Psilocybin truly is magical - how it works & common intentions

Though psilocybin has been proven to be a potent treatment for mental health, it wasn't the original use - its potential is INFINITE. I use this example to briefly explain how psilocybin works from a psychological, neuroscience, mystical, and somatic perspective. With a list of possible intentions, there is space for you to discover your unique reason for journeying.

Let's look at common, modern uses of psilocybin as an example of how it works. Psilocybin is a breakthrough medicine for depression, anxiety, OCD, psychological distress, and trauma. Many say - and studies show - one dose can offer more healing than years of therapy and pharmaceutical drug use combined.

There are a few reasons for this. I’ll give a brief insight from a psychological, neuroscience, mystic, and somatic perspective.

Psychological

Psilocybin takes us deep within our subconscious and unconscious minds for a unique experience that allows us to see parts of us that are often unseen - our programming - for a radical and fresh view.

We experience emotions, events, and memories that may be repressed or forgotten.

We see patterns, behaviors and beliefs that we may be unconscious of.

(This is where the term “psychedelic” came from - “psyche” and “clear/manifest”.)

Talk therapy and modern medication cannot penetrate this space as quickly or easily, if even at all, ever.

We remember we are not identified by these conditions and circumstances. We can see ourselves more broadly and clearly, including the programming that caused the symptoms and be empowered to reprogram. It can open the mind and soften the heart, accessing more positive emotions and experiences.

Neuroscience

Psilocybin does A LOT on the brain and we're actively studying to understand. For starters, it stimulates neurogenesis (repairing neurons and creating new ones) and neuroplasticity (rewiring and creating new connections and pathways). It increases bursts in the locus coeruleus, the 'novelty detector', which can explain the renewed sense of awe and presence.

Psilocybin activates serotonin receptors, an essential neurotransmitter that regulates emotions and allows us to feel satiated. When it's imbalanced, there's a hunger that seeks fulfillment. (The massive boost of serotonin is what gives us a taste of ecstasy and oneness - our true nature - in the psychedelic journey.)

We can rewire thought patterns and beliefs, overcome fears, gain new perspectives and ways of learning, and dive into creativity. We remember the expansive and genius nature of our minds and ability to create.

Mystical

Mystically speaking, psilocybin can take us into the unknown, unseen, unfelt realms. As I shared in the blog How we remember with sacred mushrooms, before the Western world began researching psilocybin for mental health treatment, it was used as a sacrament to commune with the divine and receive sacred messages.

Journeying through alternate dimensions is unique to each individual. Though we may encounter similar spirits/entities/realms/energies, no two experiences are the same. Yet, we often have an ineffable, peak ecstatic experience that lends a profound remembrance of our divinity.

That’s where the term “entheogen” came from - “divine within”. (And why they were coined 'magic mushrooms' in the '50s.)

When we return to the waking reality, the higher guidance or inner knowings allow us to see beyond the physical circumstances and offer courage to live accordingly. We remember our sacred and divine nature. We remember ecstasy and bliss are our are our birthright and always accessible. We remember our inherent connection to all life.

Somatic

The body is the subconscious mind and intuition. During a journey, sensations are stirred in the body as the subconscious and intuition speak. Amplified sensations show us correlating thoughts and feelings. Cellularly, things shift, possibly releasing what’s been stuck and blocked, offering healing and expansion.

We remember the energy and sensations in our body are not random or diseases but messages to be received. We remember how to tune in and the safety and pleasure we can access.

Possible intentions 

With these brief perspectives of how psilocybin works, what intentions may you have for journeying with the sacred mushrooms? Intention is your why - the reason you’re taking a journey, what you’re hoping to get out of it.

Maybe you are looking for healing for mental health or trauma.

Maybe you’re experiencing heavy grief or heartbreak and looking to lighten the load.

Maybe everything looks good from the outside but on the inside, you feel something is missing, or you want a fresh insight.

Maybe you want to cut stress and slow down to live with more ease and presence.

Maybe you’ve been doing a lot of healing work that's been grueling and you’re looking for a boost, empowerment.

Maybe you want to release what no longer serves you or understand what may be holding you back.

Maybe you’re aware of fears that are holding you back and you’re seeking courage to take a leap of faith.

Maybe you’re answering the call to journey to unseen realms for a mystical, transcendental experience - to meet the divine within!

The possibilities are truly endless!

Regardless of your intention, the sacred mushrooms meet you where you are. I am here to support you along the way.