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The Sacred Mushroom

Key to the Door of Eternity
Brief Description
A new edition of the psychedelic classic • Shares the author’s research on extrasensory perception (ESP) and the psychic effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms. • Describes ancient Egyptian spiritual practices centered on Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) mushrooms. • Details the author’s research work with R. Gordon Wasson... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3299
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A new edition of the psychedelic classic

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A new edition of the psychedelic classic

• Shares the author’s research on extrasensory perception (ESP) and the psychic effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

• Describes ancient Egyptian spiritual practices centered on Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) mushrooms.

• Details the author’s research work with R. Gordon Wasson and his experiments with Aldous Huxley and famed psychic Peter Hurkos.

In 1954, neurologist Andrija Puharich, M.D., receives a call from a wealthy supporter of his lab about an unusual subject worthy of further research: Harry Stone, a young sculptor with unusually acute extrasensory perception. When handed an ancient Egyptian artifact, Harry had fallen into a deep trance, drawing hieroglyphic symbols, including mushrooms, and using ancient Egyptian phrases to describe a drug that can enhance psychic abilities.

Intrigued, Dr. Puharich studies Harry’s trance-induced statements and discovers that they are clearly describing ancient spiritual practices involving Amanita muscaria (fly agaric) mushrooms. He begins direct investigations with Harry at his lab in Maine, learning more about the use and preparation of the sacred mushroom as well as about astral travel and past lives.

Dr. Puharich shares his research with ethnomycologist R. Gordon Wasson, who is about to travel to Mexico on a CIA-funded research trip, and the two researchers agree to test telepathic communications between the lab in Maine and a Mexican curandero. The results of the psychic experiment lead Puharich to discover Amanita muscaria growing in the wild near his research facility.

Now with a supply of the sacred mushroom, Dr. Puharich begins to study its psychic and visionary potential and the veracity of Harry Stone’s channeled Egyptian statements. He studies the effects of Amanita muscaria not only on Harry, but also on famed psychic Peter Hurkos and other visitors to his lab, including Aldous Huxley.

This book reveals all the details of that story in this new edition of the psychedelic classic. It also includes an in-depth introduction by psychedelic historian P. D. Newman.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781644116876

Publisher: Inner Traditions Bear and Company

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 July 2025

Country: United States

Imprint: Park Street Press,U.S.

Edition: 3rd Edition, New Edition

Illustration: 80 b&w illustrations

Contributors:

  • Introduction by P. D. Newman

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 302g

Pages: 240

About the Author

Andrija Puharich, M.D. (1918–1995), was a neurologist and prominent investigator of the paranormal. After completing his studies at Northwestern University medical school, he set up his own laboratory in Maine for the study of extrasensory perception (ESP).

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