dream dreams alt their own level. CAusing no harm.

      1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

        IF ONE GETS to TALK and LISTEN to JESUS CHRIST ONE on ONE, JESUS CHRIST SUPER STAR, GO for the MUSHROOM the ORGANIC ONE, NOT the ATOMIC ONE, WHITE RABBIT !!!

        1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

          IN ALL MY TIME in this GREAT USA, FROM the 1940s to PRESENT the MAJORITY of CLERGY WERE and STILL are ALCOHOLICS and PERVERTS, SO MAYBE a LITTLE SUNSHINE WON'T HURT, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP !!!

  1. Reverend Pastor Matt's Avatar Reverend Pastor Matt

    I see many opinions here but not much backed up by scholarly research or citation. Perhaps we could present more solid evidence backed by more facts and solid research than mere opinion and hollow theories.

    RPM

    1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

      DO YOU MEAN LIKE the BIBLE !!! REVEREND PASTOR MAT, DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US OF A

    2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      Kinda hard to do scholarly research and citation when you're tripping on psilocybin. At least, CREDIBLE research. I mean, it's difficult when the trees have faces and are talking to you and women are growing beards and stuff like that. If you had a vision, it would be difficult to be sure if it was a vision or a trip. I think, if adults want to do that, I'm all for it, but there is no way I would follow a practicing tripper.

  1. Clyde Hodge's Avatar Clyde Hodge

    There is no replacement for personal experience, and there is no place for recreational psilocybin, peyote, or even the synthetics, like LSD. They are medicine that I have never experienced hallucinations, seen towels dancing or snapdragons running. As far as I know that is pure fantasy, but everyone isn't me. I know by experience astral projection is real. One doesn't petition God for the fun of it. Putting folk under a ludicrous amount of a mind expanding, soul expanding medicine for scientific purposes is sort of like going to church to take a chemistry test. The meta-knowledge self consciousness would destroy the sanctity and real purpose of the experience, in a spiraling feedback loop, worrying about the people in white coats instead of the Creator.

  1. Clyde Hodge's Avatar Clyde Hodge

    What the hell is a "practicing tripper" and just how full of yourself are you?

    1. JOHN MAHER's Avatar JOHN MAHER

      PROBOBLY as FULL of SHYTE or YOURSELF as U CLYDE, YOUR NAME tells it ALL C L Y D E phd........... DUMP the IGNORAMUS COWARDLY CRIMINAL TRAITOR tRUMP, GOD is GREAT so is the US of A, A PRACTICING TRIPPER CLYDE is ONE that FALLS ALL OVER HIMSELF U KNOW, LIKE U >>>>>>>>

    2. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

      Ain't nobody on here more full of themself as you, Clyde, and the expression is fairly self-explanatory. If a person was using acid or mushrooms in the past, that should not cast a bad light on them today, but if they are tripping today, I would not follow them, or listen to them, for more than entertainment purposes. Full of yourself, indeed!

      1. Clyde Hodge's Avatar Clyde Hodge

        Yes, I apologize. Experience, knowledge, and time have convinced me that I'm rather in a better position to speak about such things than those who have never used mescaline, psilocybin, peyote, LSD, "STP" or other mind expanding medicine. People who have never used them and judge, mock or make assumptions about it are really just irritating noise that does no service to the conversation. They have no right. Using the phrase practicing tripper nowadays gave me the vision of some old White man in a wife beater T-shirt and a crew cut: The ones I met in the sixties who had not a single clue what it is about. I submit that there is no such thing as a practicing tripper, and I've looked it up on the list of hobbies and vocations. (not really) I haven't indulged in any of those medicinal plants or synthetic chemicals for many decades. Using them I got closer to the Creator, saw more of His/Her creation, and became a better person (hopefully) for it. I stopped when I was finished. They did my soul good things and saved me thousands of dollars on psychologists. The thing is, when someone calls another a tripper it implies irresponsible recreational use. It is a very derogatory and insulting term. Using these medicinal foods as a toy insults the Creator. You say you would not follow trippers is understandable, but to insult serious current users is erroneously immature and judgmental. Yes, I am full of experience, knowledge, and time. You are not. Your attitude toward the subject is cavalier at best and mean at worst. So, I might have a hint about what you are full of, but apologize for making you feel bad.

        1. John Owens's Avatar John Owens

          You can't read, either.

  1. Chuck's Avatar Chuck

    I experimented with psychadelics quite a bit in my younger years (20's). 90% of my experiences were positive, and the other 5% went "astray" lets say. At the time, I didn't really know what it was "exactly" that I was experiencing, other than to say it felt more like truth in a way.

    Only later down the road when I found Gnostic Christianity did I realize I was right. For those of you who understand Gnosticism, it believes that we are in a synthetic reality foisted upon us by Satan (somewhat like the Matrix), and he trapped us in completely solid material, matter-based existence. The carbon based world (Carbon is 6 neutrons, 6 protons, 6 electrons...666).

    On the biological side of this, we were trapped in our minds, with very small access to consciousness. In other words, we are 95% using our left hemisphere of the brain which runs solely on the 5 senses, the ego, and material world.... and very little of the right hemisphere which is consciousness, connected to higher power, creativity, and the non-physical world.

    What chemicals like LSD, shrooms, peyote, ayahuasca, etc. do is push us very quickly into the right hemisphere, and we are thrown into an extreme amount of consciousness head first and all at once. It basically gives us a 7-8 hour partial escape from the tinkering Satan has performed on us. If you have ever heard people describe their LSD experiences, they often talk about nothing really being in a "solid" state... this is because they are glimpsing what truly is outside the physical synthetic veil laid upon us. This can be a GRAND experience. I am a drug counselor and know people that have kicked heroin and found their Creator through ayahuasca use.

    The problem is, these chemicals push us into this state WAY too fast, and without any preparation. We "should" naturally be in a state that is more 50/50 in terms of mind/consciousness (some say 60/40), as our original creation intended, so as to have a level experience in the physical world, while still being connected to our Creator. Sadly, we have have not had this for quite a long time (Adam & Eve analogy). So, taking something like LSD is akin to throwing someone who has never swam off a boat and into the ocean! It has the potential to severely overwhelm someone and create problems down the road. This is why many religions use these substances VERY sparingly in their ceremonies.

    Bottom line point I am making.............. I believe it is something someone should experience once, just to get a glimpse behind the curtain. After that however, I would urge people to try and find their mind/consciousness balance the hard way....through baby steps and constant practice. Meditation combined with prayer is the way to go.

  1. Chuck's Avatar Chuck

    One more thing in terms of safety.......... steer clear of man made/lab made chemicals like LSD, MDMA, etc. If you choose to have the experience, only use organics such as mushrooms, peyote, ayahuasca, etc.

    1. John Maher's Avatar John Maher

      REAL GOOD ADVICE CHUCK, EVERYTHING from MOTHA NATURE is GUT !!! the ORANGUtrUMP DOTAR could USE a GOOD TRIP !!!

  1. Daniele Merkov's Avatar Daniele Merkov

    Magic truffles/shrooms can now be used for cancer patients to help them relax and less distressed about their disease? I have read some articles from:https://www.trufflemagic.com/blog/psilocybe-zapotecorum/ that psilocybin which is a major component of magic truffles can help ease anxiety and depression and on some circumstances open your creativity. So what is magic truffles anyway? Is it legal? Well the drug is clearly not for everyone, but further studies are on-going for it's medical purpose. I would really want to hear your stand regarding magic truffles. Thanks

  1. David Price's Avatar David Price

    This kind of awareness is very good and would benefit a lot of people in the long run. I hope that this will progress and improve people's lives. Thank you for sharing!

  1. Daniel Shields's Avatar Daniel Shields

    Thank you for sharing and spreading awareness! Mushrooms are really indeed a magical fungus. As studies progress, it unfolds a lot of possible uses and applications in science and medicine. I hope this could be the future treatment of a lot of diseases. It has endless capabilities!

Leave a Comment

When leaving your comment, please:

  • Be respectful and constructive
  • Criticize ideas, not people
  • Avoid profanity, insults, and derogatory comments

To view the full code of conduct governing these comment sections, please visit this page.

Not ordained yet? Hit the button below to get started. Once ordained, log in to your account to leave a comment!
Don't have an account yet? Create Account