Thinking About Sitting With Mushrooms? Read This First…
Whether a friend recommended psilocybin or it piqued your interest on a podcast, there are a few important things to know before sitting with mushrooms — especially in a spiritual or ceremonial setting.
1. Everyone’s Experience Is Different
One of the most important things to remember is this: no two journeys are alike.
Mushrooms communicate with each person differently, depending on their upbringing, learning style, emotions, fears, and inner world. I, for example, tend to have very visual, imaginative experiences — full-on worlds that I enter into. I’ve learned not everyone sees visuals in the same way, and that’s okay. Your experience will be exactly what you need.
Try not to compare your experience to what you’ve heard from others. It will likely surprise you.
2. It Won’t “Fix” Everything — and That’s Not the Point
One ceremony won’t solve all your problems. But it can open the door.
I think of mushrooms as a stepping stone — or even as a “price to pay” for the shifts that unfold after. My first ceremony was life-changing, but it took years for that change to fully ripple into my life. So be open. Let the shifts happen over time. The medicine works long after the ceremony ends.
3. You Don’t Need to Be Spiritually Prepared
I used to think I had to learn how to meditate perfectly before I could have a “real” mushroom experience. I’d try to control the medicine. But I was wrong.
You don’t need to do anything except show up. The medicine meets you exactly where you are — not where you think you should be.
4. Trust the Guidelines (And Be Honest With Your Facilitator)
Dress comfortably. Follow the diet if your guide or shaman gives you one. And most importantly — be honest about what you’re taking.
Always let your facilitator know if you’re using substances or prescription medication. This helps them make sure it’s safe for you.
5. Intentions Matter — But Don’t Stress Them
You don’t need a perfect intention. But if there’s something pressing on your heart or mind, bring it in.
Sometimes I write down the things I’m processing and read through them during ceremony. Often, the medicine will shift my focus to something even deeper.
Quick Recap: Before Sitting With Mushrooms
Everyone’s experience is different. Don’t expect yours to look like anyone else’s.
One ceremony won’t fix everything. It opens the door for deeper change over time.
You don’t need to be “spiritually ready.” Just show up as you are — that’s enough.
Follow the guidance. Be honest with your facilitator and respect the preparation process.
Intentions help, but don’t overthink them. Let the medicine guide you to what matters most.
Final Thoughts
The spirit of mushrooms is deeply loving. Once they’re in your system, they begin working with you — not against you. You don’t have to do this perfectly. You just have to be open.
You’re not doing it wrong if you feel unsure. Just being here means something inside you is ready.
