High Above Santiago: A Journey with Psilocybe cubensis on the 23rd Floor

There I was, on the 23rd floor of an apartment in Santiago de Chile, staring out at the sprawling cityscape below. The sun was setting, casting a silver hue over El Plomo, creating a serene backdrop for what was to come. Inside, the atmosphere was a stark contrast to the tranquil view outside. I had spent the afternoon watching YouTube videos about psychedelic experiences gone wrong, stories of mishaps, and unsettling trips that left a lingering sense of apprehension in my mind. The screen flickered with faces recounting their journeys through chaotic realms, describing moments of sheer panic, and the overpowering feeling of losing control. Their warnings echoed in my head: the importance of set and setting, careful preparation, and the delicate balance between a transformative experience and a nightmarish ordeal. Each story added a layer of caution, urging me to approach my upcoming journey with respect and meticulous care. Yet, despite the apprehension these videos stirred, they also fueled my determination to embark on my exploration with psilocybin. I had chosen a modest dose of about 3 milligrams, calculated precisely to suit my body weight. This wasn’t a leap into the unknown but a carefully planned step into the vast, mysterious landscape of the mind. I wanted to ensure that my experience would be profound yet safe, balancing the potential for deep insight with a sense of security.

In 2019, I moved to Santiago de Chile, a decision that brought me geographically closer to the rich traditions of ayahuasca ceremonies in neighboring Peru. The thought of participating in such a ritual intrigued me deeply. Still, as fate would have it, I discovered that a transformative journey was much closer to home than I had anticipated. By chance, I came across a local website offering everything one might need to cultivate psilocybin mushrooms — from spores to the necessary tools.

This lucky find opened up a new realm of possibilities. Instead of traveling to the Amazon rainforest, I could explore altered states of awareness right from my apartment in Santiago. The idea of growing my mushrooms, nurturing them from spore to fruition, and then embarking on a carefully prepared psychedelic journey was both exciting and empowering. Finally, I found a local store that sells spores.

My interest in psychedelics and altered states of mind has been a long and fascinating journey. It was sparked initially by watching episodes of “Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia,” where Hamilton Morris explores the vast and often mysterious world of psychoactive substances. His adventures and insights ignited my curiosity about the potential of these substances to expand consciousness and offer profound experiences.
Psilocybe cubensis. Key identifying features include:

-The cap is convex to plane in shape, often with a central bump (umbo), and is typically caramel-colored.
- The gills are dark and attached to the stem.
- The stem is whitish and often bruises blue when handled, a characteristic of many psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
- The spore print is dark purple-brown.

While it is highly likely that these mushrooms are Psilocybe cubensis, always exercise caution with wild mushrooms. It is best to consult an expert or use a reliable mushroom identification guide to ensure safety.

DMT: The Spirit Molecule

DMT, often called the “spirit molecule,” is renowned for its ability to induce intense, short-lived experiences. When DMT enters the brain, it binds primarily to serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A receptor. This interaction rapidly alters the brain’s communication network, leading to vivid, often otherworldly visions and a deep sense of interconnectedness. Users report encounters with mystical entities and transcendental experiences that transcend the physical realm.
The effects of DMT are intense but fleeting, typically lasting between 10 to 30 minutes. This brevity contrasts with the often profound and life-altering nature of the experiences it induces. The brain’s rapid response and equally swift return to baseline after the effects wear off make DMT a unique and potent psychedelic.
Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, also primarily affects the brain’s serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-HT2A receptor. However, its journey is more gradual and prolonged compared to DMT. Once ingested, psilocybin is converted into psilocin, initiating a cascade of neural activity. This results in altered perceptions enhanced sensory experiences, and profound introspective insights.

The setup

Setting up my mushroom cultivation space was like orchestrating a symphony of precision and care, each component playing a crucial role in nurturing these magical fungi to fruition. Here’s an engaging glimpse into the setup that transformed my apartment into a miniature mushroom farm:

Incubation Chamber: The Heart of the Operation

At the center of the setup is a clear plastic bin adorned with multiple orange air ports, serving as the incubation chamber. This bin is meticulously designed to create an ideal environment for mushroom growth, maintaining the perfect balance of humidity and air exchange. Inside, a heating pad or cable sprawls across the floor, ensuring the temperature remains consistently warm, around 75–80°F (24–27°C), fostering the perfect conditions for the spores to thrive.

Temperature and Humidity Control: The Climate Keepers

To monitor and maintain the delicate climate inside the containers, digital thermometers are strategically placed, ensuring that both the internal and external temperatures are just right. These thermometers keep a vigilant eye, making sure the temperature stays within the optimal range. Meanwhile, humidifiers or misting systems, akin to the canister of Lysol spray, work tirelessly to keep the humidity levels at a steady 90–95%. Every droplet of moisture is crucial, creating a nurturing environment for the burgeoning mycelium.

Sterilization Supplies: The Defenders of Purity

In the world of mushroom cultivation, cleanliness is paramount. Enter the sterilization supplies: bottles of Lysol disinfectant spray and other sanitizing agents. These items are not just accessories; they are the defenders of purity, ensuring that the environment remains sterile and free from contaminants. A single lapse in sterility could jeopardize the entire operation, so these tools are used with the utmost diligence.

Cultivation Containers: The Cradles of Growth

Smaller containers, capped with blue and aluminum foil lids, serve as the initial homes for the spores. These vessels, meticulously wrapped in plastic bags, maintain humidity and protect against contamination. Inside them, the substrate — the nutrient-rich bed where the spores will germinate — begins its transformation, guided by the careful balance of moisture and air.

Electrical Components: The Lifelines

Power strips and adapters snake their way through the setup, connecting and managing the myriad electrical components. These include the heating pad/cable and various monitoring devices, all of which are essential for maintaining the delicate balance of conditions required for successful mushroom growth. Each plug, each wire, is a lifeline, powering the intricate ecosystem within the incubation chamber.

The entire setup is a testament to the blend of science and art that mushroom cultivation demands. Every element, from the incubation chamber to the sterilization supplies, plays a vital role in creating a thriving environment. It’s a process that requires patience, precision, and a deep respect for the delicate dance of life unfolding within those clear plastic walls. Through this meticulous setup, the magical journey of psilocybin mushrooms begins, promising a profound exploration of the mind’s hidden landscapes.

The brain’s intricate dance with psychedelics like DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) and psilocybin is a fascinating exploration of consciousness and perception. These two compounds, although distinct, share similarities in how they interact with the brain’s neural pathways, creating profound experiences that alter reality and expand the mind.

One of those days when frustration and desperation seemed to hang in the air. I had ended up with only two small mushrooms, a disappointing yield after weeks of effort. Despite my meticulous care and attention, luck had not been on my side. The sight of those tiny fungi, sitting forlornly in the corner, made me feel defeated. With no promising results in sight, I was on the verge of giving up.

Out of sheer desperation, I turned to the vast, often quirky wisdom of the internet for a solution. Scrolling through countless forums and videos, I stumbled upon a YouTube tutorial that seemed almost too good to be true. The video featured an eccentric mushroom enthusiast who claimed that placing the mushrooms in a tub with flushing water could stimulate their growth. His confidence was infectious, and despite my skepticism, I decided to give it a shot. After all, what did I have to lose?

Following the instructions in the letter, I carefully placed the two small mushrooms into a plastic chamber. I then put the chamber inside a bathtub and filled it with water, ensuring a gentle but continuous flow, just as the video had demonstrated. As I watched the water trickle over the mushrooms, I felt a mix of hope and doubt. Could this work?

I closed the lid and waited. Hours turned into a day, and I tried to keep my expectations in check. The process felt almost meditative, a strange mix of science and faith. I checked the tub periodically, each time finding the same unremarkable scene: two small mushrooms, seemingly unchanged.

Then, the miraculous happened. Days later, I lifted the lid to find an astonishing transformation. The chamber was filled with large, flourishing mushrooms, their caps nearly touching the top of the tub. It was as if the small mushrooms had summoned their strength overnight and exploded into life. The sight was breathtaking, a testament to the mysterious and wondrous ways of nature.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. The once tiny fungi had grown into magnificent specimens, their vibrant colors and intricate patterns a testament to the power of persistence and a little unconventional wisdom. This unexpected bounty felt like a reward for my determination and willingness to try something new.

This experience had not only salvaged my initial efforts but also taught me an invaluable lesson: sometimes, the most miraculous results come from the most unexpected methods. The memory of that short, amazing day and the flourishing mushrooms remains a cherished reminder of the magic that can happen when you dare to believe in the extraordinary.

As I harvested the mushrooms, I felt a profound sense of gratitude. I took them outside to dry under Santiago’s always sunny, blue sky. The warmth and light added a final touch to this miraculous journey. By the end of the process, I had about 30 grams of psilocybin mushrooms.

I settled into a comfortable space, surrounded by familiar, soothing elements, and allowed myself to relax. The room was softly lit, and I had selected a playlist designed to guide me gently through the experience. I took a deep breath, centering myself, and then consumed the carefully measured dose.

As I waited, I felt a sense of calm anticipation. I knew that this dose was not intended to catapult me into the far reaches of my mind, but rather to open a doorway, allowing me to explore the inner realms with clarity and intention. The minutes ticked by, each one bringing me closer to the moment when the psilocybin would begin to weave its magic.

For the first 45 minutes, nothing seemed to happen. I lay there, breathing deeply, feeling the quiet stirrings of anticipation mingling with a calm patience. And then, slowly but surely, the world began to change. It was as if the room around me was coming to life, colors deepening, textures rippling, and a gentle hum of energy filling the air.

As the psilocybin begins to weave its magic, the world around you starts to shimmer with an ethereal glow. You close your eyes and take a deep breath, feeling the air fill your lungs, each molecule vibrating with life. The boundaries of your body begin to blur, and you sense a profound shift. I found myself floating in a realm where the conventional sense of direction ceased to exist. There was no up or down, no front or back. Instead, I was enveloped in a vast, boundless expanse of emptiness that paradoxically felt full, as if it were teeming with infinite possibilities.

In that moment, all the fears and warnings from the videos faded away, replaced by a profound sense of connection and wonder. The measured dose of psilocybin had opened a doorway to a realm where the boundaries between self and universe dissolved, revealing the intricate tapestry of existence. It was a journey of discovery, carefully balanced between the wisdom of caution and the allure of the unknown, unfolding in the heart of Santiago, high above the bustling city below.

This emptiness was not a void of absence but rather a space brimming with presence and potential. I could sense the interconnectedness of all things, a web of existence where every point was linked to every other. There was a profound peace in this realization, a deep understanding that I was part of a greater whole, inseparable from the cosmos.

In this state of being, the boundaries between myself and the external world blurred. I was no longer a solitary entity but a fluid part of a vast, interconnected system. This sense of unity brought a profound tranquility, a realization that everything is interconnected in an intricate dance of existence. Suddenly, you are no longer confined to the physical shell of your existence. The barriers between you and everything else dissolve, like mist in the morning sun. You become acutely aware of a deep, resonant hum — the very heartbeat of the universe. It pulses through you, synchronizing with your own heartbeat, creating a harmonious rhythm that envelops your entire being.

In the quiet stillness, it felt as though I had retreated into the safety and warmth of a mother’s womb. The soft, rhythmic thumping of my heartbeat echoed in my ears, a steady and reassuring presence. Each breath I took was amplified in the silence, a gentle whooshing sound that seemed to fill the entire space around me. The air felt thick and comforting as if enveloped in a cocoon of tranquility. In this intimate sanctuary, I was acutely aware of my existence, cocooned from the outside world, enveloped in a profound sense of calm and security. The world outside faded away, leaving only the primordial sounds of life within me, grounding me in the present moment with an unparalleled sense of peace.

The green mattress cover began to shimmer, its fabric pulsating with life. It felt as if it was breathing, each fiber a vibrant, living entity. As I lay there, the cover’s movements synchronized with my own, merging with my body in a seamless dance. It was as if nature itself was embracing me, the boundary between my skin and the fabric dissolving. I felt enveloped in a cocoon of living, breathing greenery, every ripple and fold an extension of my being. It was a profound connection, nature’s gentle embrace blurring the lines between the external world and my inner self.

Time loses its meaning as past, present, and future merge into a single, infinite now. You feel the interconnectedness of all things, every atom in your body inextricably linked to the stars, the earth, and all living beings. This sense of unity is overwhelming, yet profoundly peaceful. You are a drop in the ocean, and at the same time, the entire ocean in a drop.

Visuals dance behind your closed eyelids — intricate geometric patterns, vibrant colors, and luminous forms. They seem to be the building blocks of reality itself, revealing the intricate tapestry of existence. You understand, without words, that everything is interconnected in a vast, cosmic web of life and energy.

In this state of oneness, you feel an overwhelming sense of love and compassion. It’s as if the universe itself is cradling you, whispering ancient secrets and truths. You realize that every living being is part of this divine dance, each playing a unique role in the grand symphony of existence. There is no separation, only unity, and in this realization, you find profound peace.

The music was carefully chosen from Johns Hopkins’ Psychedelic Therapy Playlist, each track curated to guide and enhance the journey. As I lay immersed in the experience, the playlist seamlessly transitioned to a song I’d never heard before Mercedes Sosa’s “Gracias a la Vida.”

Each word and each sound resonated deeply within me, echoing through my very being. The rich, soulful voice of Sosa filled the space, weaving a tapestry of gratitude and love. A wave of warmth washed over me, enveloping me in a profound sense of appreciation. I felt an overwhelming gratitude for life, every moment, every breath, a precious gift.

As the song progressed, the lyrics “Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto, me ha dado la risa y me ha dado el llanto,” struck a deep chord. I realized how life, in its entirety, had given me laughter and tears, joy and sorrow. These contrasting emotions, like yin and yang, formed the essence of my being. They were the materials that shaped my song, the melody of my existence.

Sosa’s words continued, “Así yo distingo dicha de quebranto, los dos materiales que forman mi canto.” I felt an immense sense of clarity, understanding how both happiness and heartache are essential to the human experience. They blend to create a unique harmony, a personal song that resonates with the universal human spirit.

“And the song of you all, which is my song, gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto.” This line enveloped me in a sense of unity and connection. I felt part of a greater collective, sharing this song of life with everyone. The gratitude that surged within me was boundless, a heartfelt acknowledgment of the richness of existence.

In that moment, “Gracias a la Vida” became more than a song; it was a profound reflection of my journey, a celebration of life in all its complexity. The music, the lyrics, and the emotions intertwined, creating an unforgettable tapestry of gratitude and love that I carried with me long after the song ended.

In the labyrinthine journey of self-discovery, my meticulously prepared psilocybin experience proved to be an invaluable chapter. The detailed preparation — carefully selecting the environment, choosing the optimal time, and ensuring a supportive presence — created a solid foundation for a profound encounter with my inner psyche. The onset of effects, marked by subtle yet undeniable shifts in perception, gently guided me into a realm where the boundaries between reality and imagination blurred, offering glimpses into the depths of consciousness rarely accessible in ordinary states.

The experience underscored the significance of setting and mindset in psychedelic journeys. The serene and safe environment not only fostered a sense of security but also allowed the mind to explore freely without the constraints of fear or anxiety. The presence of a trusted companion provided a comforting anchor, ensuring that the journey remained grounded even as it ventured into the ethereal.

As the psilocybin took hold, the gradual unveiling of altered states revealed layers of emotions, memories, and insights that are often buried under the surface of everyday awareness. This introspective voyage highlighted the therapeutic potential of psychedelics when approached with reverence and intentionality. It became clear that such experiences could serve as powerful tools for personal growth, emotional healing, and expanded consciousness.

Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded of the words of Aldous Huxley, who likened the mind to a reducing valve, filtering the vast array of perceptions into a manageable stream of reality. Psilocybin, in its gentle yet profound way, opened this valve, allowing a flood of insights and perceptions to flow through, enriching my understanding of myself and the world around me.