Mystical Mushrooms

July 24, 2023
This bewitching survey by Kane (Moon Spells) offers a spiritual perspective on the “history and lore” of mushrooms. Providing an overview of how different cultures have used fungi throughout history, she notes that Aztec ruler Moctezuma’s coronation in 1502 was celebrated with a feast of “magic” mushrooms and English Druids “consumed the fly agaric as part of their religious ceremonies in order to commune with the Universe.” Mushrooms have historically been associated with witchcraft in Europe, according to Kane, who explains that women herbalists with extensive knowledge of fungi’s healing properties were accused of “turning food into toadstools” or making potions from puffball mushrooms. Profiles of 43 mushrooms accompanied by lush illustrations from Sandberg capture the diversity of fungi; for example, puffballs (Lycoperdon perlatum) can grow up to three feet across, and “zombie fungus” (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis) latches onto ants’ bodies and takes control of their muscular system, directing their behavior and “eventually killing the ant by feeding on it.” The trivia fascinates, but a concluding section on how to use mushrooms to manifest (bring “about change and desired outcomes... through our focused beliefs and actions”) will most interest the new age set, with instructions detailing how to enhance intuition by gathering amethyst deceiver and improve one’s luck by finding a fly agaric mushroom. Readers will be enchanted by the blend of science and cultural history. Illus.