Ancient Paintings

One of the earliest evidences of the status given to magic mushrooms in ancient civilisations can be found in Spain. Rock paintings depicting mushrooms dating back 6000 years suggest that they (most likely the strain Psilocybe Hispanica) were used in religious ceremonies.

Mesoamerican Mushroom Stones

It seems that our mascot Shrooma has relatives in Ancient Mesoamerica! Mayan and Aztec ‘mushroom stones’ have been found dating as far back as 3000 BC. The stones, of varying sizes, are mushroom shaped but feature different human and animal  faces. It has been suggested that the trance-like expressions on their faces are evidence of their use in religious rituals, wherein participants would ‘talk to the gods’. Additionally, in Mexico, a statue depicting our very own Psilocybe Mexicana was discovered in a tomb, dating back 1,800 years! 

Celtic Sweat Houses

Many cultures practice ritual with their hallucinogenics, and the Celts were no different. ‘Sweat Houses’ can be found in the Irish countryside (nearby where shrooms are known to grow), and are thought to be the setting druids chose to have their psychedelic experiences. These semi-underground, stone structures would have increased the high of the participant by encouraging sweating, which is known to intensify a trip.

Access Today

Psychedelic scholars today think that all religious visions and ecstasies throughout history could have been the result of hallucinogens. An intriguing thought..

Additionally, in these ancient examples, it is just those of high status who had access to psychedelics. It’s interesting to think that today you have access the same privilege that early shamans and druids did!