Zoe Beiderwellen

The magic in mushrooms

the unused potential of psilocybin.

When you think of magic mushrooms, you may conjure up images of colourful trips, hippie clichés or even disturbing visions of psychosis and drug abuse. But what if I told you that these little mushrooms are much more than that? That they have not only shaped ancient rituals, but are also the focus of scientific research today – as a promising therapy for depression, addiction or PTSD? And what if I told you that some theories claim that they could come from the depths of space? In my bachelor's thesis, I take you on a journey into the fascinating world of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. I show how this substance bridges the gap between ancient shamanic traditions and modern research. From the sacred rituals of the Mesoamericans to clinical studies investigating the neuronal effects in the brain: psilocybin offers a unique perspective on healing, creativity and consciousness. My goal is not only to break down prejudices, but also to address the potential of psilocybin in a visually and conceptually exciting way. Because these mushrooms are more than just a cliché: they could help us to break out of entrenched thought patterns and break new ground in psychotherapy.