Magic Mushroom Explorer: Psilocybin and the Awakening Earth

Why is it then that a natural substance used for centuries in spiritual healing ceremonies has been banned by most countries? To understand the mystique one must become a willing participant in an experiment with one's own consciousness. Simon Powell has fallen down the rabbit hole and the findings he describes are remarkable. His descriptions will resonate with experienced psilocybin users but will be viewed with much skepticism by the uninitiated. How do you describe to a blind person what seeing is like? Psilocybin enables the user to see the world with a new perspective, a new set of eyes, if you will. It is refreshing to read about the joys and spiritual awakenings of one man under the spell of nature's messenger. Powell takes the reader through the history of the substance and the legal struggle it has endured against the world's governments despite the scientific and medical community's objections. Research efforts have been underway for the last decade to find therapeutic uses for the mushroom and each study finds new promise. The author succeeds at walking a fine line between the enthusiasm of a psilocybin aficionado and the need to proceed cautiously and safely to transform the mindset of humanity to a much needed reset. I happily recommend this important insight of one of nature's most wondrous and beautiful gifts.

Overall it was a very interesting read. Some theories and information presented were very eye opening and thought provoking. But for some reason, his overall style of writing didn't mesh well with what I like. Plus I felt like the author was a bit too 'braggy'. Anytime he could insert something crazy that he's done but 'would not recommend for others', he took full advantage of and towards the middle of the book, this got quite annoying. Besides that, it was a decent book.

What a thoroughly engaging read! At no point in the book did I find the author to sway from his underlying message, yet all the while introducing new and exciting ideas to the reader. This is not to say that his ideas are sensationalist by any means, but rather he casts illumination on and speculates upon the fractal nature of ideas and experiences that may otherwise seem cliche. Intelligent thought and the tackling of wide, all-encompassing concepts lead this book to inspire one's own introspective and elevated thought processes, a very precious trait one may be hard pressed to discover in similar books. Recommended to those both appreciative of, and critical of the visions and insights accompanied by the psilocybin experience. I look forward to reading more by the author!

This review has been a long time coming, however barring any of the typical amazon political interference an accurate assessment can and should be expressed. Ever since Terence established his name sake talking and writing about the psilocybin mushroom experience every wanna be stoner wanted to jump on the band wagon because they had 'bigger' and 'better' ideas about their experiences . Those who wanted to best Terence or humble him with their superior knowledge and insights merely succeeded in proving their shallowness jealousness and stupidity. Simon Powell's books Magic Mushroom Explorer,The Psilocybin Solution along with Andy Letcher's 'Shrooms are sad pathetic examples of writers whom have managed to talk out both sides of their mouths at the same time in referencing Terence Mckenna accomplishments and reputation. Letcher is by far the worst of the two, I threw his book away the day I read it. I had high hopes with Powell's books however as his book The Psilocybin Solution was not so bad, the first time I read it. I was later baffled by Powell's Magic Mushroom Explorer and thought it over a couple of days before taking a closer read. I don't say this lightly as Simon has some potential which he may some day come to express but my conclusion was and still is that both of his books and Letcher's are a total waste of money! There is a glaring lack of creativity and imagination that I found in common with these dudes Letcher's Shrooms is a lazily written attempt at justifying his own self importance which is a shared opinion by many in the mushroom community. There are many inaccuracies and personal attacks based on biased opinion rather than fact. I bought all three of the mentioned books at full price on Amazon and I feel I have the right to criticize without their shutting me out again, we'll see....Simon relates few interesting personal experiences with psilocybin, his 'nature' insights were superficial lacking heart and humor which Terence never ran short of, Simon's account of crawling around looking for his flashlight was anticlimactic and dull as was his big revelation concerning the recurring appearance of 'nature's pattern' in the linoleum . The greatest revelation to Powell was his recognition of the Evolutionary significance of the world of nature which quickly turned into a diatribe about the genius of Darwin's "evolutionary theory". This turned the whole book into Powell's 'Darwin worship trip' which is the most ridiculous focal point I could have imagined any book on psychedelics could have arrived at! "Evolution"....really? 'Hey readers', " I just experienced one of the most beautiful and deepfully meaning entheogens on the planet earth and all I got was this Charles Darwin T-shirt!" And then he has the audacity to criticize Terrence's poetic and playfully imaginative expressions as if he is the pontificator of propriety when speaking of the psilocybin experience. I want my money back!

Excellent job of articulating the psilocybin experience. This book and hopefully many more alike come at a time when man desparately needs to reconnect with nature, each other and self in order to secure a peaceful future. Simon does a fantastic job of explaining how psilocybin conveys this message through his many years of experience with this natural lifestyle. He explores the mystical realms with an open mind, but more scientifically accurate than the late terrence mckenna. The only negative part was that there wasn't much information concerning modern scientific research as I was hoping for. But was an honest and intellectual man's righteous story for truth and insight into the fabric of reality and consciousness.

I've a few books on psychedelics and I have to say this is definitely in my top 3 favorites. I couldn't put it down, I would highly recommend to anyone interested in mushrooms. This book details a lot of the author's personal journeys and insights with the psilocybin mushroom. It only goes a little into the history and chemical make up of the shroom, so if you're more into that type information, then maybe look for another book. If you like reading about the fascinating visions and insights and ideas of those bemushroomed, then this is the book for you.

What an absolute corker of a book. Loved it.Interesting, informative, funny & mind expanding!

I struggle to think of a book that has bored the hole off of me as much as this has. For a topic that is so interesting Simon really has done well to turn it into the mundane. Endless - dare I say seemingly often pointless - stories of personal trip experiences. I'm sorry Simon but cut to the chase man... please!