Vision-Giving Panaeolus Mushrooms
Aka Panaeolus subbalteatus Berk.
Location: Europe, Asia, North America and Central America
The Panaeolus mushroom grows in abundance throughout Europe, but is present in Asia and heavily in the Americas as well. It posseses a dark brown rim, hence the nickname “Dark-rimmed Mottlegill,” and a brown-to-tan like stain in the center of an otherwise cremeish colored cap. The cap is usually about 1-3 inches in diameter. The mushrooms prefer grassy territory and are more common in areas fertilized with dung or horse manure.
Many shaman from a variety of tribes and cultures spanning throughout North and Central American countries have used Broome for its vision-inducing abilities. Although there is no actual psilocine present in the mushroom, the visions are most definitely visual. Additionally, the mushroom has been closely associated with the God of Ecstasy (Wodan). It is also probable that the mushroom contributed to the famous drink “Mead” as well as in several German beers.
