mycology

i live in australia how would it be possible for me to learn more about psychedelic mushrooms and mycology, someday i hope to be able to pick my own mushies so im patient for now but still extremely eager to learn about them and how to identify, would books be the way? classes? would you need any specific qualifications if you had to do a class? thanx
waterboy

^^ Maybe this belongs in Australian Drug Discussion?

Although not the safest way, I learnt purely from the internet. Here are a few resources for you:

www.shroomery.com
Lots of information on magic mushrooms. Make sure you check out the forum as there is lots of information on mycology and hunting. Members will also do mushroom IDs for you if you follow the ID guidelines.

http://www.shaman-australis.com/~bluemeanie/index.html
A small but useful site showing most of the magic mushrooms found in Australia with some pictures.

http://www.erowid.org/library/books_online/magic_mushrooms_aunz/magic_mushrooms_aunz.shtml
An excellent free book on magic mushrooms in Australia

http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=80881&r=27
A thread listing mushroom books etc.

By doing a search in the Australian Drug Discussion Forum you will also find several helpful threads on mushroom hunting.

I would recommend getting a book or two and doing lots of internet research. Also, see if you can organise to go on a hunt with someone, as you will learn a lot. Even if you feel that you are ready, be very careful picking your own mushrooms. A chance to trip is not worth your life and magic and dangerous mushrooms can look almost identical.

I don’t know about classes but maybe someone else can help you.

If you put the time and effort in and play it safe, it is definitely worth it. Good luck!

I'll go ahead and shoot this over to ADD, since they may be able to give you more info regarding local fungus species.

If you're living in Victoria (or have the ability to get there 24-26 June 2005) GO to Etheogenisis, its a two day workshop on entheogenic plants that is being held at the base of the Grampians that weekend.

http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=198430&r=64

In addition to several workshops and presentations specifically about mushrooms in Australia, you'll be in the company of some of the most knowledgable (and all round sensational people when it comes to all things plant/ hallucinogenic related.

thanx for the info aBitOfAWorry ill be doing my best to get some quality books

I have a pdf copy of Jochen Gartz' "Magic Mushrooms Around The World" and it's very good. PM me for more info, waterboy.

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