Fly agaric fungus (Amanita muscaria) cluster of orange form
This fungus was referred to by ancient peoples as the 'Flesh of the Gods', or 'Food of the Gods' because they believed that they were in direct communication with the earth and the universe when they consumed it. The fly agaric was usually only taken by the Druids and other magic users. It was considered too powerful for those not trained in the higher levels of the mind. This Fungus contains some very powerful psychotropic compounds. These fungi are the fruit of an organism that can live to be thousands of years old. Most of this organism is the root system with toadstools being the fruit. The most common way that this mushroom was consumed was in the form of a beverage. Some of these drinks were alcoholic in nature. It was also eaten, smoked or absorbed through the skin in ointments, in the steam of Sweat Lodges or even in the waters of a bath. The eating of this mushroom, if it is not treated beforehand, can cause violent stomach retching.
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Photo credit: © Stephen Street / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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