Belonging to the fungi kingdom, the mushroom is arguably the most enigmatic member of nature's realm. Its association with strong health benefits and profound mystical journeys are just some of the features that provide this umbrella shaped fungus with its remarkable nature.
The word mushroom is thought to stem from an old French term, "mousson", meaning 'moss grower'. Some unusual features of these moss growers are that they literally spring up overnight, only to be gone by morning. Some mushrooms also glow green at night, although the uses of this conspicuous forest member are numerous.
Mushroom Culture
Mushroom enthusiast Peter Jordan describes some benefits of hunting for the sacred mushroom. A mushroom foray, for example, is an excellent way to interact with and thus gain knowledge of the great outdoors. A jolly good mushroom hunt is also sure to add flavour to the kitchen pot, as well as further one's mycological knowledge.
A Swedish eye surgeon has even said that a mushroom foray is good for the eyesight, as it exercises peripheral vision as well as the eye muscles. Other life enriching mushroom activities include searching for varieties on the Internet, which can lead to the discovery of wonderful holidays (such as France and Italy) that revolve around mushroom cooking and hunting.
Mushrooms, like many foodstuffs, also have their traditional uses. Mushroom dyes, usually red, yellow or brown, are used to colour wool. Some mushroom fungi can even be made into fibre, as well as cloth. The mushroom is also known to share its ecosystem with the frog, who, in a likely ancient amphibian tradition, uses the mushroom as an umbrella during periods of heavy rain.
Mushroom Types
As the variety of mushrooms are rather extensive, only several well known types will be mentioned here. A common type found in Britain and Europe is the Boletus appendiculatus, which is brown on top and contains a bright yellow stem. The flesh is often blue when cut and releases a rather pleasant smell. This boletus is particularly good in wild mushroom dishes.
Another extremely common type is the Puffball mushroom, which possesses an almost perfect round shape and smooth outer skin. The Puffball is often found on the common golf course and provides a valuable addition to the morning bacon and eggs.
Possibly more well known, although for different reasons, is the Amanita muscaria. This widely regarded sacred mushroom is found at the base of most of the world's religious writings, and its practice is well documented amongst the Siberian shaman of today.
The Sacred Mushroom
It is no secret the Amanita Muscaria (along with other types) grants its users access to mind altering journeys which delve into “other dimensions”. Numerous details of wild colourful odysseys have been documented in which both objects and people represent fantastical images and symbols. One such journey has been described by author Gordon Wasson, who, during a mushroom adventure, thought a man was a castle.
Sacred use of the mushroom is also represented in cults throughout various parts of the world. There are claims the Eastern orthodox headdress and numerous architectural domes found throughout the world are relics of an ancient mushroom cult. Author Katie Letcher Lyle also believes the mushroom is phallic in appearance, which is represented in an ancient fertility cult from which the Christ figure purportedly derives.
In the Mexican town of Chignahuapan, Puebla, there was alleged to be a church that venerated fungus in the 1970's. Furthermore, 400 statues roughly 30 centimetres high with hands shaped like mushrooms were found in Mesoamerica. These statues were Mayan in origin and are thought to represent an ancient mushroom cult.
The mushroom it appears, is a rather curious specimen. It is worshiped, it enlightens, it heals, it poisons, it also glows in the dark, grows in caves and tastes undeniably sensational. For never has there been a field dweller with quite as much style and mystery as this one.
Sources
Acharya, S. 1999. The Christ Conspiracy: The Greatest Story Ever Told. Adventure Unlimited Press: Kempton.
Arthur, James. 2000. Mushrooms and Mankind: The Impact of Mushrooms on Human Consciousness and Religion. Book Tree: Escondido.
Jordan, Peter. 2006. Field Guide Edible Mushrooms of Britain and Europe. New Holland Publishers: London.
Lyle, Katie Letcher. 2010. The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants, Mushrooms, Fruits, and Nuts, 2nd: How to Find, Identify, and Cook Them. Globe Pequot: Guilford.
McKenna, Terence. K; Reidlinger, Thomas. J. 1997. The Sacred Mushroom Seeker: Tributes to R. Gordon Wasson. Inner Traditions / Bear & Company: Rochester.
Stefoff, Rebecca. 2007. The Fungus Kingdom. Marshall Cavendish: New York.
Andy Tope - Andy is a freelance writer and photographer based in Byron Bay. He is available for copywriting, travel, food and SEO projects.
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