What are Liberty Caps? Spiritual, Mental & Physical Benefits of Magic Mushrooms

What are Magic Mushrooms?

Magic mushrooms, are also known as psilocybin mushrooms, are a type of fungi that contain psychoactive compounds, particularly psilocybin & psilocin. These compounds are responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of these mushrooms. Magic mushrooms have a long history of use in various cultures for religious, spiritual, and shamanic purposes.

Psilocybin is converted into psilocin in the body, and both compounds interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to altered perceptions of reality, changes in thought processes, and enhanced sensory experiences. The effects of magic mushrooms can vary widely depending on factors such as dosage, individual sensitivity, and the environment in which they are consumed.

There are many species of mushrooms that contain psilocybin, the psychoactive compound. Some common types include:

• Psilocybe cubensis: One of the most well-known and widely distributed species.
• Psilocybe semilanceata: Known as the liberty cap, often found in grassy areas.
• Psilocybe cyanescens: Known for its potent effects and often found in woodchip mulch.
• Psilocybe azurescens: known for its high psilocybin content. It is often found in coastal regions and has a strong visual and spiritual reputation.
• Silocybe baeocystis: Commonly referred to as the "Knobby Tops," this species has a unique appearance. It contains psilocybin and psilocin.
• Psilocybe tampanensis (Philosopher's Stone): Known for producing sclerotia, also called "magic truffles". These are hardened masses of mycelium that contain psychoactive compounds.
• Psilocybe mexicana: Native to Mexico and is historically significant for its traditional use in indigenous rituals. It is one of the mushrooms implicated in the discovery of psilocybin.

Liberty Cap Mushrooms "Out of This World"

Liberty caps (Psilocybe semilanceata) are a type of magic mushroom that contains the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. They are one of the more prominent and widely circulated species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms.

• Liberty caps have a distinctive appearance with a small nipple-like protrusion on top although this is not always visible especially in younger specimens. 0.5–2.5 cm in diameter.
• The cap is usually light brown or tan, with a pointed top (referred to as a witches hat) The cap changes colour based on its state of hydration.
• The stem is slender, ranging from ivory to pale brown and often darker towards the base. It is around 4-10cm long.
•  As the spores are released, the gills transition from a grey hue to a purplish-brown color with age. The gills incline upwards, connecting to the stem solely at its uppermost point.

Proceeding with caution is crucial when it comes to mushroom identification. It is essential to approach this task seriously, and under no circumstances should you consume a mushroom unless you are certain of its identity. If there is any uncertainty about a particular specimen, it is advisable to either discard it or seek the opinion of an expert.

Medicinal & Spiritual Benefits of Liberty Caps

There is a reason why liberty caps are called "out of this world" or "cosmic shrooms". That is because of the magic they hold is for you to experience higher consciousness, expansion of awareness, perspective, connection with the spiritual and natural world, the experience of the oneness, understanding energy, frequency and vibration. We all know that trips are not always love and light. Mushrooms have a great intelligence in giving you what you need. Liberty caps work very well with emotional pain, trauma and helping you face parts of yourself that is ready for your attention. This is why working with experts and facilitators who specialise in holding plant medicine ceremonies can hold the space safely for you. When we feel like we are experiencing some what of a "negative experience" it is a relief knowing you are safe and someone is by your side. 

The psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin they contain, interact with serotonin receptors in the brain. The serotonin system is a complex network of neurotransmitters and receptors that play a crucial role in mood, perception, and various cognitive functions. 

The Receptors:

• The binding of psilocin to serotonin receptors, especially 5-HT2A, leads to an increased release of serotonin and alters the normal patterns of serotonin transmission. They can activate any shut down receptors from PTSD, anxiety, trauma, depression and other psychological impact on the person.

Increased Neuron Activity:

• Psilocybin, may promote neuroplasticity, the ability of the brain to reorganise and form new connections. This could potentially underlie the therapeutic effects observed in some studies, particularly in the treatment of mood disorders.

Spiritually this shows us how we can reprogram our minds from negative to positive behaviours, patterns and thought processes. From our personal experience with psilocybin, we have seen a huge transformational with our personal journey. Not only that, the levels of serotonin can open up the heart to feel the unconditional love, that we are not separate from each other including nature. 

Working with the medicine in a Sacred way 

Mushrooms, holding a strong masculine, father/grandfather energy holds the wisdom of the universe. Working with such a sacred medicine is an honour and most certainly has been kept away from this sacred ceremonial use. When we hear "magic mushrooms" instantly this is seen as a substance/drug to take with your mates or whilst you are raving at a club. In these environments experiencing the true medicine will not take into affect as this is recreational.

Mushrooms much like other substances (Ayahuasca, San Pedro for example) these medicines are held in a sacred space, where a shaman, space holder, or medicine man/women will facilitate you or a group into a safely held environment with sound frequency, meditation, blind folds and other attributes to ceremony. They are ancient medicines just like the others suggested here. When the spirit of mushrooms is held with respect, honour and a dieta (which is dedication to the plant, by cleansing the body it can allow the medicine to work through you on a cellular level) the experience can be completely different, you may experience a more cosmic and loving trip and others may experience trauma and emotional release, intention is key when going into any plant ceremony. 

How much should I take?

Dosage depends on the person. If you are new to working with plant medicine it is suggested to start off small. Being on a dieta also will increase the sensitivity to the medicine as your vessel is pure with no substances blocking the psilocybin (salt, oils and sugar usually create a block in the body from fully receiving the psilocybin). From personal experiences beginning with (0.5-1g) is safe for first trip, or if you are sensitive. When working with mushrooms sacredly you are not digesting this with any other substances, plant medicines or ingredients therefore taking mushrooms In raw form will enhance the effects.

Who should not take mushrooms?

There are precautions to still consider if you are feeling the urge to try mushrooms. 

• Do not take mushrooms if you are on antidepressants. Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) anti-depressants can have a profound effect on the use of psilocybin, mostly prolonging the effects. Lithium and other tricyclic antidepressants can be dangerous in combination with psychedelics like psilocybin.
• Do not take mushrooms if you already have diagnosis of schizophrenia. It is conditional for bipolar disorder, personality or borderline disorder. 
• If you are taking other drugs, prescriptions and pharmacy drugs can interfere with the serotonin system. which negatively influences the affect of psilocybin. 
• Psychedelics can bring on psychosis episodes if the above has not been taken into consideration.

We also believe that if you have not had any previous experience with wellness, spirituality then please be careful where, who and what environment, medicine and practise you are delving into. Although a space holder may protect and ensure the space is safe. When your energetic field opens up, you are connecting and experiencing different frequencies, beings and attachments within your energetic field. Therefore it is important that fundamentals are put in place to avoid emotional and spiritual shut down. 

Physical Benefits of Liberty Caps

It is wise to always handle psychedelics with care, caution and knowing the risks of too much of anything. However, many studies and research has started to come to the surface of the many benefits of experiencing mushrooms via a micro-dose level. 

Many users have experienced that the mushrooms have mood-lifting effects, potentially alleviating symptoms of depression or anxiety and specifically targeting PTSD. Micro-dosing can helps enhance concentration and focus, increased feelings of well-being and reports of heightened creativity, improved problem-solving abilities, and increased cognitive flexibility.

If someone is considering microdosing, it's advisable to:

• Start Low: Begin with a very low dose to minimise the risk of unwanted effects.
• Maintain Consistency: If someone chooses to micro dose, it's often recommended to maintain a consistent schedule, there are different methods to follow, ensure research and understanding is at a broad level.
• Monitor Effects: Pay attention to how microdosing affects mood, behavior, and overall well-being.

Responses to microdosing can vary widely among individuals. What works for one person may not have the same effects for another.