Aurora Kane’s book, Mystical Mushrooms, explores a vast variety of topics concerning mushrooms from biology, to history, uses, folklore and real or imagined magical properties. A large section is devoted to profiles of 43 different fungi selected on the basis of their unique qualities that may intrigue, delight or disgust the reader. The book is not intended to be a field guide and focuses on such topics as their mystical qualities and the ways that mushrooms are being used to enhance our lives.
Introductory chapters cover basic biology, with a deeper look at some little known aspects of fungi. We learn, for example, the difference between a mushroom and toadstool and that the hyphae of fungi exhibit a simple memory for stress and adaptive behavior to it. A section on cultural and religious beliefs throughout the world from ancient times reveals the unique relationships that have developed between mushrooms and people. Did you know that ancient Egyptian pharaohs ate mushrooms to gain immortality or that in Poland being compared to a mushroom is a great complement? More practical but perhaps equally amazing is the fact that mushrooms are being used to make vegan leather and turned into sustainable meat and dairy substitutes such as bacon, ice cream and cream cheese.
Forty three plant profiles are are presented to educate, entertain, and provide food for thought. Each entry provides the botanic and common names, comments on edibility, possible magical properties, a full page illustration, a description with habitat, history, folklore, interesting features, medicinal applications, practical uses other than culinary, and fun facts. Many of the fungi included in the profiles are inedible but all are high-interest with their varied forms that are sometimes beautiful and horrifying. While Violet Coral looks like it comes from under the sea, Dead Man’s Fingers pushes up from the ground as if clawing its way out of its grave. Ghost fungus is beige during the day but glows green at night, Bridal Veil Stinkhorn wears a lacy veil but smells strongly of rotting flesh, and Devil’s Tooth looks like a Danish pastry. Enough said!
The last portion of the book is devoted to bringing about change and desired outcomes in life through a focused beliefs and actions using mushrooms. It contains rituals, spells, and tips for using mushrooms. If you want to find out how to make an offering in a fairy ring, this book provides it.
The history, folklore, and mushroom profiles are fascinating and bring many unknown facts about mushrooms to the attention of readers. Especially interesting is the material about using mushrooms in the future to solve some of the environmental concerns of today. Equally impressive is the artwork, both the beautiful endpapers and the detailed illustrations of the various kinds of mushrooms. Mystical Mushrooms is a treasure !
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