Ibotenic Acid - (C5H6N2O4)
Muscimol - (C4H6N2O2)
The entheogenic constituents of A. muscaria are ibotenic acid (alpha-amino3-hydroxy-5-isoxazole acetic acid), muscamol (3hydroxy-5-aminomethy1 isoxazole), and possibly muscazone(Ott). Muscamol appears to be the primary intoxicant. After ingestion, a small amount of ibotenic acid decarboxylates into muscamol, which produces the intoxication.
Taken orally, ibotenic acid is entheogenically active at 50-100 mg(Ott and Stafford)
Taken orally, muscimol displays activity at 10-15mg.
The skin and they layer of material directly underneath is considered the most potent.
WARNING: INCORRECT MUSHROOM IDENTIFICATION CAN BE FATAL!
A. muscaria can be taken orally and there are also some claims that it can be smoked for effect. All parts of the mushroom are psychoactive, though there is some evidence that the material just under the skin is the most potent. The chart below shows approximate oral dosages dried A. muscaria in grams (g).
Oral Dosage is for completely dried cap material only:
Oral A. muscaria Dosage Light 1 - 5 g (1 medium cap) Common 5 - 10 g (1-3 medium caps) Strong 10 - 30 g (2-6 medium caps) Onset : 30 - 120 minutes
Peak : 1 - 2 hrs
Duration : 5 - 10 hours (higher doses seem to last longer)
Additional After Effects : 1 - 5 hours
SMOKING: Amanita Muscaria
Was especially thankful to one special person for introducing us to the wonderful state induced by smoked Amanita Muscaria. About 2 sq cm of the dried, peeled skin from the reddish cap were crumbled and smoked in a pipe along with a tiny bit of MJ to mellow out the otherwise rather harsh smoke.
Experienced a very nice alteration, somewhat akin to a strong MJ buzz without the loss of lucidity and memory usually noticed. Also, the cottonmouth effect of the MJ was pleasantly neutralized by the increase in salivation that the Amanita induces.
This Amanita/MJ smoking mix is highly recommended, especially as a stretcher, enhancer or even replacement for MJ. Was told that the effects from smoking this mushroom are significantly different from those experienced after eating it. Personally, had no noticable unpleasant side or after effects.
Many people recommend starting quite low when first working with Amanita muscaria, especially with an untested variety. Usually 1 small to medium cap is recommended as a starting dose. Once the strength of a given sample is known, many people recommend 1-5 caps totaling 5-20 grams of dried material.
The potency of individual A. muscaria mushrooms is highy variable, seemingly dependent upon the season in which they are picked and significant regional variations Mushrooms from the same area in different seasons may have different effects (ratio of nausea/body effects to mental / entheogenic effects).
"The most powerful mushrooms were picked in the middle of August when the season was beginning. In the mushroom picked in September the narcotic and physical effects were predominant whereas in August the "visionary" and psychedelic effects were more highlighted. "
from Disembodied Eyes
~~~Vaults of Erowid
WARNING: INCORRECT MUSHROOM IDENTIFICATION CAN BE FATAL!
The ancient Shamanic use of Amanita muscaria in Siberia is well documented.
Despite Governmental Oppression (of its use) there are still many who refuse to accept the Authorized State Religion, and continue the Shamanic traditions in secret. Santa Claus arrives on the roof and enters through the chimney. The Siberian Shaman (commonly dressing in red and white) would enter through the opening in the roof of a home where a ritual was to be done. Santa Claus (on the Holy Day) brings presents in his bag. The Shamen gather the mushrooms in bags which they would bring with them when performing a ceremony. The Santa Claus we see today evolved from traditions developed in Germany. The Weihnachtsmann (St. Nick) was an amalgamation of older Germanic/Norse gods such as Thor, Donner, Odin and Wotan.
This knowledge is fairly common. What is missing here is that Santa flies the skies in his sleigh, Odin (as well as the rest) rode through the sky in his chariot which is depicted in the stars by "The Big Dipper". The Big Dipper is the chariot of Odin and Wotan, And Thor, and King Arthur, and even Osiris (Egypt). The chariot that circles the North Star in a 24 hour period is thus also known as the sleigh of Santa Claus, which circles the mythological home of Santa (the North Pole). These Nordic/Germanic Gods are tied to Mushrooms in their mythology. Thor throws his hammer (which is shaped as a mushroom) to the ground and with a mighty Thunderous ligtning crack it appears. Odin rides the sky in his chariot pulled by horses which are exerting such an effort that their spit mingled with blood falls to the ground and the places where it hits mushrooms (Amanitas particularly) grow.
The Osiris mythology has even more to add to this. First off to the Egyptian's South was up (north). Osiris was the lord of the underworld (south) which is why he circles the sky in the furthest possible under (south) area. Not only did Osiris ride the sky in a chariot, but after his death Isis found that an evergreen (Cedar) had grown full sized from a dead stump overnight (this also relates to the Djed pillar) this was understood as a sign of Osiris' rebirth and immortality. The birth of Osiris is interestingly the 25th of December (traditional). The 25th of December was also celebrated annually by putting presents around the Cedar tree. This tradition is at lease five thousand years old. The birth of Horus to the goddess virgin mother Isis is perhaps the eldest representation of the goddess/son mythology, yet it is impossible to know the true date of this or how old the Astro-theological Virgo giving birth to the child/god/star mythology is. However it is the oldest source I have found. And very old it is.
The Mushrooms are typically dried (a
necessary procedure) by stringing them up (like popcorn) and
hanging them above the hearth of the fireplace. Shamen, and Lay
people alike, would gather and dry them. They are a valuable
commodity. Reindeer (native to Siberia) eat these mushrooms. The
Mythology of Reindeer taking flight reflects the supposed effects
they get after such a meal.
~~~~James Arthur
James Arthur: Ethno-mycology: A must read site!
JLF: Largest Amanita Supplier
The Mysterious Mind Behind The Madness
WARNING: Do not use any substance if there is a history or the potential of mental or physical illness unless it has been shown to improve your condition or attitude. Do not use substances if you are on psychotropic pharmaceuticals or other types of drugs until you have researched possible interactions.
NEVER eat ANY Mushroom, unless you are absolutely certain it is the one you want. VERIFY its identification with an expert Mycologist. This is not a recreational experience. The Shamanistic "DEATH (and REBIRTH) EXPERIENCE" is called that because that is what it is. Always have a few friends as monitors there to assure you that you are not dying. RESEARCH this before experimenting. Plan a full day for your experience. This is not a scheduled substance. Responsible and careful use will keep it that way.
WARNING: INCORRECT MUSHROOM IDENTIFICATION CAN BE FATAL!
STATEMENT:
This page is not advocating the use of any particular substance. Chemical use should be an individual decision made after much research and thought. To deny people the ability to explore their religion and take their sacraments is horrible. For this reason, an honest source of information is required. There are many dangers in all things in life and this is not any different. This information is provided as a public service to educate. It is built on experience, research and submissions.
