Background to
Psychedelics
What are psychedelics?
Psychedelics are a group of substances, plant based and synthetic, that can induce heightened states of consciousness. They include amongst others Psilocybin (mushrooms/truffles), DMT, Ayahuasca,, San Pedro (Huachuma), Peyote, Mescaline and LSD.
The term psychedelic has been commonly used since the 1960s and comes from the Greek psyche, meaning mind or soul and delein meaning to manifest - thus mind/soul manifesting. For many the term entheogens, generating the divine within is better suited to describe these substances, as this term possibly distinguishes their ancient spiritual role from the recreational uses to which they have often been associated.
Psychedelics or entheogens have been used by many cultures for thousands of years, whether by shamanic practitioners or as part of religious or spiritual practices to reach altered states of consciousness and it has only been in recent times that their power has become remembered in the West and is begging to enter mainstream care.
Psilocybin, mushrooms and truffles
At MAGUEY we choose to work with psilocybin truffles.
Over 200 species of ‘magic mushrooms’ contain the psychoactive compounds psilocybin and psilocin. Once ingested such psilocybin containing mushrooms can create an altered state of consciousness, which if undertaken in the right set and setting can aid us profoundly with our self-development.
Whist ‘magic mushrooms’ are illegal in the Netherlands, ‘magic truffles’ (forthwith referred to as truffles), the below ground truffle component of mushrooms, are legal as they differ technically and scientifically from a mushroom.
This allows us to offer legal psilocybin retreats in the Netherlands.
An additional benefit of working with truffles is that the journey time can be relatively manageable(4-6 hours), and depending on the dose, they can be slightly easier on the body than other psychedelics. That in no way diminishes the power and value of truffles and appropriately dosed journeys undertaken in the right environment offer immense opportunity for deep self-discovery, healing and growth.
Why join a retreat or work with a psychedelic guide?
Embarking on a psilocybin retreat programme can be a powerful catalyst for healing traumas, gaining clarity, and reconnecting with your authentic self. When experienced in a safe, intentional, and professionally guided setting, psychedelics like psilocybin can open the door to profound transformational inner work.
A psychedelic integration coach or guide plays a key role in facilitating an holistic process that honours the wisdom of plant medicine while prioritising your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing.
A skilful psychedelic practitioner recognises the significance of both the ‘set’ and ‘setting’ of your retreat experience. This sacred work begins well before the ceremony itself, through careful preparation, intention-setting, and mindfulness practices. During your psychedelic ceremony, the guide ensures your safety and supports your ability to fully surrender into the experience. Afterward, psychedelic integration coaching helps you anchor the insights and breakthroughs into your daily life. Through this ongoing support, your sacred medicine journey becomes more than a moment—it becomes a sustainable path of healing, growth, and transformation.
Our approach at MAGUEY
Our trauma informed approach bridges ancient and modern approaches to care, and incorporates techniques drawn from contemplative practice, ritual and ceremony, and natures knowledge. This is blended with western approaches to wellbeing, coaching and therapy.
Whist following a programme format, the care provided will unfold uniquely for every participant and a suite of tools and approaches will be used that reflect the presenting needs.
Our psychedelic programmes offer modules of support that cover practical guidance, supportive instruction, one-to-one coaching, and ceremony time. Complemented with opportunities for reflection and discernment, and mindful and embodied practices.
