Amanita muscaria

Donald E. Teeter

Amanita muscaria, var. formosa. Photo by Neil

Amanita muscaria, var. formosa; from baby button to full bloom. Photo by Neil

Amanita muscaria, var. muscaria. Photo wikipedia/commons.

When properly dried, all subspecies of Amanita muscaria
can "ressurect" as in the photo below.

Amanita muscaria or Fly Agaric

Taxonomy & naming

Distribution & habitat

Chemistry (pdf)

Historical / Traditional use

Sacramental use

Collecting/ drying/ storage/ use

ResurrectionTeeter argued that dried Amanita muscaria "resurrects" by sprouting fine threads, and that this explains the Rig Veda's "immortal" Soma and its "eternal fleece".Preparing the SacramentAn excerpt from Teeter's book that presented seeking out Amanita muscaria as a sacred, spiritual undertaking and a personal right, framed by ancient names and Siberian tradition.Soma & Rig VedaThe page argues that Soma, the drinkable god praised throughout the Rig Veda, was the fly agaric mushroom, Amanita muscaria, and catalogues the hymns' many names for him.Fruit of the Tree of LifeTeeter argued that the forbidden fruit of Eden was the Amanita muscaria mushroom, and that medieval and ancient artists depicted the sacred tree with this in mind.