One important part of the shamanic journey is to journey while in alternate states of consciousness (ASC). This is a mental state that is different than our normal day-to-day consciousness. This is often accomplished by finding and using an ally plant (ref: Carlos Castaneda)
In one example, the allies can be marijuana and magic mushrooms. Once chosen, the next step is obtaining the allies. Pot is pretty easy to grow or buy — well, in my state. Mushrooms, on the other hand, are illegal to buy. I recommend learning to grow them if you choose them. The safest path is to use them only for your personal travels
One good place to learn to grow magic mushrooms is the Shoomery. Look for the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Shroomery in the Mushroom Cultivation forum. If you run into any challenges, the team in the Mush Cult forum can definitely help
The plant allies are important as they are the vehicles to enter hyperspace. You ingest the plant and then visit another dimension. Within that dimension, you can travel into your mind, the global subconscious or even more distant places. This ASC, dimension, hyperspace or territory is where the shaman learns and grows
If you’re choosing magic mushrooms as an ally, I recommend going with Terence McKenna’s instructions. His first recommendation is that you get a scale. Pick one that can read up to 100 grams. That will let you put a plastic cup on the scale and then just fill the cup
Measuring out exactly 5 grams is important so that you don’t underdose or overdose. Underdosing does not allow you to reach hyperspace and overdosing makes it quite difficult to keep your wits about you. So, measure out the 5 dried grams of mushrooms each time. This may look like a lot if you aren’t use to the correct dosage
Pick a quiet afternoon or night and stop eating about 6 hours before your trip. You want to have an empty stomach. Eat the mushrooms. Five pm or six pm is a common start time. Then, sit or lay in silence and darkness. Obviously, no phone, no Internet, no TV and no music
At this dosage, you’ll be in for a 4-6 hour trip. So, stay comfortable and warm in quiet darkness and let your mind travel
Terence liked to travel alone. Traveling with others is nice, too. And, a trip sitter could be helpful. The important part is that you aren’t disturbed no matter what antics you’re up to. At times you may be battling foes and from the outside it can look quite scary. At this time you don’t want someone else checking in on you and pulling you out.
If you feel that you need a trip sitter, by all means get one. Maybe give them a safe word so that they know when you’re okay and when you’re not. Safe is good
Happy travels
Psychedelic Awakening by Gemini AI
In a realm of vibrant hues, where reality dissolves,
A psychedelic head surrenders, its consciousness revolves.
Eyes closed, a trance descends, a journey within starts,
As the mind explores the depths of its hidden arts.A cornucopia of plants, their colors bright and bold,
Unleash their magic, a story yet untold.
Mushrooms, with their caps like tiny umbrellas,
Guide the mind through mystical, psychedelic swells.The head, a canvas, a blank slate,
As the plants and fungi dictate its fate.
Patterns emerge, swirling and bright,
A kaleidoscope of colors, a mesmerizing sight.The journey deepens, the mind takes flight,
Soaring through dimensions, bathed in ethereal light.
The head, a vessel, a conduit of the unknown,
Experiencing the sublime, no longer alone.In this psychedelic realm, the rules are defied,
Logic and reason, cast aside.
The mind is free, unburdened, unbound,
Exploring the depths of its inner ground.As the journey ends, the head emerges, transformed,
A new perspective gained, a consciousness reformed.
The psychedelic experience, a catalyst for change,
A gateway to the soul, a sacred range.