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Fly-Agaric
An Introduction
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This section is about the use of the Fly-Agaric mushroom, for medicinal
and spiritual use, by the Celtic and Pre-Celtic people of Ireland. This is probably the most
well known fungi, because of it's association with the Shee, the Fairy
Folk, it was a very important fungi
to the Druids of the Celtic tribes. It was referred to 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 this Fungi. Although all the Celtic people
consumed Liberty-caps, 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 only the fruit being seen here in the
photos. The fruit of this organism is well known but few realise the fruit found
over a certain area will usually all be from the one organism.
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 the sweat-lodges or even in the
waters of a bath.
The eating of this mushroom, if it is not treated before hand, can cause
violent stomach retching.
Not recommended. NEVER EAT
RAW!
The smoking of the fungi would have been done when it was dried
and where possible they would have tried to sun-dry the mushrooms. It would then have been
mixed with other herbs and/or fungi and smoked through a pipe.
It would also have been
burnt or mixed with the water in the sweat-lodges to be consumed through the
pores in the skin.
Starting out what a sight
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Most of the dots removed by the grass
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The use of this fungi dates back to as long as it has been around. The
exploration of the mind through the use of these mushrooms and others has always been
happening, is happening and will continue to happen well into the future. Even
though it
is illegal to consume these fungi at the moment in most countries, it is also the right of
every citizen to IGNORE and DEMAND the removal of all morally unacceptable
laws.
The Organism that these photos are taken off, would be from 200-300 years
old. So I for one do not have the right to destroy this old a living growing organism. As a Celtic Pagan I
also have a right to use these tools of exploration and no
other human has the right to deny me these tools. There is an arrogance from the
politicians of today thinking that they have the right to interfere in the lives of others, this is
not so and if these politicians don't realize this soon there will be a breakdown of the
system as more and more people take radical action against their unjustifiable laws.
Just coming out
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Full Spread
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The photos above are prime examples of the Fly-Agaric mushroom. The
small ball just coming through the grass and the cap at full spread above grass level.
Most of the white spots are rubbed off by the grass as the mushroom is coming through. It is
best to take them when they have matured into a full cap. It takes no more that a few days
for the fungi to grow from the root to a full cap. If it is not eaten by another of Mother
Earth's creatures.
Eating of the Fly-Agaric Mushroom : The most common way that
this mushroom was eaten was when it had been dried. The Druid or Druids fasted
for at least 3 days, drinking only water although sometimes small amounts of purifying
herbs may also be taken and meditating before consumption of the fungi. This was done for
a number of reasons, not only to purify the mind but also it purified the body because the
body acts in a strange way to this fungi. When consumed the body removes the
Mind-Expanding substances before the poison. So the Psychedelic is in the body before it
starts to react to the poison. This reaction is violent stomach emptying as the body
rejects what's left of the mushroom before it absorbs any more of the poison. The Druids
were well prepared for this sickness as it was part of taking the fungi. After the poison
is rejected the Psychedelic starts to act, this is when the second reason for body purity
was needed as the first urine expelled after consumption is nearly all Psychedelic
and
this was either consumed at the time to give full effect of the fungi or stored for a
later ritual. It was also used in many of their Beverages or Potions. This may
sound a bit sick to some but with the 3 day fast and only water going in, only water was
coming out.
Smoking the Fly-Agaric Mushroom : The dried mushroom can be
broken into small amounts and smoked on their own or with other herbs or fungi in a pipe,
chillum or bong. The effect can be felt almost immediately and is much milder
than eaten, and there is no sickness when smoking as the poison is destroyed by the
heat. Some of the poison is also removed during the drying process.
For the last few years I have found it harder and harder to find
this fungi and have no pictures for 2006, 2007 or 2008. Lets hope 2009 will be
better.
Note -: These galleries are picture oriented and may take some time to
load
Personal use of these pictures is allowed.
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Last Updated -
December 8, 2023
© Shee-Eire:
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