A favorite of shamans in Northern Europe and Asia, the "Fly Agaric" hallucinogenic though poisonous mushroom has sprouted abundantly in local forests on the central California coast.
The US Forest Service reports the Amanitas was used in pre-Christian rituals in Northern Europe in Winter Solstice ceremonies and celebrations.
A red and white bedecked, rosy cheeked Santa Claus, flying reindeer, sleds and chimney's may well draw their creative source from Amanitas flying.
The recent solstice and Christmas rain in Cambria has produced a spectacular display of Amanita and its cousins.
To stay in the festive color scheme a few red beetles were in full frolic.
It is a wondrous planet and it deserves our respect and care. Its mysteries are ours as well. You can see magic with a walk in the forest.
See you down the trail.
I've seen them many times in the woods of the PNW...didn't know anything about them. I can only identify morel and psilocybin, lol.
ReplyDeleteHope you and your family had a good holiday, we've been quite wet up here in Portland.
It's important to know your 'shrooms before trying to forage for food. Be careful.
ReplyDeleteIndeed be careful; although I'm delighted to see today's rise in research for the medical and spiritual use
ReplyDeleteA postscript- Foraging is forbidden in the preserve where the above photos were shot. And I echo the advice of Catalyst. In our years of hiking and exploring we have only harvested Morels, and then only on property privately owned and with permission. It is best to feast only with your eyes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful color display. And then red beetles ?!
ReplyDeleteI find mushrooms in the wild to be fascinating. Thank you.