PRISMA | A Reflective and Radiant Community for Brilliant Being & Beings.

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.

How Are Mushrooms Used at PRISMA?

At PRISMA, psilocybin mushrooms are honored as a sacred sacrament, used intentionally within a structured, ceremonial framework to foster healing, spiritual exploration, and personal transformation.

Our approach blends ancient wisdom with modern understanding, ensuring a safe, guided, and meaningful experience.

Methods of Consumption at PRISMA

To ensure a smooth and intentional experience, PRISMA primarily serves psilocybin in the following ways:

  • • Brewed as Tea: A gentle and ceremonial method that allows for gradual absorption.

  • • Eaten Dried: Taken with mindful intention, crushed into a fine powder for maximum efficacy and experience, often with natural juice or honey to honor the medicine.

A Sacred and Guided Experience

Every journey at PRISMA is held in a container of reverence, intention, and community. Our facilitators provide trauma-informed, neurodiverse-aware, and queer-affirming support, ensuring each participant feels safe and fully supported.

Through these ceremonies, mushrooms serve as a bridge to deeper self-awareness, connection, and transformation.

Want to keep going? Learn more about Ceremony Basics.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CEREMONY BASICS

PRISMA is a Legally-Protected, Sacred Church.

PRISMA's right to explore our inner worlds and connect with Spirit through entheogens is protected by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) of 1993 and our values are rooted in the deeply held belief and human birthright of cognitive liberty/autonomy. Meaning, you can confidently explore with us in the pursuit of your spiritual growth and expansion. This provides you with an added layer of safety aligned with legal protections.