BS: Fantastic Fungi (film & movement)

Subject: BS: Fantastic Fungi (film & movement)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 14 Apr 20 - 08:23 PM

A film titled Fantastic Fungi (click) was supposed to come out about now, and my wife was really looking forward to seeing it. But all the theater performances were cancelled because of the coronavirus, and I thought we'd have to wait until the Fall.

But that didn't satisfy my wife, and she sent me off looking for a way for her to see it. I found the Website for the film, and bought the download for $14.99 so we could watch it more than once. The film starts off with a 45-minute study of mushrooms with absolutely gorgeous photography. I watched that with my wife a couple nights ago, but then fell asleep during the second part. I watched it fully awake last night. The second part covered the medicinal use of mushrooms, and I have to admit that I'm not fully accepting of what they had to say.

I guess what bothered me was the comparison of the effect of a "trip" on psilocybin with a mystical religious experience. That's something I have to think about. The film spoke positively about both types of experience, and how they broadened perspectives so people could see beyond the restrictions of everyday thinking. I have a family member who is beset with mental health problems, and the movie made me wonder if "magic mushrooms" might be able to help her. Oh, I would support anything that could help her get away from the demons that have plagued her for the last thirty years. She used to be so sweet and wonderful and creative - and fragile. The movie says that one treatment with mushrooms can balance a person out for months, instead of taking some daily pharmaceutical that deadens the mind.

So, I think it's worth talking about this, since many of us are unreconstructed hippies that are at least somewhat open to all this. What do you think?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: BS: Fantastic Fungi (film & movement)
From: Jack Campin
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 04:13 AM

There seems to be good reason to believe psilocybin can help with depression; maybe with OCD, I can't remember (there are no other good options for that). Definitely not with schizophrenia, though schizophrenics are usually desperate enough to try anything.

Subject: RE: BS: Fantastic Fungi (film & movement)
From: Donuel
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 08:25 AM

50 year old American news. Perhaps centuries old. Globally it is probably ancient news.

Jack all the schizophrenics I have encountered were not desperate to take medication in the 1st place or maintain their meds.
Although meds can make a profound difference.

Joe, should you ever have an opportunity to explore the realm, wait for the best which is fresh Amazonian Cubensis that you grow yourself. Bear in mind you have the power to direct/guide your experience to specific subjects with your own questions. It is a surprising happy state of mind without the truama of ayahuasca or chemicals.
The answers to your questions are presented in visual elegant symbology of something akin to an ancient innate language. If religion is your focus do not expect a reinforcement of prior beliefs. Expect something new yet eternal.
3 or 4 experiences will last a lifetime, in a good way imo.

Priests reported positive experiences as well as scientists and writers.

Shared experiences are not required but fine. Do not fear harm to your sister. It comes from the Earth in such a Gaia fashion I'm sure it would be stimulating but enjoyed. imho.

Subject: RE: BS: Fantastic Fungi (film & movement)
From: Donuel
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 08:37 AM

In short it work like 'magic' and seems to make people smarter.

Subject: RE: BS: Fantastic Fungi (film & movement)
From: Mrrzy
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 09:52 AM

There is also beginning to be good data on both psilocybin and ecstacy with PTSD.

But I was watching Earth At Night last night and they had some fantastic footage of various fungi growing in various settings. Really wow.


Those of us who are fully atheists object to the new trend of imbuing marvels and clinical psychology with the language of religion, especially with the term spirituality. Faugh. As an aside. Both my shrink and my shrank object too, it is really not just me. I will ask my shrunk when we meet today what they think, they are new to me [interviewing possible replacements to my shrank who is retiring, though not shy].

Subject: RE: BS: Fantastic Fungi (film & movement)
From: Jack Campin
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 11:11 AM

all the schizophrenics I have encountered were not desperate to take medication in the 1st place or maintain their meds

I've known a lot, and the majority self-medicated with deadly quantities of tobacco. Cannabis was the next most popular, with the usual effect of adding brain fog and depression to the psychosis.

Subject: RE: BS: Fantastic Fungi (film & movement)
From: Donuel
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 11:36 AM

There is no doubt that knowledge changes people Mrrzy.
Indeed the notion that a molecule can convey/organize knowledge is foreign to most people. There are more things in heaven and Earth Horatio...
I was an aetheist both before and after psilicybin.
It did not turn me into the Pope. :^/
It is a great leveler to the psyche. Its not a trick like magic.
It is more likely the Pope would see science in a different light.
Of course if you or others could speak from experience, your dilemma would become moot.

As for Mollie, the simple act of conveying a means and need to communicate with others is the therapeutic action.

Subject: RE: BS: Fantastic Fungi (film & movement)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 05:24 PM

The main speaker in the Fantastic Fungi movie is Paul Stamets. His 2008 TED talk is available at this link:

https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_stamets_6_ways_mushrooms_can_save_the_world

Interesting guy.

P.S. Donuel, Pope Francis was a chemist before he entered the seminary. He seems to have an open mind toward science - most Jesuits do.

Subject: RE: BS: Fantastic Fungi (film & movement)
From: Donuel
Date: 15 Apr 20 - 06:35 PM

Jesuits in general are more science friendly in principle, but not always in practice. But that was not my point was it?

What one brings to an endeavor will influence what one gets out of it.
If one brings spirituality to a double blind experiment they may in turn get some back. The psilocybin molecule is not holier than thou.
I would be an advocate for its use but I would never deem it a panacea.

From 'seed' to 'table' is a 6 month commitment. Now would be the time to begin for Christmas gifts. Less time is required once the life cycle is established. Its not expensive and spores from HA will survive transportation in this spring weather. Winter and summer is out.