Iconic red-and-white spotted mushroom containing muscimol and ibotenic acid. Produces distinctly sedative, dream-like, and sometimes deliriant effects.
ECOLOGY & HABITAT
Mycorrhizal with birch, pine, and spruce trees across the Northern Hemisphere.
Distribution
Circumpolar Northern Hemispherewidely introduced elsewhere
INDIGENOUS NAMES
The names this organism has been given by the cultures that have lived alongside it. Each carries an entire relationship — what is sacred is never simply translated.
- Mukhomor (мухомор)Russian"Fly-killer"
- WapaqKhanty · Khanty
- Pán'gäSelkup · Selkup
TRADITIONAL USE
- Ancient use across Siberia and parts of Europe for shamanic and divinatory purposes
CULTURAL CONTEXT
Strongly associated with Siberian shamanism, the origins of Santa Claus imagery, and European folklore. Effects are qualitatively very different from tryptamine psychedelics.
SEASONAL WINDOW
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Late summer through autumn under birch, pine, and spruce
GALLERY
3 images
REFERENCES
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- Michelot & Melendez-Howell 2003 DOI
- Wasson 1968
