A: Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in certain species of mushrooms and truffles, often referred to as "magic mushrooms." It has been used for centuries in various cultures for spiritual and therapeutic purposes.

A: The effects of psilocybin can include altered perception of time and space, visual and auditory hallucinations, profound changes in thought and mood, and a sense of connection to the universe. The experience can vary greatly depending on the dose, individual, and setting.

A: Preparation involves setting a clear intention, choosing a safe and comfortable environment, choosing the right facilitator and ensuring you are in a positive mental state. Researching the substance and understanding what to expect can also be helpful. Part of woring with me is making sure you are well-prepared.

A: I strongly recommend eating light digestible food (mainly fruit and vegetables) in the three days prior to the start of the retreat. Additionally, I also recommend minimizing your consumption of sugar, other sweets, alcohol, and coffee. Abstain from any recreational drugs. This will help with the absorption of the truffles and will mostly prevent any potential nausea. Your stomach must be free of any food for a minimum of 3 hours before drinking the tea. You can certainly fast for longer. Some people fast for 24 hours before the ceremony if they are prone to feeling nauseous. My suggestion is to eat normally and have your last meal be a very light dinner the night before.

It's also best to avoid stressful or negative environments and interactions. Start slowing down and making space in your calendar for connecting with yourself and your body.

A: The effects of psilocybin typically last between 4 to 6 hours, with the peak occurring around 2 to 3 hours after ingestion. However, residual effects can be felt for several hours after the main experience subsides.

A: Psilocybin is safe when used responsibly in a controlled setting with people you know and trust, thus why it is important to choose your facilitator. Psychological effects can be intense, and it's important to ensure you're in a good mental state and a safe environment. This is also why preparation for a journey is important. It is not recommended for individuals with a history of severe mental illness. Psilocybin is not addictive and there are no known reports of overdoses.

A: The legal status of psilocybin varies by country and, in some cases, by region within a country. In many places, it is classified as a controlled substance and is illegal to possess, use, or distribute. However, there are regions where it has been decriminalized or allowed for medical or research purposes. Notably, magic truffles, which contain psilocybin, are legal in the Netherlands.

A: Integration is the process of making sense of and incorporating the insights and experiences from a psilocybin journey into your everyday life. This can involve reflection, journaling, discussing the experience with a therapist or support group, and making lifestyle changes based on the insights gained.

A: After your journey, take time to reflect on the experience.

I want you to carry your breakthroughs and transformations with you when you return to reality, so I’ll provide guidance on how to maintain these changes long-term. It’s very helpful to have at least a day after the ceremony to process everything. Feel free to take a day off from work and just be slow.

Journaling can help capture insights and emotions. Discussing the journey with a trusted friend, therapist, or in a support group can provide additional perspectives and support. Incorporate any positive changes or realizations into your daily life.

A: Emerging research suggests that psilocybin may have therapeutic potential for certain mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction.

In a ceremony, I offer legal truffles containing natural psilocybin. This is prepared in a tea containing ginger and lemon. I typcally offer a high dose of 30 grams of fresh truffles with an opporrtunity for a 10 gram booster during the ceremony. Dosages are determined in consultation with each individual participant and based on your experience, intention, and physical and mental condition.

A: Microdosing involves taking very small, sub-perceptual doses of psilocybin on a regular schedule. This practice aims to enhance creativity, focus, and emotional balance without producing the intense effects of a full psychedelic experience.

A: The intersection of psilocybin and antidepressants in mental health treatment marks a fascinating frontier in modern psychiatry, inviting a deeper exploration of their potential synergies and differences. While antidepressants work by altering brain chemistry over time, psilocybin can induce a powerful and immediate change in perception during the experience. Let’s delve into the interaction between Psilocybin and Antidepressants by taking a closer look.

Psilocybin interacts with the brain in a fascinating and complex way, primarily affecting the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2A). This receptor is responsible for regulating the flow of information between neurons, and its activation by psilocybin leads to changes in brain activity that give rise to altered states of consciousness. The effects of psilocybin can include enhanced introspection, increased emotional openness, and a sense of connection with others and the world around us.

Upon ingestion, psilocybin is quickly metabolized into psilocin, which then exerts its psychoactive effects by binding to serotonin receptors in the brain, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction is thought to produce the profound changes in perception, mood, and thought associated with psilocybin use.

While the psychedelic experience is the intended outcome of psilocybin, there is much more to it. Extensive research has been conducted on the safety of psilocybin (as well as other psychedelics). The findings are promising: psilocybin exhibits low toxicity and does not result in organ damage or neuropsychological deficits.

During the course of the experience, certain physiological symptoms may manifest, including dizziness, weakness, tremors, nausea, drowsiness, paresthesia, blurred vision, dilated pupils, and heightened tendon reflexes.

A: Always consult with your doctor is you have any health conditions or are taking any medications. If you are taking any of the following medications you will be unable to take a journey with me. For more info check out: https://www.essence.nl/drug-interaction/

Here is the list:

Overview of potential drug interactions with psilocybin to evaluate participant’s safety.

The working mechanism of psilocybin is through the serotonin 2A receptor subtype (5-HT2AR). Unfortunately, most antidepressants also work (partly) through this receptor.

Main Categories of Interacting Drugs

Serotonergic drugs (SSRI’s):

• Citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil)

• Escitalopram (Lexapro, Cipralex)

• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)

• Fluvoxamine (Luvox, Faverin)

• Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat)

• Sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral)

SNRI’s (non-selective Reuptake Inhibitors):

• Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq, Khedezla)

• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

• Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)

• Milnacipran (Ixel, Savella)

• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)

MAO- inhibitors:

• Bifemelane (Alnert, Celeport)

• Caroxazone (Surodil, Timostenil)

• Isocarboxazid (Marplan)

• Metralindole (Inkazan)

• Moclobemide (Aurorix, Manerix)

• Phenelzine (Nardil)

• Pirlindole (Pirazidol)

• Selegiline (Eldepryl, Zelapar, Emsam)

• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

• Toloxatone (Humoryl)

TCA’s (tricyclic antidepressants):

• Amineptine (Survector, Maneon)

• Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep)

• Amitriptylinoxide (Amioxid, Ambivalon, Equilibrin)

• Amoxapine (Asendin)

• Clomipramine (Anafranil)

• Desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane)

• Dibenzepin (Noveril, Victoril)

• Dimetacrine (Istonil)

• Dosulepin (Prothiaden)

• Doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan)

• Imipramine (Tofranil)

• Lofepramine (Lomont, Gamanil)

• Maprotiline (Ludiomil)

• Melitracen (Dixeran, Melixeran, Trausabun)

• Mianserin (Tolvon)

• Mirtazapine (Remeron)

• Nitroxazepine (Sintamil)

• Nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl)

• Noxiptiline (Agedal, Elronon, Nogedal)

• Opipramol (Insidon)

• Pipofezine (Azafen/Azaphen)

• Protriptyline (Vivactil)

• Setiptiline (Tecipul)

• Tianeptine (Stablon, Coaxil)

• Trimipramine (Surmontil)

NRI (norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor):

• Atomoxetine (Strattera)

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta)

• Reboxetine (Edronax)

• Teniloxazine (Lucelan, Metatone)

• Viloxazine (Vivalan)

SMS (serotonin modulators):

• Trazodone (Desyrel)

• Vilazodone (Viibryd)

• Vortioxetine (Trintellix)

Opioids:

• Tramadol

• Pethidine

• Meperidine

CNS (central nervous system stimulants):

• Phentermine

• Diethylpropion

• Amphetamine (Ritalin, Adderal)

• Methylphenidate

• Methamphemtamine

• Cocaine

5HT1 agonist:

• Triptans

• Phenylalamines • MDMA

• Amphetamines

• Methylphenidate

• Methamphemtamine

Indoles:

• LSD

Herbal supplements:

• St John’s Worth (serotonin receptor) • Yohimbe

Others

Lithium, Montelukast, Buspirone, Linezolid, Dextromethorphan, 5-Hydroxytryptophan, chlorpheniramine

Use of all the above medication must have been stopped before participating in a psilocybin ceremony.

Potential harmful effects

Serotonin Syndrome

Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome include anxiety, agitation, high fever, sweating, confusion, tremors, restlessness, lack of coordination, major changes in blood pressure and a rapid heart rate.

It is reported that participants who are taking SSRI’s have less effect of psilocybin due to receptor insensitivity.

Unfortunately, there is little and almost no recent research, but Johnson et al2 summarized the findings:

• chronic use of tricyclic antidepressants and lithium potentiate the psychedelic effects and create a safety concern this way.

• the same holds for acute use of SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and the antipsychotic haloperidol.

• on the other hand, chronic use of SSRI’s and MAOI’s (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) show a decreased sensitivity to psychedelics, which can severely lessen the experience of a retreat.

• a lot of over-the-counter supplements and herbs that affect serotonin function (like 5-HTP or st. John’s Wort can cause unforeseen effects and thus create an extra risk. It is advisable to stop using these products before going on a retreat, preferably longer than a week, to be on the safe side.

A facilitator and a trip sitter play distinct roles in supporting a psilocybin journey, each with different levels of involvement, expertise, and settings. A facilitator is a professional who organizes and oversees the entire process, including pre-journey preparation, providing a safe environment during the session, and assisting with post-journey integration. They typically work in therapeutic or ceremonial contexts and have formal training. I completed a year long training program with Essence Institute in The Netherlands.

I am able to offer you hands-on emotional support before, during and after the journey, helping participants navigate their experiences and maximize insights.

In contrast, a trip sitter ensures the physical safety of the participant. They are individuals who stay sober, with less emphasis on professional training.