The world of magic mushrooms is a fascinating place. It might seem scary at first, especially if you’re unfamiliar with it. But, once you get familiar with the magic mushroom world, it becomes an exciting place for you to explore. But, of course, as with all things in life, you need to give it some time before you can get comfortable.
To get comfortable, one must first learn how to be familiar. When it comes to magic mushrooms, familiarizing yourself with the terms is essential. These are things in connection to mushrooms and what a trip would be like. This is a way of preparation, which is a big deal when it comes to shrooms. This helps put you in the proper disposition to go on a trip.
Now you have prepared yourself, it is best to know the other essential things to prepare. You also need to prepare yourself as you enter the world of shrooms! One way to do this is to familiarize yourself with the common jargon used by your fellow psychonauts. By doing this, you equip yourself with the appropriate vocabulary. This will also help you be part of that world.
What’s a psychonaut, you ask? Well, read on, and you’ll find out what that means, along with some other terms used in this psychedelic world.
Cap
When talking about mushrooms, “cap” refers to the top part of a mushroom. It sits on the top of the mushroom like a cap would on your head, hence the name.
Caps come in all shapes and sizes but usually are shaped to an umbrella. These parts of the mushroom contain gills and spores.
Come-up/Come-down
These two refer to the effects of the psychedelic mushroom. A “come-up” is when you begin to feel its effects, while a “come-down” is when you start to feel it wear off. Think of it as the rise and fall of your mushroom trip.
Compared to others, the come-down of a psychedelic doesn’t usually feel like a “crash.” This is more of a slow descent where you feel tired.
Default Mode Network
Also known as the DMN, this is your brain’s most active network during a resting state. This network is involved with higher brain function. The DMN has to do usually with your sense of self. Now, if you are under any psychedelics, this network is less active. This can explain why people feel like they lose their sense of self during a trip.
Ego Death
Ego death is when you feel a complete loss of your sense of self, which can happen during a trip. This isn’t bad. This means you transcend yourself entirely and connect with something greater than yourself. As a result, you reach a state of enlightenment or get to see how you’re more connected to the world around you.
Entheogen
Entheogens are substances that alter your perception or consciousness. This helps perceive things that you usually wouldn’t when you aren’t on psychedelics. These substances are what help you go on a trip and feel different with your senses.
Heroic Dose
Coined by Terence McKenna, this refers to having a hefty dose of magic mushrooms. This can be done by intake of a large number of shrooms, 5g for example. This should be done in a dark and silent room. From there, you will be able to achieve ego death or transcendence.
It could be called heroic because of how incredible a feat is to take a large dose to reach transcendence.
Microdose
Microdose is the opposite of a heroic dose. If a heroic dose requires a large number, a microdose needs a small amount. Usually, shrooms and acid are taken this way.
While this won’t take you on a trip, it is enough to change your cognition to help you be more productive and creative.
Psilocybe
Psilocybe is a species of mushroom. It is known to have gills as one of its identifying characteristics. These mushrooms are known to be psychedelic. Several variants of these mushrooms are possible to grow worldwide. Psilocybe cubensis is an example of one of the more well-known kinds.
Psilocybin/Psilocin
Psilocybin is known to be one of the main psychedelic components in magic mushrooms. But, when it’s ingested, this substance becomes psilocin, which is the psychoactive form. So, these two substances are what handle the psychedelic effects of magic mushrooms.
Between the two, psilocybin is the component that is used in clinical trials. This is because it is more stable compared to psilocin.
Psychedelic
This stems from the Greek words “psyche” and “delos,” translating to mind and manifesting.
Psychedelic is a psychoactive substance that induces hallucinations and helps alter your consciousness. This has also become associated with a lot of the imagery and colors that you can see in many media in the ’70s.
Psychonaut
This is you! A psychonaut is someone who likes to use psychedelics. They use it to explore their mind and also the vast universe before them.
Psychonaut is a combination of the words psychedelic and astronaut. It’s fitting as you do feel like an astronaut in outer space when you trip. The experience of being in the middle of an expanded consciousness you share with the world.
Set and Setting
Set and setting are two essential factors you take into account before a trip.
Set, short for mindset, is the disposition that you are in. Before you go on a trip, you should be in the proper state of mind to help you have a good trip.
Setting refers to everything outside your head. That means being in an environment where it’s safe for you to trip.
These two are essential to help your trip responsibly.
Strain
Strain refers to the type of psychedelic mushroom you are consuming. “Psychedelic mushroom” is actually an umbrella term for psilocybin-containing mushrooms. Various strains are available in the world, each giving you a unique trip experience.
TEK
TEK is a slang term for the word technique. It refers to how you can either choose to consume your shrooms (e.g., lemon TEK) or grow them (PF TEK).
Trip
In an everyday context, a trip would entail having to go somewhere. The magic mushroom context of this is not too different. But, instead of going on a physical trip, a magic mushroom trip is more of an adventure through your mind. You explore not only your consciousness but that of the world that surrounds you.
A trip can either be good or bad. Good trips are usually a positive experience. You can feel tired but refreshed and inspired. But, bad trips are ones where you can feel anxiety, paranoia, or a feeling of negativity. These could leave you uncomfortable or even be traumatic if you’re not careful.
Trip Sitter
A trip sitter is much like a babysitter, wherein they watch over you during your trip. They help make sure that you have a good trip. This would walk you through your experience and make sure it’s pleasant throughout. They also make sure you’re also away from any physical danger.
Having a trip sitter around is always the best, whether you’re experienced or not.
The vocabulary of the magic mushroom world is very expansive. This list is definitely not comprehensive yet. But, if you’re starting or someone interested in shrooms, this is a good starting point for you. If you want to learn more or take a deeper dive, feel free to do your own foraging.
There’s a whole world out there for you to explore, and you might as well be equipped somehow before you get started. Then, when you’re ready, you can go ahead and take that next step. Best of luck to you, psychonaut!
