Psilocybin + Mushrooms 101
New to mushrooms? Discover the mushroom basics we're asked the most about from explorers just like you.

What is psilocybin?
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms, known for their profound effects on consciousness. These sacred mushrooms have been used ceremonially for thousands of years as tools for healing, spiritual connection, and personal growth. At PRISMA, psilocybin is a sacrament, used intentionally in a ceremonial context to create transformative experiences for participants.
When consumed, psilocybin is metabolized into psilocin, which interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain. This interaction fosters shifts in perception, emotional breakthroughs, and a heightened sense of interconnectedness. PRISMA honors this natural medicine as a gift from the Earth, facilitating deep healing and exploration of self and spirit.

Where Did the Use of Psilocybin Begin?
The ceremonial use of psilocybin-containing mushrooms has been documented across various cultures throughout history. Here is a concise list of known lineages:
- Mesoamerican Cultures: Indigenous groups such as the Aztecs and Mazatecs in present-day Mexico have a long history of using psilocybin mushrooms in religious and healing rituals to connect with the Divine.
The Mazatec Tradition: Indigenous Mazatec healers in Oaxaca, Mexico, have preserved the ceremonial use of psilocybin, singing prayers and creating safe, sacred spaces for healing and transformation.- European Prehistoric Communities: Rock art in Spain, estimated to be around 6,000 years old, illustrates mushroom imagery, indicating potential ritualistic significance.
Ancient African Societies: Cave paintings in regions like Tassili, Algeria, dating back approximately 7,000 to 9,000 years, depict figures holding mushroom-like objects, suggesting early ceremonial use.
PRISMA carries forward these traditions, blending ancient wisdom with proven modern practices and understanding to create an inclusive space for healing, growth, and exploration particularly for neurodiverse and queer individuals.

Why Does PRISMA Use Psilocybin in Ceremonies?
At PRISMA, psilocybin mushrooms are seen as sacred allies—our Teacher—in the journey of spiritual awakening and healing. They help participants:
Heal Emotional Wounds
Release long-held patterns of grief, anxiety, or trauma that the body, heart, and mind have metabolized and held onto that are needing to be fully processed and released.
Connect with Inner WIsdom
Connecting with inner wisdom allows you to access your deepest truths and intuition, guiding you toward clarity and alignment. It’s the quiet voice within that knows the path forward, even amidst life’s noise.
Experience unity and transcendence
Experience unity and transcendence as the boundaries of separation dissolve, revealing the interconnectedness of all existence. This profound state invites a deep sense of peace, belonging, and connection to something greater than the self.
