Psilocybin — Sacred Mushrooms

What is psilocybin?

Psilocybin is a psychoactive molecule present in more than 200 species of mushrooms of the genus Psilocybe (notably Psilocybe cubensis, P. semilanceata). Once ingested, it is converted by the body into psilocin, which acts on the brain's serotonergic receptors.

These mushrooms have been used for millennia by the indigenous peoples of Mexico — Mazatecs, Mixtecs, Nahua — in traditional care, vision and divination rituals. The curandera María Sabina introduced the tradition to the Western world in the 1950s.

Today, psilocybin is experiencing a scientific renaissance: Johns Hopkins, Imperial College London, NYU, and other research centers publish studies on its efficacy in treating treatment-resistant depression, end-of-life anxiety, addictions and obsessive disorders.

What is a psilocybin ceremony for?

The most frequent reasons for coming:

• Approaching introspective work without the strong emotional/somatic dimension of ayahuasca
• Coming out of a depression or a state of chronic anxiety
• Working on an addiction (alcohol, tobacco, medication) — very convincing clinical studies
• First experience with expanded states of consciousness
• Creative or existential approach (meaning, life direction)
• Reconnection to the living, to nature, to the present

Psilocybin is often described as « gentler » than ayahuasca — more visual, more meditative, less somatic. It can be an excellent entry point for those discovering the medicines.

How does a ceremony unfold?

1. Preparation (2 to 7 days before): light dieta (no alcohol, no drugs), defining a clear intention.
2. Arrival and intentions: individual interview with the facilitator, final check.
3. Ceremony (4 to 6 h): ingestion of an adjusted dose. Progressive onset after 30-45 minutes. Peak around 90-120 minutes. You are lying down or seated, in a calm setting, with music (sometimes icaros, sometimes instrumental music). The facilitators are present continuously.
4. Return: gentle comedown, presence of the facilitators, often hot tea and silence.
5. Integration circle: group sharing, putting the experience into words.
6. Online post-retreat integration: video session after returning home to take stock and support the changes that are setting in.

Who can participate?

As with any medicine, a medical screening is mandatory:

• Absolute contraindications: psychiatric history (schizophrenia, psychosis, unstabilized bipolarity), severe cardiac diseases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, minor.
• Medications and psychotropic treatments: lithium, certain antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers require safety evaluation, with partner doctors consulted when a sensitive signal appears. Any pause, reduction, substitution or restart must never be decided alone or under pressure from a retreat.
• Recommendations: no recreational drug in the preceding 30 days, psychological follow-up advised for complex emotional processes.

Detailed medical questionnaire before each retreat. In case of doubt, we refuse.

Why with Connecta Life?

Our approach for psilocybin:

• Private and cautious setting in Spain
• Dose adjusted individually according to weight, experience, intention
• Set & setting carefully prepared: calm ceremony room, suitable music, continuous presence
• Medical and psychological support before, during, after
• Integration included — the ceremony is only one step, with an online session after the retreat

Frequently asked questions